Thank George E. - Classic Camera Collecting, Film and Photography Topics

KIEV 60 SLR Images

2010-08-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

I was going through some old scans recently and came across these images I took with a Kiev 60 medium format SLR. Produced by the Arsenal factory in the Ukraine Republic since the early eighties its basic design was based on the classic Pentagon Six and shares several of the same features and can utilize the same lenses and accessories. The lens is an 80mm Volna-3. I have no idea what settings I used at the time, although by the look of the depth of focus it was probably around 2.8. If I remember correctly I was using a single B800 AlienBee studio light at camera right. The 6x6cm negative was scanned and toned in Photoshop Lightroom. If you want a boat anchor that provides pretty good results on 120 roll film, the Kiev 60 (with all of its quirks) is perfect.

Kiev 60 SLR

Camera: A History of Photography, Coffee Table Book A Must Have

2010-08-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

I’ve always been a fan of big coffee table books, but I can’t recall ever reading one from cover to cover…until now. “Camera” from Todd Gustavson made the effort easy to accomplish. Gustavson is the Curator of Technology at the Eastman House in Rochester, N.T., and he has put together a history of machines that have captured moments in time. With over 350 color images and illustrations the book starts with a camera obscura from 1820 and completes with the digital Leica M8.

I knew I was in for a treat when the first full page photo was of a Kodak No. 1 Brownie box camera owned by Ansel Adams. The camera collector in me was thrilled. I’ve got a No. 2 Brownie that still works. It blows my mind that I can still take decent shots on 120 roll film with this little box camera that is over 100 years old. Amazing. While I love my Canon EOS 7D, I doubt it will be capturing 18MP images after a century.

Some of the first images in the book are from Niepce, Daguerre and Talbot; names synonymous with the birth of modern photography. The quality and clarity of the Daguerreotype images displayed in the book are a testament to this capture process. Some of the most interesting sections cover the oddities in camera development such as the Photo-Revolver de Poche. In 1882 the interesting idea was conceived to create a camera that looked like a handgun. It operated like a pistol too with ten 20x20mm dry plates loaded into the cartridge and a 70mm f10 lens in the nickel-plated brass barrel. There was no viewfinder, but as expected it did have a front sight on top of the barrel to assist with drawing a bead on your target.

This book is a must have for any camera collector or enthusiast with hundreds of cameras spanning almost two hundred years, plus historic photos, drawings, ads and plenty of informative captions and text. Best of all it won’t damage the wallet.

Camera: A History of Photography from Daguerreotype to Digital

Nature Says Cheese - Photography Event, August 21, 2010 - Phoenix, AZ

2010-08-10T14:55:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Photography Event in Phoenix, Arizona

NATURE SAYS CHEESE-BE A WILDLIFE PAPARAZZI

Date: Sat August 21, 2010

Time: 1:00 PM

Venue: Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center, Phoenix, AZ

Photographer Joel Pearson will tell you a story ........with his camera. As he hikes through the Phoenix Mountain Preserves, he is able to find and capture the small wonders of the animal world. From the Hummingbird pestering the Great Horned Owl, to the camera shy Gila Monster, you will hear about Joel's adventures as he takes you on a virtual hike using his amazing photographs. Learn basic photography techniques as he "lens" you a hand in finding, framing, and setting up the perfect picture. The first step to achieving great photos is figuring out what all of those extra buttons and settings do on your camera. Bring your digital, SLR, or point and shoot camera so the experts from Foto Forum can "focus" your attention to your camera to help you achieve the best photo possible. This class will take place at South Mountain Environmental Education Center, 10409 S. Central Ave

Venue:
Nina Mason Pulliam Rio Salado Audubon Center
Address: 3131 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ, 85040
Website: http://az.audubon.org/Center_RioSalado.html
Phone: (602) 468-6470

Sultans of Sand Photography Event September 1, 2010 - Scottsdale, AZ

2010-08-10T14:50:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Photography Event in Scottsdale, Arizona

THE SULTANS OF SAND

Date: Wed September 01, 2010 • Other dates

Time: 11:00 AM

Venue: Method Art Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ

Website: http://www.methodart.com/

Los Angeles-based photographer Jonathan Brandstein brings The Sultans of Sand to the Method Art Gallery from Sept. 1 through Sept. 30, with an artists reception Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. During the reception 10% of the proceeds from sales will go to the nonprofit Arizona Consortium of the Arts. These series of photos are the result of those trips to Africa. They chronicle the Tuareg musical group Tinawaren as well as the nomadic life of Tuaregs in the Saharan desert.

Venue:

Method Art Gallery

Address: 4142 N Marshall way, Scottsdale, AZ, 85251

Website: http://www.methodart.com/

Phone: (480) 423-0888

PX100 and PX600 Instant Films For Classic Polaroid Cameras

2010-07-10T22:12:00.000-07:00

Have a classic Polaroid SX-70 or 600 instant camera? The Impossible Project is now providing an update to an old friend. Their PX100 and PX600 instant monochrome film allows those of us who own these cameras to blow the dust off and take ‘em for a spin again. Below are links to the official Impossible Project website and samples of the new film on Flickr.

The Impossible Project

PX100 / PX600 Flickr Pages

DYI 120 Roll Film Camera

2010-07-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

DIY camera builder Steve Monteau shares his new La Guillotine Camera build guide. It captures sequential snapshots on 120 roll film. Below is the link to the Lifehacker.com article.

Build a DYI Camera

Kodak To Release New Large-Format EKTAR Film

2010-02-21T19:23:00.000-08:00

Kodak Press Release:

Large-format photographers will now be able to shoot with the world’s finest grain color negative film, as Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) announced the upcoming availability of its KODAK PROFESSIONAL EKTAR 100 Film in 4x5 and 8x10 sheet formats. EKTAR 100 Film, also available in 35mm and 120 formats, is the ideal choice for commercial photographers and advanced amateurs for applications such as nature, travel, fashion and product photography, where the emphasis is often on color and detail.

Since its introduction in September 2008, the EKTAR 100 family of films has won numerous industry awards, including the Technical Image Press Association (TIPA) award (2009), Professional Photographers’ Hot One Award (2009, 2010) and American Photo Editor's Choice Award (2009).

“Large-format photographers, such as landscape and fine-art photographers, will love the impact and flexibility that EKTAR 100 brings. It's the ideal choice for creating high magnification enlargements for commercial display, while preserving even the finest detail,” said Steven Decker, general manager of Film Capture and Paper and Output Systems in Kodak’s Film, Photofinishing and Entertainment Group. “Introducing EKTAR 100 Film in 4x5 and 8x10 further continues our commitment to providing photographers with high quality, relevant films that support a broad segment of the market.”

EKTAR 100 Film features high saturation and ultra-vivid color, incorporating KODAK VISION Motion Picture Film technology to achieve its unparalleled fine grain. It is ideal for photographers who want the superior resolution of large-format film and look for extraordinary enlargement capability when scanning and printing. Also, EKTAR 100 illustrates Kodak’s ability to continually innovate by leveraging assets, technologies and expertise across the company to bring the best products to market.

The new KODAK EKTAR Film in 4x5 and 8x10 sheets formats will be available worldwide beginning in April 2010.

FujiFilm To Announce New Instax Cameras

2010-02-21T19:15:00.000-08:00

Polaroid isn’t the only company trying to keep instant film alive. Below is a recent press release from FujiFilm.

FUJIFILM North America Corporation has announced it will showcase its most recent instant camera models during PMA 2010 – the commercial grade Instax 210, and two consumer models – the newest addition to the Instax family, the Instax Mini 25 and the Instax Mini 7S which was introduced last fall. Fujifilm has been producing instant films in Japan since the late 1980’s and by 2003 was introducing branded peel-apart type instant films to the United States. In November 2008, the company introduced its first instant camera, the Instax 200 to the U.S. market.

“The response to Fujifilm’s instant cameras and films in the United States has been excellent because they not only fill a need but also produce the exceptional quality photographers have come to expect of Fujifilm products”, said Kayce Baker, director of trade marketing, Imaging Division, FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “Consumer interest in the Instax Mini 7S was very strong during the holidays. As a result of its popularity we are now able to offer U.S. consumers our newest model, the Instax Mini 25. There is still a need for instant film in professional and commercial markets. For consumers, the Instax Mini provides a nostalgic experience for some, and a whole new photo experience to those who grew up on digital.”

Instax 210 Instant Film Camera  Successor of the Instax 200, Fujifilm’s newest commercial grade instant camera, the Instax 210 uses Fujifilm’s Instax Wide Instant Color Film to produce vivid images in a wide picture format. The Instax 210 also offers an automatic adjusting flash, high-resolution retracting lens, a new close-up lens adapter and a big clear viewfinder. With a high precision Fujinon lens, the Instax 210 has a programmed electronic shutter, two range selectable shooting options, and an LCD control panel displaying focal distance and film count. The Instax 210 instant camera is sleek black and sports a rounded shape, easy-to-hold side grip, and finger controllable composite control panel. The Instax 210 camera and film provide a high quality instant film solution for a variety of commercial applications including: law enforcement, health care, fashion, and event marketing.

Instax Mini 25 Instant Film Camera  Fujifilm’s newest consumer model, the stylish Instax Mini 25 produces vivid credit-card sized instant prints using Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film. In addition, this instant camera boasts added features such as an LCD film count and shooting mode display as well as a camera mounted shooting mirror for taking self portraits. The Instax Mini 25 also includes a built-in automatic electronic flash for low-light shooting, a detachable close-up shooting lens and three exposure modes – auto mode for dark settings, fill in flash mode for auto flash on bright or dark areas, and landscape mode. The programmed electronic shutter has two release buttons for vertical and horizontal shooting. Available in white.

Instax Mini 7S Instant Film Camera  Also for consumers, the Instax Mini 7S is an instant film solution equipped with high end Fujinon optics and four selectable shooting modes. With its silken white finish and cute design the Instax Mini is a sleek looking camera that produces high-quality, credit-card sized instant prints using Fujifilm Instax Mini Instant Film.

Instax Instant Color Films are ISO 800 films that produce sharp clear reproduction for vivid color, natural skin tones and super fine grain instant prints. Instax Wide Format Film has an image size of 3.90” x 2.44”. Instax Mini Film is 2”x3” while the image area is 1.8” x 2.4”.

Fujifilm’s line-up of Instax instant cameras and instant films have been enjoying success in Asia and Europe for years, which has helped generate a loyal following in the United States, particularly over the last year. The continued introduction of instant film products in to the U.S. market is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to the culture of photography.

Availability:  Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 25 Instant Film Camera will be available in Q2 2010. The Instax 210 and Instax Mini 7S Instant Film Cameras are now available.

New Polaroid One-Step On The Way?

2010-02-21T18:51:00.000-08:00

The next generation of Polaroid cameras was apparently displayed at the 2010 CES back in January. The available photos of the new, instant-film camera, called PIC-1000 show off its retro style including a metallic plastic finish and woodgrain. The new model has a self-timer, flash and even red-eye reduction. It will be interesting to see just how serious they are considering pricing and a release date have yet to be announced.

FujiFilm Announces New GF670 Film Camera

2010-02-20T10:37:00.000-08:00

In the category of “Didn’t See That Coming” the FujiFilm announced the GF670 Professional medium format folding camera. The foldable camera resembles the classic shooters of old and features 6×6 and 6×7 dual-format shooting for use with120 and 220 roll film. It features a Fujinon EBC 80 mm lens, coupled rangefinder, exposure compensator, and aperture-priority automatic and manual exposure modes.

But why this camera, now? "There is a segment of studio, portrait, and landscape photographers who find that medium-format film is the perfect solution for their businesses because of the unique look that film offers as well as the ability to produce high-resolution photos in very large sizes" said a Fujifilm spokesperson. "Many photographers still have a passion for the art of traditional film photography."

The GF670 Professional includes exposure counter display, an ISO setting dial, manual film advancement and offers -2/+2 exposure compensation. There is a a hot shoe flash mount and a PC sync socket. The camera is expected to be available in Q2 2010 at a cost of $2199. At that price you better still love film.

Diana Adapters For Canon and Nikon SLR

2009-09-24T04:08:00.000-07:00

If you’ve been asking yourself ‘how can my Canon or Nikon SLR produce images like the Diana’ ask no more. Seek psychological help, but ask no more. Actually I have a couple of Holgas and love using these classic no-frills plastic medium format cameras to get simple, artistic images. The Diana is the queen of such cameras and has quite the cult following. Lomography, distributor of optics from Hong Kong-based Diana has now made it possible to get Diana results without having to carry the camera. They have released affordable F+ lens adaptors for Canon EOS and Nikon F-mount SLRs so there is no need to carry multiple cameras and film to get Diana-like results.

Text from the Diana+ website…

With the brand new Diana F+ SLR adaptors you can now introduce the whole range of effects achievable with the Diana F+ lenses and accessories to your 35mm Canon EOS or Nikon F series cameras. Bring on Fisheye wackiness, sweeping wide-angles and close-up curiosity - just some of the fantastic effects you can experiment with when you combine the Diana F+ SLR Adaptors with the Diana F+ creative add-ons! Simply attach and twist the SLR adaptor to the Canon EOS or Nikon F mounts and then you are ready to slap on your Diana weapon of choice! These adaptors are compatible with Diana's 50 special-effect lenses. The lenses range from Super-wide, Telephoto, Close-up, and Pin-Hole.

The beauty of the SLR Adaptors is that they open up the whole series of Canon EOS and Nikon F cameras to the world Diana effects. This means whether yours is one of the earliest Nikon Fs from the late 1950s or an ultra-swanky Canon digital SLR – you can join in with the whole Diana experience!

See for yourself at the Lomography website.

Photography Unplugged: New Photobook From Harald Mante

2009-09-22T19:13:00.000-07:00

Harald Mante is regarded as one of the most prominent contemporary photographers in Germany today. He started out as a travel photographer whose work was published in numerous magazines and books, and later taught photography in the tradition of the Bauhaus school of design, applying image and color composition concepts to photography.

Photography Unplugged (Rocky Nook, $49.95 USD) is meant to present the wealth of Mante’s photographic work and at the same time to advocate a pure, straight approach to photography, untouched by digital image editing tools–uncropped and unmodified captures of scenes as seen through the viewfinder. Photography Unplugged is intended to sound a voice that is singing to a slightly different tune than the digital photography choir.

Harald Mante’s photographs, all captured on Kodachrome’s legendary slide films, will inspire beginners and expert photographers alike, and will reveal the beauty and magic of masterfully composed photography.

Just before this book went to print, Kodak announced that the production of Kodachrome slide film will be discontinued. Kodachrome was the first slide film Harald Mante ever used and remained his staple film for decades. Therefore, this book is also a way for the artist and the publisher to say “goodbye” and “thank you” to this legendary film.

Harald Mante was born in Berlin in 1936 and studied graphic design and painting at Werkkunstschule Wiesbaden. He taught Photographic Design at Dortmund Polytechnic and at the European Art Academy in Trier, as well as many seminars and workshops.

Professor Mante has authored numerous art books and textbooks. His photographic work has been exhibited in museums and private collections worldwide, and his books and calendars have become collector’s items.
article courtesy of Imaging Insider

Kodak Ektar 100 Medium Format Film

2009-09-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

Film isn’t dead…yet. Film is fighting to stay alive as long as possible, and it’s nice to see Kodak hasn’t thrown in the towel completely. While Kodak did announce the discontinuation in June, of their popular and iconic Kodachrome 35mm color film, concluding a 74-year history, there are still several quality films still available. In fact Kodak released seven new professional films over the last three years including Portra 160NC and VC, Portra 400NC and VC, Portra 800, and upgraded T-MAX 400 and Ektar 100 films.

Shutterbug magazine recently took a closer look at Kodak’s Ektar 100 color negative film for Medium Format (120). Amazingly Kodak released the 120 version due to popular demand. It’s nice to see film still commands some level of power in an increasing digital world. According to Kodak the new Ektar 120 film is “the finest, smoothest grain of any color negative film available today.”

Read the entire Shutterbug article by Joe Farace.

150 Years of Portraiture: Phoenix Art Museum

2009-09-13T14:52:00.000-07:00

Upcoming Event at the Phoenix Museum

Face to Face: 150 Years of Photographic Portraiture

Norton Photography Gallery

September 19, 2009 – January 10, 2010

Face to Face: 150 Years of Photographic Portraiture explores the photographic portrait - the stories portraits can tell, the ways photographers convey the essence of their subjects and the impact of the relationship between photographer and subject. Including nearly 60 portraits from the Center for Creative Photography, as well as key loans from a few local collections, the exhibition raises engaging questions:

How does a portrait become iconic?

What is unique about a photographic self-portrait?

What are the advantages of working in the studio, or in the field?

How do photographers use setting, pose, camera angle, or scale to add meaning to a picture?

Prints by some of the greatest portraitists and photographic image-makers of the 19th-, 20th-, and 21st-century are included: Southworth and Hawes, Gertrude Kasebier, Edward Weston, Dorothea Lange, W. Eugene Smith, Ansel Adams, Diane Arbus, Yousuf Karsh and Richard Avedon.

MCC Hosts Smithsonian Traveling Photography Exhibit

2008-04-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

Mesa Community College is pleased to host the new Smithsonian Traveling Photography Exhibit "Documenting China: Contemporary Photography and Social Change."

Separated from the West by thousands of miles and seemingly insurmountable cultural barriers, China has long been an unfamiliar, romanticized land until recently. In the new exhibition "Documenting China: Contemporary Photography and Social Change," the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) partners with Bates College Museum of Art in Lewiston, Maine, to explore the social change in the most populous nation on Earth.

Focusing on the impacts of urbanization and industrialization in China, the exhibition of documentary photographers opens at Mesa Community College on March 1st. "Documenting China" will remain on view through April 27, before continuing on a national tour through 2009.

The exhibition presents the country from an insider's point of view through dramatic works of seven Chinese photographers. With raw black-and-white and color images, photographers Liu Xiaodi, Jiang Jian, Zhang Xinmin, Luo Yongjin, Zhou Hai, Lu Yuanmin and Zhou Min unveil truths about China's internal struggle a battle between modern industrialism and the traditional, agrarian past that has sustained the country for thousands of years.

When: March 1- April 27,

Tuesdays through Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Fridays through Sundays, Noon to 4 p.m.

Closed Mondays

Location: Mesa Community College's Southern and Dobson campus, 1833 W. Southern Ave., Mesa, main library (LB145)

Admission: Free of charge

Information: Contact Zoe Luter at (480) 461-7286.

MCC Webite: Mesa Community College

Digital Imaging In A Classic Camera Package: Rolleiflex 5MP MiniDigi AF

2008-04-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Many people may think of Rolleiflex professional cameras as classic if somewhat clunky affairs. Those people may want to start reevaluating that view, however, now that Rolleiflex has once again released a super cool miniature digital version of its twin reflex camera. Once again, we have to say that this mini Rollei is cute as hell. (Whoa, can't believe we just said that.)

The Rolleiflex MiniDigi AF 5.0 is just three inches tall but it includes some fairly decent digital features, making this tiny camera more than just a novelty. Though it may look like the original MiniDigi released back in 2006, the AF 5.0 model includes several improvements including autofocus (between 10CM and infinity); 5MP interpolated image files, and a 1.1-inch screen on top of the camera for reviewing your shots.

The coolest part though is how much is resembles a shrunken version of an original Rolleiflex which used two lenses, one above the other, a hand crank lever, shutter release, and hooded viewfinder. The crank lever on the new MiniDigi prepares you for your next shot – rather than advancing the film – while the classic pop-up hood and viewfinder lets you do some traditional-style "waist-level" shooting and prevents stray light from getting in. Another interesting throwback is that the MiniDigi AF 5.0 shoots digital files in a square format just like in the old days.

Along with being small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, the Rolleiflex MiniDigi AF 5.0 offers one distinct difference from the classic coal-black model –it comes in fire engine red. Oh how very racy it is!

Cost: $399
Further information: http://www.dsmww.com/
Image © PDNOnline
Article by Dan Havlik

Lyle Ashton Harris Exhibit At Scottsdale Museum Of Contemporary Art

2008-04-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art
Galleries 3 and 4

Lyle Ashton Harris: Blow Up
February 8, 2008 - May 27, 2008

This first museum survey of Lyle Ashton Harris’s art spans nearly twenty years of work, from the early, formal studio self-portraits for which he first gained acclaim to the large-scale constructions featured in the 2007 Venice Biennale. Harris approaches photography as a social performance. He "blows up" preconceptions of portraiture, mass-media imagery and street photography and zeroes in on the viewers’ role as a reader of images—images that are also evidence of one’s sense of self, gender and race. This exhibition is structured as a vast collage of imagery that weaves back and forth over time and reveals the artist’s dynamic, recombinant creative process.

SMOCA Website
Image © Lyle Ashton Harris

Barbara Bosworth Exhibit Begins April 19 at Phoenix Art Museum

2008-04-14T12:34:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Art Museum
Norton Photography Gallery
Human Nature: The Photographs of Barbara Bosworth
April 19, 2008 – July 27, 2008

Human Nature presents the contemporary landscape photographs of Barbara Bosworth. Drawing together nearly twenty years of work, the exhibition demonstrates Bosworth's ongoing interest in people's presence in nature. She focuses on points of contact: bird-banders and their fragile catch, rifle hunters and their prey, lush green meadows marked by tire tracks, and the magic of natural phenomena easily overlooked: birds' nests, soap bubbles, an eclipse. Her photographs reflect the beauty she finds all around her, from a tiny bass swimming in a jar to the dramatic power of a pounding waterfall.

This is Bosworth's first exhibition in the American Southwest and features more than 40 prints, including both color and exquisitely printed gelatin silver photographs.

In addition, Human Nature will debut a monumental print of an overgrown meadow; shown on such a commanding scale, its deep green foliage immerses viewers in another world.

Phoenix Art Museum Website

Image by Barbara Bosworth.

Harold E. Edgerton Exhibit - Scottsdale Museum Of Contemporary Art

2007-10-14T15:34:00.000-07:00

Scottsdale Museum Of Contemporary Art

Seeing the Unseen:

Photographs by Harold E. Edgerton
September 15, 2007 -

December 30, 2007
Even in today’s high-tech digital photographic world, the images taken by Dr. Harold E. Edgerton in the 1930s-1960s remain truly amazing. Edgerton was a pioneer of advanced photographic techniques such as stroboscopy and ultra-high speed photography—which led to the development of electronic speed-flashes used in modern cameras. Edgerton was a scientist, inventor and a teacher: his photographs are among the most recognized and memorable of our time.

Seeing the Unseen features 50 large-scale prints from the collection of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology [MIT] Museum. While a graduate student at MIT (where he then taught), Edgerton designed the first electronic stroboscopic device in 1931, in order to accurately measure the displacement of the rotor in an electric motor. His instrument emitted light in controlled flashes and was capable of “stopping motion” on film. Edgerton experimented with set-up shots such as a splashing drop of milk or a bullet cutting through an apple. The resultant images are highly detailed and stop time to a nanosecond to show. His photographs, as scientific records, bistro on us comprehension and increase our awareness. They reveal new forms, subtle relationships of time and space and the essence of motion.

This exhibition continues SMoCA’s long-standing commitment to modern and contemporary photography.

image © The Estate of Harold E. Edgerton.

Phoenix Art Museum - Debating Modern Photography Exhibit

2007-10-14T15:30:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Art Museum
Debating Modern Photography:
Triumph of Group f.64
Norton Photography Gallery
September 15, 2007 – December 30, 2007
In 1934, a heated debate between photographic factions considered the future of the medium. A small group of California photographers were challenging the painterly, soft-focus photography style of the pictorialists. They argued that the appropriate direction for the photographic arts exploited characteristics inherent to the camera’s mechanical nature: sharp focus and great depth of field. Their subjects – arranged still lives, industrial and architectural views, close-ups from nature, and portraits – were selected for their photographic potential, with rich textures and strong forms. This small association of innovators – named Group f.64 after the camera’s smallest aperture, which produces the greatest depth of field – included Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Imogen Cunningham, Willard Van Dyke, Alma Lavenson and others. This exhibition endeavors to revive the controversy, not only to acknowledge the pictorialists’ arguments, but to illustrate how avant-garde the work of Group f.64 once was. It includes images by members of Group f.64 and such pictorialists as Anne Brigman, William Dassonville, Johan Hagemeyer, William Mortensen and Karl Struss.

Talking Books with Aperture's Lesley A. Martin

2007-10-14T15:18:00.000-07:00

Lesley A. Martin, who has been with Aperture off and on for the last ten years and has been executive editor of the book-publishing program for the past four, was recently promoted to Publisher. Her promotion was “reinforcement,” as she put it, that the revamping of the book-publishing program that she has spearheaded over recent years is a vital part of Aperture and its mission to be the premiere not-for-profit arts institution dedicated to advancing fine photography.

American Photo recently had the chance to speak with Martin to discuss her promotion, how she approaches the refined art of bookmaking, and the overall developments happening within Aperture offices on 27th Street in Manhattan's burgeoning Chelsea district. But first, a look at two upcoming fall titles.

Read the entire article from popphoto.com.

image provided by popphoto.com

Kodak Updates T-MAX 400 Black & White Negative Film

2007-10-14T15:15:00.000-07:00

If you're shooting black and white file, you'll be pleased to discover that Kodak has announced an improved version of its Professional T-Max 400 film. The new ISO 400 film offers finer grain and greater image sharpness. According to the company, the emulsion has been altered to further minimize light scatter, which can reduce image sharpness. A UV barrier layer has been added to the back of the film in medium-format and 35mm rolls to prevent accidental exposure to static inside the camera. (Large-format sheets, which might be used for contact printing on UV-sensitive materials, do not have the UV layer.)

Kodak recommends slight changes in processing time for the new T-Max 400. Development times with Kodak chemistry will be published on the box, and the company will update its processing instructions online when the new film is available.

The new Professional T-Max 400 will be available in stores beginning in December 2007. You'll be able to tell it apart from the old T-Max by the "World's Sharpest!" text emblazoned on the packaging. Kodak will also replace its 50-sheet packages of 8x10 T-Max 400 sheet film with 10-sheet packages.

Canadian Photographer Jeff Wall

2007-10-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

Early in his career, Canadian photographer Jeff Wall, whose retrospective opens at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art on Oct. 27, enjoyed a high reputation as an intellectual among contemporary artists.

When he first got noticed in the late '70s, critics saw Wall's work as a deconstruction of the imaging tactics of advertising. He made, and continues to make, carefully staged pictures presented as large color transparencies in fluorescent light boxes, like those seen in airports, train stations and department stores the world over.

Read the entire online article from the San Francisco Chronicle.

Leibovitz Exhibit Ranges From Royal To Personal

2007-10-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

Three official portraits of Queen Elizabeth II will be displayed alongside Annie Leibovitz's signature celebrity photography in a 15-year retrospective exhibition of her work on display at the Corcoran Gallery of Art.

The Corcoran is the third of seven stops for the show titled "Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer's Life, 1990-2005" and the first gallery to include the queen's portraits, which were commissioned to mark her visit to the United States in May.

The exhibit -- a companion to the book of the same name -- includes 200 photographs that set recognizable high-fashion magazine portraits against a backdrop of reportage photography and personal snapshots.

Read the entire article from the Pittsburgh Tribune.

Chernobyl Photo Book Review On Lens Culture

2007-07-23T11:42:00.000-07:00

Lens Culture looks at the recent “Chernobyl: The Hidden Legacy” Photography book on Trolley Books. The review includes a gallery of images featured in this volume by Pierparolo Mittica. “Photographer/author Pierpaolo Mittica states the premise of his passionate personal mission to investigate, research, document and expose the catastrophe that remains and continues 21 years after the nuclear explosion at Chernobyl in 1986.”

Read the entire review and view the gallery on the Lens Culture website.
Image © Pierpaolo Mittica

On the Street: The New York School of Photographers

2007-07-23T11:22:00.000-07:00

Phoenix Art Museum
Norton Photography Gallery
Now until September 2, 2007
New York City exerts a powerful hold on the American imagination. The site of triumph and tragedy, home to the fabulously wealthy and the desperately poor, boasting modern technology and historical tradition, New York represents the contradictions inherent in our national identity. As such, it has always posed an irresistible challenge to photographers, notably those who came to be known as the “New York School.” On the Street brings together a lively group of 60 black-and-white images of the city’s street life seen through the lenses of 18 New York School photographers from the 1910s through the 1960s – such as Diane Arbus, Weegee, Lisette Model, Helen Levitt, William Klein, and Garry Winogrand – from the collection of the Center for Creative Photography.

Norton Photography Gallery – Upcoming Exhibition
September 15, 2007 – December 30, 2007
Debating Modern Photography: Triumph of Group f.64
In 1934, a heated debate between photographic factions considered the future of the medium. A small group of California photographers were challenging the painterly, soft-focus photography style of the pictorialists. They argued that the appropriate direction for the photographic arts exploited characteristics inherent to the camera’s mechanical nature: sharp focus and great depth of field. Their subjects – arranged still lives, industrial and architectural views, close-ups from nature, and portraits – were selected for their photographic potential, with rich textures and strong forms. This small association of innovators – named Group f.64 after the camera’s smallest aperture, which produces the greatest depth of field – included Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Imogen Cunningham, Willard Van Dyke, Alma Lavenson and others. This exhibition endeavors to revive the controversy, not only to acknowledge the pictorialists’ arguments, but to illustrate how avant-garde the work of Group f.64 once was. It includes images by members of Group f.64 and such pictorialists as Anne Brigman, William Dassonville, Johan Hagemeyer, William Mortensen and Karl Struss.
Image © Louis Faurer

New Henri Cartier-Bresson Scrap Book

2007-04-05T14:24:00.000-07:00

Coinciding with a recent exhibition jointly curated by the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson and the International Center of Photography, this splendid selection of more than 300 images presents the iconic French photographer's famous 1930s–1940s scrapbook. Published in its entirety for the first time, it contains many of the pictures that cemented Cartier-Bresson's reputation as one of the 20th century's defining image makers. For more detailed information visit Amazon.com.
Image provided by Amazon.com

Classic Photography Book Re-Issued

2007-04-05T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Photographer's Eye by John Szarkowski is a twentieth-century classic--an indispensable introduction to the visual language of photography. Based on a landmark exhibition at The Museum of Modern Art in 1964, and originally published in 1966, the book has long been out of print. It is now available again to a new generation of photographers and lovers of photography in this duotone printing that closely follows the original. For more detailed information visit Amazon.com
Image provided by Amazon.com

Claimed 'Oldest Camera' To Be Auctioned

2007-04-05T14:04:00.000-07:00

A discovery in a dusty attic may change the history of commercial photography. Westlicht, a private photo gallery and auction house in Vienna, plans to auction off on May 26 what is most likely the world's oldest commercially manufactured camera.

Up to now, experts said that apart from some documents there was no proof that the so-called "Daguerreotype," a wooden sliding box camera produced by the Paris company Susse Freres in 1839, really existed. Discovered as part of an inheritance in Germany, the antique piece will allow photography enthusiasts rewrite history.

Peter Coeln, owner of Westlicht, is convinced of the camera's authenticity. "We showed images of the camera to leading experts in the field, who all confirmed its authenticity," he told DPA. "Also, the provenance is clear."

He admitted the story sounded improbable, but said he would not risk his company's reputation for a fake. "We know the ice is very thin in such cases," Coeln said.

Invented by French chemist Lois Daguerre, a daguerreotype is an early type of photograph. It produces a direct image on a polished silver surface that bears a coating of silver halide particles, deposited by iodine bromide or chlorine vapours. As there was no negative original like in modern photography, no copies of pictures could be made.

The process was widespread in Europe and the US for about one decade after its initial development before it was supplanted by different techniques.

The camera on auction in Vienna was first advertised for sale Sep 5, 1839, weeks before another Daguerreotype, produced by Daguerre's brother-in-law, Alphonse Giroux was commercially available. The Giroux Daguerreotype is widely regarded as the first commercially produced camera. Around 10 of those cameras still exist in museums worldwide.

Westlicht said the Vienna camera has never been restored. It is currently owned by a US-based scholar, who inherited it from his father, who taught technical photography at Munich University in Germany.

The starting bid for the camera is 100,000 euros ($132,900)—"a symbolic price," Coeln says.

The auction house expects it will fetch around 1 million euros, one of the highest prices ever for antique camera equipment, Westlicht said.

A Giroux Daguerreotype in a collection recently acquired by a photography museum in Qatar was estimated to be worth 1.5 million euros.

Paterson To Re-Launch ACU Chemical Line

2007-04-05T13:54:00.000-07:00

Paterson has re-launched its 'ACU' range of black & white chemistry thanks to public demand and a German manufacturer. 'After the closure of its contractor's UK manufacturing plant last year, Paterson has been inundated with calls from photographers concerned at the loss of their favourite chemistry,' explained a spokesman for Paterson Photographic which is based in Tipton, West Midlands.

He added: 'A new German contractor has now been appointed to mix the unique 'Geoffrey Crawley' formulations. This includes an improved version of Aculux which produces fine grain negatives for both conventional enlarging and scanning.' There are three types of developers - all available in 1 Liter bottles. They are the Aculux 3 (fine grain film developer); FX-39 (high definition film developer); and Acugrade print developer. The 'High Speed Fixer' will be available at an additional cost.

For details visit the Paterson Photographic website

Garry Winogrand Exhibit At The Phoenix Art Museum

2007-03-05T18:23:00.000-08:00

If in the Phoenix Metro area, visit the latest photography exhibit featured in the Norton Photography Gallery of the Phoenix Art Museum:

Garry Winogrand: Four Edges and the Facts
Norton Photography Gallery
Now through May 20, 2007
Photographer Garry Winogrand was one of the leading innovators in 20th century American photography. Like most photographers who took up the medium in the years following World War II, Winogrand initially worked in the commercial contexts of journalism and advertising. Around 1960, he set off on his own path, following his keen instinct for finding extraordinary pictures within ordinary life. His best photographs are both perfectly formed and utterly confusing. The 58 photographs in this exhibition, organized Phoenix Art Museum and the Center for Creative Photography from its collection, reveal Winogrand’s predilections for certain subjects – women, animals, and public spectacles – as well as his keen sense of the ridiculous, theatrical and mysterious aspects of modern life.

Phoenix Art Museum
McDowell Road & Central Avenue
1625 N. Central Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85004

Hours:
Tuesday, 10am to 9pm
Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm
Closed Mondays and major holidays

New Sammy Davis Jr. Photo Book

2007-02-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

Regan Books recently published “Photo by Sammy Davis Jr.” a 352 page hardcover collection of images taken by the ‘Brat Pack’ member beginning in the early 1950s. According to the book Jerry Lewis gave Davis a later model Ciro35 35mm rangefinder camera and the entertainer was “hooked.” The images in the book document Davis’ photos of friends, family, politicians and celebrities including fellow Brat Pack alumni Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra, as well as James Dean, Paul Newman and Marilyn Monroe. Images range from thoughtful compositions to quick snapshots. Available online or at most local book stores this is an interesting look behind the scenes during one of America’s most entertaining time periods.

Image provided by Amazon.

Fun With Toy Cameras

2007-02-15T08:52:00.000-08:00

As much as I like my new Sony Alpha 100 Digital SLR, or the wonderful Minolta Maxxum 7 film SLR, or even the classic Kodak Retina IIIc, there is something novel about using a twenty dollar, all-plastic (including the lens) camera like the Holga. Considered by many to be a toy camera, along with the classic Diana, and many single element vintage cameras such as the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye, Agfa Clack, Anscoflex, the Holga provides an artistic, silhouetted image that is unique to each individual camera. With a single shutter speed of around 1/100 and a single aperture of f8 the Holga makes medium format shooting quick and simple. I like to have one loaded with either BW or Color 120 film just sitting in my camera bag ready to be used whenever the bug hits me. For bright outside scenes ISO 100 is sufficient, if lower light situations are more common for your brand of shooting, I’d suggest using ISO 400 film.

Other even cheaper possibilities are the vintage Kodak Brownie Hawkeye, Agfa Clack or any number of Kodak, Ansco or Agfa box cameras. In fact the Kodak Brownie Hawkeye provides even sharper images than the Holga, in my opinion. I and many others also consider the popular Lubitel 166 line of TLR’s as toy cameras even though they feature a three-element glass lens. The body is plastic and let’s face it the lens is only sharpest (term used loosely) at f8 or f11. The Beacon 225 is another useable ‘toy’ camera with its Doublet lens and molded Bakelite body. Occasionally it’s just fun to turn your back on all of the switches, features, settings, bells and whistles of modern photographic equipment and succumb to the sublime simplicity of toy cameras. I’ve compiled a small gallery of toy camera images, and another great resource for this type of shooting is ToyCamera.com.

Mar. 23 - Bruce Davidson Lecture In Tucson, AZ

2007-02-15T06:18:00.000-08:00

Friday, March 23, 2007
5:30 p.m.

Bruce Davidson: Fifty Years of Photography
LECTURE:
Part chameleon, part artist, Bruce Davidson revels in being an outsider on the. At 73, he captures the reality of his subjects, from a traveling circus to a Brooklyn gang to the Civil Rights Movement. He will discuss his career, illustrating his talk with images that express the human condition in his unique and lyrical visual language. Sponsored by Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Center For Creative Photography
University of Arizona
1030 N. Olive Rd., Tucson, AZ

Feb. 16 - Alexander Cockburn Lecture In Tucson, AZ

2007-02-15T06:13:00.000-08:00

Friday , February 16, 2007
5:30 p.m.

Alexander Cockburn: When Marx stalked the darkroom: Populist photography in the American Century
LECTURE:
Cockburn coedits the political newsletter and website CounterPunch, and is a regular contributor to The Nation and the Village Voice. The 1930s to the 1960s marked America’s great years of populism in art and cultural propaganda, especially in photography. Cockburn will discuss the rise and fall of socialist realism, American style.

Center for Creative Photography
University of Arizona
1030 N. Olive Rd., Tucson, AZ

ASU School Of Art Photography Exhibits

2007-02-09T09:47:00.000-08:00

In an attempt to support local Phoenix photographers and photography students, below is a list of upcoming photography exhibits at the ASU School of Art Galleries.

Step Gallery
Location: Tempe Center, Suite 174, Southeast corner of Mill and University, Tempe, Arizona
Hours: Monday – Thursday 12pm-5pm, Friday 12pm-3pm

‘A Homing Device’
Trisha Holt
February 12-16
Artist’s reception: Monday, Feb. 12, 7-9pm
A collection of color photographic images exploring the themes of looking into spaces and also of the home and its iconic status in the artist’s life.

Gallery 100
Location: Tempe Center, Suite 199, Southeast corner of Mill and University, Tempe, Arizona
Hours: Monday-Thursday 12pm-5pm, Friday 12pm-3pm

Photography B.F.A. Group Exhibit
February 12-23
Reception: Monday, Feb. 12, 7-9 p.m.
Graduating seniors from the School of Art photography area showcase their work.

Harry Wood Gallery
Location: Room 120, Art Building, Tempe Campus
Hours: Monday-Thursday 9am – 5pm, Friday 9am-3pm

‘Assortment’
Paho Mann, M.F.A. photography
February 19-23
Artist’s reception: Monday, Feb. 19, 7-9pm

Ilford SFX 200 Film Returns In March

2007-02-06T13:05:00.000-08:00

Ilford announces 35mm and 120 roll film return. Below is the original release from Ilford.

COMING MARCH 2007!! ILFORD SFX 200 RETURNS. SFX 200 is a medium speed black and white camera film for creative photography. It has extended red sensitivity and is especially suited for use with a filter to create special effects. By using the ILFORD SFX filter skies can be rendered almost black and most green vegetation almost white. Its unusual tonal rendition ensures interesting results for a range of subjects, including portraits, landscapes, townscapes and architecture. This product is a MAKE ON DEMAND item where stock is produced approximately on an annual basis. LOOK OUT FOR SPECIAL 2007 PROMOTION PACKS - AVAILABLE WHILST STOCKS LAST

Ilford SFX 200 Fact Sheet.
Image provided by Ilford.

Bluefire Murano 160 Film Available Soon

2007-02-06T12:56:00.000-08:00

Bluefire Murano 160 (ISO 160) the first color 127 roll film to be manufactured in North America in years should be available by now from The Frugal Photographer at $6.99 per roll. Demand was so high that this Canadian-manufactured roll film has been out of stock for a couple of weeks. Bluefire Murano 160 is an alternative to the popular MACO or EFKE 127 roll films and produces a fine grain, is formulated for natural skin tones, and full tonal range. Processing options are found here. I’ll be ordering some to run through my Marvel, and Kodak Vest Pocket Model B. I’ve read that this film is actually cut from bulk rolls of Kodak Portra NC 160.

Festival Of The Photograph - Live Event

2007-02-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

“Three days of peace, love and photography” is the description provided by the Festival of the Photograph official website. This first time event is taking place June 7 to 9, 2007 in Charlottesville, Virginia. The festival is organized by National Geographic photographer Michael K. "Nick" Nichols. According to the website, Charlottesville’s historic downtown will be transformed into a living image with Exhibitions, Master Classes, Insight Conversations, Outdoor Screenings and Special Events. A full 3-day Festival Pass is $99, while VIP Premium Seating is $450, and a Student Pass is $50. Master Class instructors include David Alan Harvey, Maggie Steber, or Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb. Fees range from $100 to $400. This sounds like a very interesting and enjoyable photographic event and should be experienced if possible.

New Book: Scanning Negatives And Slides

2007-02-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

A new book, authored by Sascha Steinhoff, has been published by Rocky Nook, titled "Scanning Negatives and Slides: Digitizing Your Photographic Archives” and is available for pre-order at such online sites as Amazon or Barnes & Noble. MSRP is $44.95 for this informative 304 page volume, however online it can be found for around 30-35 dollars. Apparently it will be available on shelves and for shipping on February 28th.

From the Publisher
A large number of contemporary photographers have either moved into digital photography exclusively or use both analog and digital media in their work. In either case, there is most likely an archive of slides and negatives which cannot be directly integrated into the new digital workflow, nor can it be archived in a digital format. More and more, photographers are trying to bridge this gap using high-performance film scanners. How to achieve the best possible digital image from a negative or slide, and how to build a workflow to make this process efficient, repeatable and reliable, is the subject of this book. The author uses Nikon's film scanners throughout, but all steps can easily be followed using a different scanner. The most common software tools for scanning (SilverFast, VueScan, NikonScan) are not only covered extensively in the book, but are also provided on a CD along with other useful tools for image editing, as well as numerous sample scans.

Image provided by Amazon.

Ansel Adams (Prints) Visit The Phoenix Art Museum

2007-01-28T16:42:00.000-08:00

If procrastination was a virtue I would be the most righteous human-being on the planet. On November 11, 2006 the Phoenix Art Museum inaugurated its new Norton Photography Gallery with an exhibit titled “Modern by Nature: Ansel Adams in the 1930s”. It ends on February 4, 2007. After months of good intentions, I finally made it to the exhibit one week before it ends. This wonderful exhibit that begins a partnership between the Center for Creative Photography in Tucson, Arizona and the Phoenix Art Museum includes 62 images from Adams’ most prolific and diverse period of this 60-plus year career. Many of these images were in his own private collection that he printed to display for friends and close associates. I was surprised to discover that the largest images displayed in this collection were 8x10-inch prints. Many were as small as 3x4-inch prints. An Ansel Adams exhibit last year at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art contained some prints as large as eight feet tall. Those were amazing. So my only disappointment, if you can call it that, was the general size of the images presented in the Phoenix Art Museum exhibit. Don’t misunderstand, these prints are beautiful and truly the work of a master photographer, but they do lose some wonder when reduced to 3x4 inches.

Adams is now a photographic icon, and synonymous with Yosemite National Park, but this exhibit displays a wide range of subjects and techniques as he honed his craft. Yes, there are plenty of Yosemite images, that are glorious, but I was far more interested in the structural and abstract images presented. The ‘Barn, Cape Cod, 1937’ print, a gift to the collection from the heirs of Adams’ close friend and fellow photographer, Edward Weston, is an amazing exercise of tonal range. The pure white paneling of the barn in the center of the image, and picket fence in the foreground, set against the middle grey of the barn doors, nearby structures and the sky above compliment the black shadows throughout the image. A prime example of Adams’ command of this own Zone system early on in his career. A 5x7 image titled ‘Cedar Tree, 1938’ is a wonderful abstract example of Adams’ early treks into the Yosemite Valley as do many of the tree, roots, grass and snow images displayed. ‘Snow Sequence, 1930’ a set of three 8x10 prints is both dynamic and amazingly simple. Let’s face it, Ansel Adams is a genius because the man could make moss look interesting.

I was also impressed by the museum itself. This was the first time I had been there since its recent re-modeling. If in the Phoenix Metro area, I highly recommend taking a couple of hours to walk through the entire museum, more if you can spare them.
Images provided by The Ansel Adams Gallery.

Classic Camera Collection Konica C35 Update

2007-01-27T16:25:00.000-08:00

The Konica C35 classic camera collection profile has been updated with summary information and samples gallery. This is a fine little, fully automatic camera first produced in 1967. Several versions were produced and it makes for a nice point-and-shoot snapper. The shutter speed is limited so if the proprietary flash isn’t available use the common practice of choosing film speed for the appropriate conditions, such as ISO 100 film for daylight shooting and ISO 400 film for indoor shooting. These can be found for less than the price of a new CD.

MACO To Supply AGFA Photo Chemicals

2007-01-18T07:08:00.000-08:00

MACO Photo Products and A&O imaging solutions GmbH have agreed to a partnership for the sales and distribution of A&O’s range of B&W photo chemicals such as Rodinal, Sistan, Agefix and Neutol using the original AGFA formulas. International customers will have access to the famous AGFA quality B&W chemicals, B&W papers, and ROLLEI films through MACO. This co-operation started back in December of 2006 and the companies expect these products to be available this Spring. The rumor is that some of these products will come directly from the AGFA plant in Germany.

Further information from: Maco Photo Products, Brookstieg 4, 22145 Hamburg-Stapelfeld/Germany, phone 0049 40 / 23 70 08-88, fax 0049 40 / 23 70 08-488, E-mail: photo@mahn.net, or under: www.mahn.net

Ilford Film Challenge

2007-01-17T09:27:00.000-08:00

Ilford has announced that promotional boxes of Ilford Multigrade IV Deluxe Photographic paper include three free rolls of 36-exposure Ilford HP5 Plus film and an invitation to accept the ‘HP5 Plus Challenge.’ This runs until May 31, 2007 and allows anyone using Ilford HP5 Plus black and while film to compete for the chance to produce an image that will appear on the packaging for Ilford photographic paper along with a $1250 cash prize. A panel of judges will determine the winner, who is scheduled to be announced on June 30, 2007. So put aside that fancy new digital SLR and brush off the dust from those wonderful film SLRs sitting in closets and get shooting. Here are the specific details directly from Ilford. Associated image provided by Ilford.

No Frills Kodak Camera Info On The Cheap

2007-01-16T11:09:00.000-08:00

An inexpensive, no frills, quick reference guide for classic Kodak cameras is the “Collector's Guide to Kodak Cameras” by Joan McKeown and James McKeown. I highly recommend this paperback to anyone who collects Kodak cameras. It’s available for less than fifteen bucks online, and contains basic descriptions of each camera, black and white pictures, production dates, film type used, and the original price. Don’t pick this up if you want to know the current collector value of each camera, nor any in-depth information or detail about a specific camera. That is not the intention of this volume. Cameras are listed primarily by product line, such as Kodet Cameras, Brownie Cameras, Retina Cameras, along with some informative sections titled ‘Two New Films Which Didn’t Change The World’ and ‘The Birth of the Red Window’. It even covers Kodak’s short lived Instant Film products.

Classic Camera Collection Now Available!

2007-01-10T13:41:00.000-08:00

Finally it's done...well almost. www.twoliverphoto.com is now the home of the Classic Camera Collection that used to be found on www.ctzphoto.com. This is more of my personal hobby so I decided to separate it from the CTZ Photography site and include some images in the galleries that aren’t part of CTZ Photography. The cameras include a summary and description of the camera, cleaning and repair tips and purchasing suggestions. Many of the camera profiles include sample image galleries. I am still working on updating some of the newer summaries and sample galleries, so a few of the camera profiles have limited information until I can get these updated. At least one New Year’s resolution is done, now to work on the waistline…

A New Year Resolution

2007-01-05T06:59:00.000-08:00

It’s a new year, and hopefully soon there will be a new website. I have too many friggin’ cameras and keep changing my mind regarding how to present them on my sites. I’ve decided to split it off from our CTZ Photography site and maintain it as part of my own personal site, twoliverphoto.com. One of these days I’ll actually complete it and make it available. Those darn holidays just got in the way of progress, except for my waistline which is now progressing in size. New camera acquisitions that will be featured in the classic camera collection section are a Welmy Six W that I’ve given a complete CLR including new covering, an Olympus 35C rangefinder, and Zorki-C Ukranian-made rangefinder. Film is in them as I speak and samples will be provided by the time the site is available…at least that’s my plan. So my first New Year’s resolution is to get this baby back online. Five days in and 2007 is already exhausting! Now about the treadmill…

Alien Meet Alpha

2006-09-21T10:45:00.000-07:00

With the purchase of the Sony Alpha 100, I knew going in that it doesn’t have a PC sync terminal for studio flash connectivity like my Maxxum 7film camera. An adapter would be necessary to accomplish this. Trigger voltage is an issue with newer electronic cameras, but since I use AlienBees (B800 model specifically) which produce a sync / trigger voltage of less than 6V, these are safe to use with just a passive adapter. The Wein Safe-Sync adapter (around 50 bucks) just reduces all external flash trigger voltage from up to 400V down to 6V, so if you use strobes that already produce only 6V or less, you don’t need to spend that kind of coin for an adapter.

That being said, the official Minolta FS-1100 adapter is passive and doesn’t feature a PC sync connection; so I came across this generic passive hot shoe adapter on the ‘Bay and decided “Why Not?.” Actually I went online and did some research on this adapter before saying “Why Not?”. GadgetInfinity out of Hong Kong is the company I purchased this product from, although I have seen others supply it. I’ll give them a plug for having a reasonable price, quick shipping and good communication.

This adapter works fine with my Sony Alpha as long as the flash mode is set to ‘Fill-Flash’. It fires my AlienBees perfectly, and not that I will ever need to, but it does allow me to use the older Maxxum 2800AF flash with its standard shoe connection. Be careful what standard hot shoe flash you use. If it’s fairly old, it may have very high trigger voltage which could damage the camera using a passive adapter like this. Always discover the trigger voltage of any on-camera flash or studio strobe you intend to use with any newer electronic camera. Like sucks when a $20 EBay flash damages a new $1000 digital camera.

Steady As She Goes

2006-09-20T14:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, my lack of patience got the better of me and I purchased the new Sony Alpha 100 DSLR. No buyer's remorse here however. I like the camera so far, great image quality, function control is better than I expected, anti-shake works very well; and even if Sony announces a 7D-like model tomorrow I won't regret it...much. I've got some youth sports event shooting to do this weekend so the Alpha will get its first field test.

So far the initial test shooting around the house has been positive. I was impressed with the level of detail the kit lens and CCD sensor capture. In the first posted image using the Macro mode setting, you can clearly see a small strand of spider web between the ear and head of this small action figure. I didn't even notice the web while shooting. Lighting was accomplished with an off-camera Promaster flash pointed up to bounce off of the ceiling. The highlights are blown out on this specific image, however the detail (including the web) is wonderful. The second image turned out much better overall. I was also able to handhold another non-flash shot at 1/6 of a second with acceptable sharpness at f3.5, amazing.

Alpha Test

2006-09-19T09:05:00.000-07:00

I tend to reduce my shooting during the summer, 110 degrees will do that to you. Melted film can ruin anyone's day. With the mercury finally declining I decided to make the leap and acquire my first DSLR. In my camera bag, next to the Maxxum 7 body now sits a brand new Sony Alpha 100! So far I'm really enjoying this camera, although it is closer to a Maxxum 5D than the prosumer Maxxum 7D or 7 film camera, it is well constructed and has enough features to satisfy. The kit lens performs well and was given high marks by Popphoto.com. It is essentially a rebranded KM 18-70mm 3.5-5.6 lens (film equivalent 28-105mm). After familarizing myself with the buttons, knobs and menus, I attached a Promaster flash and started shooting around the house.

The kids are always the first victims and after rolling their eyes that daddy wants to take their picture yet again, they finally sat still long enough for me to fire off some test shots. The best part about digital is the instant feedback. There is nothing better than seeing the image right away and being able to immediately adjust settings to improve the picture.

Pop Photo Magazine Field Tests The Alpha 100

2006-06-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Being a long-time Minolta user I was saddened when the news came out that Konica Minolta was throwing in the towel in regard to its photography interests. In my opinion there was no better bang for the buck than Minolta photo gear. The price to quality ratio was always a factor for a budget conscious photographer like myself. Nikon and Canon, although the industry leaders were just out of my price range and Minolta equipment was my salvation. I still think the Maxxum 7 is one of the best film SLRs ever produced in regards to price, quality, ease-of-use, and just plain fun to shoot with. So I’ve been waiting anxiously for Sony, who acquired Konica Minolta’s photography business to release it’s first digital SLR so I can finally make the plunge into digital (beyond my little Canon A-75 digital shooter.)

Sony announced recently that the Alpha 100 DSLR will be available sometime in late July, early August and several pre-release reviews have been posted on the internet as mentioned in my earlier post. Popular Photography and Imaging magazine has also just posted a pre-release field test. John Owens put the Alpha 100 through the test a couple of weeks ago on a two-day Alaskan trip put together by Sony to allow the press to evaluate the camera. That Alpha 100 field test from Pop Photo can be viewed here. I just wish the camera had a pc connector. I’ve never understood why new cameras, even entry level models don’t have a pc connector. How expensive can it be to add this convenient and sometimes necessary feature. The Konica C35 rangefinder, that I recently picked up for ten dollars at an antique store, has a pc connector and hotshoe for flash. The Konica wasn’t a premier camera when new, yet it sports this feature. For this reason alone I may wait for a semi-pro or professional model of the Alpha, if Sony plans to release one. I would assume they will. It looks like Sony’s initial foray into the digital SLR category is a winner, and it will be very hard for me to not purchase this camera, even though it is missing a couple of features I would prefer to have. I’m not a patient man, just ask my wife and kids!

An Alien In The House

2006-06-14T11:29:00.000-07:00

Now that I have moved into my new house, I finally have an office/studio that can accommodate an actual studio lighting system. After much research and internal debate I chose the B800 kit from AlienBees. I wanted a system that would provide ample lighting for my limited budget. The B800 hit the target perfectly. Since this was my first foray into professional lighting, I wanted to start with a single light with the possibility to expand later. I don’t foresee doing any location shooting with this unit, but if that does come up the handy travel case that came with the kit will do the trick. The unit itself seems durable enough to handle mobile situations. With 320 true wattseconds and 800 effective wattseconds, controlled over a 5 f-stop range from full power to 1/32, the B800 gives me plenty of light for my needs. In fact my 15x14 room requires little more than half power for most situations at f8. The only thing I decided to change when I received the B800 kit was to replace the 100 watt modeling light, with a 150 watt light (max). Otherwise this baby was ready to go right out of the box. Once on the tripod I attached the 32” Brolly Box that I ordered with the kit, connected the 15-foot sync cord to my Minolta Maxxum 7, and got started.

Since I only have the single light I use a 48” collapsible reflector for fill. I configured a contraption for hanging interchangeable backgrounds and have just enough room to effectively use a 100mm lens for portraits. Using a Sekonic L-358 meter with the B800 is effortless and I was metering and test shooting in my little make-shift home studio the same evening the AlienBees light kit arrived on my doorstep. So far I’m happy with the results and can’t praise these lights enough. The fast recycle time and stepless power control allow for quick alterations. There will always be someone who has different opinions and experiences, but at this juncture, for my budget (or lack there of) the lights provided by AlienBees satisfy my needs.

Digital Revolution For An Analog Photographer

2006-06-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

When it comes to photography I guess I’m an analog guy. I like film. I enjoy working in the darkroom, and get a rush every time the image appears on a piece of 8x10 photo paper after two minutes in Kodak Dektol (my preferred print developer). But after buying a Canon A75 point and shoot last year for family snapshots, quick picks and web photos of my camera collection; I’ve found myself hooked to the instant gratification digital photography provides. With the recent announcement of the Sony Alpha 100 DSLR, I can look forward to using my plethora of Minolta lenses on a quality digital single lens reflex. Although I’ll probably wait to see if Sony introduces a semi-pro or pro version of the Alpha, which I’m sure is likely. As an entry-level, midrange digital SLR the Alpha 100 looks like one helluva bargain for Maxxum users like myself who didn’t jump on the 6MP Maxxum 7D/5D bandwagon. I’m glad I waited. I just hope I don’t ignore my Maxxum 7 after taking the DSLR plunge, because I thoroughly enjoy using it. Here are some recent reviews of the new Sony Alpha 100 DSLR prior to its expected release in late July ’06.

Popular Photography – Sony Alpha 100 Review
Steve’s Digicams – Sony Alpha 100 Review
DPReview – Sonly Alpha 100 Review

When it comes to music however, I converted to digital early on. In fact I still have some CD’s from 1986 that I still listen to. That was ten bucks well spent. Now that digital music is experiencing a new revolution with the introduction of the Apple IPod and other MP3 players, like the Creative ZEN Nano Plus (I plug it ‘cause I own one and think it’s great) this new technology is an amazing source for photographic information. Podcasts, which are short audio clips usually in .mp3 format, can be found all over the internet on a variety of subjects. Several photography themed Podcasts provide quick tips and instructions for applying techniques, or reviews of new equipment. If you have an MP3 player of any kind and have not taken advantage of this ‘FREE’ resource you have nothing to lose by trying it. These are downloaded to your MP3 player just like music files, or can be played directly on your computer. File size depends on the length of the cast. Below are some websites that have several Podcasts that I have found informative and entertaining.

New York Institute of Photography
Studiolighting.net
PhotoshopTV (provides audio and video files)
Popular Photography & Imaging

New 8-Megapixel Imaging Chip From Micron

2006-05-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

The idea of shooting up to 10 frames per second at a resolution of 8-megapixels or 30 frames per second at a 2-megapixel resolution using a consumer grade digital camera is an inviting prospect from Micron. Here is an article regarding Micron's recent announcement of a new sensor that can achieve these results. This could greatly increase the capability of 150-300 dollar digital point-and-shoot camera models. Even though I love film, the digital photo world just keeps getting better and better. I'm still waiting for the new Sony Alpha DSLR (Minolta Maxxum mount support) with baited breath.

Konica C35 Comes Home

2006-03-30T08:23:00.000-08:00

Once in a while I come across a surprise find when searching the aisles of local antique stores. Usually the prices are laughable, like forty dollars for an old Ansco Shur-Flash box camera in questionable condition. These can be found for five to ten bucks on EBay plus shipping, so when I see these price tags I always roll my eyes and laugh. Recently I found a little gem on a shelf hidden behind some old Polaroid Land cameras. This Konica C35 caught my eye as it is small and sleek, not much bigger than my Canon A75 digital camera. Introduced in 1967, it features an automatic Copal shutter with a speed range of 1/30 to 1/650 of a second plus Bulb for long exposures. The 38mm Hexanon lens is apparently of a four element design and opens up to f2.8. Focus is from 3.3ft to infinity and supports external flash with a built-in hot shoe and PC socket. It still had a battery with some life left in it, and upon testing seemed to work just fine. The tag read 10 bucks which meant I found a new addition to my ever growing collection.

A couple of years ago I attended some photography classes at a local community college and at one point the class began using the studio lights in the classroom. It was a surprise to the instructor that most of the students didn’t have cameras with PC connectors. Most had brand new SLR’s from Nikon, Canon, Pentax, etc., but these cameras, including my Minolta Maxxum 5 don’t include this feature. Luckily I had brought my trusty Minolta Maxxum 9000 that day, so I was one of the few who could actually plug their camera directly into the light system. I assume it is a financial issue which causes most camera manufacturers to not include this in their beginner and amateur SLR camera models, but can it really cost that much to add a PC connector? All the more reason why I find it humorous that this ten dollar compact Konica C35 from an antique store shelf can plug into my home studio light system, while a two hundred dollar (at the time) Maxxum 5, or similar SLR can’t.

Since the camera is automatic, no manual controls for shutter and aperture settings, I set the focus for six feet, loaded a roll of Fuji Superia Xtra (ISO 400) and handed it to my five year old son when I got home. After informing him his pictures will be blurry if he takes shots while jumping on his trampoline, a few of his shots actually came out (when he wasn't bouncing - see the dog shot.) I like this little camera. It’s handy for quick grab shots and small enough to put in a jacket pocket or my daughter’s diaper bag when we go out as a family.

America Made TLR's Too!

2006-02-28T11:59:00.000-08:00

Since we've had something like 130 days of no rain here in the Valley of the Sun Stroke, I recently had some time to drive over to Superior, Arizona. Superior is a sleepy town east of Mesa, with a long history in Mining. I took this opportunity to use my Ciroflex, an American Classic twin lens reflex. The Ciroflex is one of the few higher-end TLRs produced in the U.S.A., and had only a short production life from 1948 to 1951 before Graflex purchased the Ciro Camera Company and re-branded the Ciroflex (Model F) as the ‘Graflex 22’. The Model F, last in the line of Ciroflexes, is the one to own as it was the only model featuring a coated, four-element lens produced by Wollensak.

I slapped some Fuji Superia 120 roll film (ISO 100) into this little beauty and started shooting when I came across a small park that was home to a grand old, red caboose and other railroad related items. Notice there are no clouds in that beautiful blue Arizona Sky! This Ciroflex model has a nice range of shutter speeds from 1 second to 1/400 with both ‘B’ and ‘T’ settings for long exposures from its Rapax leaf shutter. As with most lenses of this era f8 and f11 provide the best results, in my opinon. F3.2 – f22 is the full range of the 83mm Raptar lens. I highly recommend this camera if you’re looking to get into a medium format TLR for less than forty bucks on EBay. The Ciroflex (Model F) is an underrated post-war classic that's perfect for those sunny Saturday afternoons.

Is that a lawsuit in the frame?

2006-02-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

Even though it seems movies and television shows these days have product placement in every scene, photographers may now have to take greater care with what is within the frame when shooting. Interesting observation.

Pleased to meet the 45mm MD Rokkor-X

2006-02-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

I'm impressed with the Minolta 45mm Rokkor-X f2 lens that came with a recently acquired XD-11. My previous post covered the external face lift I gave the camera, and I have finally got around to developing the test roll I initially ran through it. Fuji Superia XTRA has become my standard color 35mm film for tests and general use. It's inexpensive, yields wonderful results and the ISO 400 speed gives me the ability to utilize it in my small home studio as well as outdoors. These samples were taken inside using Manual Mode on the camera. Lighting was provided by a B800 Alien Bee strobe with a 48in white umbrella. Exposure determined using a Sekonic L-358. I don't remember what the reading was, although it's written down somewhere, probably f5.6 or f8 @1/60. The XD-11 has a flash sync peak of 1/100, but I generally use 1/60. The second shot was probably taken at f4. Again, these are quick test shots so I didn' t bother to use a second light source or reflector for these indoor images.

When using the metered Aperture and Shutter Priority modes it seems the camera is around one to two stops under exposed. This is fairly typical of cameras of this vintage. The 45mm MD lens itself, commonly referred to as a 'pancake' lens, provides a nice perspective, and I've read many Minolta users prefer the 45mm to the 50mm focal length. Not much is lost going from f1.7 on the standard 50mm Minolta lens to f2 on this 45mm. I don't do a lot of low light shooting and rarely use my lenses wide open, so I'm more concerned with the smaller apertures. This lens stops down to f22. It features the common 49mm filter size for this era of lens. Since it can be picked up at very affordable prices (less than fifty bucks) on EBay I highly suggest getting one if you don't already have it, and want to play with an additional 'normal' focal length.

Out with the old, In with the new!

2006-02-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

Minolta teamed up with Leica and released the XD-11 in 1977, which would also become the Leica R4. Even though the camera itself was a technical marvel, featuring metered Manual, Aperture and Shutter-Priority modes, the beautiful soft leather covering chosen for the first few production runs would eventually prove to be a problem. Apparently it didn’t take long for shrinkage of the leather to occur and it would peel back from the edges exposing the metal camera body underneath. The camera I received from the ‘Bay’ this Christmas was no exception. Although mechanically sound, the leatherette reminded my of shrinky-dinks, a popular children’s item from the same era, as every edge had pulled back away from the camera as though it had been baked in an oven.

This made the XD-11 a perfect candidate for new leatherette from cameraleather.com. I picked out their seal grain red, however if you’re a traditionalist, they do offer a close replica of the original soft, black leather covering. It is a damn shame that the original covering shrinks so bad with age, as it is a welcome change from the standard thin leatherette on most classic SLR cameras.

Removing the old covering was surprisingly simple. On many other cameras including the Autocord, I usually have to scrape off the old stuff, which can be quite messy. But on the XD-11 the old covering just peeled right off with very little adhesive residue, which resembled rubber cement, to remove with nail polish remover. The leatherette kit for the XD-11 from cameraleather.com is a simple three piece set, but fits perfectly and looks fantastic. I love how easy the pieces are applied. It only takes a few minutes to complete. One day when I feel like spending a little more I may try one of their snake skin or lizard skin options. I’ve got some classic Russian rangefinders that would look bad-ass with scales! Images from both of these cameras, the XD-11 and Autocord will be posted as soon as I have them developed. Additional information regarding both of these cameras will also be available from my website in the near future.

Autocord Face Lift

2006-02-13T09:10:00.000-08:00

I’ve read many good things about cameraleather.com on several photography forums, but never bothered to try them…until now. Over the Christmas holiday I acquired two wonderful pieces of Minolta history; the XD-11 and Autocord. The Autocord is a high quality, and often overlooked, Twin Lens Reflex produced between 1955 and 1966. Apparently twenty-four different models were available. This particular model is simply referenced as the Autocord ‘Export.’ Introduced in 1958 it features a Seikosha MX shutter, 1-1/500 sec., and the standard 75mm Chiyoko Rokkor lens. Although it arrived in mechanically sound order, the exterior had seen better days. Of course as long as the lens is clean, and the shutter fires correctly, the exterior of a camera has no affect on picture quality. But a wonderful classic shooter like the Autocord deserves better than peeling and faded leatherette. This is a beautifully styled camera and I wanted it to look as good as the pictures it takes. So a few clicks on www.cameraleather.com provided a solution at a very affordable price. I chose the seal grain blue leatherette for the Autocord and couldn’t be happier with the results.

Cameraleather.com makes ordering and payment easy using Paypal. They have a few different options for the Autocord, depending on the model you have. The Autocord Export doesn’t have the built-in meter, so additional holes were not needed. I included the necessary camera information with the order and in less than two weeks received the leatherette kits for both the Autocord and XD-11. The XD-11 is profiled in another post. The pre-cut, self-adhesive leatherette comes on a kind of wax paper and is very easy to work with.

Most of the old leatherette came off fairly easily as it was already decaying. However the back and bottom of the camera required some scraping, and nail polish remover is perfect for removing the original adhesive residue. Once the body was stripped, applying the cameraleather.com kit pieces was a snap. Simply pull the desired piece off the backing paper, line it up on the camera and apply it. Press down firmly once in place and you’re done. All of the pieces fit precisely and within fifteen to twenty minutes the Autocord looked brand new. I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.

The seal grain blue is a great choice for any camera, as is the seal grain red which I chose for the XD-11. I’m now hooked and will be ordering more kits from cameraleather.com. For me, it increases the pride I already experience when out and about shooting with these classic cameras. Like a new paint job on a classic muscle car, it may not improve the ride but you look damn good behind the wheel. I highly recommend cameraleather.com if you want to breath new life into that old shooter.

From Russia to Phoenix: Brief history of Kardon

2006-02-03T11:54:00.000-08:00

Ritz Collectibles is a great local camera shop here in Phoenix, Arizona, where I’ve spent many hours and dollars. The owner Sandy Ritz provides a wide selection of classic cameras, lenses, accessories and repair services. In a recent posting on Shutterbug.com Mr. Ritz provides a wonderful, albeit capsulated look back at a mostly unknown historical camera and its creator Peter Kardon. It is also a cautionary tale of what to expect when partnering with the U.S. military. I doubt much has changed over the last sixty years in that regard. There is information at the end of the article referencing a book that expands on the Kardon history, and contact information for Ritz Collectibles.

Digital takes no prisoners...

2006-01-19T06:54:00.000-08:00

I forgot to mention in the previous post that Nikon also has recently announced it will no longer produce film cameras, other than the FM10 (through Cosina) and the F6. Opting for a nearly digital-only arsenal, Nikon’s move was definitely the precursor for things to come; and now with the death of Konica Minolta’s photo divisions, modern options for 35mm film users are getting thin. I for one will fight ‘til the bitter end when they pry the Maxxum 7 (and as many classic cameras that I can carry) out of my cold, dead hands.

Digital killed the photo star!

2006-01-19T06:18:00.000-08:00

“Dammit!” Konica Minolta has announced the withdrawal plan for its camera business and photo business. Today’s revelation marks the end of over one hundred years in the photo business for this once great company. I’m a Minolta guy, proud and loyal. In regards to a quality for the cost ratio, Minolta SLR cameras can’t be beat. The Maxxum 5 and 7 are perfect examples of ‘more bang for the buck’, but digital imaging is picking off film related divisions one by one. Kodak recently announced it’s out of the black and white photo paper business, and Polaroid is discontinuing several films, but I believe this is the first big photo company to completely throw in the towel. I can’t think of a film SLR that has more features than the Maxxum 7, for the price. Of course opinions vary, but budget-minded shooters love Minolta. Because the Maxxum 7D has the Anti-shake technology built into the camera, all current Maxxum lens can be used to take advantage of stabilization. Not so with Canon, who built the technology into the lens, making lens prices two to three times that of Maxxum-mount lenses. We can argue the finer points of Canon DSLRs vs. Minolta DSLRs, with the main issue being Minolta only has two; the 5D and 7D. I’m the first to admit Canon has the bigger arsenal when it comes to camera bodies and lenses, both in film and digital, but I always find myself rooting for the underdog, which may be another reason I like Minolta products. This is a photo company that has made many historical innovations within the camera world, the Maxxum and XD series being fine examples, but they never quite reached the level of Nikon and Canon.

Although I’m sure the suggested Sony product will be good, (the new Sony Cyber-Shot R1 10.3mp is getting excellent reviews) I’ll miss the Minolta logo on the front. I haven’t made the leap to a DSLR yet, mainly because the 7D was only 6mp and I’m too cheap to drop a thousand bucks on a camera. Hey, I love photography and have earned some nice money for my services, but my slightly-used Maxxum 7 (that I picked up for a song) keeps the overhead fairly low. Depending on what the Sony/Maxxum DSLR (that they claim is coming) offers I will probably have to make the plunge soon. If it’s not a Sony/Minolta product I’d lean toward Canon for the sheer vastness of their product lines. With heavy heart and bowed head, I say ‘Minolta we will miss you.’

Another one bites the dust!

2006-01-18T13:41:00.000-08:00

Polaroid has announced that they will discontinue its 665 instant film within the first six months of 2006, due to production limitations. This is a high quality, 3 ¼ x 4 ¼ inch, black and white, peel apart film that produces a usable negative along with positive print. I’ve used this film with Polaroid 340 and 360 Automatic Land cameras, achieving pleasant results. Recently the fate of Time-Zero film was sealed with a similar announcement. No more emulsion manipulation using the classic SX-70 instant cameras, and now no more Polaroid negatives, as 665 will be sharing the same fate. For the time being 55 film has dodged the bullet; this is used for 4x5 inch instant usage.

Don’t shelve those old land cameras just yet, 664 and 672, two great, peel apart, black and white instant films are also still available. Hopefully 669, color print peel apart film won’t be on the chopping block in the near future. I’ve had some 665 waiting patiently in my fridge for several months, this news gives me the inclination to slap some in the 360 Automatic Land camera and do some shooting. I quite enjoy the looks I get from passers-by when I’ve got this huge photographic throw-back held up to my eye. Plus these classic instant cameras are very common finds at yard sales and swap meets for next to nothing. While the film still exists, I highly recommend picking up any old Polaroid that accepts this peel apart film and experiment. In fact the cameras themselves are cheaper than the film used in them, as well as the batteries often needed. The 340, which has a glass lens, many of these cameras have plastic lenses, requires a 4.5v battery (hard to find) which will set you back up to 7-14 dollars. These aren’t the most practical cameras to use but they sure are fun. Check out The Land List site for more information regarding most instant cameras from Polaroid.

New Year Bargin

2006-01-06T21:36:00.000-08:00

EBay can be a camera collector’s worst nightmare, or a place where dreams can come true. Fortunately this time around it was closer to the latter (maybe.) While scanning the Minolta auctions recently I came across an XD-11 listing. This 35mm single lens reflex has been described as one of the best manual focus SLR cameras made by Minolta. It was developed in association with Leica (another camera brand I’ll probably never be able to afford), for their ‘R’ series of Leica SLR cameras. Introduced in 1977, the XD-11 (XD-7 outside of the USA), features TTL metered Manual, Aperture and Shutter Priority modes. Shutter speeds from one second to 1/1000 plus Bulb, and will even function without a battery at 1/100 when set to ‘O’ on the speed dial. It has a faster X-sync than the popular X-700 camera, 1/100 versus 1/60 for the X-700, and even a separate exposure compensation dial with a range from -2 to +2. All-in-all a great camera from the 70’s and this auction caught my eye due to the current low bid. There were only a couple of hours to go, and the seller described the camera as functional but with some possible exposure issues. The Minolta f/2 45mm MD Rokkor-X lens attached to the body was apparently in perfect condition as well. So I bid. What the hell, it was late, I didn’t expect to win it and I went to bed after submitting a maximum bid amount. To my surprise the next morning I had won this classic SLR for about twenty bucks. Yeah, 20 bucks!? A great deal for just the lens let alone a camera too. It’s a good thing the XD-11 has a tough metal chassis. Upon receipt of the camera it is obvious this baby has been dropped at least once. Even small dents can mean trouble. A portion of the plastic around the eye piece is broken, but the viewfinder is still bright, albeit slightly dusty. The lens is perfect, and since it will fit all of my other MD mount manual Minoltas, I’m not out anything if the camera won’t function properly. The original soft leatherette is pealing back due to shrinkage, which I later read is a common issue with early models. Again, www.cameraleather.com will solve that problem. After closer inspection the camera does seem to function accurately. Of course I won’t know for sure until the first fateful roll of Agfa APX 100. If she works it will be proof that Minolta built cameras to take a beating and still perform well. There is a great repair shop here in Phoenix called Ritz Collectibles (www.ritzcam.com) that may be able to work some magic if I discover this XD-11 has been abused beyond use. If possible; results coming soon.

Visions of Minolta dancing in my head…

2006-01-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

Two classic Minolta cameras made their way to me this holiday season. Something I’ve wanted for quite a while is an Autocord. I’ve read this underrated and often overlooked Twin Lens Reflex can hold its own against the other classic TLRs of that era. It’s always Rollei this and Rollei that from classic camera users, but hey, I’m a Minolta guy. I’m also a working stiff, so although Nikon, Canon, and Rollei products are in my sites, my wallet and the dark, gaping chasm within it, prevents me from owning any of these ‘signature’ cameras. When I can pick up two to four cameras (sometimes even more) for the price of a single Rolleiflex or Nikon rangefinder, it’s hard for me to justify the purchase of either. OK, I admit it, I’m Cheap! Minolta has always produced high quality products at affordable prices. The Autocord is no exception, and who knows, one day I may bite the bullet and join the ranks of Rollei owners. Of the 24 models of Minolta 6x6 TLRs this model of the Autocord was produced in 1958 and is referred to as simply the ‘Autocord (Export).’ It’s essentially an Autocord LMX without a built in selenium meter. The Seikosha-MX leaf shutter is still snappy, although the slower speeds need some TLC. It has a nice speed range of one second to 1/500 plus Bulb for long exposures. The f/3.5 75mm Chiyoko Rokkor lens is clean and I’m looking forward to discovering what this lens can produce. Overall the camera seems to function correctly, but the leatherette is history. It’s all but gone on one side and crumbling everywhere else. This gives me a great excuse to utilize www.cameraleather.com a resource I have visited many times but have not yet patronized. Also the Autocord has a PC connector and X-flash sync so I’m excited about testing it in the studio with my B800 Alien Bee flash unit. I may even do some side-by-side testing with another ‘non-Rollei’ TLR, the Ikoflex Ib from Zeiss Ikon. Fun to be had…results coming soon.

New Year Gear!

2006-01-06T21:30:00.000-08:00

The camera elves were kind to me this holiday season. Three new additions to the camera collection have arrived and I’m itching to clean them up and give them some deserved attention. I’ll give a quick profile for each one here, however, more in-depth information can be found on my website (once I finish the site’s facelift – hopefully soon.) I don’t have any image samples at this time from the cameras, as they have only recently arrived on my doorstep. The first camera I received this holiday season was the Ansco Super Regent, also known as the Agfa Super Solinette. Although dusty, as most EBay samples are, it seems to be functioning normally upon initial inspection. One of my favorite classic 35mm cameras is the Kodak Retina IIIc, and the Ansco Super Regent is obviously Agfa/Ansco’s attempt to compete. Both cameras were introduced in 1954, and both produced by German companies. Nagel produced the German-made cameras for Eastman Kodak, while Agfa Camera Werk in Müchen engineered this camera. Both cameras are 35mm folders with a coupled rangefinder, however the Retina IIIc opens to the side, while the Super Regent opens down. Both feature a Synchro Compur leaf shutter with speeds from 1 second to 1/500 plus a Bulb setting for long exposures. Both have flash sync and feature a quality 50mm lens. Although I doubt the f/3.5 tessar-type Solinar on the Super Regent will impress me as much as the first class f/2 Schneider-Kreuznach Retina-Xenon. I still expect good things from the 4-element Solinar. The Super Regent lacks the built-in Selenium meter of the Retina IIIc, but since the meter on my Retina IIIc is dead (a common drawback to using a 50 year old camera) I won’t miss not having one on the Super Regent. Focusing on the Super Regent is a little tough, as the dial is very close to the camera body. It’s just a knurled ring and doesn’t have an easy-to-use lever like the Retina IIIc. Luckily the rangefinder on this little gem seems to be calibrated correctly (I’ll find out soon enough), and adjusting it seems to be easy, if necessary. The Super Regent does not have a self-cocking shutter so you will have to remember to cock the shutter using the lever on the lens barrel prior to making an exposure. The Ansco Super Regent is an affordable, quality alternative to the more expensive Kodak Retina IIIc, which I’m sure was Agfa/Ansco’s original intention. Now to put some film in this baby and put it to good use…

Welcome!

2005-10-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the BadMojo Photo blog where I share distorted pieces of myself and the things that interest me. Isn't technology great that the random musings of a babbling idiot can be posted on the internet for all to see – Glorious!

The primary function of this blog is to share information regarding Photography and the collecting and using of classic cameras of all kinds. I currently have a sizable ‘poor man’s’ collection of great old users that take up more space than my wife prefers, but if we men can’t annoy our wives at some level where’s the fun of being married? If a camera doesn’t work it generally doesn’t stay around for very long. Photographs are for viewing, cameras are for using!

One aspect of collecting these old soldiers is that they are still usable and provide tangible results, even if the quality of the images taken varies. A great photograph is a great photograph regardless of the equipment used to acquire the image, but sometimes it’s just plain fun to load film in an eighty year old camera and hit the streets. I get the same buzz from driving my 1970 Chevrolet Impala two-door.

This blog is in its infancy so patience is best practiced here…