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<p>Here's another shot of the tracks.</p><div></div>

<p>I was very pleased with the Fujinon lens. Crisp and sharp is how I would describe it. Even back in the early 60s, Yashica was apparently on track with its its impressive lens technology.</p><div></div>

<p>Oddly, my assistant seemed less interested in helping me test the camera and lens and seemed to prefer collecting pieces of wood. I'm going to have to speak to him about focusing on tasks... </p><div></div>

<p>So out in the real world I took my number one photography assistant to a some train tracks near where we live. Here are some of those images.</p><div></div>

<p>Tiny little switches and the meter rests a little wobbly on top of the camera. Frankly, out in the real world I'd rather use a separate hand meter than this fragile device. </p><div></div>

<p>Here's a view of the camera with the accessory meter. Looks great but it's about as useful as the clip on meter for the original Olympus Pen F.</p><div></div>

<p>This top view shows the front shoe which is used to clip on the optional CdS meter. As you will note, the shutter speeds ranged from 1/2s to 1/500s. The silver-bodied Yashinon lens is very capable but it's not as sturdy as a comparable Takumar lens. </p><div></div>

<p>As you can see, this is a handsome camera. The fit and finish is solid and, with the exception of a front-mounted shutter button, the control layout is fairly standard. </p><div></div>

<p>I don't know much about this camera and there's very little info about it on the www. Here's what little i do know:<br>

1. Released in 1964, the <strong>Yashica J-P</strong> was a "budget" revision of the earlier Penta J. It added a self-timer but instead of a built-in meter, a clip-on CdS meter was sold which coupled to the shutter speed.<br>

2. Its m42 mount predates Yashica's collaboration with Contax and the development of their proprietary mount.</p>

<p>If any one has anything else factual to add, it would be much appreciated. Here are my impressions:</p>

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<p>one of the last hybrid mechanical/auto exposure cameras from the Golden Age. nice to see you're doing it justice, andy. </p>

<p>good looking cameras, rick. look forward to seeing your shots.</p>

<p>great stuff, michael. missed your posts. i've been experimenting with RFs lately and i'm amazed how you were able to get many of these shallow depth compositions without a SLR viewfinder showing DoF preview. good eye. </p>

<p>nice post with a very handsome camera, robert. we've certainly been celebrating Soviet gear lately...</p>

<p>"...the brightest of all pentaprism viewfinders..." is the only claim I have an issue with. other than that, the h2 really was a simple and elegant design.</p>

<p>excellent work, SP. i , too, agree that something has changed in your brew or scanning which results in increased contrast. i really like the shot of the Library.</p>

<p>and i also agree that India's history and geography have shown it to be an enduring in mind and place -- i have no fear of it losing its 'indian-ness'. indeed, with the influence of its renown cuisine, IT industry, bollywood and indian fashions (worn by some of the most undeniably beautiful women in the world), the rest of the planet is becoming more Indian. but i worry that despite it's achievements in becoming the largest democracy and having a vibrant economy, these benefits are not trickling into all areas of its society. it still suffers from a crushing poverty, corruption and social inequity that is unmatched in the world. </p>

<p>AA - great shots here and excellent results with sunny-16 and the spotty. let's see more!</p>

<p>juan - great shots with one of my favourite cameras. the rokkor lenses never disappoint.</p>

<p>rick - you surely make the best camera porn around. and i love the simplicity and symmetry of "chairs" -- brilliant. not always easy to find striking compositions in everyday objects. </p>

<p>steve: i haven't had any experience with Petris. look forward to your results. planning on taking out the RE Super soon with the glass you gave me....</p>

<p>rick & JDM: the FED 2 is probably one of the better choices. film loading is more convenient as the back removes completely but not as compact as the FED 1/Zorki 1. i will say the zorki 4 has the best (least squinty) viewfinder. don't have any experiences with the Kievs (yet). frankly, i'm scared to go down the acquisition path of another camera/lens system... </p>

<p>jason: i hear you about your frustrations. i screwed up a couple of rolls learning how to load properly, but as JDM has said elsewhere, slowing down is part of the time travel process. </p>

<p>RvanN: thanks for the encouragement, comrade. what can i say about the newton rings? the inexpensive apx film i use curls horribly when it dries (unlike ilford or kentmere). it only flattens after i place it under some heavy books but who can wait that long to make scans? at least you know that i'm actually shooting real film and not passing off digital as film... </p>

<p>JDM and SP - thanks for the advice on the peculiarities around the shooting into the sun and rewinding. i shot a test roll on a zorki 4 and it had light leaks all over it after i rewound it without a cap. perhaps this was the problem. </p>

<p>Finally, the lens coating technology available to the Soviets in 1955 was probably not up to Japanese standards (but then again, what was?). In any event, lens flare can sometimes make for interesting images... </p><div></div>

<p>As I said earlier, I was very pleased with the Zenit C's ability to capture action shots in real-world conditions. The lens is nice and contrasty and fairly sharp. </p><div></div>

<p>Maracatu, a traditional afro-brazilian artform, is performed by 20 or more drummers. A lot of call & response, singing and powerful non-amplified drums that can be heard miles away... </p><div></div>

<p>For those of you ho may no t know, Toronto in the summer is full of festivals and events. One of the lesser known non-mainstream events that have been running for many many years is the Muhtadi Drum Festival, held every year at Queen's Park in June. Here are some images taken of the Brazilian percussion troupe, Maracatu Mar Aberto. Fantastic performance that had the crowd on its feet! </p><div></div>