I call this my un-diary because I don't like diaries or keeping any sort of structured journal. I'm just documenting some of the events that have happened as I started out using film again. I don't use dates all the time because using dates implies structure.
Today I failed
Today I went for a quick photo shoot of a church in the area that is scheduled for demolition. I got plenty of photographs with my Nikon FA and FG, as well as some images using my new-to-me Yashica D. These images will turn out okay and are not the reason I failed. No, the issue was that I lost an opportunity to do more. At the church were two men who were prepping the church for demolition and I was able to speak with one who told me a little bit about the process and that the inside was beautiful. I didn't take the opportunity to ask for a picture of them working or whether it was possible to go inside. What will mostly likely be mediocre images of an abandoned church could have been a short project on loss, with real people and complete images inside and out. Now I know for next time. People often add something extra to an image, especially when they are not the focal point. I should note that I did ask a resident near the church for a picture, but he declined. It wasn't because I was too shy or timid, I just missed an opportunity. That's all.
eBay and the search for the battered and beaten [Near mint+++++5] FM3a
Trying to find a decent camera on eBay lately has been difficult for me. Most people might rant about how the site has gotten worse, but I think my luck just depends on which camera I am trying to purchase. I had a set of guidelines that did pretty well for me. The most important guideline was making sure that the seller accepted returns. Next, I tried to make sure that I asked a simple question before I purchased anything. Questions like like "Does the meter work?" or "Is there corrosion in the battery compartment?" usually did the trick. I stayed away from anything that stated "untested" or "bought at estate sale, I don't know anything about cameras, except my eBay store has 9.3 trillion cameras for sale, and I have lots of experience, but...oops, what's a meter?" I want a listing that states something like "works," or "works as expected,"or "works as it is supposed to work." You get the idea.
Recently, however, some sellers have been sneaking in things like "meter responds to light," or "shutter speeds sound correct." I'm sorry, a meter that is off by 5 stops can still respond light, and I don't think you can tell if a shutter is from a Leica IIIF or a Leica IIIG (if you know the IIIF, then you'll get the reference). These are purposely misleading statements designed to make you think that the camera works. Who knows? Maybe it does, but what I can tell you is that with these kind of statements, neither the buyer nor seller knows if the camera works properly.
Well, all of this went sideways when I purchased the coveted Nikon FM3a. It was described as "excellent," with "no shooting problems, all functions work perfectly." Under "function" was the description: "It works properly." BLAM. There we go. We had a perfectly functioning camera that works properly. Or a properly working camera that works perfectly. Take your choice. It was there in black and white. Meter. Check. Film compartment. Check. Dials. Check. Knobs. Check. Buttons. Check. When I got the camera, however, I realized that my system was no longer working. First, the ISO index dial, the little metal thingy that had all the numbers on it, was completely loose, held together by a vague sort of truce between the ISO dial and the winder knob. Next, I noticed that the ISO dial itself was completely dented in on one side, making it nearly impossible to set the film ISO. This got my Quincy senses tingling (you know, Quincy from the show Quincy, ME). Disconnected ISO index ring, dented ISO ring....yup, there it was: big ol' dent. This camera hit the ground hard. I brushed it off. Maybe "excellent" is a cultural thing and I was being too picky. Let's move on. Next, I put in the batteries, set the ISO, with much difficulty, to 400, and took a reading out my window during the day: f/1.8 (true); 15 shutter speed (not true). I tried everything, from switching the batteries to changing the lens. The meter just didn't work. Collectors and shooters would normally say "eh." That's what a hand meter is for. But this was the FM3a, and much of its stupidly high price is because of its hybrid shutter and amazing metering system. Without the meter, the camera was essentially any camera off the sale table at the sidewalk camera market.
Buyers are entitled to a full refund, not minus the shipping, if a description is misleading. Luckily I had been able to photograph the meters on the FM3a and another Nikon using the same lens in the same conditions. I was able to get a refund. But the worst part of the whole experience was the utter failure of my system. I did deviate by buying from a seller that did not take returns. I felt safe, however, because the sale was covered by eBay's "Money Back Guarantee." I was saved because the seller made those statements about functionality. If not, I would have been out of luck.
I learned my lesson. My next purchase was a pristine Nikon camera, lens, and winder....
[Next Up: What the "FA" Did I just purchase, and why did I Just Purchase it Twice?"]
Camera Notes: Mamiya/Sekor 500DTL and Minolta A-LF test shots
Words of wisdom: If you are going to film test a camera (or two), don't use super contrasty 100 speed B&W film during a sunrise. It's not going to work. Now I don't know if the meters don't work or if its just me trying my luck in the morning. Some pictures from the DTL turned out okay, but were they good enough for me to risk wasting another roll? Maybe down the road. For now, you can see for yourself. Both camera portfolios are online.
Brick and Morty Store
Littered throughout this un-diary are recollections of bad buying experiences.They started years ago when I actually sold my AE-1 for $35. Since then I have been cursed by some poor camera buying decisions. I can't remember when, but it probably was around the time when I started purchasing off eBay in the early 2000s. I know I bought some new digital cameras I didn't like in an attempt to slim down. More recently, I've purchased some questionable film cameras in person and online, but I think it's part of the collecting process. My first Exacta was an in-person buy that really wasn't my fault because the shutter only went halfway down. Hard to tell on the fly.
What I haven't written about, however, are some of the more successful experiences with purchasing a camera. I have had MANY positive experiences on eBay. I've bought many fantastic cameras (I'm talking to you F2) at thrift shops, and I recently lucked out three times in a row purchasing from Pasco Camera Exchange where I bought an F, FG, and Pentax ME Super on two separate occasions. When I first visited the store, I was amazed at how much camera equipment could fit in such a tiny store. Generally, though, that's how many camera stores are today, and I have to admit that I like the look. Looking around, the store reminded me of the ones I use to frequent, even when digital cameras were ascendant. Bags were in one corner, light kits in another. There was the "junk shelf" that I used to love digging through back in the day, and this store's iteration was no different.
In the display case that also served as the sales counter were used cameras and lenses. It was delighted to see so many cameras together. What was nice was I was able to visually inspect each camera, test the shutter, look inside at all the components, view the meter (if it had batteries). It was also good to see all the dings and scrapes together. When you are holding a camera, you can tell the difference between a dent and a dent due to a dropped camera. You can see the battery compartment and tell whether it's been cleaned for a quick sale or not. Finally, I know that if I buy a camera and is doesn't quite work, that its my mistake, and not because I've been mislead. It's a different feeling, and that feeling goes a long way.
Camera Explosion & style
You can tell from my gear page that I have acquired a lot more cameras. What's the point? I heard this question posed somewhat differently on the "I dream of Cameras" photography podcast. More recently, I read an interview in Amateur Photography with Joel Meyerowitz where he talked about his evolution as a photographer and how equipment impacted his style. For Meyerowitz, it was the switch from 35mm to a large format camera that made a difference in his subject matter and composition. For William Eggleston, it was the switch from B&W film to color, as well as a larger format camera, that helped create his indelible style. Stephen Shore definitely developed over time. Even Vivian Maier found shooting with a medium format TLR more conducive to her aesthetic than the Leica rangefinders and assorted SLRs she used later. The point of all of this - different cameras, film, and equipment - is that equipment can help shape your shooting style, and by experimenting with different makes of cameras and different formats, you can experiment with different types of styles. So, I would answer that one reason for me to collect cameras is to understand different photography styles, even if I can't replicate them exactly.
You can tell from my gear page that I have acquired a lot more cameras. What's the point? I heard this question posed somewhat differently on the "I dream of Cameras" photography podcast. More recently, I read an interview in Amateur Photography with Joel Meyerowitz where he talked about his evolution as a photographer and how equipment impacted his style. For Meyerowitz, it was the switch from 35mm to a large format camera that made a difference in his subject matter and composition. For William Eggleston, it was the switch from B&W film to color, as well as a larger format camera, that helped create his indelible style. Stephen Shore definitely developed over time. Even Vivian Maier found shooting with a medium format TLR more conducive to her aesthetic than the Leica rangefinders and assorted SLRs she used later. The point of all of this - different cameras, film, and equipment - is that equipment can help shape your shooting style, and by experimenting with different makes of cameras and different formats, you can experiment with different types of styles. So, I would answer that one reason for me to collect cameras is to understand different photography styles, even if I can't replicate them exactly.
Down to Crown
This week I was able to fully test my two Graflex Crown Graphics. My 4x5 was easy to test because I've been using the Lomography Graflok instant back. The results were amazing. The process for using the instant back is long, which is sort of the reason for purchasing the 4x5. It is a slow and deliberate process, which helps in composition. Using the 2x3 is different. It is a quicker process, but still deliberative. For this camera I have been using the 120 film backs, and the results have been equally impressive. So far, I love the process these two cameras have injected into my photography.
It's Hard Buying a Good Used Camera
My last two camera purchases have reminded me how difficult it is to buy a working used camera. One of the two Graflex Crown Graphics I bought in December of 2023 (see "Gear") had to be returned. I also bought, and promptly returned, a nice looking Pentacon 6 camera. I did my research, asked all the right questions, but both cameras came to me with inoperable shutters. I asked both sellers if the shutters worked, and both responded that they did, making the returns easier. In fact, if an Ebay seller does not take returns, they will usually let you return an item if it doesn't match the description, or if you ask a question and the answers comes back as being inaccurate. I generally stay away from "untested" cameras unless I am confident that I can return them if they don't work. Knowing your camera, before you buy, is a must. I usually spend weeks or months researching a camera before I buy.
My last two camera purchases have reminded me how difficult it is to buy a working used camera. One of the two Graflex Crown Graphics I bought in December of 2023 (see "Gear") had to be returned. I also bought, and promptly returned, a nice looking Pentacon 6 camera. I did my research, asked all the right questions, but both cameras came to me with inoperable shutters. I asked both sellers if the shutters worked, and both responded that they did, making the returns easier. In fact, if an Ebay seller does not take returns, they will usually let you return an item if it doesn't match the description, or if you ask a question and the answers comes back as being inaccurate. I generally stay away from "untested" cameras unless I am confident that I can return them if they don't work. Knowing your camera, before you buy, is a must. I usually spend weeks or months researching a camera before I buy.
Photography while Traveling
I'm not a travel photographer, but I do like to do photography while I travel. This past November (2023), I was lucky enough to travel to Pittsburgh, a city I have never visited before. I took three cameras: my Nikon F2, my medium format Fujica GSW 690, and my lightweight Canon 110ED. Pittsburgh was a wonderful city to photograph, and I was surprised at how comfortable I was shooting both color and B&W film. I bought a travel camera bag, the big kind with the wheels, and shoulder bag for walking around the city. I even wound up buying a new Nikon lens while there.
I'm not a travel photographer, but I do like to do photography while I travel. This past November (2023), I was lucky enough to travel to Pittsburgh, a city I have never visited before. I took three cameras: my Nikon F2, my medium format Fujica GSW 690, and my lightweight Canon 110ED. Pittsburgh was a wonderful city to photograph, and I was surprised at how comfortable I was shooting both color and B&W film. I bought a travel camera bag, the big kind with the wheels, and shoulder bag for walking around the city. I even wound up buying a new Nikon lens while there.
My First solo photo show
From the middle of March to the end of April I held my first photography show at my library. It wasn't anything spectacular, but it was exciting to see my work in a gallery. I had 16 images in total on display. My next show is in October.
From the middle of March to the end of April I held my first photography show at my library. It wasn't anything spectacular, but it was exciting to see my work in a gallery. I had 16 images in total on display. My next show is in October.
Polaroidapalooza
I recently purchased a Polaroid SX-70 Model 3 at an antique mall in Georgia (See my "Gear" entry for the full story). It was pretty exciting at first, but I did run into some issues that the reviewers brought up: the Model 3 was not a true SLR and the decision by Polaroid to make the focusing by distance was questionable. So I decided to purchase one of the SX-70 SLRs. After a couple tries (the first two had to be returned), I got a decent SX-70 Alpha. This purchase made taking pictures more exciting. Next, I wanted one of the Sonar models, so I purchased a clean Model 2 Special Edition from KEH. These cameras are amazing, and I now understand the commitment Walker Evans had to these marvels. Yes, the film is a little expensive and not fantastic, but it has made my photography a bit more interesting for now.
I recently purchased a Polaroid SX-70 Model 3 at an antique mall in Georgia (See my "Gear" entry for the full story). It was pretty exciting at first, but I did run into some issues that the reviewers brought up: the Model 3 was not a true SLR and the decision by Polaroid to make the focusing by distance was questionable. So I decided to purchase one of the SX-70 SLRs. After a couple tries (the first two had to be returned), I got a decent SX-70 Alpha. This purchase made taking pictures more exciting. Next, I wanted one of the Sonar models, so I purchased a clean Model 2 Special Edition from KEH. These cameras are amazing, and I now understand the commitment Walker Evans had to these marvels. Yes, the film is a little expensive and not fantastic, but it has made my photography a bit more interesting for now.
F2 Star
I recently traveled to Seattle and took three cameras with me: Leica IIIF, Leica IIIG, and the Nikon F2. My two Leicas traveled with their original lenses, the Summitar 50mm F/2 and the Elmar 50mm F/3.5. Both are collapsable, and both look pretty neat. Part of my camera culture is to observe what others are using to shoot. I'm not all about gear, but I do find it interesting to see what I recently saw reviewed in a magazine finally hit the street. I'm not sure if others photographers feel the same way and enjoy seeing what kits others are using, but what I did encounter, and have encountered in the past, is a genuine love for my F2. Walking around with either of my Leicas does get an occasional glance, but what I find is that people are surprised to see an F2 in the field. My F2 constantly gets a shoutout: "Hey, is that an F2?" It's an enjoyable conversation, and I often find myself handing over the camera for them to look at investigate. People love the F2, and I've recently rewarded it by buying a Nikkor 50mm F/1.4 SC lens (more on that later).
I recently traveled to Seattle and took three cameras with me: Leica IIIF, Leica IIIG, and the Nikon F2. My two Leicas traveled with their original lenses, the Summitar 50mm F/2 and the Elmar 50mm F/3.5. Both are collapsable, and both look pretty neat. Part of my camera culture is to observe what others are using to shoot. I'm not all about gear, but I do find it interesting to see what I recently saw reviewed in a magazine finally hit the street. I'm not sure if others photographers feel the same way and enjoy seeing what kits others are using, but what I did encounter, and have encountered in the past, is a genuine love for my F2. Walking around with either of my Leicas does get an occasional glance, but what I find is that people are surprised to see an F2 in the field. My F2 constantly gets a shoutout: "Hey, is that an F2?" It's an enjoyable conversation, and I often find myself handing over the camera for them to look at investigate. People love the F2, and I've recently rewarded it by buying a Nikkor 50mm F/1.4 SC lens (more on that later).
Another Leica...and lenses
There was something about the Leica IIIG that always fascinated me. While I never thought I could justify a Leica M3 due to its price, the IIIG was just affordable enough to be within reach. Don't get me wrong, I love my IIIF and will never part with it (do you hear me future me?), but the IIIG is considered a much better camera. For me, it's the larger viewfinder, making it easy to compose an image. Also, the IIIG holds its price better and is more desirable. I also matched it up with the Summitar 50mm F/2 lens, and right now I love the kit. The parallax correction feature, though, is extremely hard to get used to right now. Basically, it involves moving the lens up and down until the image is no longer double (similar to focusing). The F/2 lens is speedy enough, and its softness creates a wonderful aesthetic.
There was something about the Leica IIIG that always fascinated me. While I never thought I could justify a Leica M3 due to its price, the IIIG was just affordable enough to be within reach. Don't get me wrong, I love my IIIF and will never part with it (do you hear me future me?), but the IIIG is considered a much better camera. For me, it's the larger viewfinder, making it easy to compose an image. Also, the IIIG holds its price better and is more desirable. I also matched it up with the Summitar 50mm F/2 lens, and right now I love the kit. The parallax correction feature, though, is extremely hard to get used to right now. Basically, it involves moving the lens up and down until the image is no longer double (similar to focusing). The F/2 lens is speedy enough, and its softness creates a wonderful aesthetic.
Medium is not Middling
I've shot two rolls of film using the Mamiya 645 1000s. Since it was a new camera (to me), I decided to use Kodak Ektar 100. Well, I couldn't be happier with the results! The images are magnificent and most required no post-processing work after scanning. While there is a significant cost increase in developing 120 film when compared to 35mm, the 645 format does manage to squeak out a few more pictures while maintaining that larger frame resolution. The Sekor 40mm lens, a pretty standard lens for the M645, was crisp and clean. The only problem I encountered was due to me not having a proper lens hood. There's an interesting article about comparing the resolution between film and digital, and I like the idea of having an everyday medium format camera.
I've shot two rolls of film using the Mamiya 645 1000s. Since it was a new camera (to me), I decided to use Kodak Ektar 100. Well, I couldn't be happier with the results! The images are magnificent and most required no post-processing work after scanning. While there is a significant cost increase in developing 120 film when compared to 35mm, the 645 format does manage to squeak out a few more pictures while maintaining that larger frame resolution. The Sekor 40mm lens, a pretty standard lens for the M645, was crisp and clean. The only problem I encountered was due to me not having a proper lens hood. There's an interesting article about comparing the resolution between film and digital, and I like the idea of having an everyday medium format camera.
Shifting Gears
It's been harder to find good and cheap cameras lately. With everything going on, I haven't been able to expand my list of thrift stores to visit. Honestly, though, I don't want to be overcome with GAS - also known as Gear Acquisition Syndrome. I still love my cheap cameras, but I also love my more pricey kits - by pricey I mean $300-$400 used cameras (I know that's not a lot to some, but compare that to one of my faves that cost just $25). I say "shifting gears" because I'm selling one of my Yashicas to get a Mamiya 645 1000s. This is the first time I am selling one camera to fund the purchase of another. The reason? I think having three medium format cameras is way too much of a burden, plus I love my very basic Yashica "A" TLR rig. The Mamiya is so interesting and I thought it would give me something different than the TLR. We'll see (Left: my kit that's coming soon).
It's been harder to find good and cheap cameras lately. With everything going on, I haven't been able to expand my list of thrift stores to visit. Honestly, though, I don't want to be overcome with GAS - also known as Gear Acquisition Syndrome. I still love my cheap cameras, but I also love my more pricey kits - by pricey I mean $300-$400 used cameras (I know that's not a lot to some, but compare that to one of my faves that cost just $25). I say "shifting gears" because I'm selling one of my Yashicas to get a Mamiya 645 1000s. This is the first time I am selling one camera to fund the purchase of another. The reason? I think having three medium format cameras is way too much of a burden, plus I love my very basic Yashica "A" TLR rig. The Mamiya is so interesting and I thought it would give me something different than the TLR. We'll see (Left: my kit that's coming soon).
Camera Books
I've always loved camera books. I have quite a few from about 20 years ago that I like to read from time to time. I've also borrowed quite a few from the library. Quite.A.Few. Returning them has been a struggle because I like to look at them over and over. A couple weeks ago, however, I bought a new camera book. It's actually the third book I've purchased this year. I don't want to buy too many and then just have them sit on a shelf. So when I buy them, it's usually because I like the photographer. The first book I bought was Walker Evans' work in Florida. I found it very interesting that he made his way down here and took some very un-Florida pictures. My next book was by Chip Weiner and his recreation of the old-timey Tampa photographs by the Burgert Brothers. A wonderful and exciting book! Finally, my most recent book is the collection of street images by Vivian Maier - the patron saint of amateur street photographers. Her story is so interesting and I think it shows that you can still treat photography as a hobby.
I've always loved camera books. I have quite a few from about 20 years ago that I like to read from time to time. I've also borrowed quite a few from the library. Quite.A.Few. Returning them has been a struggle because I like to look at them over and over. A couple weeks ago, however, I bought a new camera book. It's actually the third book I've purchased this year. I don't want to buy too many and then just have them sit on a shelf. So when I buy them, it's usually because I like the photographer. The first book I bought was Walker Evans' work in Florida. I found it very interesting that he made his way down here and took some very un-Florida pictures. My next book was by Chip Weiner and his recreation of the old-timey Tampa photographs by the Burgert Brothers. A wonderful and exciting book! Finally, my most recent book is the collection of street images by Vivian Maier - the patron saint of amateur street photographers. Her story is so interesting and I think it shows that you can still treat photography as a hobby.
Scanarama
I finally unpacked and setup my Epson V600 scanner. I'm hoping that it will: 1) save me money over time, 2) allow me more control over my workflow, and 3) save me money over time. I haven't told my lab yet, but it probably won't be too hard for him to figure it out. I've already had him "develop-only" two rolls of 120 film that I scanned myself. In the old days, when I shot film, I used an old HP scanner that was magnificent (you might know the one). When digital came along and I dumped all my film cameras, I saw no need for a scanner (dumb!). Now I'm loving the process again. Yes, digital is great, and the workflow is so very easy, but there's something about processing only 36 images compared to 300.
I finally unpacked and setup my Epson V600 scanner. I'm hoping that it will: 1) save me money over time, 2) allow me more control over my workflow, and 3) save me money over time. I haven't told my lab yet, but it probably won't be too hard for him to figure it out. I've already had him "develop-only" two rolls of 120 film that I scanned myself. In the old days, when I shot film, I used an old HP scanner that was magnificent (you might know the one). When digital came along and I dumped all my film cameras, I saw no need for a scanner (dumb!). Now I'm loving the process again. Yes, digital is great, and the workflow is so very easy, but there's something about processing only 36 images compared to 300.
Another Store Closing...kinda
After 60 years, Sam's Golden Triangle is closing down it's retail store and moving in order to do just printing and digital conversion. It's sad in a way because for this past year SGT has been a sort of camera-only thrift store for me. The prices were competitive for the used stuff with the added bonus of hands-on testing and evaluation. Sam was trustworthy and knowledgeable. To mark the end of this era, I purchased a Nikon F4. It's a well-loved rig for sure.
After 60 years, Sam's Golden Triangle is closing down it's retail store and moving in order to do just printing and digital conversion. It's sad in a way because for this past year SGT has been a sort of camera-only thrift store for me. The prices were competitive for the used stuff with the added bonus of hands-on testing and evaluation. Sam was trustworthy and knowledgeable. To mark the end of this era, I purchased a Nikon F4. It's a well-loved rig for sure.
Yashica Down...Again
I recently traveled to California to visit Disneyland. Coming with me were three cameras: My newly acquired Nikon F2, my Leica IIIF, and my Yashica-Mat. I thought about whether I should bring the Yashica because of my past issue with the shutter blades, but I made the decision that this would broaden my formats and allow me to experiment a bit more. Unfortunately, after two rolls, the blades got stuck. I know how to unstick them. The issue, now, is the waning confidence in my Yashica-Mat. That's why I'm keeping my Yashica A.
I recently traveled to California to visit Disneyland. Coming with me were three cameras: My newly acquired Nikon F2, my Leica IIIF, and my Yashica-Mat. I thought about whether I should bring the Yashica because of my past issue with the shutter blades, but I made the decision that this would broaden my formats and allow me to experiment a bit more. Unfortunately, after two rolls, the blades got stuck. I know how to unstick them. The issue, now, is the waning confidence in my Yashica-Mat. That's why I'm keeping my Yashica A.
Fomapan Can
What I like about my film lab is that the owner will comment from time to time on my images. Not about composition, but mostly on which attempts turned out better than others. Most of this is based on the camera or lens kit. Recently, however, I thinks he has fallen in love with Fomapan. He indicated to me that it was easier to develop the B&W Fomapan than the Kodak TX. Odd, I responded, and then asked him if he knew why. He didn't know why and neither do I. But we do know that the Czech film is great for this kind of work, although I don't think it would have been accepted by major magazines in the day.
What I like about my film lab is that the owner will comment from time to time on my images. Not about composition, but mostly on which attempts turned out better than others. Most of this is based on the camera or lens kit. Recently, however, I thinks he has fallen in love with Fomapan. He indicated to me that it was easier to develop the B&W Fomapan than the Kodak TX. Odd, I responded, and then asked him if he knew why. He didn't know why and neither do I. But we do know that the Czech film is great for this kind of work, although I don't think it would have been accepted by major magazines in the day.
Lite-Bright
Uh oh. I've seen this before on the Internets. I got some photos back from my Exakta and I was horrified to find the blue-screen-of-death equivalent on my negatives. Light intrusion. Not all my pictures were ruined, which is a good sign. Also, it appears that it may just be from the lens. I might not have tightened it all the way. Alternatively, the lens might be separating. Either way, this does not bode well for the Exakta family of cameras on the Shelf of Broken Cameras.
Uh oh. I've seen this before on the Internets. I got some photos back from my Exakta and I was horrified to find the blue-screen-of-death equivalent on my negatives. Light intrusion. Not all my pictures were ruined, which is a good sign. Also, it appears that it may just be from the lens. I might not have tightened it all the way. Alternatively, the lens might be separating. Either way, this does not bode well for the Exakta family of cameras on the Shelf of Broken Cameras.
Supply-chain problems
Well, it was inevitable. The global conflagration has now seeped into my corner of the world. No, not the pandemic. I live in Florida - Covid is all around us. I mean the problem with stuff getting to me on time. I've had some issues with Ebay and Amazon, not so much with B&H and Adorama. But my steady and reliable lab has run into a shortage of B&W developing chemicals. My negatives were delayed about 3 weeks. I know there are a lot worse things in the world, but this threw me off a bit. It also created a backlog of film to develop, which made it difficult to remember what camera took what pictures. Fortunately, everything is fine now, so we'll see what the future holds.
Well, it was inevitable. The global conflagration has now seeped into my corner of the world. No, not the pandemic. I live in Florida - Covid is all around us. I mean the problem with stuff getting to me on time. I've had some issues with Ebay and Amazon, not so much with B&H and Adorama. But my steady and reliable lab has run into a shortage of B&W developing chemicals. My negatives were delayed about 3 weeks. I know there are a lot worse things in the world, but this threw me off a bit. It also created a backlog of film to develop, which made it difficult to remember what camera took what pictures. Fortunately, everything is fine now, so we'll see what the future holds.
Walgreens Photo Lab- Failure is an Option
I got a call the other day from Walgreens. My pictures were in and there was not going to be any charge. I was excited to finally see what should have been my first film images in almost two decades. Sadly, the lab ruined them. Every.Single.One.
I got a call the other day from Walgreens. My pictures were in and there was not going to be any charge. I was excited to finally see what should have been my first film images in almost two decades. Sadly, the lab ruined them. Every.Single.One.
Walgreens...Hello?
I called Walgreens last week to check on my film. I dropped one roll of B&W on July 12th. It is now September 2nd and nothing yet. The people at the Walgreens are super nice. They always check on the film and try very hard. Unfortunately, they don't control the lab. I think the lab in The Secret of NIMH was better.
I called Walgreens last week to check on my film. I dropped one roll of B&W on July 12th. It is now September 2nd and nothing yet. The people at the Walgreens are super nice. They always check on the film and try very hard. Unfortunately, they don't control the lab. I think the lab in The Secret of NIMH was better.
Moving Right Along
A lot has happened. I found out that the Exa is kind of brokey (small miracles do happen). I've also settled on a film lab and routine. I've been developing film almost every week in order to get a feel for each camera and format. Also, I've been trying different kinds of film in each camera. Right now I have some pretty top-shelf Kodak color film in the Praktica. I'm not sure why I did this. The Leica has some Fomapan Classic B&W 100 speed film. I love Fomopan, but I'm not sure if it would have been better in the Praktica than the Leica. Right now, the Praktica/Fomopan setup is pretty good. Previously, I used Kodak Tri-X in the Leica and loved the results. We'll see.
A lot has happened. I found out that the Exa is kind of brokey (small miracles do happen). I've also settled on a film lab and routine. I've been developing film almost every week in order to get a feel for each camera and format. Also, I've been trying different kinds of film in each camera. Right now I have some pretty top-shelf Kodak color film in the Praktica. I'm not sure why I did this. The Leica has some Fomapan Classic B&W 100 speed film. I love Fomopan, but I'm not sure if it would have been better in the Praktica than the Leica. Right now, the Praktica/Fomopan setup is pretty good. Previously, I used Kodak Tri-X in the Leica and loved the results. We'll see.
Ruh Roh
I'm starting to get a good flow of pictures developed. I definitely have one lab outperforming the other. Unfortunately, I got one roll back today and it appears as if one of my cameras is broken. It's either the Exa or the Praktica. I hope it's not the Praktica because that's my only M42 screw mount camera and I've got at least 4 lenses for it. I'm really rooting against West Germany here and I feel bad. It's almost a forensic routine right now as I try and reconstruct which pictures I took with which camera. The problem is that I've taken the same pictures with these two different cameras to test them out. Now I realize it was a bad idea.
I'm starting to get a good flow of pictures developed. I definitely have one lab outperforming the other. Unfortunately, I got one roll back today and it appears as if one of my cameras is broken. It's either the Exa or the Praktica. I hope it's not the Praktica because that's my only M42 screw mount camera and I've got at least 4 lenses for it. I'm really rooting against West Germany here and I feel bad. It's almost a forensic routine right now as I try and reconstruct which pictures I took with which camera. The problem is that I've taken the same pictures with these two different cameras to test them out. Now I realize it was a bad idea.
CameraPalooza
I don't think I have too many cameras now. Well, not so many where I need an intervention. They are all pretty cheap, even the Leica. The film isn't too bad, either. Each camera has something unique about it that I hope comes through the images. The Leica is a Leica and I hope it performs like one (waiting for the film to be processed at this time). The two Yashicas are great. I feel that they bound together. As soon as I get rid of one, the other will break. So I'm keeping both. The Nikonos II is a quality UW camera that will be good for hurricane season. The others are quirky and I kind of hope they take quirky photos (not Holga quirky though). I've been to a lot of thrift stores and rejected a ton of cameras because they didn't seem to work. I'm trying to avoid buying problems.
I don't think I have too many cameras now. Well, not so many where I need an intervention. They are all pretty cheap, even the Leica. The film isn't too bad, either. Each camera has something unique about it that I hope comes through the images. The Leica is a Leica and I hope it performs like one (waiting for the film to be processed at this time). The two Yashicas are great. I feel that they bound together. As soon as I get rid of one, the other will break. So I'm keeping both. The Nikonos II is a quality UW camera that will be good for hurricane season. The others are quirky and I kind of hope they take quirky photos (not Holga quirky though). I've been to a lot of thrift stores and rejected a ton of cameras because they didn't seem to work. I'm trying to avoid buying problems.
My first print in about a decade. To celebrate, I used a $.49 frame from ikea. I'm keeping it simple.
Printing!
I finally got images to print and I bought some archival quality 5x7 paper from Amazon, so I decided to give it a go after almost a decade of not printing pictures. We have a printer that is supposed to print pictures. Nothing special. I think it's a three inker. Maybe two (Black ink and color ink). I tried using my Mac and PS but I couldn't get everything calibrated. So, I pivoted, as they like to say, and tried using my Windows machine. It kinda worked! Sort of. But they were pretty good, and it felt nice that after so long the first picture I printed was one I took of my wife at Epcot. Added bonus: Ikea was selling frames for $.49 so I bought two packs (4 total).
I finally got images to print and I bought some archival quality 5x7 paper from Amazon, so I decided to give it a go after almost a decade of not printing pictures. We have a printer that is supposed to print pictures. Nothing special. I think it's a three inker. Maybe two (Black ink and color ink). I tried using my Mac and PS but I couldn't get everything calibrated. So, I pivoted, as they like to say, and tried using my Windows machine. It kinda worked! Sort of. But they were pretty good, and it felt nice that after so long the first picture I printed was one I took of my wife at Epcot. Added bonus: Ikea was selling frames for $.49 so I bought two packs (4 total).
Film Developing #3
A reputable place that's been around forever. They're small but the turnaround was 4 days. Not bad and prices were great. The only problem is that they are on the other side of town. It's about an hour drive, there and back, because our city is terrible when it comes to infrastructure. I really wanted to make this my regular place, but it is so far. We'll see how the indie place, which is only 7 minutes away, turns out. I'm giving them a few more chances.
A reputable place that's been around forever. They're small but the turnaround was 4 days. Not bad and prices were great. The only problem is that they are on the other side of town. It's about an hour drive, there and back, because our city is terrible when it comes to infrastructure. I really wanted to make this my regular place, but it is so far. We'll see how the indie place, which is only 7 minutes away, turns out. I'm giving them a few more chances.
Film Developing #2
Another recommended lab, this time an independent outfit. I now had 9 rolls of 120 film so off they went. Unfortunately, they were moving, so more delays. They're very nice and they seemed competent, and I did finally get my negatives and scans back. Hello Walgreens....
Another recommended lab, this time an independent outfit. I now had 9 rolls of 120 film so off they went. Unfortunately, they were moving, so more delays. They're very nice and they seemed competent, and I did finally get my negatives and scans back. Hello Walgreens....
Film Developing #1
I finished a roll of 35mm using the Nikonos II which is a underwater/waterproof camera that works extremely well above water. It uses special Nikon lenses which are some of the best in the world. I didn't know where to develop my film until I talked to some folks at the camera store and they said that Walgreens still develops film - and still sells it! Unfortunately, their film business is not as good as it used to be. When I dropped off my film I was told a week. To me, that was bearable. A month later, still nothing. They tell me that it's delayed (not lost though). The search for a new lab continues.
I finished a roll of 35mm using the Nikonos II which is a underwater/waterproof camera that works extremely well above water. It uses special Nikon lenses which are some of the best in the world. I didn't know where to develop my film until I talked to some folks at the camera store and they said that Walgreens still develops film - and still sells it! Unfortunately, their film business is not as good as it used to be. When I dropped off my film I was told a week. To me, that was bearable. A month later, still nothing. They tell me that it's delayed (not lost though). The search for a new lab continues.
Things Working and Not Working
So none of the Ihagees were working. Nor was the YashicaMat. I was very discouraged. Luckily, I haven't spent a lot of money, but it was still not very fun having so much broken gear. On the other hand, I now had a nice Yashica "A" and Nikonos II. Both were working well and my rolls of exposed film were piling up. I decided to replace the Ihagee and YashicaMat to get rid of the bad taste I had (plus I had all of this YashicaMat equipment).
So none of the Ihagees were working. Nor was the YashicaMat. I was very discouraged. Luckily, I haven't spent a lot of money, but it was still not very fun having so much broken gear. On the other hand, I now had a nice Yashica "A" and Nikonos II. Both were working well and my rolls of exposed film were piling up. I decided to replace the Ihagee and YashicaMat to get rid of the bad taste I had (plus I had all of this YashicaMat equipment).
At the Camera Store
Two of the cameras I got from the grab were an Ihagee Exacta and a Nikonos II. The Exacta didn't work but I saw another Ihagee - an Exa (think baby Exacta). The Nikonos II is a wonderful camera and the camera store had another - with original stuff and a light meter. I bought everything and gave my other Nikonos II to my daughter.
Two of the cameras I got from the grab were an Ihagee Exacta and a Nikonos II. The Exacta didn't work but I saw another Ihagee - an Exa (think baby Exacta). The Nikonos II is a wonderful camera and the camera store had another - with original stuff and a light meter. I bought everything and gave my other Nikonos II to my daughter.
Sometime During the Summer it All Began
There was a huge photography give away. I wanted to go but tried not to go because my wife and I just moved and it became apparent that I like to collect and keep stuff. Sometimes too much. Plus, a lot of this stuff was bound to be junk. Eventually, I broke down and grabbed two cameras, a box of filters, a bag of light meters (including two top-shelf ones) and some weird developing stuff (I have issues). I then grabbed another camera. Two light poles. Two camera "boxes" which, if I'm honest, are just two boxes to keep stuff in. I also got a PH meter (it looked cool). Looking back, I should have grabbed more. I was trying to be good. Not everything worked but it began.
There was a huge photography give away. I wanted to go but tried not to go because my wife and I just moved and it became apparent that I like to collect and keep stuff. Sometimes too much. Plus, a lot of this stuff was bound to be junk. Eventually, I broke down and grabbed two cameras, a box of filters, a bag of light meters (including two top-shelf ones) and some weird developing stuff (I have issues). I then grabbed another camera. Two light poles. Two camera "boxes" which, if I'm honest, are just two boxes to keep stuff in. I also got a PH meter (it looked cool). Looking back, I should have grabbed more. I was trying to be good. Not everything worked but it began.