greg_hilton

I have used a Leica R4 for the last seven years, and have shot dozens of rolls of slide and b & w print. I have to say that the R4 offers everything you could want from a manual focus film SLR. The two metering modes (spot and integrated full frame) together with aperture priority mean that it is easy to become familiar with the metering characteristics of the camera. In terms of reliability, I have to say that the camera has had some problems in its 25 year life. My father bought the camera new in 1983 and during the late eighties and early nineties, whilst he shot many rolls of slide film which still look superb today, there was an intermittent problem with the electronics. When I inherited the camera, the same problem cropped up again. However, I had the camera repaired about six years ago and it's operated perfectly ever since. I would highly recomend the R4 to a user who appreciates the finer things of photography, including access to an excellent range of lenses. I briefly owned an R7 and never liked its slightly larger body and rather superfluous modernised electronics. The R4 had everything I needed, until the digital SLR arrived last Christmas.....

I agree with Michael about the second (Canadian) version of the 50mm Summicron. It's the best lens I have in terms of contrast and feel. You'll find an excellent choice at affordable (for Leica) prices. They're cheap because every Leica R in the 80's was purchased with a 50mm Summicron, so there are loads around. Good luck.

Final one from Lake Bohinj.

Another one

Some photo's from Slovenia...

Try Foma Action Pan from retrophotographic.co.uk for very high contrast and interesting (=lots of) grain. It's even more contrasty if pushed to ISO 800. Highlights can sometimes blow, especially if you use a red filter, but this film has given me my best B & W shots. I use a photo lab without any problems, though I've bought all the gear to develop at home and not found the time....

Well, Campkins is a good old fashioned camera shop.....with a good range of new and second hand Leica's. I'm still using an R4 which my father bought new from Campkins in 1983. Still going strong...

 

Not sure if you can go direct to Anglia Photo labs. If the prints appear scratched, check the negs...if so, you should ask for reprints. If the negs are scratched, take them back and get angry (as long as it's not your camera that scratched them) and you may get a full refund (but not your unscratched negs back).

 

Cheers

The best place is probably Campkins Cameras on Rose Crescent, which is a small pedestrianised street off the market square. They take colour and black and white films, and can do next day if required. They do not process on site, but send to Anglia Photo Labs on Tennyson Road. I only use them for B and W and they're generally good, though they have scratched a couple of films over the years (very depressing at the time), but I have been using them on and off for over ten years.

 

Other options are all in-store mini-labs. You have Boots on Petty Cury, Jessops on Green Street and Snappy Snaps (which is pretty good) near to Lion Yard.

 

Hope this helps. Good luck!

 

Cheers

 

Greg

Sorry, the previously attached photo was far too large. Here it is again smaller (I hope!).

Trevor, you say your local Boots has fresh dated 8mm cine film. Amazing!! I have been looking for this on and off for the past year and haven't been able to track it down - which Boots branch is it? Also, what is the price, if you can remember? I recently bought a Canon 8mm cine camera whilst in Prague (excellent second hand camera shops by the way. A camera junkie's dream....) and have not tested it with a film yet.

 

I took a look at your portfolio - some stunning black and white images. I espcially like the level of contrast you get with your landscapes. Do you use a red filter and/or a polarizer? What is the film/lens combination for the bulk of the shots? These shots really inspire me to get out there with my R4 and 50mm Summicron and shoot some B and W. I have been using Fomapan Action 400 lately (from the Czech Republic via Retrophotographic) pushed to ISO 800, and I especially like the high contrast/grain effect achieved (see attached image). Though after seeing your portfolio I am thinking about putting in some fine grained film instead. Any recommendations?

 

Cheers, Greg<div></div>

Hi Trevor

 

I am also a fan of Fuji slide film, and have had a lot of successful scans with Provia 100F and Velvia 50 with my Minolta Scan Elite 5400. I find the most economical way to buy Fuji slide film is via Fuji's 'triples' offers. These allow you to purchase triple packs of Fuji Provia or Velvia with pre-paid Fuji processing vouchers. They cost about ﾣ23 per triple pack, and come with a pre-paid envelope to start you off. All you have to do is fill in the voucher and post it in the envelope with the exposed film. It's simple, and it works out that each film including processing costs around ﾣ8.

 

These 'triples' are available via the Fuji sales order line (01926 463606).

 

Cheers

 

Greg