steve_dunn1

I've found the Cokin filter adapter for the P&S is less than perfect.

When mounted, it doesn't allow for the camera cover to be fully

opened. I've tried it only once on my GT-E and gave up. I'd like to

know if the advice that it "works perfectly" is based on experienc or

just reading an older Cokin brouchure. Seems we should be careful

with such evaluations when not actually trying the device on the

camera. BTW, I also have a Minox ML and the same results obtain:

totally unusable!!!

Catherine,

<p>

You've been fairly well apprised as to the correct shutter speed to

select. Let me add a little to this discussion regarding the

selection of a flash and how you can maximize its use for different

distances and/or the use of flash fill for outdoor daylight pics.

<p>

First, and foremost you MUST have a flash having a variable output

selector. For purposes of this discussion (and for purposes of

economical choices out there) I will refer to the Vivitar 285 and the

283 with the optional VP-1. The VP-1 is the Variable Power Sensor

designed to replace the 283's standard auto sensor. Its available at

B+H for about $19.

<p>

Second, now that you have one of these babies in your hand how do you

calculate the flash output and set it so it'll work with your Minox?

Do the following:

<p>

a) Always keep in mind that the scales on the 285 and the 283 do

nothing more than give you information. They are primarily designed

to tell you how far your flash will be effective at a give ASA, f/stop

and maximum distance for any give auto setting color code set by the

sensor on the front of the flash. Here is where you can help your

MINOX with its fixed f/stop. The 285 and the 283 with its VP-1 sensor

allow you to modulate the DURATION of the flash by cutting it in

fractions: 1/2, 1/4, & 1/16 for the 285 and an expanded range up to

1/64th (!!) for the 283 with the VP-1.

<p>

Lets apply it: with an ASA of 100 and a full manual flash setting

your f/3.5 will mandate taking pictures with the flash approximately

40 feet away. Not too practical. However, by reducing the output

four stops to a 1/16th setting you are now in the traditional poitrait

range of about 8 feet. Too close? Move the settingto a 1/4th and

your f/3.5 is set for flash exposure at a distance of about 16 feet.

The same calculations are possible with the (more affordable) 283

equipped with the VP-1. Just set the reduction of stops as needed to

accomodate your film speed and anticipated shot distance.

<p>

What about flash fill for outdoor shots? Do the above calculations

and then again reduce the flash output by one or two stops. BUT its

very difficult to "arrange". Eg: ASA 25, required f/3.5 and required

flash sync of about 1/30. You're in a box here as there are no

variables you can adjust on your camera. If you're lucky enough to be

in the ball park with good exposure at 1/30 th shutter speed you can

add just a little flash. Lets say you're taking a shot where the

ambient light provides for good exposure as above. Check the flash

dial: the above settings provide that at full manual the required

distance must be about 18 - 20 feet. It'll be properly exposed but

the shot will look artificial as the total light will be from the

flash and nothing from the ambient light. Tone it down two stops (1/4

power) and you can take the same shot at the SAME DISTANCE with a

wonderful flash fill.

<p>

To do the above you need the variable power capibilities of Vivitars

(cheap used) or other flashes on the market.

<p>

Good luck & regards

<p>

Steve

Hi,

<p>

I obtained a flash head that is part of the Minox me-1 flash. I'd like to see if I can get it up and running. Does anyone have any unused spare parts for this piece. Specifically, I'd be interested in the cable, battery power pack (even if its unusable due to age I may be able to adapt new batteries, but that remains to be seen) or the charger unit. Thanks.

<p>

Steve

Hasselblad tripod mounts for the original Variogon are RARE!! Don't bother to waste your time in trying to find one. I obtained a Bogen telephoto Lens support #293. It works fine and holds the lens/body assembly very well. It also gives you the ability to use it on other lenses. Obviously with the Hasselblad model its usable only on the Variogon.

Steve

Al,

You could try the Pacemaker Crown Graphic with Graflock back. You can obtain a variety of roll film backs in different formats. Price of a camera and roll film back and severa 4x5 cut film backs should not exceed $350. That's with lens too!

This link gives the variety of 120//220backs available for the 4x5 Good luck.

Graflex Graphic Accessories at the following link:

http://www.graflex.org/speed-graphic/accessories.html#ViewfinderMasks

Sorry I'm not up to speed in posting a blue link here.

Steve

Does anyone have a lead on where I might look to get a tripod mount

for this lens. Hasselblad no longer stocks them for this earlier

black lens. Now, of course, they are made as part of the zoom lens

assembly. I need one as the body's lens mount can't hold the weight.

Any leads greatly appreciated.

steve dunn

Alec,

Thanks for your helpful response. As a knowedgeable Hasselblad user I'm sure you're aware the 500 C Black lens does indeed have an Accessory Rail and Round Lens Shade. Your research probably showed a picture of a 500 C Black with the accessory rail on the barrel. The company specifically designed it for mounting the fvf. If you haven't run across a picture of the lens refer to your information resouces such as Wildi's "The Hasselblad Manual", 3d Ed Rev, pg 107. Therein he conclusively agrees with you by describing the frame finder for the 500 and its uses. He notes "t can also be used for viewing with the 350 and 500 mm lenses when attached to accessory rail on these lenses with the 350/500 frame viewfinder attachment." BTW I use my 500 frequently and the lens did, on my last outing, have a 2 1/2" long chromed rail on it. Have your local library get you a copy of Wildi or you can order one if you want to go beyond this narrow topic.

:-(!*@#%$)

Thanks for the info.

Steve Dunn

I've been looking for a frame view finder for my 500 C black lens.

This fvf is designed to fit onto the lens accessory rail in a similar

fashion as the sport finder fits onto the body accessory rail. Its

mentioned in Wildi's book. I haven't been able to find one. Were any

ever made? Has anyone seen or have one? Thanks.

Steve Dunn