Tag Archives: ektar

52 Cameras – Week 9 results – Pinhole Nikon

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My results with the pinhole cap on my Nikon FM2 were mixed. I remember it being sharper in the past, but I did most of my shooting without a tripod this spring.

Shooting a pinhole on an SLR is a bit odd, as the viewfinder and meter are useless. I used my neck strap and rested the camera against my abdomen. I thought a deep breath, a sold stance, and a cable release would provide adequate stability. It has in the past, and it did for some shots this time. Others weren't as lucky.

 

 

 

Black & white shots are FP5 stand developed in Rodinal; color is Ektar.

52 Cameras – Week 8 Results – Konica C35

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The C35 proved to be a nice pocket camera. In spite of my concerns, the poor seals did not produce any light leaks.

The preset aperture/shutter combinations seem to work well, although a few of my lower-light photos did show evidence of camera shake. I'll be returning to this one in the regular rotation, I suspect.

Jesse

Jesse

Windy

Hellcat Swamp, Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge

Hellcat Swamp

Hellcat Swamp, Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge

20130414C35_027

Hellcat Swamp, Plum Island National Wildlife Refuge

 

 

52 Cameras – Week 8 – Konica C35 Automatic

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Introduced in 1971, the Konica C35 Automatic is a compact ragnefinder small enough to carry in a pocket. It features a fully automatic exposure system in which the shutter speed and aperture run in predefined combinations.

Mine was an eBay bargain; the leatherette is peeling from the back cover and it needs new light seals. In any event, the shutter and meter seem to function properly. I've loaded it with a roll of Kodak Ektar 100 and pocketed it for a few days.

References:

Konica C35 family @CameraWiki

Manual from Mike Butkus as usual

and the obligatory eBay link.

 

52 Cameras – Week 4 – Preliminary Results – Anscoflex II

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The Anscoflex was an interesting experience for me. I've never worked with a bulb flash before.

Initially the flash was not working. I cleaned the contacts and replaced the batteries to no avail. The next step was to disassemble the camera and clean the internal contacts. Upon reassembly I learned a valuable lesson: DON'T LEAVE A BULB IN THE FLASH UNIT WHEN ASSEMBLING IT.

Once my vision returned, I assembled the unit and tried again. This time I wasn't looking directly at it when it fired. I soon discovered there was an insulator missing and the unit was grounding to the camera shell. A quick trip to the workbench produced a suitable substitute, and we were in business.

My first subjects were dazzled. Those P25 flashbulbs are impressive.

In use the viewfinder is large, clear, and easy to use. The shutter button sticks out and is easily bumped; I had to remember not to wind until ready to shoot. The double exposure prevention means I accidentally wasted a few shots.

These shots are from a previous roll that was in the camera. This week's roll is still at the lab. I accidentally discovered that using the yellow filter with Ektar produces an interesting color shift.

 

Above, with yellow filter. Below, without.

More to come when the other roll comes back from the lab.

 

52 Cameras – Week 2 Results – Voigtlander Bessa 66

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I learned a long time ago that my internal balance is off slightly. Most of my images tilt a few degrees to the right and have to be corrected in post processing. The Bessa 66 taught me that I also cannot estimate distance well.

The zone focus system means you either have to measure or guess, then set the appropriate distance on the camera. I didn't guess very well. In wide aperture, low depth of field situations, my images are out of focus.

Shooting the folder is still fun. It's a sure way to attract attention in public. There is no mistaking it for a modern digital. The controls are a bit clumsy, with three levers and a focus ring arranged on the lens. Winding the film is a fully manual experience with no mechanical stops, making it easy to overwind. In spite of the sport finder, I don't think I could ever shoot this camera rapidly.

The shutter fires with a satisfying click, accompanied by a bit of clockwork whirring at the slower speeds.

 

All in all, a neat camera and a nice shooter.

Disappointment and redemption

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In my eBay travels I stumbled upon the Kodak Signet 50 recently. After a half day of shooting it, I was disappointed. It’s oddly put together, with the film advance lever on the bottom and an odd feel. The ASA setting is jammed, and I had begun to suspect that the selenium meter may be dead. I gave up on it, rewinding a partial roll of Ektar and transferring it to my Uniomat.

 

I set the Signet aside on the ‘to sell’ pile and forgot it, until I got the roll developed.

I am stunned. I knew Ektar was a great film, and I’m sure that has a lot to do with the results. I’m very happy with all of the Signet results. I think it has earned a second (and possibly third) chance.

And I need to buy more Ektar.