bj_bignell

NPH does not have the fourth color layer, although NPZ (ISO 800) does. The datasheet for NPH lists the recommended filters for different fluorescent lighting. You can view the datasheets at http://www.fujifilm.com.

 

BJ

The Isolette I, V, and Ventura will not have a top-mounted shutter release. I can't comment about the others.

 

On the other hand, I have a Ventura 69 (6x9 format) with the Agnar lens and Prontor shutter, and it does have the top-mounted shutter release. This is either because it is a later model than my 66, or because the larger format makes handling a bit more cumbersome.

 

BJ

Mike,

 

The Agfa Ventura 66 is the same as the Agfa "Jsolette" (also known as the Isolette V if I remember correctly), which has an uncoupled rangefinder - and in my case - the Agnar lens. I think it has the Prontor (?) shutter with speeds of B,25,50,200 which I find works very well with ISO 400 film (you'll spend a lot of time at f16 and f22).

 

You're almost guaranteed to have leaky bellows, as most or all of the Agfas came with some sort of paper-covered bellows, not leather.

 

BJ

Tom,

 

The "special saturation" of the Lomo Minitar lens is most likely a marketing gimmick, but who cares? The Lomo is not known for the quality of its lens, but rather for the lack of quality.

 

I believe that the key to using the Lomo camera (and the magic of it) is to enjoy squeezing the shutter button, and not worry about anything else. Enjoy!

 

More information: http://www.lomography.com

 

BJ

Peter: What is the name of the book you have?

 

Sherrie: If you find any other sources than the ones already mentioned here, please be sure to post them for future reference.

 

Good luck!

 

BJ

Keith,

 

Have you talked to Fuji directly about this? For such a large quantity, I'm sure they have options (financial and/or logistical) other than your local Frontier lab. Ten thousand prints is going to make a HUGE stack!

 

Be sure to post back your solution, 'cause one of us may end up in a similar situation (I'm planning a 6+ month trip to Europe right now...).

 

BJ

Patrick,

 

The best quality scans will come from negatives, rather than prints. And although web-based pictures don't need really high resolution, you may appreciate having really good scans to work with.

 

As far as where to have them scanned, someone else will have to give a recommendation. The only scanning I've had done by someone else was done by a local camera store here in Edmonton.

 

BJ

 

And Gene: Photos viewed on a monitor certainly are not as powerful as a paper image, but your reply wasn't very encouraging or constructive.

Ross,<br><br>

 

Here are some tips on shooting the moon:

<br><br>

<a href="http://www.photo.net/astro/star-streak">http://www.photo.net/astro/star-streak</a>

<br><a href="http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0033pA">http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=0033pA</a>

<br><a href="http://www.photo.net/nature/sunmoon">http://www.photo.net/nature/sunmoon</a>

<br><br>

If you're be using a slow film (ISO100), so a slow exposure time (<1/30) will be needed to get the lights from the restaurant to show up. You might be able to use an ND grad filter to reduce the exposure of the moon during the shot.

<br><Br>

BJ

Mike,

 

I would suggest 160/400 NC, or Fuji NPS (160)/NPH (400) as an alternative, instead of the VC/UC.

 

Both of your subjects are wearing black, and the natural color films I've recommended have lower contrast, so they'll better handle the situation; they are used quite often at weddings, where you have lots and lots of contrast.

 

And off-topic: You might want to try using your camera's central partial metering and meter off of the faces of your subjects, rather than using the standard matrix meter. The black of their outfits may fool the matrix meter into a bit of overexposure.

 

BJ

Neal,

 

While you might find good deals on Ebay, you must remember that it's a seller's market, not a buyer's market. Try your local antique stores (expensive, but not as much as Ebay I've found), garage sales, etc.

 

Also, you might find a lot of gear just by talking to people. Mention that you've collect/buy old cameras, and inevitably you'll find someone who says "My parents have a bunch of old cameras in their attic!"

 

And finally, it's not just you. I haven't noticed film camera prices dropping because of the digital revolution, either.

 

Good luck!

 

BJ

A little from column 'A', and a little from column 'B'! I use a Yashica SLR as my primary shooter, but I never go ANYWHERE without at least one of my Agfa folders, my Zeiss Ikon RF, or my Marksman Box Camera.

I think you might be best to take your Hassie to your local retailer, and try different tripods/heads to find one that works well. If you want to drag your tripod around with you, maybe get one of the heavier-duty carbon pods; you'll get the extra strength for MF, but less weight.

Jason,

 

Have you considered an 85mm (Minolta makes an 85 f1.4)? This would make a great portrait lens for your baby (and the mom!). As she gets older, it'll be a nice length for following her around as she plays in the garden, park, etc.

 

And a little off-topic: You might want to take a look at Fuji NPS/NPH (or the similar Kokak Portra films) for portrait pictures. Lower contrast, beautiful realistic colors, great film!

 

Enjoy!

 

BJ

Derek,

 

I don't think that the smoke from incense will cause a lot of trouble, but like cigarette smoke, it will build up over time.

 

Keeping your gear in your drawer will probably help, but you're better off keeping them in a good quality camera bag. Your slides/negs/prints should be fine in the binder.

 

BJ

I just saw your other post indicating that you do not have the (D) series lenses, so you cannot take advantage of the distance integration feature of the flash.

 

Nonethelss, having an accessory flash will still be an improvement over the on-camera flash.

Manuel,

 

For low-light conditions (such as the upcoming Hallowe'en night), you might want to try a separate flash, such as the 3600HS(D), which has a built-in autofocus illuminator to help your camera focus is very low light. It will extend your usable flash range, and should give nice results with the distance integration feature.

 

The grainy pictures on your roll are likely from heavy underexposure. Print films generally have lots of exposure latitude (+/- 2 stops), but in my experience, negs that are badly underexposed tend to print with more grain.

 

Cheers!

Stephen,

 

I would stay with the Elan 7 if you're comfortable using it. Try to test the camera in similar situations to what you will encounter in the studio.

 

If you find your Elan 7 doesn't work as you require, make sure you have PLENTY of time to practice with your new camera. You don't want to be fumbling with buttons/settings when you should be shooting.

I've personally used NPH, which is beautiful. Highly recommended!

 

FYI: Fuji also makes Astia slide film, which is designed for accurate skin tones. This might be nice if you can get the slides scanned and printed digitally.

Mikael,

 

Based on the info available from the site you referenced, the XR-Heliogon will likely not be in a Nikon mount. You will probably have to get an adapter, or graft on a new mount.

 

BJ

Lou,

 

The Maxxum 7 was released after the 9, and has a bunch of new features. For one, the 7 can use the new SSM lenses from Minolta; the 9 cannot. The 7 will take advantage of your distance integration of your 5600HS(D) flash; the 9 cannot. The 7 has 3 memory settings (like profiles); the 9 does not. On the other hand, I think the 9 is weather-proof!

 

I would recommend the 7. If you want to compare for yourself, check out the side-by-side comparison chart from Minolta at http://www.minoltausa.com.

Unfortunately, I no longer am going to China. Another project came up, and I'm going to Texas instead.

 

Thanks to all who replied.

Sridhar,

 

You might want to take the rolls in groups of five to three different places, or at three different times to the same place. If you take some time to check these boards out, you'll find lots of horror stories... At least if there's a problem, you'll only lose five, instead of 15!

 

BJ

Richard,

 

I don't know the answer to your questions, but I suggest you give your Dad a big stock of film as a retirement gift, and tell him to go crazy! Then, he'll be able to "suck it and see", as you say.

 

BJ

Oh yeah, and an ancient Sekonic light meter to match!

 

BJ

Andrew,

 

Just turned 23, and although my primary kit is a lack-luster Yashica FX-3 Super 2000 (with a very good meter!), my favorite camera is my Agfa Isolette (Ventura 66) 6x6 folding camera. I also have a Zeiss Ikon Contessa LKE.

 

BJ