john_millard

Andreas:

 

<p>

 

I printed a XP-2 negative developed at a 1-hour lab with C-41, and you know what, you're right. Using a B&W paper (in this case Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe) makes a noticeable difference over the lab's prints on color paper. While the tint seems more true to B&W, that is, less brown looking, I still think the XP-2 is a grainier film than T-Max 400 or HP-5+...especially when I enlarge to 8X10. But, hey, if you don't have a darkroom or access to one, XP-2 is a great alternative to waiting 3 to 5 days and paying an arm and a leg for a custom lab to do your B&W. I really think, though, that a simple B&W home darkroom is faster and cheaper (and definitely more fun) in the long run. Thanks for the info.

Here's my very amateur and subjective opinion. I don't like either of the C-41 B&W films. I think they both have a funny looking tone, almost like a sepia for the XP-2 and a bluish tint for the TMaxCN. If the reason you use the C-41 is to save time because you can take it to any drugstore, then consider buying a stainless steel tank, 35mm and 120 spools and some TMax developer, Stop Bath and Rapid Fixer. You can do it yourself in your bathroom or kitchen sink in far less time than it takes to drive to the lab and wait on someone who is used to mass producing color films. You'll do a better job, too. I can develope a roll of 120 in less than 30 minutes after I set everything up (which takes all of 10 minutes). I developed 2 rolls of 120 and one of 35mm tonight while watching the news and Politically Incorrect. It's a lot more satisfying doing it yourself, and the quality is much better. Plus, I haven't screwed up a roll yet. I use both Ilford HP5+ and TMax 400 (120 and 35mm) with excellent results, and the TMax isn't nearly as unforgiving as I've read about in these pages. Of course, it helps to have an enlarger to make contact sheets and prints. I do mine on an old Beseler 67. You can get a modest enlarger for peanuts on eBay. Go for it...you'll be glad you did.

Never even seen one, but check out Jim Thomas' excellent homepage "Classic Rollfilm Cameras" at http://www.trailerpark.com/tequila/hanshaw/camera.htm#list4. He has a review of an Ikonta, as well as a number of other classic folding cameras.

I've never used one before, but check out Jim Thomas' excellent website "Classic Rollfilm Cameras" at http://www.trailerpark.com/tequila/hanshaw/camera.htm#list7. It has a review of the Agfa Isolette series. According to Jim, the Ansco Speedex Special "R" is basically the same camera as the Agfa Isolette III. Looks like a pretty fine folding camera to me.

I recently bought a 124G, and I love it. You can't beat the price for the quality of lens that comes on these old cameras.

 

<p>

 

There are a lot of accessories available for the Mat like a lens hood, bayonet mount filters (Yashica and Rollei make them and they both fit), and close up and tele lenses that attach like a filter. I haven't tried any of the lens attachments, but I have bought a UV, 1A and Yellow filter at an auction on eBay. They work very well, and cost like $20 for all three. Visit eBay and search "Yashica" and you'll no doubt pull several 124G's and accessories.

Thank you for the responses. I've already checked the Yashica Mat web page to no avail. Does anyone out there know how to date these cameras?

I just bought a Yashica Mat 124 G for $295. Unfortunately, the camera did not come with any owners manual or receipt. It's in excellent condition as far as I can tell, but I haven't had a chance to shoot a roll of film. Is there any way to tell the age of the camera by it's serial number? There is a number printed on the viewfinder, which I presume that this is the serial number. The number reads 169295.

 

<p>

 

Thanks for any info.

Wein Cell makes a 1.35v "Mercury-Free" battery called the MRB625. My camera store sold it to me when I bought my Yashica Mat 124-G. It works fine as far as I can tell. I specifically asked about the mercury battery problem when I bought the camera, and the salesman knew exactly what the problem was and said that this battery is the solution. They're a pretty knowledgeable group and have always been honest with me. It cost $5.95 and is manufactured by WEIN PRODUCTS, INC., 115 West 25th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007. According to the package claims, the voltage output is stable and no meter adjustment is necessary. Hope this is helpful.