Yashica 44 - A Mini TLR

I was given this really cool Yashica-44 earlier in the year.  I looked in pretty good shape.  All the moving parts moved, the shutter seemed to be smooth and the glass clear.  The only issue was that the film advance and focus dials are very loose.  Not fall off loose, but not tight.  No problems.  I was happy to add it to my collection.  The only challenge...yep, it shoots an odd sized film, 127.  While the film is still available, it's somewhat hit or miss to find and kind of pricey.

About a month ago I tried to figure out how to shoot 35mm spockets with it, so at least I could give it a go.  No joy, couldn't figure out how to get it set up.

OK, I decided to break down and buy a couple of Rera Pan 100-127 rolls from Freestyle Photo in LA. Each roll was $12, so I bought 2.   I hadn't shot the camera before, so I wasn't sure if it was going to work or a dud.  For this reason I decided to only shoot one roll, have it developed and see if it worked.  If it didn't then I'd have a spare roll of 127 to shoot in any other camera I came upon that needed it.

A few weeks ago I was NYC so I decided to give it a try.  Guess what, it worked!!  Easy to load, and everything seemed to go smoothly.  I metered the camera using a Luma-Pro that I had.  Loading was straight forward, just like any TLR.  

I'll definitely use it again, and this time I'm going to also investigate how / if I can roll my own 127 film.  A few of the shots in NYC.  I love the old-skoolie look of the film, the massive amount of grain and the soft focus.

Model Photos with a Yashica EZS Zoom 70

I picked up this Yashica EZS Zoom 70 at a Goodwill store.  A fairly straight forward, limited feature 35mm film point & shoot.  It's got a cool look and fits easily into my hand.  A bit bulky for my taste for a point & shoot, but I wanted to give it a go.  I've always had good luck with Yashicas.

The camera was super clean when I got it.  Battery compartment completely clean, lens clean and operated smoothly.  I probably paid less than $3.

I decided to take it to a recent model test studio shoot.  I've gotten into the habit of bringing a film camera during my test, fashion and model shoots and popping off a few frames.  I've started a series on my Facebook page called "Girls On Film".  Get it, the Duran Duran song...??

Anyway, I shot about 1/2 roll of Ilford XP2 Super 400 film during my shoot with model Anastasiya Finogenova with LModelz Model Management.  I just had her pose casually against various backgrounds.  In all cases the flash fired (set to auto) which gave it a somewhat blown-out look which was cool.

I developed the film myself and scanned it using my cheapo Epsom V370 scanner.  I REALLY like the results.  Totally surprised at the quality and vibe from the film camera.  I'll definitely use it again (this weekend maybe??).

A couple of photos of Anastasiya...just cropped in Lightroom and a touch of Clarity added.

Another Try At Sprockets - My Thoughts on the Setup

My first go at shooting with sprockets on a Holga 120N was "quasi" successful.  It was a good test, but the quality was just OK.  Do I give up and hold my head low you ask?  Why no, lets give this another go.  Why you might ask?  Just like everything with my film photography...it's just for giggles.

OK, this time I've decided to use a Yashica 44.  I was given this camera by a friend and I've never shot it before.  The problem is that it uses 127 film.  Since I don't have any 127 film (medium format), I figured it would be a good candidate for SPROCKETS.  Right on.

OK, here's what I'm going to do based on a test I did tonight with some dead film.  It's probably more complicated than it's worth, but like I said above, it's just for fun.  Note, this is all going to be in a large black changing bag.  First, I'm going to open a cartridge of 35mm film & unwind it.  Next, I'll tape the film ends on both sides of a 127 spool (I bought one on eBay).  Next I'm going to roll one side onto the spool and while holding it in place put it in the camera and load the other spool in the receiver side.  Then I'll close it up.  Out of the bag I'm going to tape up all up to minimize light leaks.

OK, we'll see how this goes.  Once (if) done I'll let you know.

Buying Second Hand Has It's Perils

I posted a blog post a few weeks ago about tips when buying used film cameras.  I use these tips all the time.  However, even when you "know" what you are doing there are still issues.  

Last weekend I purchased 2 SLR's from a "flea market" seller I've used before.  Generally the quality is good, but I've occasionally had minor issues.  I purchased a Pentax ZX-M that I've wanted to get and a Chinon CM-4 which I'm not 100% familiar with.  Both looked clean and from my on sight inspection they looked good to go.

I loaded the Pentax tonight with a roll of FujiColor Superia X-TRA 400.  Loaded A-OK.  However, as soon as I pushed the shutter release button the film rerolled into the canister.  Weird.  OK, I opened the camera and using a trick I learned I retrieved the film leader.  Reloaded the camera, pushed the shutter release and same thing happened.  Either the film was jammed enough that the camera thought the film was at the end, or there is an electrical glitch.  I'll have to deal with it later.

On the positive side, I retrieved the film leader again and loaded it into the Chinon.  Loaded well, light meter seemed to work and I took a few shots.  Batting 500 with this purchase.

I Have A Need, A Need For Sprockets

Recently I got the itch to shoot a roll of 35mm film with exposure all the way into the sprockets. Kind of a cool look, and I've never done it before.  Online I went to see how it could be done.  After reading a few blog posts, checking with Twitter friends, & watching a few videos I decided to give it a try by slightly hacking my Holga 120.

The Holga is a 120 sized film camera with limited / no controls.  It's simple so it's easy to mode & there were plenty of blog posts and videos on using one for sprockets.  OK, here we go I said.

My technique is to cut a plastic screw-top bottle cap in 1/2 and use it as the stabilizer for my 35mm roll, tape up the red window, and mode the receiving reel so the 35mm film doesn't slip around.  I also read up on how to advance the film using the Holga "clicks".

Here is what I finished last night in pictures

First, my camera and the split cap

Back open, and receiving spool removed

Gaffer tape handy and ready to tape over the red window so I don't get light leaks.  This is important since the 35mm film doesn't have backing paper like 120 film

Once side taped up

Inside too, why?  Well, why not

I didn't see this requirement on any of the blogs or videos (the recommendation is just to tape the film leader onto the spool).  However, I wanted to make a small channel the the film could wind in to keep film somewhat stable.

Bottle-cap jammed in.  The top one has the closed side facing down. The bottom side of the cap has the cut side facing out with the closed side down.  I taped the bottom side down, but didn't need to on the top 1/2.  It was snug.

The film fit perfectly between the 2 halves of the bottle-cap, and I cranked the film onto the receiving spool.  I closed the back, taped it shut (mainly because I had some gaffer's tape already cut off the roll) and cranked the film 42 clicks for the first shot.

 I've got a model shoot tomorrow in the studio and will bring this Sprocket Rocket with me.  After the shoot I play around with the roll.  I'll probably develop it pretty quickly and will followup.  The only challenge at this point is to figure out how to scan the film.  I'll deal with that later.

Camera fun

Girls On Film - Location Fashion Shoot

I did a fashion shoot on location in an abandoned building recently with model Katie Allen.  I was joined by local fashion photographer Wil Foster.   Lots of interesting architecture and natural light to work with.  Of course, I used my digital kit for the main shoot.  However, I also brought this little cutie to the shoot.  A super compact Canon SureShot 80u 35mm point & shoot.  

This was another Goodwill find some time ago.  Not sure when I got it, but it's completely clean.  The camera packs a 38-80mm zoom lens and a groovy art deco vibe to the body.  I loaded it with a roll of Ilford XP2 400 B&W film and put it in my camera bag.

During the shoot I pulled out the SureShot and popped off a few shots during each clothing & location change. Since this was a "real" shoot there was also studio lighting equipment involved. Because the lighting in the building was somewhat low, the SureShot's flash went off on every shot. After a few shots I realized the camera's flash was triggering the slave mode on the Profoto lights and setting them off as well.  No wonder a few of the shots were completely blown out.  The struggle is real.

On all the shots I kept the zoom at 38mm.  Everything was automatic.  The parallax framing in the optical viewfinder was a bit hard to see in the environment so some of the pictures were not framed like I wanted, but seriously, this is minor.

I dig the camera.  Really easy to use and I am surprised at the quality of the prints.   BTW, I developed the film myself and scanned the negatives using my low end Epson V370.

A few of the shots.  No post processing except to straighten / crop & apply a bit of sharpening.

FujiFilm QuickSnap Flash - You Still See Them

While cleaning out my older son's kitchen "junk drawer" a few years ago (he's been out on his own for about 7 years) I found this one time use Fujifilm QuickSnap Flash.  This is one of those disposable, 1-time use cameras.  Well, I put it in my camera equipment closet and forgot about it.

The other day I was looking for a piece of kit I needed for a fashion shoot and I found it again.  I flipped it over and it had been fully used.  It had Fujifilm Superia X-TRA 800 film that could be developed with C-41 chemistry.  I had no clue what was on it nor did he, so I figured, WTH, might as well try to develop it.

Understand, I have zero clue how to properly take one of these apart, so I basically put it in my black bag with a can opener and big pair of scissors.  Well, after fumbling around in the dark for about 10 minutes I hacked it open and out popped a roll of film into my hand.  I put it on the developing reel and developed it tonight.

After a quickie inspection it looks like all the images are underexposed.  This is surprising since it's 800 ASA film.  My guess he shot it in a room or during a party and didn't use the optional flash.  I can make out about 10 of 27 images, so once the film dries I'll put it on the light table and see if there are any photos worth scanning.

It would be super cool to get a shot that my son took about 7-10 years ago.  I'll check back, of course as long as they are not NSFW type photos....yikes, hadn't thought about that.

The aftermath.  No wonder it's one time use.  I might try to salvage the lens & flash to see if I can do any hacks with them.

Loading a Yashica MAT-124G

I went out on Saturday to do a bit of street photography while my wife had a business meeting.  Yes, I know, I have an executive finance day job and even I DON'T have to take Saturday meetings.  So, while she was working I was doing my photography thing.

Decided to do a stop action video with my iPhone of loading my Yashica MAT-124G TLR.  I ran 2 rolls through it.  Super fun.

Is That A Camera In Your Pocket Or Are You Just Happy To See Me

Back in the day, 110 sized film cameras were the bomb.  Everyone had one, and everyone processed the film.  These camera were easy to use, rarely a battery and mostly point & shoots.  The film was self contained with no mess or fuss.

If people still shoot film it's mainly 35mm, 120mm or instant film format.  There are several large format film shooters, but rarely do you find 110 film being used.   That doesn't mean you can't shoot these cute little cameras.  I still do for giggles.  I probably have 5 110 sized cameras.  Lomography produces the film that I'm using, Lomography Tiger 200 Color is actually quite good.  They also produce Orca B&W.  

I found this Keystone Pocket-Matic 101 110 sized camera the other day at Goodwill, and loaded it up.  Just finished the roll tonight and will be sending it to The Darkroom over the weekend to see how it turned out. Should be groovy.  I'll report back.

An Impulse Buy...Yuck, Yuck...Get It?

Look what I found at Goodwill yesterday.  Its my latest film camera find.  An instant camera at that! This one is a Polaroid Impulse AF.  That's right it's Impulse AS F*CK.  What?? oh sorry, "Auto Focus".

I didn't have this version until yesterday.  The other Impulse cameras I have don't have the auto focus. The camera looks clean, the rollers are good, a fresh but empty pack of film (with a good battery) leads me to believe it will be A-OK.  Now time to run down to my local camera store and get a few packs of Impossible Project Film.  

There are a couple of features that make this camera the potential to be one of my go too instant cameras.  That is of course, if it works.  First there is a standard tripod mount.  Also, a self timer button.  Right on, Polaroid selfies!!  Also if the AF works then it will minimize out of focus photos. When you are paying $25/pack for 8 shots, you don't want out of focus images.  

I'll give this guy a go during my next model shoot.  More to come.

Me Crazy, Nope Not Me - I'm Economical

Do you love the artsy Polaroids?  These are statement pieces, right?  Do they talk to you? Should I draft an artist statement? Nope, I was just playing around.  OK, here's the story.  

I went to my local Goodwill Outlet to look for film cameras like I do once a month or so.  Score, I found a Polaroid OneStep Express.  It looked clean, no cracks, good to go.  A good investment for 50 cents.  I opened the film cartridge door to see if the rollers were clean, and it had film in it.  I closed the door and a photo didn't pop out which told me the battery in the cartridge was dead...hmmm,

I figure why not.  When I got home I grabbed an empty Polaroid 600 film cartridge and went into a dark bathroom.  I extracted all 10 undeveloped photos from the old cartridge by feel in the dark & reloaded them into the fresh cartridge.

I loaded the re-loaded cartridge in a fresh camera and one of the photos popped out!  It worked.  I then went around my yard taking photos.  The results are above.  As expected...seriously, I expected this, all of the film emulsion packs were dried like a desert so the film didn't develop.  Even though the film ejected no emulsions spread across the photo to initiate the development.  This was an actual Polaroid pack of film, so its at least ... maybe 10 years old?  No way it will be any good unless it was cold stored.

Moral of the story boys and girls?  If you plan on buying real Polaroid film online, it probably not going to be good unless you KNOW it's been stored properly & from a reputable source.  Even then the cartridge battery may be dead.   If you have a Polaroid (not talking about Instax here) then do yourself a favor, buy film from the Impossible Project.  It's quirky, but it will be good.

Sometimes You Have To Sweet Talk Your Camera

I've got this super clean looking Nikon film N2020.  Not 100% sure where I got it, but I "think" someone gave it to me.  Anyhoo, as I said it looks clean.  I ran it through it's no film paces and except for a wonky AF motor it looked good to go.

I put a trusty Nikkor 50mm f/2 lens on it, and was ready to rock & roll.  I loaded a roll of Fujifilm 400 Color, closed the back, pushed the release button and the film advance.  So nice.

I started to take a few pictures, and nothing.  I mean nothing.  I played around with the settings, checked the batteries, reseated the batteries, remounted the lens, smacked it a few times...you know, just to show it who's boss.   Nothing.  Oh well, a brick.  Since this is more of an automatic camera there is no way to shoot it without the electronics being up to snuff.  So I put it down and said, scrap heap for you.

Anyway last night I picked it back up and pulled out the film.  No way was I going to waste the full roll.  I closed the back and pushed the shutter release.  It suddenly came alive.  WTH?  I reloaded the film I just took out, and it seems to be working.  OK, this is strange.

I'll let you know if it decides to die on my again, or play nice.  Honestly, I should stick to my digital kit.

Canon EOS Elan II - Not That Old, But Still Cool

At my professional finance day job, most of the people that work for me know that I'm super into all forms of photography.  They think it's cute, but I just smile and tell them "now get back to work!!" Yep, that's how I roll.

A couple of weeks ago one of my staff came into my office and my heart skipped a beat...he was carrying a camera.  I quickly gave him my 100% attention.  Well, he had a Canon EOS Elan II that he thought he got in college or high school, he couldn't remember but he wanted to know if I wanted it. He had zero use for it anymore, and couldn't remember the last time he had used it.  Being the contemporary boss that thinks only of his staff, I felt obligated to help a guy out and take it off his hands.

Excluding my digital kit and a few film point & shoots, the Elan is one of my newer film cameras. Also, I only have 1 other Canon SLR, a TX.  It's a good addition.  When he gave it to me he included 2 Vivitar lenses, a 70-210mm f/4.5-5.6 & a Vivitar 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 macro.  Hey, they were free.

I gave the camera a good going over, put in a new battery and it was super clean and ready to go.  It's less than 15 years old and has been stored properly, so I had no concerns of the quality.  The only issue was the lens.  I wanted a fast prime, so I ran down to Roberts Camera.  Groovy, I picked up a 40mm pancake f/2.8 for less than $75 and I was ready to go.  Oh yes, while I was at Roberts I bought 2 packs of B&W T-Max

I've shot it several times since.  First was a fashion shoot in studio.   I played with it while shooting for a fashion magazine (in digital).  Photos to come.  Next I took it to Chicago and did some street photography with some C-41 B&W film

So far it's worked great, but I expected that.  I won't bore you with the specs because there are lots of resources online.  Just let you know it's crisp and automatic.  It will be one of my go too film cameras when I don't want to play around experimenting.

A few shots from Chicago

The Chicago Bean

The L

Central Camera is the Bomb

Single Bike

The Streets

Kodak Pony

Several month ago I was in the Indianapolis Midland Antique Mall.  It's a fairly large antique collective that has some pretty pricey & nice antiques.  I've gone there a few time to look for vintage film cameras.  It's kind of hit and miss, and many times the cameras I find are overpriced.  

Well, during my last visit I found this Kodak Pony.  It's a cool rangefinder manual camera.  Very hipster.  $30 all-in including a flash gun (which by the way I have flashbulbs that work for this camera).  I checked it out and it looked clean.  Mechanics all seemed good.  A bit rough looking with natural wear & tear, but thats all cosmetic.

The camera comes with a 44mm f/3.5 Kodak Anastar Lens.  Aperture from f/3.5 to f/22.  The lens has 3 zone focus groups which makes it really easy to set.  The thing that's unique is that the back of the camera comes with a "guide" that has 5 graphic pictures / descriptions.  As an example it has a full sun, and says "BRT SUN SAND SNOW".  There are corresponding numbers under the icon.  As an example for full sun the number is 14 described as the exposure value.  

The way you set the exposure is to use the 2 dials on the lens barrel.  One is the Shutter Number (corresponding to B to 1/250).  The other dial is the Lens Opening Number (corresponding to f/3.5 to f/22).  Each has a series of numbers which corresponds to speed & aperture.  You simple move the numbers until they total the number under the icon.  Using the Full Sun icon you move the dials so the total of the 2 numbers equals 14.  You'd have to see it.  

Of course if you know exposures or use the Sunny 16, you can eyeball it.  This is how I often use manual cameras.  I know what apertures & speeds to use based on the ASA.   That's what you get when you use a light meter in studio and shoot film as a goof.

Anyway, I shot a roll of Kodak BW400CN around town.  It WORKS!

What's weird there's a cold shoe, but no PC port.  Not sure how you would fire an external flash.  That's where the flash gun comes into play, and I've tried it...it works.

Fun camera.  Completely impractical, but you will get stares...especially if you use the flash.  I'll use it again.

Here are some photos

Enter Here in Plainfield

Capri Motel in Plainfield

Old Military Trucks for Sale

Double Exposures are Easy

Bike in Bloomington

Run Run in Bloomington

Pentax ME - It's So Cute

I was reading about film cameras the other day and read about the Pentax ME.  Several articles raved about how small and simple it was to operate.  Just a basic manual focus aperture priority-centric camera.  I said, Steve, you need to have one of these.  I said, Steve, you're right.  So, guess what, I jumped onto eBay and purchased one via Buy It Now.  

The camera I purchased came with a Takumar-A 28-80 macro zoom.  I would prefer a 35mm or 50mm, but the camera was clean, tested, and well, I can get a prime later if I need one.  The entire kit was way less than $50.  Not bad.  

First impression - the first thing I noticed when I felt the camera after unboxing is how small it truely is.  It's clearly the smallest of my SLR film cameras.  It's really just a bit bigger than my digital Sony A6000 walk around camera.  However, it's rugged and with the lens quite heavy.  Actually, the camera is almost too small to hold comfortably.  I don't have really big hands and even for me it's a bit dinky.  That's cool however.

As a side note, I was up in Chicago this week and went to Central Camera.  They had several Pentax ME's for sale and none was cheaper than $150 with no lens.  So I felt good with my purchase even if the eBay purchase was just so-so.

Anyway, I popped in a few fresh A76 batteries and it appears to work just fine.  Film loaded smoothly, seals appear tight, but like the description indicated the hotshoe is toast.  That's OK.  

I loaded the camera today with a 12 exposure roll of FujiFilm 100, and I'll let you know how it works!  More to come.

Canon EOS Elan II New Lens

I rarely modify or buy anything new for the film cameras I purchase, pick-up from Goodwill or get from friends.  I have so many film cameras I would literally run out of money if anything was added to them. Anyway, most are point & shoots, so all I need to do is point & shoot.  Not a lot of modifications can be done to point & shoots.

An exception was made this past week.  During the week (as mentioned in my earlier post) I picked up a Canon EOS Elan II from a work colleague.  It had a 2nd brand "kit" lens on it.  The lens wasn't particularly fast, and I wanted a prime.  I didn't have any Canon prime lenses that would fit, so I went down to my local camera store, Roberts Camera, and purchased a Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 prime, pancake lens.  It's not much wider than a normal lens cap.  

The plan was to use the camera during this past weekend's fashion shoot in studio for behind the scenes shots.  Therefore, I purchased 2 rolls of Kodak 100 TMAX.  I planned to use the camera with studio strobes.

It will be interesting to see how the photos come out.  I used an Elinchrom EL-Skyport trigger to fire my studio lights, and metered the light to f/9 ASA 100.  It worked out pretty well, once I got the settings cooked in.  It will be interesting to see the quality of the photos.  The film will need to be sent out because right now I don't have chemistry to process pure B&W.

Stay tuned to this channel!

Canon EOS Elan II - A Freebie!

One of my next cameras up will be this SLR beauty, a Canon EOS Elan II.  One of my section heads at my day job know that I like to use film cameras, so he gave it to me.  I told me today that he was cleaning up his house and came upon this film camera that he hadn't used for over 10 years.  He had absolutely no desire to keep it, so I was happy to give it a new home.

There was a 1/2 developed roll in the camera, so I swapped out the battery (he had a spare one in the camera bag) and force rerolled the film.  He had no clue what was on it...fun.  I gave it a very quick dry run and it looks good to go.

I will want to get a 35 or 50mm f/1.8 lens for it, or maybe a 40mm pancake lens.  That's more my style and then take it out this weekend.

Groovy.

Canon AE-1 Is Awesome

I picked up the all manual beauty, a Canon AE-1 from a camera club swap meet for free a couple of months ago.  Yes, let me repeat.  FREE.  The 50mm lens alone is worth a few bucks so I snapped it up.  I loaded it with a battery and it works perfecto.

I've been shooting film point & shoots and medium format film cameras lately so I hadn't given this guy a try.  I did this past weekend and tonight.  

During one of my fashion shoots in the studio this weekend I decided I would also take several shots of each clothing look with film.  So I loaded a roll of FujiFilm Superia 1600 into this camera and took about 24 shots.  I wanted the higher ASA because I didn't want to use studio strobes, just light in the studio and outside.  

The camera worked well.  The light meter seemed very responsive.  Because I had about 12 shots left I decided to take it downtown and do some street photography while the sun was still bright.  I simply cranked the speed to 500 to 1000, the lens aperture to 16-22 and shot away.

Now for the tricky part, I'm going to process the film myself.  Fingers crossed.