dbltap4

<p>Kowa is well known in the ophthalmic field for their photo instruments. I am not surprised at the sharpness of the lens.<br>

Jim</p>

<p>I don't think we can call Spivak a scoundral. He has put out some very fine issues in the past. My guess is he has been hit by the economy. I would think that many of the galleries that placed ads in his magazine in the past, have had to restrict their budgets, in turn causing Spivak to curtail his operations somewhat. I am certainly not at all knowledgeable in this field, but I don't think subscriptions alone can sustain a publication.<br>

I am not defending the guy, just trying to keep this a civilized thread. It would certainly be heartening to those of us who have sent him our hard-earned dollars if he would jump back in here and let us know that he is still around, and trying to improve his operation in the slow-time.<br>

Jim</p>

<p>Went to an antique mall today, and stumbled onto a neat looking camera bag, containing a Praktica PLC3 body, Pentacon electric 50/1.8, a Pentacon electric 135/2.8 in bag, inst booklet, and othr assorted stuff. Not sure of the quality of the lenses, but have an M42 Fujinon 50/1.4 to compare it with. Ergonomics seem alittle awkward, but should be fun to play with. Everything in the bag for $33.oo. Body and lenses near mint.<br>

Jim</p>

<p>Back in my younger days, I tried a Universal with the standard 100mm lens as a wedding camera. One long wedding convinced me that this was not the way to go for wedding photography! That was when I switched to 35mm, which by that time , was becoming the norm in my area. It was not so much the "work flow" involved in using it, but the weight and size that proved too much. I will say, though, that the 6x7 negs did produce a very decent picture.<br>

Jim</p>

<p>One that I have some experience with is the Kodad Monitor. As you said, you use the ruby window to "almost" one, set the counter, and wind to first frame. It worked ok if you remembered to reset the advance switch in the viewfinder.<br>

Jim </p>

<p>To Chris:<br>

I have recently tried Quall's formula, and ended up with the same weird looking concoction. Did you ever try using this purple-gray stuff? I am curious, as I wouldn't want to pitch it if it really is ok to use. I have already strained it.<br>

thanks.<br>

PS Great magazine, by the way!</p>

<p>Got mine yesterday. USPS tried to shred it, but didn't get past the envelope!<br>

Excellent reproductions, as usual. <br>

David, you asked me to compare "Lemon Eye" in your publication with the one in "Color". I did.<br>

Please try to maintain the high standards you have set for yourself. I am sure that it can be mind-boggeling in this economy. Also, an impressive amount of advertising, another daunting challenge.<br>

JIM M.</p>

<p>Just scimming through the premier issue of B&W's "COLOR" mag. Check page 133. Why, it looks like the cover of the new issue of "FOCUS"! Oh well, covers are secondary to content. Keeping my fingers crossed.<br>

JIM</p>

<p>Never have used the chemicals mentioned, but have tried Diafine, Acufine, and D-76/ID-11 to push Neopan 400 35mm to 1600. Acufine worked the best, but I think 1600 would be about the limit for this film, and get acceptable results.<br>

Jim</p>

<p>I think it came out about the time the Rollei 2002 35mm, so it may have been designed to be used with this camera. To use it required a special adaptor to use it in an upright position.<br>

Used a Beta 5 for many years when I was shooting weddings. Quite powerful and reliable, fairly flexible to use. Uses for AA's, so was relatively inexpensive in that respect.<br>

Wouldn't hesitate to buy another if I didn't replace it with a 285hv.<br>

Jim</p>

<p>thankyou. only have one question. have you had a problem with advertisers whose openings have been missed because the dates do not coincide with your publishing schedule?<br>

Jim</p>

<p>And so it continues. Has anyone gotten a magazine since the August issue (the crying girl)? I haven't.<br>

Jim</p>

<p>Did own one once. For a very short period of time. The 2000f was the first version of this style. It was quite an innnovative camera for its time. Unfortunately, it was plagued with electrical problems, was quite expensive to purchase. Some of the features included a dual viewing system, removable film back with detachable battery packs, charger, and a couple other things I can't remember. I got one roll of film through mine before it took a dump. A later version, called the 3003 or something like that had most of the gremlins worked out. A really slick design, just put out before it was ready.<br>

Jim</p>

Oh, well. More film for the scrap heap. Maybe I should buy that Voigtlander with the Vaskar lens and put my Skopar on it. Hmmmmmmm.

Jim

A little off-topic, but someone may find this interesting:

I've given up hope on repairing the bellows on my two monitors, so I took one of the lenses off and mounted it on a Rolfix. A bit tricky, but at least it hasn't fallen off yet. Working on my first roll through it. If anything turns out, may post it. At least I'll let you know if it turns out. It is an Anastigmat Special from the early '40's.

Jim

A long time ago, I had heard from a pro photographer that photo flo would have a detrimental effect on Diafine, if the wetting agent was not thoroughly removed. Other than that, I have noticed a slight buid-up of scum over a long period of time. Can't say for sure that it is the wetting agent though.

Jim

David:

Real nice photo. Would like some exposure details. Been trying to resurrect my "people" photography, and looking for some ideas. That being said, a friend gave me some old copies of "collectors photography", a failed Jeff Dunas venture from the 80's. Some thought provoking pix and articles there. Waiting to hear from you.

Jim

Just a note: Spivak has stated that he had resolved his mailing problems and we would receive our Feb. issue on or about March 21st.

Danged if it didn't appear in my mail box the 21st. I hope the April issue is a little more timely, but hope springs eternal.

In an earlier isssue, he stated that all photos would be presented in a warmer tone. It will not shake me to the core to see Edward Weston's photos printed in warm-tone, but I think he preferred neutral to cold tones. Correct me if I am wrong.

Jim

Well, according to his Feb. 29 posting, Mr. Spivak seems to have figured out what his mailing problem is. Another week or so won't have much effect on me.

Only thing is, am I missing something here? Are we supposed to BUY issues that are newsstand only? Whats with that? When I subscribed, I thought I was paying for all published issues! I haven't even figured out what the frequency of publication is.

Jim

I have three Rolfixes, and each has two ruby windows. If you peer closely at them, with the light shield closed, see identifying nomenclature, indicating that the center window is 6 x 6, and the window closest to the bottom edge is 6x9. Each has a rmovable mask for 6x6. Have never seen one for 6 x 4.5.

Jim

Has anybody gotten the Feb issue yet? It has been at Barnes and Noble for almost a month now. Hope I don't have to call to light a fire under Mr. Spivak to get each issue.

Jim

Also, you could send your film to the same Army lab and have it processed by the same Army techs that screwed almost all of Capa's film that he exposed during the D-Day landings.

Jim

I had started a thread on this issue in LF forum a while back. Dave Spivak did respond there, asking that I call. I did call, and I got my December issue about a week later. After reading the editorial pages it appears he is having some organizational issues/personnel changes, etc. Anyway, I am wondering if I will get my next issue on time, or if it will be necessary to call each time to get a current mag.

Jim

some of my best pix with folding cameras have been with a Franka Rolfix jr. with the 3-speed lens. go figure. i personally believe this is a schneider lens, a triplet. anyway, would i be wrong t chase a kodak monitor w/ anastigmat special lens on the "bay"?

jim

did get to talk to dave spivak and he sent me a copy of the december issue. will see if this starts the flow, on time.

JIM