m42dave

EXA 1c (M42), Pentacon 50/1.8, CineStill 50D.

For the 18th. EXA 1c, Lentar 35/2.8 (T-mount), CineStill 50D.

The Vivitar f/3.5-4.8 version was also made by Cosina, and supplied under different brand names and as a kit lens for the Olympus OM-2000, Nikon FM-10, and others.

According to Stephen Gandy's CameraQuest site, Vivitar lens serial numbers starting in 9 indicate manufacture by Cosina. It looks like a fine lens. Vivitar Lens Manufactuers

The Pentacon 50/1.8 focuses to 0.33m, making it a versatile standard lens for close-ups. This particular copy seems noticeably better than the earlier "Electric" version I used to have. Cactus Blossoms

Two more from the EXA 1c, Pentacon 50/1.8, CineStill 50D. Fire Station

I believe Don was referring to the Fujica ST701 he just acquired, which was designed for two smaller PX400 batteries. I haven't seen brass adapters in that size though a smaller zinc-air battery with an rubber o-ring spacer would work, as long as the battery was not meant to make contact with the sides of the battery compartment. I tried a brass adapter myself once, and had contact problems with it--perhaps it was not well made though. It's also not too hard to adjust the meter on the ST701: ST701 BATTERY FIX

Don, I actually have done what you mention--remove the battery when not in use, and replace the sticker. I don't know if it greatly extends the life of the battery, but it can't hurt. I've also used zinc-air hearing aid batteries, which tend to last around 6-9 months. The Wein cells I believe only have one air hole (compared to the 4 or 5 holes in the hearing aid batteries) which may help them last a bit longer, but I wouldn't expect to get more than a year out of them. 1.4v hearing aid batteries with a spacer can make a reasonable substitute for Wein cells.

Nice find, Don. There are instructions online for adjusting the meter on the ST701, if you feel inclined. The 200/4.5 is a sharp lens, as is the 43-75mm Mike mentioned. I also like the little 29-47mm zoom, though it's hard to find. I think the Fujinons compare well with the Pentax Takumars optically, though the Takumars probably have the edge on build quality. Speaking of Fujicas, I recently picked up a ST605n with 55/2.2 lens for just 99 cents (plus shipping) in good working condition. I think it's the best of the later "budget" models. The plastic barrels of the 55/2.2 are often found badly cracked, but the focusing ring on this one appears to be aluminum.

Liquors

Continuing series from last week. EXA 1c, Pentacon 50/1.8, Cinestill 50D. Verticals are awkward to take with the waist-level finder (had to digitally straighten this one). :) Vintage Motel

The average price range for working Canon FTb bodies on eBay (actual "sold" prices) is closer to $30-$35, with black ones selling for more. They are still a fairly good value, though I never cared for the FD mount.

Casas de Suenos

Continuing with the same roll of CineStill 50D, but on a different camera, the Pentacon/Certo EXA 1c, Pentacon 50/1.8. It's actually a nice-handling little SLR, with a few quirks. The mirror-shutter is limited to 1/175 sec., so lenses that stop down to f/22 allow for more exposure options. I wanted to use my little Industar-50-2, but its helicoid protrudes far enough to hit the camera's stop-down lever, preventing the shutter from firing. The shutter's design can also cause vignetting with longer telephotos, though it seems to depend on the lens; some 135mm teles will work fine with it. Church

Filling in for the 29th, 30th, 31st...LOMO Smena-8, CineStill 50D. Morning on the Farm

Old Corral

Here are two more taken with Smena-8, CineStill 50D. Riverside

I'd add the Praktica L-series to the list, too. Common (especially in Europe), many models made, inexpensive, and strong metal shutters.

No kidding. Perhaps the "hipster" factor has pushed prices on some of these cult P&S cameras to unrealistic levels...but then maybe some buyers have more money than common sense. As far as SLR's go (not necessarily automatic), I would suggest any of the Cosina-made M42 or K-mount bodies (sold by Vivitar and under many other brands) over a Spotmatic or K1000. Perfectly good user cameras with reliable Copal shutters, and you can often find them for around $20-$30 with a lens attached. The Ricoh M42 & K-mount SLRs are also common and a good value.

Bill and Mike's

Two more from LOMO Smena-8, CineStill 50D. Furniture Repair

It's hard to say from your photos, but it could be. Here is a photo of my lens with the little droplet-like bubbles, which I believe is due to separation. Enough spots or slight edge separation (like haze) could reduce contrast slightly due to light scattering, but I don't think it's anything to be concerned about.

I used to have an old Miranda 35mm screw-mount lens with some edge separation in the rear element group, and it did not visibly affect images. I have another lens with small bubbles in between two elements (similar to what your photo shows), and likewise it isn't an issue. If it was severe separation (e.g., due to impact) then it would be more of a concern.

Filling in for the 16th. LOMO Smena-8, CineStill 50D. Laundry Rules

Thanks for the article. The C3 has never interested me too much as a shooter, but I can understand their aesthetic appeal. They were indeed a "real" camera that brought affordable quality photography to many, and I've seen some fine images made with the Cintar lens.