david_held1

<p>Sung to "Swinging on a Star"<br>

Now all the monkeys ain't at the zoo. They can learn to shoot Rollies too. Most shoot a whole lot better than you. But even if you don't go far. You can't be worse off than you are. At least your shooting a Xenotar.<br>

I can't remember if we are a monkey's uncle or if the monkey is ours'.<br>

Dave</p>

<p>Michael,<br>

I've had my Electro 35 G for over 40 years. I still find that the lens is as sharp as the first day. Rangefinder window is a bit cloudy but usable. <br>

I carried it for a year while in Vietnam, in the field and in basecamp and it still works wonderfully.<br>

Dave Held</p>

<p>Glenn:<br>

Try to pick up a Gossen Luna Pro SBC (or in Europe, the Profisix SBC). You can usually find them for a reasonable price. They are accurate and best of all, take a regular 9v battery.<br>

Dave Held</p>

<p>The EM was my first medium format camera. I still have it and it takes wonderful pictures. That being said, I would be leary of using the built-in selinium meter. Remember these cameras are roughly 40 years old. I would suggest finding a reasonably priced handheld meter on Craigslist or fleabay to use.<br>

Dave Held</p>

<p>Thank God that I have a Rollie 2.8F. Great camera. Its a shame when great names go away.<br>

Dave Held</p>

<p>Jake,<br>

Your quest should continue. My first Electro 35G is nearing its 40th anniversary. The rangefinder is a bit dim but it still works despite being carried for a year in Vietnam. My second GSN is great. I try to use both on a regular basis. Keep the faith and keep on trying. The Electros are great cameras.<br>

Dave Held</p>

<p>You definately have something wrong with your camera. I have two Electros. Each has a custom made battery store non-mercury 6 volt that have lasted for more than 6 years. You might want to have the camera checked at a competent repair shop.<br>

Dave Held</p>

<p>Alex:<br>

Who does your work in Denver? With several of the places I used to have repairs done now out of business, I'm looking for a local repair facility just in case.<br>

Dave Held</p>

<p>Robert:<br>

Good luck. I hate to burst your bubble but there have been numerous posts regarding Seagull TLRs on PN. Most all have stated that the camera lasts for a very short time before something drastic goes wrong. What can you say about a camera that was being sold in the Sundance Cataloge and at their stores.<br>

Dave Held</p>

<p>Gene<br>

Great pictures as always. I've always been impressed with FD glass.<br>

Dave Held</p>

<p>Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's Rollei. By the way, my 2.8F takes absolutely great pictures.<br>

Dave Held</p>

<p>Andrew:<br>

The Zeiss Icons are great cameras. You will get excellent results from yours with a little effort. That being said, you should do yourself a great favor and go to <a href="http://www.butkus.org">www.<strong>butkus</strong>.org</a> and download the manual. Don't forget to send a couple of bucks for the privelege.<br>

Dave Held</p>

I have to agree with Gene on this one. The prettiest camera I own is a Rollie 2.8F, closely followed by my Super

Ikonta.

From my perspective - never having been to Iraq or Afganistan - based on my experience from Vietnam, I would pick up the least expensive option. Not only will the harsh desert ruin a good camera, but barracks theives can be a problem depending on the unit.

 

A bit of advice for your son from an old grunt - Keep your eyes open, keep your buddy's back covered, make sure yours is covered, stay as low as possible to the ground AND COME HOME SAFE!

 

Dave Held

Bernie:

I've had very good luck with my EM (it was my first venture into MF). The meter has been accurate enough for outdoor shots, although when compared to an accurate meter (Luna Pro SBC) it is off by about 2 stops. Still it takes very good pictures - not quite Rollei or

Hasselblad quality, but when you consider the cost difference, it is more than adequate.

I have owned and used an FX2 for the last 20 years +/-. Unlike others, I have never had any dificulty in finding lenses for the camera. All non auto focusing YK (Yashica-Contax)lenses will fit. Since these cameras were not the most popular compared to Nikon/Canon, the lenses are usually not too expensive. Just make sure that you have a right to return any camera or lense that you purchase for a full refund.

To clarify, the photog was with the Rocky Mtn News. Douglas Bruce was appointed to fill out the term of house member who was promoted to the Colorado Senate. At the time of the incident, Bruce had not yet been sworn in for his seat -- he refused to attend the opening sessions until yesterday so that he would not fall under term limits. The kicking was uncalled for and the House leadership for both the Democrats and Republicans are planning on disciplining Bruce for his actions. Oh the wonderful world of Colorado politics

The lapel insignia is that of the Army Signal Corps and by the looks of the shoulder, the officer is most likely a 1st LT.

For the money (if you can get around the mercury battery issue) my vote is for the Yashica Electro 35 -- totally underated but built like a tank and takes great pix.

There was someone on fleaBay selling a 35mm conversion kit for the 70mm back a while ago. I have no idea if it worked or not, nor how the results would turn out. I think he was asking around $20 for his kit.

Gene:

Great to have you back. Sedona is a wonderful place to take pictures as long as you don't get caught in a new-age vortex.

James:

 

Tried to access your article. Your site says that it does not exist.

Mark:

Really not too much more to add than what has already been given. A great place for info on your Hasselblad is at this site http://www.hasselbladhistorical.eu/HW/HWVSys.aspx. Remember that there is a wealth of info and great advice here at Photo.net.

 

Meanwhile, take this advice from an old grunt -- keep your head down and your weapon clean.

My first "real" camera was an Electro 35 in 1969. Bought it new at the PX at Camp Zama in Japan while there on R&R from my lovely all expenses paid vacation in VietNam. I carried that camera with me in the field for the rest of my tour. Right now it is sitting on a shelf with a newer GSN. Both still work. I have batteries made at Batteries Plus - I believe they are 4 1.5 volt buttons. A little expensive but a working solution.

 

Dave

Cale:

 

Both Wolf (Ritz) and Mike's have stopped carrying Med Format new. In fact Wolf no longer carries any used cameras. Wolf recommends selling to KEH. Mike's still does carry some used cameras. However, if you want to play touchy-feely before you buy, you do have a few options here in Denver. Englewood Camera just south of Littleton Blvd. on Broadway, Jerry's Camera at its new location on Broadway just south of Mississippi and Camera Trader on Hampden west of Santa Fe Blvd. They usually have some Med Format available. Of course, you can't go wrong w/ KEH and their return policy.

 

Dave Held