Andy Collins Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>A few weeks ago I took my SR-T 102 out to shoot a covered bridge and vowed I would go back to the same location when the leaves began to change. Well, they've begun to change so I did return, but this time with my XD-11 and the MD 35-105 zoom. Some colors in the area are vivid while others look as though they've just started to change. The sun was in and out of the clouds so some shots were vibrant and bold while others were pretty muted. At any rate, these are a few I came home with. I love the XD-11 and enjoy it more and more as I use it more frequently. These were shot on Fuji Superia 400.</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Collins Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Shot #2</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Collins Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Shot #3</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Collins Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Shot #4</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Collins Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Shot #5</p><div></div> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Collins Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>These shots are a nice start to the Fall shooting season...I can't wait for the color to peak!</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subbarayan_prasanna Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Very nice pictures Andy! Colorful and sharp. Looking forward to more! sp</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ralf_j. Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Beautiful shots Andy, I like the color above the bridge and the desolate barn especially, sharp and beautiful color.</p> <p>The sky in the barn looks pretty dramatic with cotton like clouds and provide a nice background for this old barn. Regards</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lou_Meluso Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Since I'm stuck in my pajamas with the flu I guess I'll have to enjoy the outdoors via your photos. I like the roots and barn pictures very much. I hope the color gets good up by you. Not so spectacular down my way.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ridinhome Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Lovely pictures. My favorite is the country barn - very evocative.<br> Louis - hope you get better soon! For purely selfish reasons of course - I want to see more pictures!<br> On a side note - I think I need to stop reading posts in Classic Manual Cameras. Every time I come here I find another camera that I want to buy and before I know it I'm on fleabay checking out prices. I've resisted the urge until now but I know it won't be long before my defenses weaken.<br /> Damn camera porn.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krassi_genov Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Hi all, I have a bit of a dilemma:)...I bought three Minoltas all in perfect condition - SRT 101 (black), SRT 202 (chrome - this thing is built as a tank!) and XD11 which just came back after a full CLA. I love them all and have taken some outstanding (according to my friends:) photos. If you are to keep one (or maybe two) which one would keep? Just curious what experiences have been?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Collins Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p><strong>SP</strong>--Thanks! I hope to get more shots, hopefully better than these as the color spreads and deepens.</p> <p><strong>Ralf</strong>--Thanks for your comments and for taking a detailed look. It's always great to hear your thoughts. You know that you're the main culprit that got me started with Minoltas, don't you? I'm very grateful for that, btw!</p> <p><strong>Louis</strong>--I'm glad you liked those shots. I hope you get well soon and are able to get outside; hopefully you'll have good color in your area before too long.</p> <p><strong>Kayam</strong>--Thank you for your kind words. You realize that if you're looking at forums repeatedly and posting comments, then it's too late; your defenses have already weakened, so you might as well give into the urges. It's what's best for you!</p> <p><strong>Krassi</strong>--All of those are excellent cameras but if I had to keep just one, it would be the XD-11 in a heartbeat. While I like the fact that the 101 is mechanical (I have a 102 that I absolutely <em>love</em>), the XD-11 is so packed with features (shutter <em>and</em> aperture priority, as well as an automatic program shift if you pick the wrong settings when you're in shutter priority) that it broadens your possibilities and the meter is very accurate. Plus, it handles beautifully. When I shot these pictures, in my camera bag were my SR-T 102, a Retina IIIc, my EOS 1vHS, and the XD-11. I had intended to shoot a little with each one, and actually did fire off at least 1 or 2 shots on each but put all of them up except for the XD-11 and proceeded to shoot a couple of rolls with only it. I find that I'm impressed with this camera every time I pick it up and the results from it are equally as amazing. Spend some time with each of your Minoltas and see what you think. I'd be really interested in your thoughts afterwards. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Gammill Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Very nice. Fall is a good time to give those classic Minoltas a workout. Well, actually anytime is a good time. Great shots. Looking forward to seeing more.<br> I would have a tough time choosing one camera to take if I could only take one. Among my Minoltas it would either be my XE-5, XD-5, or SRT 201.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david_l3 Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Andy, very nice. Your pictures inspire me to try out my XD-11 on fall colors too. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
golden Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>beautiful shots andy, i was hoping we would have a colorful season in the southeast not peaked yet anyway. i really love the "old roots" Image, very very nice, where are these shots taken? autumn is about the only time i shoot color, its a very beautiful time of year and your shots here back up that fact, keep up the good work. </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subbarayan_prasanna Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Andy! please try your Biotars on the Exakta this Fall. They bring out colors and texture like the old American Landscape paintings. It would be interesting to compare them with the sharp Minolta Rokkors'. Thanks, sp.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zootman Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 <p>Nice shots Andy. I was just at Adams mill yesterday taking some pictures of my daughter. I would post one, but I was using my D200 (not exactly a manual classic). It is one of my favorite places to shoot outdoor portraits many of which are done with my old F2. The colors are beautiful.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Collins Posted October 21, 2009 Author Share Posted October 21, 2009 <p><strong>Mike</strong> --Thanks. You're absolutely right; anytime is a good time to give classic Minoltas a workout. I hope you get to while the colors are good.</p> <p><strong>David</strong> --I hope you get your XD-11 out and capture some great shots. Share some with all of us if you do.</p> <p><strong>Les</strong> --Thanks for such a cool compliment. If you've got covered bridges in your area, you should definitely look for potential fall shots. I think they make great subjects anytime, but this time of year is even more dramatic.</p> <p><strong>John</strong> --Thanks so much for such kind words. These were taken in north-central Indiana at 'Adams Mill' Bridge, a water mill and covered bridge site in Cutler, Indiana which is about 25-30 miles east of Lafayette, Indiana (Purdue Boilermaker territory!).<br> <strong><br /> </strong><br> <strong>SP</strong> --That's a wonderful idea; it's going to rain the next few days so when I do get out next, I'm not sure what I'll be using. That would be a great comparison though.<br> <strong><br /> </strong><br> <strong>Nord</strong> --How cool to meet someone else from the area here. Isn't it a wonderful location? I'd love to see some of your shots from the area, especially since you've done it many times, I'm sure. I know I could learn a lot from your work.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick_stack Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 <p>Andy -</p> <p>Beautiful shots, I'm glad to see you gaining more experience with your Minolta fleet, what gems they are. The colors are great, give it a bit more time and I'll bet you'll see some spectacular displays. Thanks for sharing.</p> <p>Patrick</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gabor_szabo3 Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 <p>Ditto on SP's recommendation 'bout the Exakta gear. I want to shoot some color this weekend, but I won't take the Rokkors out... probably just the Bessamatic and maybe the old Ricohflex with 35mm adapter. <br />Wish I was in Indiana, Andy. That "crick" looks like it might hold some chunky smallmouth, eh ?</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jim_leicafan Posted October 22, 2009 Share Posted October 22, 2009 <p>Very nice photos. We have to give the photographer some credit here, despite the fact that the XD-11 is a very nice camera, as is the XE-7 and all the SRTs.</p> <p>I wonder why Minolta dropped the CLC system from the XDs. I liken the CLC system as one of the first matrix metering efforts, but with just two areas in the matrix. Seemed to work well. With my first ever 35 mm camera, a Konica auto S2, I got in the habit of locking the exposure (half depression of the shutter release) while the camera was tilted down about 35 degrees, to keep bright skies from dominating the exposure setting. The Minolta XDs, however do not lock the exposure in any way I can figure out. Neither does the XD-7.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Collins Posted October 22, 2009 Author Share Posted October 22, 2009 <p><strong>Patrick</strong> --I really am enjoying my Minolta cameras, and have begun to build a nice little system that I'm sure won't stay little for long. As for the growing color, it becomes more vibrant by the day so hopefully the spectacular displays will be in full bloom this weekend. Maybe the rain will hold off as well.</p> <p><strong>Gabor</strong> --I think the 'crick' does hold some smallmouth, as a matter of fact. Post some shots from your excursions this weekend, if you don't mind.</p> <p><strong>Jim</strong> --Thanks for the compliment. I also am impressed with the CLC system in the earlier Minoltas as it has always worked well for me. I have been especially impressed with it in snowy situations where I normally have to dial in +/- compensation but didn't have to compensate at all with my SR-T bodies. What wonderfully engineered cameras.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick_drawbridge Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 <p>Lovely, Andy. You've been sharpening your Minolta skills while I've been away! "Old Roots" is a beautiful study. I've been collecting a few more old Minoltas which may be of interest to you; I'll try to detail them in the coming months. Incidentally, as I recall, the CLC system was possibly incorporated into both the Hi-Matic 7s and 9 rangefinders....</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red_buckner Posted October 23, 2009 Share Posted October 23, 2009 I'd choose the XD11 over the other cameras you mention. The XD11 handles so beautifully and is so flexible that it inspires you to keep on shooting. I'd call it a stimulating camera: just pick it up, and you want to go out and shoot. I'd place the SRT 102 as my second favorite Minolta machine. Very accurate metering and a bright and informative finder. It's the most useful Minolta for macro work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy Collins Posted October 23, 2009 Author Share Posted October 23, 2009 <p>Thanks, <strong>Rick</strong>. I've really enjoyed getting to know my Minoltas, and you are correct about the CLC on the Hi-Matics. I thought the system also worked impressively on those cameras as well. I'm looking forward to your Minolta presentations.</p> <p><strong>Red</strong>, I couldn't agree with you more. There have been numerous times when I'd planned to go out with one camera but ended up taking the XD-11 out simply because I picked it up and didn't want to put it down. I love my 102 an awful as well, but the XE-7 might just edge it out by a small margin.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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