jon_shumpert2

<p>Just when I thought I was getting over my classic manual camera addiction, a couple of spotmatics pull me back in. I, like many others here, like collecting and using classic manual cameras. I mainly have Nikons, but have an early spotmatic with the 55/1.8 lens. It, along with many of my other cameras , didn't get much use so I have sold a few cameras. My wife is happy about that. I kept the spotmatic because it is so well built and because the re-sale value isn't much. I occasionally visit local thrift stores and check out donated cameras. A few days ago, one had received a large donation of cameras. I ended up with a spotmatic f with 50/1.4 smc and a broken (or so I thought) ES with 50mm/1.4 super multi coated takumar. I had bought the ES with the intention of selling the lens. I found out online how to fix the ES, and I am having second thought about selling it. All 3 cameras work mechanically and the meters work. Now, instead of selling un-used equipment, I am collecting more. These cameras are addictive. Is it wrong to sit and play with the smooth focus and film advance. I'm sure I can stop anytime I want to. Now I am going to have to buy more film. I'm sure I am not the only person with this illness. Here are a few photos of the cameras. The spotmatic with the orange leatherette doesn't usually look that orange. It is closer to a tan color, but looks more vivid against the blue background. My son picked the color at the aki-asahi website.</p><div></div>

<p>Thanks for the link to the video Les. Although I shoot mainly digital, I enjoy using my film cameras more. I don't do as much with film due to the lack of good photo labs in my area and because I have to send it out for development. I think this video is even more moving for those who not only started out using film, but also developed their own photos. I still remember the excitement I felt the first time I saw my first black and white negatives, and then seeing an image appear on the paper in the developer. I remember getting my slides at the lab and immediately grabbing a loupe to view them on the light box. Digital is immediate feedback, which is good, but I liked the sense of anticipation I had in waiting to see my images. I have a few rolls of Fuji Velvia in my freezer that I am now inspired to use. Thanks again for the video.</p>

<p> Learning studio lighting online can be difficult. There are many websites that are helpful , but my favorite is <a href="http://strobist.blogspot.com/">http://strobist.blogspot.com/</a> I hope this helps.</p>

<p>I have used various methods to remove stuck filters. One that works for me is to press the filter against the bottom of a pair of sneakers. I used to work at a camera store and had a customer come in with an old lens with a stuck, broken filter. She asked if I could get the filter off. I said " I have just the tool for the job"! I put my foot on the counter, pressed the filter against the bottom of my shoe , twisted the lens, and the filter came off easily. I did get a strange look from both the customer and one of my co-workers, but she was happy.</p>

<p>Thanks Louis. I wasn't able to take any photos with mine today, but I am looking forward to using it this weekend.</p>

<p>I just found a canon ex auto slr and 2 lenses at a local thrift store today. The lenses are a 50/1.8 and a 125/3.5. I have never seen a canon with this lens mount, but thought it would be interesting to use. The lenses are similar to ones I have for my Kodak retina reflex S in that the aperture is in the camera and not the lens. I am interested in seeing images from the 125mm in particular, but have not been able to find many samples online. Does anyone here use the 125 and would be able to show some sample images? The camera seems to work fine mechanically. I need to get a battery to check out the electronics. I will take it out tomorrow with my sekonic meter to test it. Thanks for any info.</p>

<p>I recently bought a voigtlander vitomatic II and today was the first time I took it out to play. I live in a city with many photo opportunities but couldn't think of where to go. I then remembered a local shopping center where various artist have painted on the rear of the buildings. I thought it would be a good test of not only the metering, but of the color rendition of the lens. The meter seems to be pretty accurate and the colors came out nearly perfect. I did find that it suffers from lens flare quite badly when shooting in the direction of the sun. I took an old agfatronic 383 flash and used it for a few shots. I took a photo of the voigtlander with the 383 atatched. It is a cool little flash. I also recently aquired the 383's big brother, the 643.</p><div></div>