Returning to Simplicity During this Cold and Long Winter...

<p>During the January camera show, I was given an Ansco Pioneer camera by one of the dealers there, after I'd already had my picks from his tables.<br>

A few years ago, I would have thumbed my nose at such a camera, but as I have gotten to spend more time with them, I have discovered that they can be a lot of fun and entertaining. Gene M's excellent photos made with such cameras, were another driver in dedicating a portion of my photography to the simpler cameras in our lives.<br>

As I have mentioned in one of my previous responses to a recent post, I do not like it much being out in freezing temperatures and whipping winds, even though I love taking photos. I am sure, many of you do not enjoy adjusting fine milled rings or tiny levers through thick gloves. This is where these cameras fit in, at least for me. For me it is enough to check the weather forecast and load them with the appropriate speed film. All that remains is composing and holding the camera perfectly still at the moment of exposure...<br>

Back to my Ansco Pioneer gift - It is made mostly of bakelite and resembles the Clack. It takes 620 size film, so re-rolling is in order, but not a big deal other than a minor nuissance. It only has the Instant shutter setting ~ 1/40s. Brought it home and noticed that it was in need of some major cleaning (A good chunk of the fun, is trying to clean/restore these cameras as best as possible). Initially, I thought that the front standard could be separated with some sort of force, but that was the wrong assessment; further checking revealed two screws from the inside that held it in place. I was able to clean the camera thoroughly including the fogged out viewfinder. If you are interested, you can see my cleaning video <strong><a href="

I shot one roll, and had quite a bit of fun with it. I picked up several of its rebadged siblings for a couple of bucks here and there; now the family has 3 new additions, an Ansco Jr. Press Photographer, an Ansco Readyflash, and lastly and Agfa Pioneer which offers a 'B' setting as well. I have used them extensively these past couple of months and am sharing some of the results with you...</p>

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<p><br /> <img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8505466519_bc3a371162.jpg" alt="Ansco Pioneer" width="500" height="367" /><br>

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8506575426_1906cd68c1.jpg" alt="Ansco Jr. Press Photographer" width="336" height="500" /><br>

<img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8389/8506575326_718a6d2f3a.jpg" alt="Agfa Pioneer" width="316" height="500" /></p>

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<p>Sandy's aftermath - 3 months later</p><div></div>

<p>Machinery -</p><div></div>

<p>Highway Overpass -</p><div></div>

<p>Burger Boy</p><div></div>

<p>Perspective</p><div></div>

<p>Nature's Ice Sculpture</p><div></div>

<p>Birdhouse - Ansco Jr. Press with Ansco Portrait Lens #30</p><div></div>

<p>Drinking birds</p><div></div>

<p>Narrows</p><div></div>

<p>Summer sweets</p><div></div>

<p>Colorful trash</p><div></div>

<p>Texting as the world rolls by</p><div></div>

<p>Street ball</p><div></div>

<p>Frozen stream</p><div></div>

<p>Frozen fish fountain</p><div></div>

<p>Steps</p><div></div>

<p>Woods</p><div></div>

<p>Tower</p><div></div>

<p>Glass</p><div></div>

<h3>Snow Ball Fight</h3>

<p><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8529/8505465903_25c44e3365_z.jpg" alt="Snowball" width="640" height="457" /><br /> <em>Ansco Jr. Press on Ilford HP5+</em></p>

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<p>Ralf you really got your money's worth here. The pictures are delightful. I've been up north every week for a while now, but there hasn't been much time for photography. I gotta get back at it.</p>

<p>Excellent photos. Love your idea of choosing the film speed based on the weather. I've been eyeballing these cameras since the Clacks tend to go for more money, and was wondering if they were good shooters. It seems they are. One other attribute of these cameras is that there are no excuses. Meter was off? Forgot to set the aperture/shutter speeds? Doesn't matter. If the shot doesn't come out, I know who to blame. Me. There's nothing to adjust.</p>

<p>Wow.</p>

<p>As a New Yorker who's been to many of these spots, it was really a pleasure to see your photos. They're great. Thanks.</p>