I don't really know much about this camera. Typically solid like other all-mechanical cameras from the mid-70s era, this unassuming m42 camera from 1977 has two cool traits: (i) the ability to meter without stopping down (but only with Fujinon lenses), and a top shutter speed of 1/1500 (but why?). I had forgotten about it for awhile until I was recently inspired to to take it with me to an intimate gathering of friends celebrating a book launch. But the party was in a dimly lit bar and I only had Ilford HP5 400 film -- so I pushed it 3 stops to 3200 ISO and was pleasantly surprised when I was able to get grainy but usable images using the still-functioning internal Cds meter. I'm impressed enough with the 55mm f1.8 Fujinon lens to want to test it in better light.
The ST605 and ST605N (ST705's "poor cousin") had an unusual top speed as well: 1/700 sec. Even though my family's camera shop sold Fujias, the dealer rep never told us why the unusual top shutter speeds. Good job with the pushed film, BTW. The meter in your camera is still accurate as your images show.
The Fujinon 1.8 is something of a legendary M42 prime. I have one too that I use on a Spotmatic. I really like the way these pushed shots look. HP-5+ has always pushed well. The composition on that last shot of the 2 women is beautiful! The dark hair compliments the low contrast. By all means test some more and post some more.
Nice, Capital, powerful and atmospheric. Good cameras; I have the ST605N with this lens and I'd agree with Russ about it's quality. IMHO Fujicas really are undiscovered gems, both rangefinders and SLR's, but don't tell everybody...
All - Thanks for the kind words and positive feedback on my experiment. I wasn't sure that a 3 stop push could actually work. And as you can see, one of the effects of shooting low-light at wide-open apertures is a fairly shallow depth of field. Given this, I thought the lens did admirably well under the conditions. Thanks for enlightening me on the Fujica pedigree -- I have new appreciation for this "undiscovered gem".
Very Neat candid images. There's nothing like this intimacy when you use flash. I always wish I had just one stop more available light, but you have to work with what you. Three stops eh? That's quite a push! I've been thinking about some night shots being inspired by Gabor S. and some of my own negs from the past. I think HP5 has performed here excellently. I'll probably use that.. thanks for the inspiration. I think I will go for contrasty outdoor monuments with lights etc.. interiors are so hard and the contrast is so low! You did super.. I guess the lens helps too!!
Here we go, Capital, just arrived this morning, slightly downmarket from your ST705 with speeds only to 1000th, but with the same glorious lens. I'm really looking forward to trying this baby out...
I've always liked that Fujinon 55/1.8...sharp where it needs to be and smooth OOF characteristics. Even the feel of the focusing ring was nice on those.
Nice acquisition, Rick. Looking forward to seeing your images taken with the lens. Tom, I agree. I had no idea the Fujinon glass was so highly regarded... Chuck, I hate using flash for my personal photography. Kills both the moment and what you were trying to capture. Focusing and stopping subject motion is more difficult in low-light but that's also what makes it more fun. Now that I know a 3-stop push is possible, I'm going to take my cameras out at night more often...
