Retina I

the yellow light fits the aged subject very well, i would not change it.

Jay, thanks, I agree that overused effects are to be avoided at all costs so I do try to avoid them. Simplicity wherever possible.

 

Stephen, thanks, you spotted the travel theme! I tried quite a few setups so this was more by trial and error than design! I will be trying wider shots some day soon with as you say more travel-related stuff...

 

Cherlyn, thanks, the oldtime feel was what I was looking for. So when can we expect a still life or two from you? :-)

 

Angel, I like your 'olives' series and the story :-) In fact the weather is cold but sunny - I go out when the weather is bad - I prefer it that way!

 

Linda, Ben, thanks - the lighting is a bit basic - a hooded torch in a darkened room to get the directionality. I should have used Tungsten WB but instead used AWB hence the yellow cast. However it seems to fit the subject this time. Exposure was -1 stop aperture priority auto (to drop the background) - about 5 - 6 seconds. next time I will try something a bit subtler. Available light is the ideal.

Really hard to find a nitpick here, although my compository skills are very limited (especially for stills). Maybe I am biased here, I just love those solid, old cameras. I still have a 50 years old Voigtlaender VitoB, also this nice fold-away thing and excellent lens (got it from my father). What I would have tried out is a bit darker toned background in the upper right area

 

Cheers

 

Carsten

Carsten, why do I find it hard to believe you about your composition skills? :-) I'm glad to hear you like these old cameras. The Vito B is a nice old camera (Skopar lens?). These metal bodied folding cameras are my favourites I think - something about the weight in the hand and the precision of the engineering. I agree about the upper right corner. regards - Colin

Very handsome shot Colin. Maybe a smoldering cigar would add more atmosphere but there's plenty as is. Very good focus throughout...

Colin, yes, a Color-Skopar. I have no photo (the Vito B is now in my parents? house), but this is the model, sometimes called Vito II. It works, BTW !

 

Cheers

 

Carsten

David, thanks A smouldering cigar eh? Nice idea for the human presence - but I would have to take up cigar smoking....

 

Carsten, Yes, that is the one. Like the Kodak Retina they later developed it with a non-folding body - not quite as appealing. The Retina in the picture works too!

 

Beautiful still life you've composed, Colin. Nice colours and light. I love the typical colours of the old books in leather bound. The camera is visibly frequently used and carried around;)

Nice one Colin. you've handled all the shiny reflective bits well. I rather like the bit of wood on the corner. It reminds me of those old desks with the green leather insets. I've been lying on my side here trying to read the book titles...Voyage of the something, and the other I can't figure out. I'm just being nitpicky and curious. We are having snow right now so you've inspired me to root around for some interesting still life subjects.

Thanks Ada! Thanks Hanna!

 

Hanna, the books are :

 

Tartarin sur les Alpes (Daudet - in French)

 

Voyage of the Fox - McClintock - this was an voyage in the 1850's to discover what happened to Sir John Franklyn's expedition to find the North West Passage (through the islands and pack ice of Northern Canada to try to get from Atlantic to Pacific). He, his men and both ships disappeared. They seem to have got lost and spent a few years wandering about before succumbing to the climate.

 

Spooky Canadian snow connection there!

 

 

Lovely time piece you here Colin. The scene is well set with the old books in the background. One feels like they have taken a voyage back a century or so.

Nice to know there were other cameras than Barnac's. Nice golden touch in this shot.

Very nice tones and detail, Colin.

 

I had no idea that Hillary was carrying one of these.

 

What a shame that Mallory didn't shoot anything on that final summit ridge climb. Then we might know if he just possibly made it.

 

--Lannie

Amar, thanks, I should maybe have used 1930's books but didn't have any to hand at the time.

 

Jan Olof, thanks, I have used both the Laica and the Kodak Retina and prefer the Retina to look at but the Leica for use.

 

Lannie, thanks, Mallory borrowed a camera (a Kodak Vest Pocket Camera) for his last climb but although Irvines body was discovered in 1999 the camera has never been found.....

Colin, this is so beautiful;. The books next to the camera, exuisite light, makes me to turn back the time. Your image radiates peace and serenity.

lovely, cheers Jana

Very nice vintage look to this, beautiful camera! The leather bound books add to the nostalgia. I love the warm tones of them and the cameras tones.