chas l

The circular arm is moved by a somewhat complex string and pulley arrangement under the topplate. This is connected to both the shutter speed dial and the aperture sensor surrounding the lens mount. You will note a protruding tab on the aperture sensor which fits against the aperture ring of the lens when mounted on the camera. If the arm is not moving when the aperture is changed, it is either because the aperture sensor is not moving freely (it is spring-loaded and should follow the lens aperture ring), or things have gotten out of place under the topplate.

 

I had the same problem recently and was able to remove the topplate, re-set the string on the pulleys, and get the string running smoothly again. I was lucky- I'd be very reluctant to do any significant disassembly on this mechanism, as I'm not at all sure I could reassemble it properly. Perhaps one of our more experienced repair people can give some help if this proves necessary.

Lindy:

 

I'm curious-- where is the shop that offers EX+ T90's at those prices and how can I get in touch with them. I'll agree with you that the cameras can readily be found in the $150 - $175 range (or even lower) but not in that cosmetic condition and not with a fresh CLA and warranty. Thanks.

I'm also surprised at the sharpness and clarity. That said, the first and last pictures in the set show some of the most dramatic pincushion distortion I've seen. I'm sure most folks who used these cameras didn't mind very much, if they noticed the effect at all in their snapshots.

 

I'm always amazed at the image quality that Gene can coax out of such simple equipment.

You've certainly got more than five takers so far, but I would also offer my services to review your eBook. I've got a collection of about 100 cameras, most acquired at fairly modest cost via online auctions. If you will forward a copy of your text to my photo.net email, I'll be happy to review and comment.

I'm surprised to hear an opinion like the one offered by Edward H. in an equipment-based enthusiast's forum. Any sophisticated equipment, be it a computer system or a camera system, is (among other things) a physical manifestation of the designers' ideas as to how things should work. Sometimes the designers' ideas, and the products that result, hit the mark and evoke responses from their users like Webster's. Other times, despite the designers' best efforts and the inclusion of some very fine product features and capabilities, that visceral response is missing.

 

I recently acquired a Nikon 8700 digital. The camera is a strange combination-- when it's good, it's very, very good (macro work, scenics on a tripod). When it's bad (low light photography) it's nearly unuseable. The interesting thing relative to this discussion, however, is that even when used in situations favoring its strengths, the camera does not come close to evoking the kind of response that Webster speaks of. The controls are small, bunched together, and awkwardly laid out. The menus are not intuitive and take a good bit of getting used to. The camera is loaded up with features and pre-formatted "modes" that do little buth get in the way of serious photography.

 

I'm not really complaining, and I'm not sorry I got the camera. When used to its strengths, the camera is amazingly capable. As much as I respect its abilities though, I'll never tell anyone that it is a joy to use.

 

I do agree that a good part of our general affection for our FD equipment comes about as a result of familiarity. A good deal of the equipment Webster mentions (AE-1, F1) are in fact laid out along the very classic lines first defined in earlier SLR designs like the Pentax Spotmatic. I'd also point out, though, that good design also plays a big role here- the overall size, weight, and balance of the cameras, intellegent spacing and sizing of the controls, etc. This is particularly manifested in some of Canon's more unususal offerings. The A-1 had a feature set unlike anything that came before it, and yet was (for me) comfortable and intuitive in use from the first time I picked it up.

 

An even better example might be the T70. I had avoided this camera for years because of its plasticy look-- I couldn't imagine that it would be anything close to enjoyable in use, and expected that the push button controls would be awkward and confining. When the market for these cameras became such that a clean T70 body with an internal autowinder didn't cost any more than an A-series accessory winder, I finally relented and tried one. I am truely amazed at how nicely this camera handles. It's become one of my favorites.

 

In summary, I believe that the responses we feel when using our FD equipment are a tribute to the people who designed it.

A vote here for the under-appreciated Yashica TL ElectroX. Solid construction, stepless electronic shutter, a nice LED readout in the viewfinder for metering, and even mirror lock-up. All of this available very inexpensively, and with a standard 50MM/1.7 lens that just might make you forget all about the Super Takumar. A terrific camera!