greg_jones3

If I understand the problem correctly, it sounds like your shutter speed and aperture controls are linked such that when you turn one, the other one also turns. Known as "EV Lock" in my world. Rollei's that had this had a control on either the shutter wheel or aperture wheel, I don't recall which. Right in the middle of the wheel as you are facing the camera, and you turn it to unlock it. It should be slotted so you can turn it with your fingernail. That will unlock the coupling. Having said that, I don't recall that the 3.5F had this setup so maybe you have an earlier model?

Additionally, don't get hung up on the "which is a better lens" discussion between Planars and Xenotars. I would gladly take either one, and always choose the one in better condition versus name of the manufacturer alone as a determinant.

I have a 2.8 E2, a 2.8F, and a late 3.5F. My favorite tends to be the 3.5F with the Planar 75mm lens. I think that is only because it is a small amount wider plus sharp as a tack, although they are all great as far as sharpness. The 3.5 F is lighter. As noted above, lens condition is a key determinant. Mechanical condition is critical too, including making sure of proper lens board alignment, collimation, nobody has swapped the lens around (the viewing and taking lenses were matched at the factory).

Go with the 503CW. I have learned not to invest much in older cameras that rely on printed circuit boards. I coveted a 203FE back in the day but I would not buy one now since maintenance and repair would be potentially a problem, if not an outright impossibility due to lack of electronic parts.

Maybe not "photojournalism" per se, but hey, at least he got out on an adventure and made some photographs. Alas, he has me beat in that regard.

Leica M10 w 35mm Summicron ASPH. In wonderful, lovely, fabulous Ancenis, France.

Taos, New Mexico with Leica M4 and 50mm Summicron

Leica M4 w/ 50mm Summicron

Somewhere on a farm in Oregon. Leica M10 with 35mm Summicron ASPH.

Interesting. I have had the 2XE and now have the Zeiss Mutar. There must have been something wrong with the copy of the 2XE I had, as you could tell it was awful just looking through the viewfinder. YMMV, of course.

Nikon D750, 80-200 Nikkor

Nikon with 105mm f2.5 lens.

Leica M4, 50mm Summicron V5

Another scan from the archives, back in medieval times using a Nikon F2AS and, I think, a 105mm f2.5 Nikkor on Kodachrome 64.

I watch the wildfires and destruction with great sadness. Stay safe, Bill. I have been scanning images I have never printed before so these are "new" to me. Taken with Leica M4 and 50mm Summicron DR on Kodak Portra 160VC.

I own the PME45 and the PME 51. I prefer the PME51 that uses EV values only. The PME 45 can read out in EV, of course, by setting it to that and it can read shutter speed/f stop combination. In reality, working in EV's is so much simpler. Either prism you have to take the reading, and set the lens manually. Since Hasselblad lenses are marked in EV it is so much simpler with the PME51. In other words, I found I didn't need all the bells and whistles of the PME45.

I was a partner with a friend who owned an SNJ-T6 World War II Navy trainer. I convinced him we needed to fly that day, and he piloted and I was in the aft seat. The T6 has a plexiglass canopy that can be opened. We were not flying in restricted airspace. As we neared the mountain, I pulled back my section of the canopy so as not to shoot through plexiglass. That is quite invigorating in October at 9000' elevation, at an air speed of roughly 135mph. I just wanted to capture St. Helens against Mt. Adams in the background. Right when I started shooting, the mountain erupted. I shot the 36 exp. roll in a few seconds, and we did a hard turn to the south and got out of Dodge. In reality, it was a smaller eruption certainly than the one on May 18, 1980 and what you see is the extent of the eruption. Just like most photography, it is a matter of being in the right place at the right time with the right equipment.

I have been doing a lot of scanning lately and I just have to upload this image taken on October 18, 1980 with a Nikon F2A, MD-2 motor, and 105mm f2.5 Nikkor on Kodachrome 25. It's been 40 years! Yeah, I miss K25 but also love my D750 and AFS lenses. Mt. St. Helens in the Cascade Mountains of Washington state.

Nikon F2A, 50mm f1.4 AIS

Bill-I agree with you, the somewhat flat "background" is enhanced by the multi-colored items of "junque" in front of the store. Arthur-Thanks for the compliment. Frog Hollow General Store is located on Broad Street in Augusta, Georgia. I don't know the history of the store but it is obviously a novelty. Cheers- Greg

Correction: taken with the 25mm Zeiss Biogon, not Distagon......

The color version with Leica M10 and Zeiss 25mm. Which do you prefer-B&W or color?

Leica M10 with Zeiss 25mm Distagon