So, what photographic gear are you rewarding yourself with this holiday season?

<p>I am making the presumption, that, like me, you trust no one else to decide what to get you, regarding photo gear.</p>

<p>This season, I treated my self to a LN- N90s with a MF-28 data back. Somehow, the N90s had been flying under my radar, as I assumed it was one of those plasticky models Nikon was dabbling in the late 80s and early 90s. What a surprise, and what capabilities the data back adds, if I can ever learn to use it. The whole kit comprised the camera, the data back, the original non-data back, all of the original manuals, and receipts, and a Magic Lanterns book on the system, all for $99. I like the fact that it will be a challenge to learn the new system, and was surprised to learn that it had a faster AF system than the Nikon F4s. Shutter speeds from 30 sec to 1/8000. Illuminated viewfinder, unlike my Nikon F3HP (I know, I know, that little red button is useless.) Compact, but not a lightweight. What's not to like?</p>

<p>I will assume that when using manual focus lenses, the N90s is at least welcome as a fringe visitor to this forum, as is the Canon F-1New. But I also bought the camera with an AF Nikon 50mm f/1.4. Much better contruction than the F/1.8 and a few test shots mounted on my D90 showed it to be tack sharp.</p>

<p>Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Joyeux Noel, Lang may your lum reek, to all.</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Photo of N90s</p><div></div>

<p>Pentax-A 50/2.8 Macro, just bought on Pentax Forums.<br>

Or should I count the "new old stock" box of 4x5 Kodak "50" glass plates I got on eBay?<br>

Or the four frozen rolls of No. 10 Cirkut Vericolor III film that I intend to cut down to 122 size? Should produce 16 rolls of "VPS122" using VP122 backing paper.</p>

<p>Same as the last years: None. No money. I'm even going to sell one of my remaining "I-really-want-to-keep-these-classics-shelf" cameras: the Mamiya C33 TLR.</p>

<p>Congrats on the N90s. I've never used one, but it is said to be a very capable camera. Not quite as solidly built as the F100, but lighter in weight and with nearly the same features.</p>

<p>After some discussion recently about curious whirly backgrounds in this forum, I went on eBay a week or so back looking for Helios 44 lenses (Soviet Biotar clones). The Helios is said to be hard to come by in good condition, so since they're inexpensive, I ordered two in the hopes that at least one would be usable. Total cost, including two Soviet cameras, was only about $80. Surprisingly, both lenses are usable; neither has fungus, haze, oil on the blades, excessively stiff focusing rings, or even much dust inside.</p>

<p>The 44M-5 came with a Zenit ET camera, a manual, mechanical camera with a selenium-cell meter that still works. The older 44-2 lens came with a Kalimar SR100, which is a Zenit B (more primitive the the ET, and without a meter) rebadged for the US market by an American distributor who apparently thought there was a place in the market for such a primitive device in the 1970s. I have no idea how well they sold, but had I been camera-shopping in those days I'm sure I would have preferred a Nikkormat. (No doubt the Kalimar was lower-priced.)</p>

<p>I have not put any film through the cameras, but I did a few test shots with the 44M-5 on my DSLR just to check for image quality and the whirly bokeh. It's a nice little lens, and the whirly quality is clearly present if I stop down a little; at maximum aperture and close range, the background is so far out of focus that it becomes a featureless blur.</p>

<p>Now I keep finding myself researching triplet lenses such as the Meritar, Domiplan, Trioplan, and Triotar. There is something that's just interesting about old lenses with quirky (i.e. not very good) optical characteristics...</p>

<p>Rewarded myself with a black Konica Autoreflex T3N + 85mm 1.8 + 50 1.7. Already had the 40 1.8, a 50 1.4 and a Vivitar 80-200.</p>

Got a Minolta XK, but it is not working so it goes back.

<p>Actually I've just thrown away an N90s (and keep only its prism as its tombstone) because it was in a bad condition compared to my F801s (which is very similar and simpler). For this Xmas, I got a Calypso II and a Minolta F100</p>

<p>I'm about send my 2x3 Graflex RB Series B out for service in the hope that it will come back with more shutter speeds. My goal isn't to use it as Graflex intended but rather to have a working 2x3 SLR module for my 2x3 Cambo SC. When the RB comes back I have to make a little support for it to steady rear standard + SLR module.</p>

<p>Last week I took my 900/10 Apo Saphir and some other bits to SKGrimes to have a mount adapter and crutch made for mounting the lens on a 2x3 Cambo SC. Some of the other bits will, I hope, turn into a set of extension tubes that will let me use the lens on my little SC. Using all this will require the 48" rail that arrived yesterday. All being well, I'll be able to use the 900 with and without the SLR module.</p>

<p>And, early in the year I have to send several shutters out for proper CLAs.</p>

<p>Bueh B.<br>

I have a lot of redundancy, especially in books. Tell me what aspects you are interested in, and I will see what I can do. I was a poor 2/Lt long ago with twin daughters, and I remember hocking my only prized possession, a S&W k-22 for $20, when it was worth a lot more, in order to buy Christmas presents. It is sad what our country and economy has become, in order to benefit billionaires.</p>

<p>My email has changed and it is now xkennedy@comcast.net.</p>

<p>"Congrats on the N90s. I've never used one, but it is said to be a very capable camera. Not quite as solidly built as the F100, but lighter in weight and with nearly the same features."</p>

<p>Craig, it is only about 30 grams lighter than the F100, and may actually have more features, thanks to the M-26 data back which is like a mini-computer.</p>

<p>The F-100, however, seems to have better balance, and with its rubbery skin, is more grippibleand fits my hands better. The F100 is one of my favorite cameras, and I will have to see how the N90s performs once the sun returns to the northern hemisphere. I am impressed that Galen Rowan and Thom Hogan seem to like it. But if it came to a choice, I would go with the F100.</p>

<p>A BGN F3 from Keh to go with a Vivitar S1 28-90. That camera is sweet! A bit redundant since I have an F100 but what the heck. Then I was given a Tamron 70-300 VC that will go well with the F100.</p>

<p>A Nikon P 7000. Nice easy local travel and party camera.</p>

<p>I recently added an 8008S and an F90X. An MB-10 is on the way for the F90X. If the weather holds out I might try one of my last rolls of Kodachrome in the F90X so I can get it to Dwayne's by the 30th.</p>

<p>I rewarded myself with a diffuser for SB600 and my daughter with Panasonic G2. I hope that she will let me use it for testing lenses since I have already got M39 an Nikon to micro 4/3 adapters.</p>

<p>James K-</p>

<p>The N90s replaced my F2 Photomic when it finally expired after a 1/4 of a century of flawless service. The N90s served me well until the dawn of the Digital Age smacked me upside the head. I still have it but don't use it as much as it deserves. I think you'll find it superb.</p>

<p>Mrs. Me allowed me to get (just arrived this afternoon) an OM2n, in great shape (even its original but peeling little label on the top). It came with the 50mm 1.8 along with the right angle Varimagni 1.2X or 2.5X magnifier. With batteries the meter seems fine and the shutter speeds all sound OK and the aperture works as it should. Both auto and man are AOK. Off Ebay for $110. (They threw in a brand new Olympus case and strap and the flash shoe (uncracked)).</p>

<p>When I clean off the fingerprints and blow the dust off, I'm going to have some fun with my few days off. Great neat find for me, and it arrived for X-Mas ... life is good.<br>

:o)</p>

<p>Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and blessings to all ...</p>

<p>Jim M</p><div></div>

<p>Nothing as yet but there is still time!</p>

<p>I am going to get my hyperfocal fixed focus 4x5 (occasionally called a Hobo for some strange reason) made out of a Kodak Autographic Junior put together. I don't need anything new... just some sheet copper and camera leather.</p>

<p>A got myself a Minolta SRT-102 to replace my damaged (and still in pieces) 101. It works beautifully so far, looks better, and even has the mirror lockup, to boot. Came with the 50mm macro lens, too, so I got lucky (been wanting that one forever now). <br>

Now to take her out for a spin ;o)</p>

<p>Juggling a bunch of Sears M42 primes at the moment along with several Sears and Ricoh TLS's. The 55/1.4 is awesome !<br>

Resealing a Pellix tonight and will put this 60s Canon to good use this week.<br>

Winter-time project will involve restoring a pair of pre-war Kuribayashi folders.</p>

<p>Waiting to see if I get any Xmas cash. Want to get a plain prism for my Nikon F's.<br>

Recently got a 35mm 2.8 but need free time during daylight to try it out.</p>

<p>I just got a Minolta Autocord in great condition at a local auction. I just ordered some film and am looking forward to seeing what the camera can do. The only problem is now I want all the cool stuff that was made to go with it, such as the Minolta Autopole and paradjuster. I know I don't need them, but since when has that stopped anyone. A few weeks ago I bought llight seals for a canon Demi that I have had for a while. It is a cool little camera, and works great. I think that if I buy anything else in the near future, that my wife will kick me out. Actually she tolerates my camera buying. I usually sell something I have, but don't use much in order to buy something else.</p>

<p>My holiday purchases include the Canon 7 rangefinder I mentioned in an earlier post, and a near-mint Nikon F100. Like Jon, I have also sold a number of cameras in exchange for the ones I bought so that I don't squeeze us out of house and home. I have a feeling that they won't be the last holiday purchases though...</p>

<p>I received a nice present yesterday. A Kodak Retina 1b in good condition.</p>

<p>A Thornton-Pickard 'Bijou Reflex'. Like the Ruby Reflex but 4.5x6cm. Just missing plate holders now, I'm constructing a 35mm rollfilm adapter for semi-panoramic shots. I've already rebuilt the shutter mechanism and fitted a lens.</p>