Vintage film cameras

[johnnyrod]

I'd meter for the lows, hopefully there are no more than 2 stops difference between low and high - if it's more like 3 or 4 then I'd meter for lowlights and close down by a stop as a compromise. If it's a good pic then it's worth taking two or three on different settings, but meter for anything too bright and the darker bits will most likely suffer the most, compared to over-exposure when you meter for the darker areas.

[Kenzie]

See, most of that has gone straight over my head. How do you meter for different aspects of a scene?

[johnnyrod]

Lowlights = dark bits, highlights = brightest bits. Negative film doesn't like under-exposure but will tolerate quite a lot of over-exposure (opposite for slide film, and also digital). So, meter for the dark parts and let the bright bits pound the film a bit. You need to be able to get an exposure meter reading on an area not a whole scene - a spot meter, phone app, or just get really close with the camera (SLRs are centre-weighted but really take in the whole scene). See what reading you get off the dark bits - shadows etc., or even just point it down towards the ground to avoid bright sky light. If you try again with the brightest areas, a couple of stops difference from the darkest areas should be fine, more than that and you're going to have to choose which you're going to get right. If it's more like 3-4 then I'd meter for the dark areas/shadows but go a stop darker (quicker/smaller aperture) to try to compromise between poor lowlights and really blown-out bright areas. If you use settings for brighter areas you'll lose all the dark bits, maybe completely. The film should tolerate a stop or two underexposure, it's not an exact science, and at least a couple of over-exposure, B&W more so, up to 6 stops over-exposure and still keeping detail in the highlights.

I'm not sure if that helps or is just more words. Ansell Adams made up the zone system, which is overly-complicated but basically says the same things. If contrast is too high e.g. shadows on a face in summer sun, then you need more light, either some flash (fill flash) or a reflector, to reduce the contrast range a bit. Anything will do as a reflector - a nearby wall will bounce some light back, or a newspaper.

[Kenzie]

I think if I put it in to practice it might more sense to me. I could always play with my digital camera to save burning through film.

[yokohama]

Thanks for all that Johnny, it makes perfect sense to me now. I didn't realise film and digital were opposite though. Using the evf, I can see the difference stopping up or down makes and metering for darks certainly washes out all the lights. I assumed film would be similar so maybe have a few duff shots. Will meter for the darks from now on.
I seem to recall one of my uni teachers saying that when shooting with sky, always point the camera down a few degrees from horizontal to take the meter reading.

[johnnyrod]

I learned that the hard way too. If it's a bright scene without many dark areas then you can lose them (sometimes) by under-exposure so yes I often meter off the ground, which looks bright too but the sky light is even brighter, by maybe a stop or two. Modern digital is better than it used to be but still can't overexpose so much. With film even if it looks washed out at first you can sometimes get it back in PP as the detail is still there, but if the dark bits are underexposed it just looks black and grainy. I undersexposed this one a bit
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4232/34942800594_be4c673f68_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VeLZed)Halt! (https://flic.kr/p/VeLZed) by John Rodriguez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeguruuk/), on Flickr
but with this one (can't remember the settings) I think it was s top over so the dark clothing aren't just solid blocks with no detail
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4033/35394856880_a0b977338a_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VVHTP7)Buddies (https://flic.kr/p/VVHTP7) by John Rodriguez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeguruuk/), on Flickr
The sky was grey and featureless that day! Anyway I'm a bit paranoid about underexposure now so am trying to experiment a bit more

[johnnyrod]

Kenzie - check out the lens, near Portsmouth
www.gumtree.com/p/non-digital-cameras/voigtlander-camera-and-two-lens-/1278527483
I can't quite figure it out but it's more that £40 worth I think!

[johnnyrod]

Ah, will be for this
www.gumtree.com/p/non-digital-cameras/bessamatic-film-camera/1278526910

[Kenzie]

Seems odd to split them up. If I were nearer I would jump on it. My bro would be too busy to go and grab it. The ad has gone now anyway with the lenses.

[Kenzie]

Hey Admin, quite a few ME Supers on at the moment 182948998534

[Kenzie]

Made it to Brugges ok, walked around the corner and found an antiques shop with a load of cameras. Olympus Pen F was €137 though. Beautiful place. Found that they hold a flea market by the river on Saturday and Sunday so will be popping along.

Sent from my Xperia using Tapatalk

[johnnyrod]

Cool!

[Kenzie]

Flea market wasn't there [emoji852]️

Sent from my Xperia using Tapatalk

[Kenzie]

What more can you want? https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171210/aa2b4b53f4cc8168216744ae2ace03ba.jpg

Sent from my Xperia using Tapatalk

[Kenzie]

Found a couple of lenses in a charity shop today, a Sirius 28mm f2.8 for £4.99. Fitted it to my £1 Nikon FM.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4689/39007698451_04a91a5db3_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22qYDK2)

I also got a Makinon 135mm f2.8 but the blades are oily and sticking.

[Kenzie]

Some recent shots, first up is the mju ii:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4542/24145413117_6754445640_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CMDy7a)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4682/38294382924_6bcc998edf_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/21kWHTs)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4589/25140027368_db0a6efae4_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EixdgJ)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4729/25140027258_7c4da97ecb_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EixdeQ)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4544/24145413377_b7f18f6efe_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CMDybD)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4533/38122448675_fbc1ef8b29_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/215KvPR)

And the XA2 with Ilford XP2 (don't overly rate this film so far)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4584/39009247741_923f5fbceb_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22r7AhV)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4532/27231854349_8f3cc8d793_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Huonya)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4555/39009248011_927b0d7dc1_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22r7Anz)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4592/27231854759_ea3e3337e2_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HuonFe)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4601/38973569492_5ccabac235_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22nXJoG)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4589/38973569832_003c624e7c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22nXJuy)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4736/27231855499_d144ec6192_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HuonTZ)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4693/38973570572_4b8d721428_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22nXJHj)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4560/27231855049_509cdd2d05_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HuonLe)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4643/27231855289_df26f680a9_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/HuonQn)

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4571/38973570202_91441d4efe_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22nXJAW)

[johnnyrod]

On work network so can't see the pics yet. Good score on the lenses. I dug out the Contessamatic I got a while ago and looked at the meter yet again. In the end I desoldered the selenium cell from a Contessa LK parts camera I have, hopefully get it fitted to the Contessamatic later this week. It needs adjusting and the glass cleaning but the shutter sounds nice and even 1 second is working fine. The need to fix things has waited too long!

[Kenzie]

Yeah, I got all excited when I saw the bunny ears on the lenses and thought I had found gold, either way is good. Only issue with the FM is that the winder is broken, can advance it with a coin via the winder mount.

[yokohama]

The mju looks as if it has a nice lens on it. And I'm not convinced by XP2 either although I've a half finished roll from China in a camera somewhere that I need to finish.
you got those Bruges pics done pretty quickly.
I got back late Saturday, along with flu and jetlag. Handed in 6 rolls of film for the local shop to process, which should be done by the weekend.

[Kenzie]

Hope you get better soon! Jetlag was a pain when we were in Vegas, waking up at stupid o'clock. I went to Boots and got one hour develop only. While waiting I did a tour of the charity shops and found the lenses. The shots from the mju are great but I didn't really enjoy using it. Find the shutter button to be in a stupid place and the flash is on all the time, you can turn it off but as soon as you close and reopen the slider it resets to on again. I have a roll of good old hp5 in it at the moment.

[johnnyrod]

Can see the pics now! They look good. Low contrast with the XP2 even in the snow, never tried it, the only one I have was FP4, which I was pretty impressed with. Yes mju does take nice pics, can't you just ignore the flash on if it's a landscape rather than anything close? Will it always fire?
Glad you made it back Yokes, sounds like it's been quite a trip.

[Kenzie]

Yeah it fires all the time unless you turn it off. There is a red eye mode as well I think but that's about it. Not sure why they did it that way. You can notice the flash on the buoy though, only ever so slightly.

[yokohama]

Does this work??

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?folderid=0a6e88c621fa648778e7e914 2758f2f0f&authkey=ASqxz_04CSftbATFmCgzbtg&e=79135a1aa3a0426f82f297e15743ad25

Chengdu - pandas, parks and the riverside. Some good, some OK, and some with less than desirable focus. All taken with the X700 and either a Tamron SP 35-135 or a Rokkor 45mm F2

[johnnyrod]

Yep, I can see them. manual focus or AF?

[yokohama]

Manual focus only. I've a couple more rolls so I'll just put the lot up.

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?folderid=0e792d77b4356425b8c2ce40 7551dc9ce&authkey=AWFQMviofTbuEMB7vzURZrg&e=56a201cff96a406a8ef7eb3bc11d0b9b

first few are in Chengdu; the rest are in and around Lijiang

[yokohama]

First 4 are in Tiger Leaping Gorge. The rest are in and around Shangri La.

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?folderid=0b428dd34a98d48e7a73a1f0 038e2e9e9&authkey=AaI9TO6NbdanRU1d0zo-TqY&e=e77a4089115e44a080c31499dfc71b4b

[Kenzie]

Some awesome shots there Yoko, I love the way the film and the olde world look go together. I don't think digital would have had such an impact.

[yokohama]

Thanks. :)
Computer tells me I have 1762 digital shots but I think I'll spare you those although there are some good ones.
I really enjoyed using the OMD and started playing round with different modes. It's great for night/low light shots and the image stabilisation will take sharp, quarter second ,hand held shots, which is something I can't do with a heavy SLR.

[Kenzie]

Would be great to see them all the same. Just popped a bid on a Minolta xg9 that has a 50mm Rokkor f1.4 on. Fingers crossed! I kind of wish I had taken my D5200 with the 35mm f1.8 to Brugges for some low light shots.

[yokohama]

Don't want to bore you all to tears but I got 3 films from the summer processed. It was so long ago I can't remember the lenses.
SRT101 - I was worried about the focus here as there's no split prism but everything came out fine. Think these were with a Minolta 50mm 1.4

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=0c8b2d619b6634cb4aa6f9b45fb de9079&authkey=ARoHOEM2HGuwb9B_ZxygNb0&e=7c315c1b67774e63b58741adaa4a8d94

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=0200faf37f46b4abc96f40e5cf5 02acb7&authkey=AZExEKGvPs1Wxzfx5i4pfEM&e=a16d19c785f0408887c07c544343f066

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=049c5e6138b7c475cab1dd00eb6 7b8cda&authkey=Af5nvrtn8qP9PIh-Z9FtWOA&e=5ff6ede9ec96497f9474c749478ebd6b

[yokohama]

Would be great to see them all the same. Just popped a bid on a Minolta xg9 that has a 50mm Rokkor f1.4 on. Fingers crossed! I kind of wish I had taken my D5200 with the 35mm f1.8 to Brugges for some low light shots.

It's worth bidding that little bit extra if the f1.4 is in good condition. The 45mm f2 that I used in China is also a nice little lens.

[yokohama]

Ricoh 500g

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=07b0aebc9c2ee4687abd3708c56 f3e534&authkey=AYOe9PpG8aM5jMrQgO2wHTQ&e=569ae64b63614d0e88ccd81c6ce447b0

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=0321846c9577f40ed99f19e1e0f 809f7f&authkey=ATymDazfUNVIVzcpk7pIgY0&e=4a57f0f2601046c7a21f29b00a3f3c27

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=0de1968ba98624908982f3049ca e44e11&authkey=AbMN8nkG0wC9X3akeShsV-o&e=8f3ed994f074416292f770bbc8706acc

[Kenzie]

Hoping it will clean up 142621025536

[yokohama]

And finally, finally, finally, Yashica FX3. I played around with macro and close up but have no idea what glass I used.

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=0f97fa5862ee045348fd189349c 84fe33&authkey=AZwPN9vmpdH7uU1tggL4TZQ&e=ef72040ae75440ce8b3fe93f97773fe6

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=071e9abcbfbca47a697e4b996ca ea9ccd&authkey=Afp_8pv6DM0G6TAyj1CJjVQ&e=c7cbd0d145bc4e2597f7e4c50a176aa0

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=047a79a9f70ba4cb1864d42daef 8bdedf&authkey=AaYNachP2kg0CDB45yvU37E&e=e92310e32032475d96a6794ebf0735fc

https://leeds365-my.sharepoint.com/personal/llchjm_leeds_ac_uk/_layouts/15/guestaccess.aspx?docid=02ab9a19bd52640989c9036dfc5 5b44b2&authkey=AbUsg-P7Hz0kx3ZsEMQbgSE&e=9155857bb7ca41e18bf6a5fd77c4423f

I think that's me all analogued out for a while. I've half a roll of XP2 in the Ricoh 500 and a couple of other half finished films somewhere.
Will also try to test some of the SLRs in the 'waiting' queue over Christmas.

[yokohama]

Hoping it will clean up 142621025536

It's seen better days. A lot of the muck on the lens looks external; hard to gauge whether it's clean inside but I don't think they're too hard to disassemble. Hopefully, you can get it for a decent price.

[Kenzie]

Hope so. Sure there is a guide online somewhere. Nice shots from the Yashica, what film was it? I need to give the LC-A another run as the film I used was expired and didn't perform well. I have at least 90 rolls to use by next December or the whole lot ends up out of date. Jetlag settled down yet? John, did you manage to sort that rough lens out by the way?

[yokohama]

Yashica, SRT and Ricoh shots are all on the Poundland Agfa.
Actually, do you notice any difference in the colours/film quality in the 3 sets of China shots?
Jet lag is easing off and I'm getting back into the day/night pattern but my eating habits are shot to pieces.

[Kenzie]

If that's Agfa Vista then you have got some good results there. Mine always seem a little bit flat. Although the colours came out ok in this one:

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4544/24145413377_b7f18f6efe_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/CMDybD)

[yokohama]

The colours look fine on your Bruges shots but I know what you mean about the Vista. Quality does vary a bit and sometimes it comes out quite dark, particularly the greens and landscapes.

[johnnyrod]

Know what you mean, sometimes it's great, other times it's okay.

Hope so. Sure there is a guide online somewhere. Nice shots from the Yashica, what film was it? I need to give the LC-A another run as the film I used was expired and didn't perform well. I have at least 90 rolls to use by next December or the whole lot ends up out of date. Jetlag settled down yet? John, did you manage to sort that rough lens out by the way?
The Mamiya Six? Nah, it's going to sit there for quite a while I think. I checked the shutter timings on the Contessamatic, they are all good, even 1/500 was around 1/400, and the slow ones are a little fast. Found it has a linked exposure thing like the Vitomatic, once the speed and aperture are set, you can rotate the speed ring to change both at once, keeping the same EV. Basically the index mark for the aperture ring is on the speed ring, not fixed to the body, so it as you rotate the speed ring the whole lot goes around. Clever but also possibly confusing. Next job is try to get the new cell in, and give it all a bit of a clean. not sure when I'll get around to it though.

[Kenzie]

Nice shots from the 500G Yoko. I need to give mine another go with the new seals at some point.

[yokohama]

The seals are a bit of a pain to do but once they are right, it's a nice little machine. Fits in a pocket and easy to use. Lens is perhaps not the sharpest when compared to some similar cameras but it does a fairly respectable job.
Will try to finish the XP2 I have in it over the next week or so and see what it does with black and white.
Like you, I haven't been too impressed with the XP2 so far. I think I'll go back to the Kentmere; I really liked that.
I wish you hadn't mentioned the Rokkor 1.4 ... you've got me looking at lenses now. WYC have a new website and there's far too many on there

[Kenzie]

Don't think I have tried Kentmere. I think I prefer the grain of hp5, xp2 is ok if you want better access to developing. Knowing my luck I'll be outbid on the camera. I mostly want the lens for my X700. Sorry about the lens GAS Yoko.

[yokohama]

Weird you mentioned the Ricoh....I just saw this. Shame it's not a bit nearer.
https://www.gumtree.com/p/video-camera-accessories/-ricoh-35mm-film-camera/1279448217

[Kenzie]

I have one of those, not used it yet, it's surprising how many times I say that. Has the same seals if I remember rightly

[Kenzie]

Won a case for my Yashicamat for a tenner plus post. Seems in good nick and will keep it safe!

[yokohama]

I dropped in to WYC on the way home last night. Picked up an excellent condition m42 fujinon 55mm f1.8, which looks perfect sat on the front of the ST 705.

[Kenzie]

I wish I had a shop like that down here. Closest is either London Camera Exchange in Colchester or Cameraworld in Chelmsford. I got given a Nikon 50mm f1.8 Series E for my EM slr. So that one is complete now. Just wanting a lens for the X700.

Sent from my Xperia using Tapatalk

[yokohama]

It's very dangerous having a shop like that on my route home. If they have a new year sale, there will be temptation.
Did you win the rokkor 1.4?

[Kenzie]

Not yet, still got a couple of days. I have upped the bid though. I was thinking the same thing actually, I would be in there all the time. Any plans for film oflver the Chrimbo break?

Sent from my Xperia using Tapatalk

[yokohama]

No film plans as such but I want to use a couple up and try out a couple of as yet untested cameras.
I think the OM2 deserves a run out. Was looking at the Pentax K1000 today but the mirror seems to be sticking up. Will have to have a look at that but I put it on a radiator to loosen up in the meantime.
Actually, when I was on my China hols, I visited a place called Yu Hu village, just outside Lijiang and came across the old residence of a guy called Joseph Rock. I'd never heard of him so had a look around. He was more a botanist than a photographer but he took loads of pictures of Yunnan/Sichuan in the 20s/30s, some for National Geographic, and they had a small display in his old house.
Really interesting stuff - a few examples here. Strange to see it from 90 years ago in black and white
https://www.gokunming.com/en/blog/item/4005/1930s_china_through_the_lens_of_joseph_rock_the_na xi_people

[Kenzie]

I was going to suggest sticky buffer foam. I saw a K1000 sell for over £100 on eBay, camera prices are going crazy! There is even an X300 for £65 bin. Bids on the XG 9 are rising, don't want to go too much higher. I'll take a look at the link.

[yokohama]

X300 for £65 is a bargain compared to this! https://www.gumtree.com/p/video-camera-accessories/camera-minolta-x300-slr-35mm/1279613832

The buffer foam on the Pentax is fine. I replaced the seals and mirror bumper just after I got it. I think it's more the mechanism seizing up. It's working now after 40 minutes on a radiator. If it sticks again, I might put some lighter fluid in the shutter mechanism at the bottom to try loosen it up a bit.

[Kenzie]

I saw that and thought it was an insane amount of money. If prices are heading that way then I must be sitting on a fortune!

[yokohama]

Surely no one is daft enough to pay that price.
If you really want the Rokkor 1.4 you might have to go high. I think I won mine at £33 but that was lens only and after several unsuccessful attempts. Looking at sold listings, they go from anything between £30 and £80. Bear in mind you can probably resell the camera for about £25 if it's working.

[Kenzie]

It's no biggie if I don't win, will keep trying. Tbh I'll probably be outbid.

[Kenzie]

Just thought I would dig out the Seagull TLR to make sure the shutter still works, unfortunately it has gummed up again. I can't be bothered at the moment to sort it out.

[yokohama]

I think that's exactly the same problem as the K1000. It was fine last night warmed up but today, the shutter is sticking again.

[Kenzie]

Maybe it will be a project for the Chrimbo break, not sure how to stop it happening again though.

[Kenzie]

Got outbid on the Minolta gear, it sold for £41 in the end. I have just messaged WYC about their "user" £25 f1.4 lens. Have asked for pic and info. Shame it's not just around the corner from me.

[yokohama]

I'm going in to WYC tomorrow to look at a couple of lenses. Will take a look for you if you like.
£41 quid was a pretty fair price if you knock off the resale value of the camera.

[Kenzie]

That would be helpful if you don't mind. No stealing it from me though! Got my eye on a Voigtlander Bessa i on eBay. It's reasonable price at the moment, but I'm sure it will rise. Want another 6x9 folder to go with my Bessa. I do have a Kodak Stirling ii but it's a bit basic.

[Kenzie]

Johnny, did you ever get round to shooting with your Konica S after all the time you invested in it?

[johnnyrod]

Yep I shot a test roll, it's got a great lens, I need to adjust the frame lines as they're off for close-up - they move with focus to compensate for parallax.
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5783/29914421684_0f3f162e8d_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Mzren7)girasol (https://flic.kr/p/Mzren7) by John Rodriguez (https://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeguruuk/), on Flickr
The sticky shutters could be a few problems. With the Seagull, it could be oil on the shutter blades, in areas you didn't manage to clean, that has migrated, or it could be the shutter ring is sticking again - the ring that opens and closes the shutter blades. If you mean it's hanging open then it's the escapement, depends if you just cleaned it or oiled it as well. The K1000 is a bit trickier, I'm not too au fait with SLRs. Pentaxes are known for foam turning to gunge, and in some of them there are pieces to damp the shutter curtains at the end of their travel, I think they sit in the shutter curtain tracks themselves. They turn to gunge then spread along the tracks. If it's hanging open then again it could be the escapement (wherever that is), or could be part of the the many levers etc. that aren't moving freely. Hard to say before poking around. I have an MX that needs some TLC (not my black one), some day I'll get around to it, but they're a different beast to what I'm used to.

[Kenzie]

Its just not firing at all, just a click. It needs servcing really but I wouldn't know where to send it. My Yashicamat still works ok so its not the end of the world.

Sent from my Xperia using Tapatalk

[johnnyrod]

It'll be basically the same type of shutter you'd get on a folder, once you get the external gubbins out of the way.

[yokohama]

Sorry about the lens Kenzie but it wasn't even a 'maybe'. The shop were pretty honest about it and they'd tried to clean the marks out but failed.
I came out with an MD 70-150 f4 zoom though, and a lust for a Nikon.

[Kenzie]

No worries Yoko, thanks for taking the time to look. Nikons are a money pit. Not hard to get a body, but my god, try and get a lens without having to sell a kidney! If you want something point and shoot (ie aperture priority) then there is the Nkon EM or the FG/FG20. Sadly because the lenses still use the standard F mount and are compatible with pretty much all Nikon DSLRs then people keep the lenses and dump the bodies. I had a Voigtlander Bessa turn up today, its much like the Perkeo in design and has a f3.5 lens, just noticed a couple of pin holes in the bellows. Not sure on focal length though. Its this one: http://voigtlander.pagesperso-orange.fr/previewpagesA/bessa46capotA.htm (http://voigtlander.pagesperso-orange.fr/previewpagesA/bessa46-40A.htm)
Looks like I have scored another Baby Bessa (6x4.5 half frame)

[yokohama]

That looks like a nice little folder. I haven't been lured into those yet.
I've noticed Nikon lenses are either rare, expensive or both. I think if I did go for a body, it would have to be Adaptall lenses to go on it. I was looking at an FM, I like the feel of a mechanical camera.
Actually, WYC were really good today. I have a Fujica Xmount camera and lenses for those are pretty rare. I asked about an AD2 adapter for it and he dropped one into the bag for free.

[Kenzie]

Lucky you! Probably had it kicking around for ages. I actually have my FM sat next to me at the moment, it is currently sporting the 28mm Sirius lens I got from the charity shop. The winder is bust but the shutter makes a beautiful sound when fired (not as nice as a Minolta though) It also has some rather nice brassing. If you can get one at a good price then I would go for it. Edit, just seen FM and FM2 body prices, INSANE!!! There is always this: 222752916306 Or a curvy FE10 202146789104

[yokohama]

Looking at the FM prices, it seems cheaper to buy them from Japan than here. But as you say, adding a lens would pretty much double the price. I'll try and contain the GAS until China next time. I found a guy selling reasonably priced used Nikons in Chengdu.
I plan to trawl through my lenses tomorrow, see what I've got and decide on which adapter to get for the OMD EM10.

[Kenzie]

I donated out a lot of my bigger zooms. I still have a few including some AD2s.

[yokohama]

Decided on an adapter for Zuiko lenses in the end as I've 50mms in f1.8 and 1.4 and a 28mm. In MDs, I don't have a wide angle prime. I wouldn't mind one for AD2s to really test out some of the lenses but most of the zooms are far too big and heavy for the OMD

[Kenzie]

You will have to hold it by the lens rather than the body. I looked at getting a Panasonic G2 but the lenses end up with a 2x crop factor on m4/3 so was a bit put off.

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[yokohama]

The crop factor and f value differences confuse me a bit too. Don't think I'll fully understand until I can see it and play around with it. I think the difference will be in the nature of the images rather than the IQ. It's not going to get me better results than a micro 4/3 prime. Will see how it all works in a few days.
Back in the film world, the OM2 is loaded and ready to go.

[Kenzie]

I think a 50mm will end up as a 100mm or thereabouts. I finish on Friday until the new year so hoping the weather holds so I can get out and shoot. Got another Ricoh Auto 35 on the way, listed as shutter not firing but I think it needs film in to work properly.

[Kenzie]

The Auto 35 Arrived today but the shutter is stuck open, not closed. Hmm, this will mean a strip down to sort.

[yokohama]

That's you sorted with a couple of projects for the Christmas break.

[Kenzie]

Make that three. Kiev 35A non functional arrived today as well. Hmm, now I remember why I didn't enjoy working on the other Auto 35. You cannot fully remove the lens from the body due to the meter and flash wires.

[yokohama]

I'm the same with Tessar lenses. What is it with them? I've got two 50mms and neither worked. One is cleaned up but in pieces because I can't put it back together. The other, same lens type but different construction, seemed to have a jammed iris and wasn't stopping down so that's now in lots of little pieces too and the blades are soaking in cleaner. Hope I can reconstruct this one.

[Kenzie]

Well the 135 Nikon fit lens will need tearing down to sort out the oily blades but I can't see how to get it apart at the moment. I'm trying hard not to buy any more cameras at the moment but it's difficult. I have a taste for the more expensive gear now with the likes of the OM1 etc.

[yokohama]

I've managed to resist the cameras but have picked up 4 lenses since I came back.
I need to try to sort the gear out over Christmas, see what I've got and try to thin things out a bit if possible...but I can't sell anything without trying it out first though.
I reckon you should just go for the expensive gear. Choose carefully and it shouldn't lose value, especially the way things are going. Better 1 good quality camera than 3 or 4 cheapos that all need time and effort to fix up,

[johnnyrod]

Know what you mean Yoko. I've got a few to sell but I need to get to them and make sure they work first. I'm keeping an eye out, but really just for stuff that I can make something on with minimal effort, or something special that I would keep. There is a Certo Dollina on t'bay just now with a Heligon lens (listed as Heligan) but it's a bit pricey so am keeping an eye on it. Really what I want for Christmas is the time to stop looking and go an take some pictures! I still need to finish the film I have in the Ensign 6x9 and I will most likely sell it. It's beautifully made but way too much trouble to use, and it would be a shame to put it in a drawer, apart from the drawers being full.

[Kenzie]

Which one is that Johnny, I cannot see it. I see a Dollina for £31 at the moment. I want to run another film through the Envoy but I still have so many I haven't even used yet. Is this worth a look?
112694304963

[johnnyrod]

182855381860
Zeiss looks interesting, I may have the bits for it, thanks!

[Kenzie]

Minty looking 292376751829

[Kenzie]

I have been out for a rummage in the antique shop and come back with an Argus AF http://www.theothermartintaylor.com/moveabletype/archives/cameras/000250.html

[Kenzie]

Well the shutter is acting up on the Argus, I think the shutter return spring is a little weak. Quick way to get a case, strap and PK to M42 adapter: 112655505372

[Kenzie]

Hey Johnny, did you pop a bid on tje Ikonta?

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[johnnyrod]

Those triangular strap rings go for a fiver a pair I think!

Nah skipped it, like I have nothing better to do, plus while I have the prisms for the RF, I don't have all the bits, it's a bit beaten up, would likely be a pain in the arrrrse. Plus I have my fingers crossed for tomorrow - keep your eyes on Insta/FB!

[Kenzie]

Merry Christmas all! Fingers crossed for something shiny then. I bought the MV, always useful for spares.

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[johnnyrod]

Merry Christmas to you too! Am off to bed soon but have been checking out my presents. I'd suggested a Zeiss Contax to Mrs Rod as she was struggling for present ideas, really though without hope of getting anything. She spent ages looking into them (it's pretty murky, what went on back then), but as she was getting more frustrated I suggested a Kiev instead. So opened things this morning and was very happy to find a Kiev 3, great condition (just a few scratches on the front of the lens), looks to be fully working. Anyway after we had all opened everything she pulled out another box... containing a Contax IIa. I'm still a bit unclear to be honest but she got the Kiev for a good price and I think the GAS had taken her. Anyway I'm pretty happy as you can tell, I need to check them both out properly before putting film in them. The 5cm f2 Sonnar on the Contax has a small mark in it somewhere, am hoping it's not serious, and the RF window is so dirty that the patch is almost invisible - so I am hoping that cleaning it is the only problem there. The spring lock for the lens mount is broken, but you have to fairly twist the lens to dismount it, so it's not a deal-breaker. Not really looked at the Kiev yet, not had much time, plus it's a lot cheaper so in terms of any comeback on the seller (if required) then I checked out the Contax first. Beautiful piece of kit though. Also got some photo storage boxes and a voucher for processing. And a metric tonne of liquorice, God help me.

[Kenzie]

Sounds like you had a good haul. I would love a Contax but I think I will stick with the Kievs for now. Got any plans for shooting this week? I'm off until the 3rd and my wife is at work Weds/Thurs/Fri this week so weather permitting I want to get out and do some walking/shooting. You might be right about the GAS, she might start buying for herself.

[johnnyrod]

At the weekend when the weather picks up a little we'll hopefully get out for a ramble, so will take a camera with me, got a few shots left on the Contessa, and three on the Ensign (still).

[Kenzie]

I have quite a few to finish off, its actually getting difficult to decide what to take out! I could take a new one out like a Kiev of something but at the same time I have film to finish! Way too much choice. Off the top of my head I have the T3, A1, Yashica 44, Nikon EM, GER and Lomo Diana F+ all loaded to be finished. Also, if I take too many out then I jump from camera to camera and don't enjoy it as much. Also, I want to do some 6x9 colour with the Bessa but it means starting another film.

[yokohama]

That sounds like a bumper Christmas for you Johnny, new toys to play with. That's me the only one without a Kiev now. :( I've resisted the temptation to buy anything apart from more light seal foam.
After lots of fiddling, I've now got one fully working Tessar with clean optics and oil free blades. I had to reassemble it god knows how many times because the diaphragm mechanism kept falling to pieces, and then again to get the focus right but the distance marks on the lens seem accurate now. Hypothetically, if I take the hours I spent on it at the minimum wage, I could probably have bought three!
One more to do, the Zebra; the diaphragm is cleaned up but I can't coax the lens barrel back into the focus ring on this one.
I'm off work until the 4th but at the moment, I'm too lazy to drag myself out of the house.

[Kenzie]

Well I have the Nikon lens to fix but no idea of how to go about it. I'm sure the right Kiev will come along for you. I tried fixing a Vivitar 135I'm before but ended up wrecking it.

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[johnnyrod]

I'm no closer to shooting with either of them! While testing the shutter speeds on the Kiev, which were pretty accurate, the shutter jammed part way through winding on, I need to find out how to unjam it and hope it's okay. I'm away for a couple of days so hopefully that won't hurt. Also Mrs. Rod broke the flange off the take-up spool when she put the back on. She checked them both over when they arrived, even going by videos on Youtube, but looks like she got it a bit wrong.
As for the Contax, the lens lock spring is broken, the RF prisms are as dirty as the numberplate on the back of my truck just now (but at least the RF is otherwise working), it looks like the lens has a little separation spot (though I am told it should make no difference), and the shutter speeds are all over the place. 250+ are basically unregulated, middle ones are slow, 1/10 was actually 0.7 seconds, and 1/1 just hung open for a while.
Poor Mrs Rod is stressing now because she'd put a lot of effort in and thought they were fine. The Kiev would have been (not going to tell her about the spool), and while I knew the Contax would need some work, we need to go back to the seller and see if they'll give some sort of refund, at least down to the cost of a non-working body and lens. She got a good deal anyway so will have to see what we can do, and then figure out whether to give it a go or send it off. This is a proper 10th dan black belt camera to fix though!

[Kenzie]

I did watch some repair videos and they look a bit of a mare. My first Kiev didn't come with a proper take up spool so I just used one from an old 35mm canister and taped the film to it. Still works the same but you have to give it a slight jiggle to get the back to close otherwise it won't line up with the winder stub properly.

[Kenzie]

Boots have buy one get one half price again on film.

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