rosemaryh

<p>Hi, has anyone tried the Plustek OpticFilm 135? I am checking because I would like to scan panoramic images (Xpan/Widelux) and it does have an adapter for this which I have found out can be purchased over the phone from Plustek. However I can't find much information about it online. I realize it doesn't have ICE but I usually take out dust in Photoshop these days anyway. Any experiences? Thanks</p>

<p>Bumping up the thread...<br> I've come to really enjoy my Contax TVS. It's tiny and very portable, takes filters and has its own tiny lens shade, and I've gotten some nice results with it. I took it as one of my cameras on a recent trip to Newfoundland, and just have a question (sorry if it's dumb)...I used some Ilford 400 speed film with a yellow filter, was I correct to put the exposure compensation at plus one? The camera doesn't meter through the filter.</p>

<p>I agree, why not try it out anyway Kristjan, I didn't mean to discourage you, it's just that I can remember certain trips I've taken with only one camera and the photos didn't come out so well - so why not take both, maybe you will get great photos of your grandmother with both cameras. <br> I can't tell you too much else about the Ricoh though I have a Minolta Autocord that also has an EV setting and selenium meter but can be set without them.<br> But good luck, I hope you get great photos of your grandmother's birthday!</p>

<p>I have this camera also, I bought it a few years ago but as far as I can tell my selenium meter is totally dead. The design of this camera is really unfortunate because mine looks good, and the apertures and shutter all respond, but it appears it can only take photos at 1/30 (under the flash setting) and B. Without a working meter there seems to be nothing else you can do. You can move it to the flash setting by pressing the little button on the bottom in the middle and shifting the right hand dial to the flash symbol; same with the B. I've tried to test the shutter speeds when I move the EV dial but it appears they are all at about 1/30. I haven't actually put film in it yet though I'm thinking of putting some infrared in it and using it on the B setting, since the apertures do respond manually at B or flash.<br /> <br />If you want to take family photos with the camera before seeing the results perhaps you should bring a second camera as a backup? I've found in the past that it's a good idea with "new" cameras on important occasions.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the replies! I did finally get the camera to close again after a lot of effort. Today I got a new battery for it, loaded the film and had the problem again. I did clean off the inside with a microfiber cloth first, though there's very little sign of any dirt. It may be partly that the film I loaded was slightly curved. Anyway, I pushed hard, it finally closed and loaded when I set it to auto. It may need a little exercise, who knows. Interesting idea about leaving it unlatched when not used. I'll try to take it out tomorrow, it finally snowed in New York City today but I don't know if there will be a weather related reason to go out tomorrow. However, I'll see how it works anyway. I used my Nikon L35AF instead with a UV filter and lens hood today, so at least that one had a little protection from the elements.<br> Nice photo Glen! </p>

<p>Has anyone had a problem with their Canon WP-1 back not closing? I just bought a very clean one on Ebay, it looks barely used. However, the battery appears dead and I haven't gotten another one yet. I tried to put the film in, finally removed it, and now the camera back won't close. The rings around the inside look totally clean as does the rest of the camera. Not sure what to do unless the latch is somehow caught? (I also tried opening the battery chamber which was suggested in the manual, but it made no difference) thanks</p>

<p>Hi, bumping this up...<br> <br />I have just gotten an XPan 1 body from one store and a beautiful 90mm f4 lens from another, I have loaded it and it just looks lovely. I can't wait to try it out, tomorrow I hope. My question is, is it very hard at this point to find the 45mm lens separately? I see a few on Ebay but they are far out numbered by the 90s and the expensive (!) 30mm. I want to be sure it's in good condition so I guess I can wait but are they few and far between?</p>