bruce booher photography
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Posts posted by bruce booher photography
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<p>Randy and others. This was the only reference that I could come across as well regarding the folios. The price did sound good. I'm curious about some of the personal embossing with which the folios have on their covers. I was surprised that I couldn't find a thing on the internet. I have started to explore bookmaking/bookbinding as well. I might put together some of my own photos in a book instead of uploading them to a site and having one made for me. A lot of work, but certainly a personal touch.</p>
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<p>Just recently I made my own folios similar to those seen in <a href="http://www.lenswork.com/">LensWork Magazine</a>. I had wanted to take part in the online seminar offered by Brooks Jensen, but was unable to. Using the computer I created a template in parts, printed it out, and then taped the pieces together. I purchased paper from a local art store, taped the template to it, traced around, and then cut the folio out. Although it lacks an opening and embossing, I'm still proud of my little creation. It's a great way to store prints and then give them away as a set. You can probably guess what some close friends will be getting for Christmas this year. Please feel free to email me for the templates. It is, however, for traditional 8 x 10 prints. I'm sure that the template could be changed for other size paper. I can give other details as well, but it's not that hard to figure out. Also, I'm curious if anyone else has given this a try. That is, made their own folios. Thanks!</p><div>
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<p>Steve, I have and use my 501cx for most of my photography. I absolutely enjoy the camera. I have a metered prism, the <a href="http://www.photoethnography.com/ClassicCameras/index-frameset.html?HasselbladFinders.html~mainFrame">PME3</a>. It allows me to better focus than the waist level finder. However, when I use a tripod I use the waist level finder with its magnifier. Also, the meter works quite well. The dials for setting the ASA and the f stop are difficult to see and read in low light, however. I've added a flash as well and now use my camera for indoor shooting. My most recent purchase is an A16S film back. I've started shooting superslides and bore my two sons with slide shows. The quality and color is very rich and it brings back fond memories of suffering through neighbor's slides. :) Good luck in your decision making. Given enough time you'll come to enjoy the Hasselblad. I'm glad that you've taken the time to read the manuals. There's really not much to these cameras. Compared to my little digital point and shoot's manual a Hasselblad manual is practically nothing!</p>
<p>One more thing, you might try KEH if the shipping charges aren't too terribly bad. (I'm not sure of your location.) They are friendly enough to work with and their prices are difficult to beat. Still, you might want to count on getting your camera looked over for a good cleaning and adjustment. It's expensive, but it's worth it in the long run.</p>
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<p>Hi Brandon! You have asked a question to which you will NEVER receive a simple answer. YOU have to decide for yourself what works best for YOUR needs. I know, I've been there before. I can't tell you how many countless nights I spent wondering which camera I should purchase. However, once I made my decision there has never been any regret, no looking back, and I couldn't be happier. Think about your needs and your wants. I'm sorry, but in my humble opinion it doesn't matter what you use to take your photographs. Just get out there and shoot! Take as many photos as you can and look at as many photos as you can. After all (and we've all learned this at some point) it doesn't matter what camera you use!!! Again, it doesn't matter what camera you use. It's all in how you use what you have. I'm sorry, and again this is my humble opinion,but if anyone is asking you what equipment you used to take a particular photo then they don't really care about your photography. I would never think of asking someone such details if their work were hanging up somewhere in a gallery. What matters is the inherent beauty found in the photo itself. There is a time and place to discuss technical qualities and equipment, but I'm not going to do that once the photo itself is presented.</p>
<p>With that said, I use a medium format camera along with film. I process and print all of my black and white. My color is sent to Chrome Imaging in D.C. I work from hard copies and have started to scan some of my prints for presentation on the Internet and some other ideas that I have regarding what I enjoy doing. At the same time, though, I have a small point and shoot digital camera that I love to use when I want to capture various memories and events. I could care less if my camera will hold its value. I have lived long enough to know that the only thing that holds its value is gold. :) That feeling allows me to NOT worry about my equipment and its condition. Otherwise I would be a mess always worrying about a scratch here and a ding there. Good prices on good equipment can be had at KEH. They are wonderful to work with.</p>
<p>Good luck in your decision making process. I feel for you because I've been there before!<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>Sally,</p>
<p>I would start by changing the light seals. Have they ever been changed? I purchased Blackbird's manual. However, for changing light seals you won't need the manual. It's a fairly straight forward operation. When I first received my used A12 magazines I was shocked by how much light was getting on the film.<br>
Good luck!<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>Moko,</p>
<p>I just recently purchased a PME3 metered prism for my 503cx. I really enjoy using a prism as I was having the same problem as you. It does make a bit of a difference, especially with the focusing. Good luck!<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>TMX (T-Max 100) in D-76 1:1 for 12 minutes (+ or - 10%). Formulary also makes some fantastic developers.<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>Ken,</p>
<p>Try not to get too discouraged. I purchased my Hasselblad (in somewhat rough shape) from the local pawn shop. I was a bit suspicious as well and asked the folks at the store questions. The police are in there all the time checking on stolen equipment. It wasn't "hot" as they would say on television (circa 1970). Nonetheless, I called the Hasselblad folks up in NJ with the serial numbers and they had no report of this particular camera having been stolen. I'm sorry that I don't have their phone number, but if you Google Hasselblad you should be able to find it. I don't know if owners of their equipment do that anymore. That is, call Hasselblad to report that their equipment was stolen. Their repair technicians will check serial numbers and so forth as equipment comes in for service. It's worth a shot. If nothing pans out then buy the equipment!</p>
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<p>Asim,</p>
<p>Like the others, I enjoy my Hasselblad. Yes, it did take some getting used to, but it was well worth the time. I carry mine with me as often as I can with a PME 3, 80 mm, and 150 mm. Although my PME 3 has a meter, I still use a handheld. As in an earlier post, I will sometimes pack mine (along with a tripod) in a backpack and hike up to 5 miles. I don't mind the weight. I purchased my equipment used and I've never looked back. I recently purchased a flash and find that I'm using my camera more than ever.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision. Remember, though, keep photographing!</p>
<p>Bruce</p><div>
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<p>My apologies, I meant a <em>pin</em>hole camera.</p>
<p>Thanks!<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>Somewhat along the same lines (but a stretch), has anyone ever used their Hasselblad as a penhole camera? I'm considering a cap that I can put a hole in and give it a try. I'm curious about the results.</p>
<p>Thanks, and good luck to you, Oskar!<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>I agree, Paul. It's sort of like buying a certified pre owned Mercedes from the dealership. Very expensive. Not even a film back was all that tempting.</p>
<p>Bruce</p>
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<p>Brian,<br>
All the equipment that I have bought from KEH has been as described. What I like most is their return policy and customer service. I always deal with KEH over the phone and find them to be very helpful. I have also sold/traded equipment and appreciate the added 10% towards a trade. It at least covers the shipping if not more. However, I wouldn't count on getting nearly as much as if equipment were sold via an auction or other method.</p>
<p>I have also purchased from Adorama and BH Video. I prefer KEH because they offer more "bargain" equipment. Also, for what it's worth I like KEH's method of grading equipment as opposed to the numbering or lettering system. I know, it's a personal thing, but I feel like I have a better understanding of the equipments' condition when it's listed as Excellent, Bargain, etc. Again, just a personal thing.</p>
<p>One last item of interest regarding KEH. Browsing their website, I found a Stroboframe bracket (Pro 66) for $14.00. Others were at around $40.00 or more. I called only to find out that it was a mistake on their part. The item had been incorrectly priced. To my surprise they said that I could purchase the Stroboframe for the advertised price. In fact, they had two of them at that cost. I was extremely thankful and purchased one as well as a filter. They certainly have my business!</p>
<p>Good luck!<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>Hi Benjamin!<br>
I have to agree with the others regarding production of the Hasselblad V series. It matters little to me if they stop producing this series. I've always purchased used and I've never been dissatisfied. My 503 cx is from the 1980's. I've had it CLA and it works like a charm. My lenses are really old and they work without problems. I just added a flash and I'm more than happy with the results. I use 100 and 400 settings and that's about it. I didn't see a need for the greater ASA range. So, if you are okay with the used market I would recommend starting there before buying new. Regardless of your purchase you will be pleased.</p>
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<p>Sun, I don't have an answer to your question regarding a hotspot. I believe that I have read elsewhere on this site of similar problems. That was another reason why I chose the D Flash 40. Regardless of work arounds and fixes, I wanted something simple to use and specific to the 503 cx. If you haven't already done so, I'd suggest searching photonet to see what others have encountered. Good luck, and I'm sure that you will get something to work. The Metz looks like and sounds like an excellent flash for the 503!</p>
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<p>Q. G.<br>
Thanks for your response. I was wondering if using bounce would work just as you described! I also figured that I could decrease the camera's film setting in order to increase the flash's output. I'll give it a try!<br>
Thanks,<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>This is more of a comment than it is a question. Nonetheless, I have to share it with other users. I just recently started using a D Flash with my 503 cx. I had read earlier posts about how easy it is to use this flash (and ones similar to it). I can't believe it's simplicity as well as the results it delivers! I shot a number of photos with and without fill flash as well as experimenting with the camera's ASA setting. The results that I got were dead on each time. I was certain that I would get a few "duds", but everything came out just fine.</p>
<p>For those who are unfamiliar with the D Flash, it has an on/off switch and that's about it. Film speed is set via the camera and there is an indicator light in the viewfinder. The light flashes if the film received enough light. I love it! If one wants more or less light the camera's film speed can be changed. It's really that simple! I had an SB-26 for my Nikon and loved it as well, but I had such a time figuring out and remembering all of it's features. A good flash, but more than what I needed.</p>
<p>I'm using the D Flash with a Stroboframe Pro 66 and my prism is the PME 3. It's a wonderful little (but heavy) set up and allows me to take some terrific photos. I just printed contact sheets and I will try to scan and upload images at some point.</p>
<p>Have others used a similar set up and found it to be very simple? I can understand why wedding photographers and the like used a similar flash in the past. Man! It's great balancing available light with the flash!</p>
<p>Also, what have others experienced when diffusing their D Flash (or similar) as well as using bounce? I want to experiment with that next! Does anyone have recommendations on a diffuser as well as setting the flash/camera when bouncing the flash?</p>
<p>Thank you for your replies,<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>Chris,<br>
Congratulations! It's exciting to see those slides. If you are local, I have 2 slide projectors and you are welcome to one. I picked these up from a local school system. They were ready to throw these things away. Also, check yardsales. Our local Boy Scouts had an entire set up and screen that they were ready to give away.<br>
Save your money up for medium format. Wait until you see the slides that you get from them. Like you, I was speechless when I saw my first 6x6 transparency. However, the projector is much more expensive! (Anyone have one that they want to give away?)<br>
When feeling nostalgic I will spend an evening looking at slides. Everyone but me can't stand it. Instead, they force me to huddle around their cell phone or computer monitor to look at tiny images of their cat (or children) doing funny things. Oh well!<br>
Have fun!</p>
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<p>Moko,<br>
Congratulations on your future purchase. I always purchase my used equipment from KEH and I have never been disappointed. They rate their used equipment very accurately. I have puchased from B&H Video as well as Adorama and have found them to be a bit more expensive.<br>
The darkslide holder does just that, it holds your darkslide. Personally, I find this small feature helpful. I'm curious as to what other photographers do with their darkslide when taking photos. I will hold it in my lefthand beneath the camera, put it in my pocket, or set it down somewhere. Lindhal (sp?) makes an inexpensive holder that attaches to the back of the filmback.<br>
One suggestion is a filter for your lens and I see that you are already getting one. You might want to spend the extra $15 or so on a lens cover (and another $15 for a rear lens cover).<br>
Finally, for what it's worth, I have a chrome 150mm lens and love it. It works just fine for me. I will say, thought, that the PC socket for the flash cord is very "skinny." I worry about breaking it.<br>
Have fun! You are going to love your new system!<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>Hi David,<br>
How exciting for you! I can't wait to see your photos via your web site. Please keep us up to date. In regards to your question about repairs, etc. I sent you an email with how I replaced the seals on my magazines. It's a very simple operation and requires little in the way of tools. Be careful, though, those screws are tiny and can be easily lost!<br>
Good luck!<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>Tim,<br>
Good luck with the repair. Watchband springs are a good idea. As for the exploded view you can download a lot of these from <a href="http://www.eserviceinfo.com/index.php?what=search2">http://www.eserviceinfo.com/index.php?what=search2</a> . If that doesn't work go to eserviceinfo.com and search Hasselblad. They have a lot of manuals with the exploded views, etc. However, I wouldn't consider them repair manuals. Nonetheless, they can help with identifying parts. Enjoy!<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>Hi Jeri! Good luck with your new adventure. I've processed E-6 myself in the past, but find it easier just to send it out. For me temperature was the most critical and the most difficult to maintain. Aquarium heaters were not enough to raise the temperature of my water bath. You may have better luck at finding a heater to do the trick. Again, I was unable to find something to get my water bath warm enough. Therefore, I had to constantly maintain a running water bath. Even then I wasn't very accurate. I used the standard plastic Jobo chemical bottles to store my stuff. Use caution when mixing. Some of the chemicals are extremely toxic. One smell and it makes you light headed. Use lots of ventilation. You can reuse the chemistry, but you will have to add some extra time (as I recall). Please, please, please, dispose of your chemicals properly. They will ruin your pipes, and don't think that flushing it down the toilet will make things better!<br>
All in all it was a fun experience, but a lot of work without the proper equipment. It can be done, though! Good luck!<br>
Bruce</p>
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<p>Charles, congratulations! I gave up my 35 mm film camera for more medium format equipment. I love the large size of a 6 x 6 negative. Your new camera really will force you to slow down and think about what you are shooting. It has nothing to do with the fact that you are shooting film. Enjoy!</p>
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<p>Hi Benjamin,<br>
I would have to agree with the other two replies. You have nothing to worry about during your life time. My 503 cx is from the 1980s. I don't think that you will find many digital cameras still being used 20 years later and I doubt that anyone will bother to repair them. The V series is pretty much all mechanical. Parts can be manufactured or taken from other bodies. The amount of used gear on the market is incredible and prices can't be beat. I'll never give up my 503.<br>
Enjoy!</p>
Homemade Folios
in Casual Photo Conversations
Posted