david richhart

<p>Well I have had my Dad's old Kodak Retina IIIc rangefinder sitting in the dresser for a looong time. I'm thinking about running a couple rolls of b&w film through it just to show the grandkids how well an old hunk of iron can perform. I also wanna show them this old boy can still do it like he used to! ;0P<br>

So just for kicks I googled the Retina and I am surprised to see a little information about the accessory 35mm/80mm optical finder being used on modern digital cameras.<br>

Has anyone tried it? How accurately does it work? What cameras is it copmpatable with?<br>

As always, thanks in advance for any and all help. -Dave</p>

<p>Thanks for that lightning fast response Gregory. <br>

I have a chance on a Universal with a 100mm 2.8 lens and a couple film backs. I just wanted to know how modern I could take the system if I got hooked on it.</p>

Do the lenses from the 6x9 Mamiya Super 23 and Universal cameras function on the Mamia RB/RZ? I am

thinking about getting involved in the Mamiya MF equipment and I am exploring the possibilities.. Thank you in

advance for the information.

Oops Barbara...

I wanted to add this link for you. It might help you plan your excursion.

http://columbusoh.about.com/cs/historygenealogy/l/blus40.htm

Hi Barb. Any direction you travel around Columbus will yield country living. Just stay off the interstate.

Rt 40 east would be a great tour. That's "Old National Road", and driving it is similar to a tour of the legendary "Route 66" . Head east toward Zanesville, and then take one of the side roads whenever the mood strikes you. BTW, the Zanesville area produces some of the finest clay in the world and is a great place to investigate if you like pottery.

Zanesville is only about 50 miles from Columbus, and googling it will lead you to some interesting history.

<p>Wow... starting the new year off with another batch of nice shots. Markus, since I am a bricklayer by trade I have to take your shot of the snowed-over cement mixer personally. ;0P That's about the same way my mortar mixer looks at the moment.</p>

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<p>I would search for a local machinist to build a mounting block. I never cease to be amazed at the inability or unwillingness of people to recognize what can be accomplished by a reasonably skilled craftsman in a simple shop with a few tools.<br>

Have you ever considered how many things you use in everyday life are the invention of tinkerers working in a shed behind the house? The airplane was the invention of two brothers who sold bicycles. The engine they used to power the "Kitty Hawk" was built with a drill press by their mechanic, Charlie Taylor. Read this - <a href="http://safetycenter.navy.mil/media/gallery/nostalgia/1stAvnMech_charles_taylor_page2.htm">http://safetycenter.navy.mil/media/gallery/nostalgia/1stAvnMech_charles_taylor_page2.htm</a><br>

Think about Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, George Eastman, Benjamin Franklin, Marconi, Morse, Goodyear, Hughes, Winchester... the list is endless. The ingenuity of the hands-on craftsman. Get the idea?<br>

You buy things "factory made", but what do you think is happening in that factory? Do you think they have a giant duck in there that "squats" out parts? Maybe a few things are done by robot, but how do you think the robot was made?<br>

I would find a local retired machinist. Take your camera and tripod along and tell him what you need. He might make a block for you, while you are there watching, out of scrap parts. Probably only charge you a few bucks (if at all) but don't be surprised if he asks you a lot of questions about large format photography. Those guys have an insatiable curiosity.<br>

BTW...you'll be needing him again for lens boards and mounting. - Dave</p>

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<p>I have the first generation of the 18-55mm. Not a great lens, but a capable lens. I also want it for the wide angle shots, though I really like primes. It's just handy for a quick grab shot when I'm on the road. Those pink elephants don't just stand there forever, you know what I mean?<br>

Since you already own it, why not try it a while and see how it works for you?</p>

<p>Well, ladies and gentlemen, we have a POW thread. I don't always take the time to post in it but I always enjoy scrolling through. I thought it might be interesting to try and select your one favorite photo for the year of 2008.<br>

It is difficult to narrow a year's worth of photography down to just one image. As you can see I did not select my picture because it is technically or radiantly flawless. It is just a wonderful reminder of a great afternoon with friends.<br>

So let's see those pics... <br>

Peace and best wishes to ALL in the coming year.</p><div></div>

<p>Here is one place that may help you get started with some basic ideas...<br>

<a href="http://www.expertvillage.com/video/118931_soft-box-sizes-single-light.htm">http://www.expertvillage.com/video/118931_soft-box-sizes-single-light.htm</a></p>

<p>One strobe and a reflector...that is a great idea for starting out, and a great way to learn about lighting technique. Then you can add a light or two as your needs, and wallet, expand.<br>

I think it's better to buy one or two lights of a good quality system (and add as you are able), than go to a cheaper brand just so you can afford three lights.</p>

<p>Matthew, how long have you been seriously photographing, trying to do more than just take snapshots? <br>

I think that eventually every photographer begins to be his, or her, toughest critic. You reach a point where you are no longer satisfied with pictures that are just technically acceptable. You begin wanting your photographs to zing off the paper, or cornputer screen, and say something.<br>

With that in mind you begin to realize how many of your images are just mediocre, at best. They begin to look a lot like everyone else's. The uninformed lookers begin to tell you "That's a great picture", and you know it is actually terrible but at least it is in focus and only a stop or two underexposed. <br>

So, don't be worried if you only have a few "good shots" per roll. I think that is an excellent average. After over 40 years I am really happy if I have few good shots a year!</p>

Placing a lens on foil in direct sunlight seems like a lot of light/heat buildup... Would I be correct if suggest that

you might be risking warped shutter blades, or problems with oil causing the shutter blades to become sticky???

So far, I especially like the kids pictures this week.

My photo was taken on the trail somewhere along the highway in Wisconsin... Interstate 39/90, I think. Possibly Interstate 90/94. <p>

After so many miles on interstates, things seem to run together. That's why I prefer the two lanes.<div></div>

This thread is another great testament of how good the Pentax equipment and photographers are. As always, I'm really liking the black and whites. If I had to choose, I think Robert's photograph of the many bowls sprawled across the floor would have to be my favorite so far. <p>

My pow was taken at Hell's Kitchen flea market in NYC... Not exactly an original idea, but then, I'm not sure I ever had one.<div></div>

I still have my ME Super and it's a great little camera... The only problem I ever had with it was jamming film <p>

I need to be "absolutely careful" to get the film aligned correctly when I load the camera and close the back. If not, the film will jamb after 6 or 8 shots and only a trip to a dark closed can salvage the pictures. <p>

If I dont rush the film loading process the camera can be trouble free.<p>

I don't really know if this is a chronic problem with the ME Supers, but that has been my experience.

Gee whiz guys, I'm really starting to like those black and whites. Reminds me of my college days at the Dayton Art Institute when Tri-X film and Agfa paper were the norm. Since you asked, I must add that yes, I still have the K1000 camera with the 50mm 1.4 lens that I used then. I still like to run a roll of film through them on occasion. <p>

For my submission I would like to complement Scots apple picture with a picture of my Dad's peaches.<div></div>