Virtue....

Kiev 60 Arsat 150mm f2.8 40mm extension tube Ilford SFX 200 Adonol 1:50 - A studio shot using two Novatron 2 stop heads both set to -2 shooting through white umbrellas for even light. The 40mm extension tube on an Arsat 150mm f2.8 helped maintain the narrow depth of field, even at f11. This was my first roll of Ilford SFX 200 and I was curious on how its extended red sensitivity would render flesh, I am pleased with the result.

My new girl Koni

Koni-Omega Rapid Omega 200 Super Omegon 90mm f3.8 Kodak Tri-X Arista 76 1:1 - A shot from the first roll through my recently acquired Koni-Omega Rapid Omega 200. A Koni-Omega has been on my camera "must have" list for some time and I finally got an opportunity to buy one for a great price (Thanks Jeremy!). The Koni-Omega line of medium format rangefinder cameras are have a 6x7 frame size rendering 10 exposures on a roll of 120 film. They have a unique single stroke "pull and push" film advance mechanism built into the interchangeable film backs, that is both quick and positive. Film advance and shuttle cocking are coupled to prevent double exposure and inserting the dark slide locks the shutter release. One oddity is the film advance does not require the shutter being fired to advance again, so it is easy to skip frames if you are not paying attention. The Super Omegon 90mm f3.5 lens has impressive sharpness as illustrated in the image above. I also have a wide angle  Wide Omegon 58mm f5.6, I have yet to test.

Technical Specifications

• Negative size 2 1/4 x 2 3/4" (10 pictures on standard rollfilm 120)
• Rangefinder Camera with automatic parallax correction
• Interchangeable lenses 58mm f5.6 with optical finder,  90 mm f3.5, 135 mm f3.5, 180 mm f4.5, all with integrated leaf shutter B, 1-1/500 s, synchronisation M/X, built-in retractable lenshood
• Film magazines 120 and 220 with preloading roll film holders 
• Rapid advance lever for film advance and shutter

 Images scanned with an Epson V500 using Epson's OEM Software

Instant Autumn

Speed Graphic Grafex Optar 135 f4.7 FujiFilm FP-100c - Autumn is my favorite season, the crisp cool air, the color and the world just seems to smell cleaner... Shooting up through the changing leaves of a mammoth Black Walnut Tree, a single cloud floating by in the clear blue sky. Perfect.
Scanned with a HP Scanjet G4050 using HP's OEM software.

Light, Shadow and Instant Film 2

Speed Graphic Graflex Optar 135 f4.7 FujiFilm FP-100c - I just liked the tones and contrast beneath my feet. The FP-100c did a great job rendering them. This film never ceases to amaze me, it captured the scene perfectly.
Scanned with a HP Scanjet G4050 using HP's OEM software.

Light, Shadow and Instant Film.

Speed Graphic Grafex Optar 135 f4.7 FujiFilm FP-100c - The mid-day sun pouring into my living room on a cool Autumn day. The Speed Graphic makes a great instant camera using the Polaroid 405 instant back. Framing can be challenging using the 4x5 format optical viewfinder of the Speed Graphic due to the 3x4 format of the pack film used in the 405 back. Someday I need to spend some time making a mask for the viewfinder more accurate.
Scanned using a HP Scanjet G4050 using HP's OEM scanning software.

Savory Caffenol and Color Film

Kiev 60 Arsat 80mm f2.8 Fujifilm Pro 400H  NPH Caffenol-C-M plus 20g Table Salt - I could not resist the afternoon light coming through my office window and illuminating these chains... This high key subject was a good chance to develop some C-41 Process color film in Caffenol. I decided to go with the savory flavor of Caffenol, with a little salt in the mix, the recipe is as follows;
1 liter Water
54 grams Arm and Hammer Washing Soda
16 grams Vitamin C granules
40 Grams of Instant caffeinated instant coffee
20 gram iodized table salt
Add ingredients in order given, stirring in between until fully dissolved. Use immediately and discard.

Development time 20 minutes with agitation for the 1st minute and then 3 inversions each minute after.

The Caffenol/Color film did a nice job of stopping the highlights from getting blown out, due to caffenol's base fogging and staining. The negatives were a little denser than a would have liked, a 15 minute development time may have been more appropriate. We will see next time.

Scanned with an Epson V500 Photo using Epson's OEM software.

Desert Ghosts

 Adox Golf Cassar 75mm f4.5 Ilford FP4 Plus Caffenol-C-M OK so they are not ghost, I continue to fight the battle of the bellows pins first mentioned in my post Of Pin Holes, Electrical Tape and The Big Ass Peach. I enjoy using the Adox Golf so much I refuse to retire it to a shelf as a display only camera. I want this one as a shooter. The effect in this case, if not desired, was certainly interesting, resembling spirits past roaming a desolate landscape. Time for more work with the flashlight and electrical tape.

More Desert Caffenol

Adox Golf Cassar 75mm f4.5 Ilford FP4 Plus Caffenol-C-M - Another shot from my trip to the Sonoran Desert, being a life long East Coaster, the desert landscape seems more like Mars than the United States. Unfortunately, the short nature of my business trip did not allow the time to truly explore this alien land, but getting one roll in was enough for now...

Object of Desire - FujiFilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic

image copyright Fujifilm

It is official, Fujifilm wants all my money, every dime. Above is the new Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic, an absolutely drop dead gorgeous analog instant camera. Behind those classic good looks, Fujifilm has built in creative features rarely found in an instant camera. Bulb time exposure, double exposure, macro and brightness control are all included on this little beauty. The Mini 90 should be available in the United States in early 2014, but in the mean time, check out the special product site here Instax.com Mini 90.  The Fujifilm USA press release can be found here.

After Desert Coffee

Adox Golf 75mm f4.5 Cassar Lens Ilford FP4 Plus Cafenol-C-M - A shot from the Sonoran Desert just outside of Phoenix in Carefree AZ.. The combination of Ilford FP4 Plus and Caffenol-C-M, did an outstanding job controlling the contrast if the desert mid-day sun. Despite battling bellow pin hole issues, I love shooting with my Adox Golf, it remains my favorite pocket medium format camera.
Scanned using an Epson V500 Photo using Epsons OEM Software.

From the Archive - School Days

Nikon FE2 Nikkor 50mm f1.4 Kodak Tri-X Kodak HC-110 Dil. B - In 1984, Pre-Columbine and other famous school shootings, bullet holes in High School's windows did not seem to cause much concern. This was captured at Kecoughtan High School in Hampton VA.. There were usually multiple windows with bullets holes, shots coming from the outside. All appeared overnight, with malice shown for the school itself, not the occupants within.
Scanned using a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual III using SilverFast SE Plus Software.

Catching Up - The Lomography Petzval Portrait Lens

Another Great idea from the Lomography Society, a modern take on the classic Petzval Lens.
Check it out on Kickstart The Lomography Petzval Portrait Lens.

Come into my parlor....

Nikon FE2 Micro-Nikkor 55mm f2.8 Orwo UN54 Arista 76 - This American Funnel Spider has occupied a corner of my bedroom window for over a year. This summer she seems to have double in size. Her body is just over and inch long and with her legs she measures just over 3 inches. A thin layer of silk is between the spider and the glass of the window I was shooting through, creating and interesting diffused silhouette effect.
Scanned with a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual III using Silverfast Software

The Intrepid Explorer...

Nikon One-Touch L35AF2 Nikon 35mm f2.8 Fujifilm Superia 200 Arista C-41 - From the first roll through my Thrift Store treasure Nikon One-Touch L35AF2. I was lucking to find a willing model. He following around and posed at every opportunity.
Scanned with a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual III using Silverfast SE Plus 6.6.2r5 scanning software.

Test Shot Nikon One-Touch L35AF2

Nikon One-Touch L35AF2 Nikon 35mm f2.8 Fujifilm Superia 200 Arista C-41 - From the first roll through my Thrift Store treasure Nikon One-Touch L35AF2. The quality of the Nikon 35mm f2.8 is clearly evident, great sharpness and just the right amount of contrast for the Nikon "snap." The One-Touch will definitely go into my arsenal as a day to day carry camera.
Scanned with a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual III using Silverfast SE Plus 6.6.2r5 scanning software.

The Nikon One-Touch L35AF2

A recent 99 cent Goodwill Thrift store find, presenting the Nikon One-Touch L35AF2. The second generation of Nikon's fixed lens compact auto-focus camera, the One-Touch is near and dear to my heart as it appeared on the scene about the same time I start selling cameras in the early 80's. The One-Touch was a solid shooter with a great quality Nikon 35mm f2.8 lens, built in flash, clam shell lens cover and self timer. Features also included a self time, DX film coding, motorized film advance and rewind, and auto film loading. Though I never owned one while they were selling back in the 1980's, I could not pass this one up when I found it sitting on a shelf in a Goodwill store from 99 cents. Images from the first roll to follow.

Specifications:
Type of Camera
35mm compact camera with autofocus, auto exposure, auto pop-up flash, auto flash exposure, auto shutter lock, auto film loading, auto film speed setting, auto film advance, auto film rewind, auto film rewind stop and auto ready lens cover.
Film
Only DX-coded 35mm film from ISO 50 to ISO 1600, and non-DX-coded ISO 100 film. (All non-DX-coded films are automatically set to ISO 100)
Picture Format
24mm x 36mm
Lens
Nikon lens 35mm f/2.8, four elements in three groups
Shutter
Programmed electronic shutter; also serves as diaphragm blades
Viewfinder
Reverse-Galilean Albada-type bright-frame viewfinder; 0.52X magnification; approx. 85% (at infinity) frame coverage; -1 dioptry
Viewfinder Information
Picture frame marks, parallax compensation frame marks, autofocus frame marks, focus symbols and focus indicator needle
Focusing
Active autofocus system (0.7m to infinity); focus locks when shutter release button is depressed halfway
Exposure Metering
Using CdS, programmed automatic exposure control from EV 6 (f/2.8 at 1/8 sec.) to EV 17 (f/17.5 at 1/430 sec.) with ASA/ISO 100 film
Film Speed Range
ASA/ISO 50 to 1600 (set automatically as described above)
Film Loading
Film automatically advances to first frame when shutter release button is depressed once; film advance indicator pole rotates to show film is properly loading and being advanced
Film Advance
Film automatically advances by one frame at 0.8* seconds per frame when shutter is released; stops automatically at end of roll
Film Rewinding
Via sliding rewind lock switch and rewind button; approx. 20 sec.* per 24-exposure roll; automatically stops when film is rewound
Frame Counter
Additive type; automatically resents to "S" when camera back is opened; counts back while film is rewinding
Self-Timer
Activated by setting lever and depressing shutter release button; 10-second delay with indicator light
Built-In Flash
Automatic pop-up type with ready-light; guide number 10 (ASA/ISO 100, m), 16 (ASA/ISO 25, ft.); shutter locks if flash is not charged; recycling time approx. 6 sec.*
Battery Life
Approx. 100 rolls* of 24-exposure film (without flash); approx. 10 rolls* of 24-exposure film (with flash for each exposure); shutter release locks when batteries are exhausted
Power Source
Two 1.5V alkaline-manganese AA-type batteries (NiCd batteries cannot be used)
Dimensions
125.5mm(W) x 73mm(H) x 48.5mm(D)
Weight
Approx. 320g (without batteries)
*with fresh alkaline-manganese batteries at normal tempertures

Shy Widow

Nikon 8008s Micro-Nikkor 55mm f2.8 Fujifilm Superia 200 Arista C41 - Spiders have always been one of my favorite subjects, with Black Widows topping the list. I tend to shoot digital when hunting spiders as the ability to fire off a lot of exposures to get the perfect shot is definitely a plus. I spent about an hour trying to lure this shy beauty out with the promise of black beetles before she finally popped out long enough for me to capture this one frame.
Scanned with a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual III using Silverfast SE Plus 6.6.2r5 scanning software.

Pain in the Neck... Literally!

Siemens Symphony MRI - I have been on an unexpected hiatus to correct a damaged disc between my C4 and C5 vertebrae. The surgery is complete and after 19 years of chronic pain, I am feeling tremendous relief. I am working in returning to regular posting in the coming weeks.

Tree Fingers

Kiev 60 Arsat Mir 45mm f3.5 20mm extension tube Fujifilm Pro 400H - Leaves of a sapling that sprouted in and unattended flowerpot. I love the symmetry and color.
Scanned with an Epson Perfection V500 Photo using Epson's OEM Software.

    

Rotten Peak

Kiev 60 Arsat Mir 45mm f3.5 20mm extension tube Fujifilm Pro 400H Asista C41 - An abstract exploring textures, tones and depth of field. The subject is the trunk of an old tree felled by lightning many years ago. It is now home to multiple colonies of ants and termites, a thriving metropolis of endless activity.
Scanned with an Epson Perfection V500 using Epson's OEM Software.

Locked

Kiev 60 Arsat Mir 45mm f3.5 20mm extension tube Fujifilm Pro 400H Arista C41 - an old lock doing nothing more than keeping itself suspended, the hasp is long gone. When the purpose is meaning less, all that is left is the task.
Scanned with an Epson Perfection V500 Photo using Epson's OEM software.

Waiting to emerge....

Kiev 60 Arsat Mir 45mm f3.5 20mm extension Tube Fujifilm Pro 400H Arista C41 - Waiting to emerge to join the invaders. Surprisingly the the expected din of this noisy army has not yet reached Lynchburg, being inland and at a higher elevation than coast, I am sure it will come later.
Scanned with an Epson Perfect V500 Photo using Epson OEM Software.

Dandelion

Kiev 60 Arsat 45mm f3.5 20mm extension tube Fujifilm Pro 400H Arista C-41 - Every suburban lawn manicurists nightmare, a weed with an airborne delivery system. Hundreds of parachute equipment weed babies waiting to take to the wind. That said, these dreaded lawn demons are very photogenic.
Scanned with an Epson Perfection V500 Photo using Epson's OEM software.

The Invasion Continues.....

Kiev 60 Arsat 80mm f2.8 20mm extension tube FujiFilm Pro 400H Arista C41 - Another cicada shot, this negative was roughly 1 to 1.5 stops under exposed, so I am very pleased with the scan quality. FujiFilm's Pro 400H has outstanding latitude. I love the tones and lighting of this image, courtesy of the diffused light of a rainy day.
Scanned with an Epson V500 using Epson's OEM software.

2013 - The Invasion Begins....!!!!

Kiev 60 Arsat 80mm f2.8 20mm extension tube FujiFilm Pro 400H Arista C41 - 2013 is supposed the be a peak year for the 17 year cicadas in Virginia, an event the media has dubbed "Swarmageddon." This may be one of the early scouts of the invasion. I did not have to go far to find him, there were several hanging out on my back porch.
Scanned with and Epson V500 Scanner using Epson's OEM software.

Around the House....

Kiev 60 Arsat 80mm f2.8 20mm extension tube FujiFilm Pro 400H Arista C41 - I just like the way the diffused light of a raining day illuminated this candle on the window sill. As always FujiFilm's Pro 400H did a beautiful job rendering the tones of the scene.
Scanned with an Epson Perfection V500 Photo using Epson OEM Software

An Odd Growth

Nikon FE2 Nikkor 35-105mm f3.5/4.5 ORWO UN54 Adox Adonal 1:50 - An abstract of sorts, this one is all about textures and lines for me. I love the way UN54 rendered the tones.
Scanned using a Minolta Scan Dual III using Silverfast SE Plus 6.6.2r5.

Nature's Graffiti

Nikon FE2 Nikkor 35-105mm f3.5/4.5 ORWO UN54 Adox Adonal 1:50 - Nature is slowing writing her own message on this wall... She always gets that last word...
Scanned using a Minolta Scan Dual III using Silverfast SE Plus 6.6.2r5.

Vintage Building Signs - Downtown Lynchburg Virginia

Nikon FE2 Various Nikkor Lenses ORWO UN54 Adox Adonal 1:50 - Various examples of the painted building signs that are very common in downtown Lynchburg. Some are Original, some are restored, others are new painted to advertise new businesses in old buildings.
Scanned using a Minolta Scan Dual III using Silverfast SE Plus 6.6.2r5.

Stairway to.....

Nikon FE2 Nikkor 35-105mm f3.5/4.5 ORWO UN54 Adox Adonal 1:50 - Just a nice mix of tones and textures.
Scanned using a Minolta Scan Dual III using Silverfast SE Plus 6.6.2r5.

Craddock Terry Hotel - Lynchburg Virginia

Nikon FE2 Nikkor 35-105mm f3.5/4.5 AIS ORWO UN54 Adox Adonal 1:50 - Located in a renovated shoe factory, The Craddock Terry Hotel is appropriately adorned with two massive red shoes. This image shows the shoe mounted above the front entrance. There is a matching shoe mounted on the rear of the tower.
Scanned using a Minolta Scan Dual III using Silverfast SE Plus 6.6.2r5.

Vintage Sign - AAA Auto Club of Virginia

Nikon FE2 Nikkor 50mm f1.4 ORWO UN54 Adox Adonal 1:50 - Found on the corner of Main St. and 13th St. in downtown Lynchburg VA, this sign hangs in the window of the restored Hill Buggy & Wagon Co. Building. Downtown Lynchburg is a great place to just walk and see what images present themselves. ORWO UN54 is an ISO 100 Speed movie film, manufactured in Wolfen Germany. UN54 has similar characteristics to Kodak Plus-X and develops well in Adox Adonal (Rodinal).
Scanned using a Minolta Scan Dual III using Silverfast SE Plus 6.6.2r5.

From the Web: Dan Carrillo "Daclotype"

An Absolutely mesmorising process with Gorgeous results! Check out more of Daniel's work at his web site, and his Flickr Stream. Dan Carrillo: Daclotype from Patrick Richardson Wright on Vimeo.
Documenting the daguerrotype process of Seattle-based photographer Dan Carrillo
http://www.daniel-carrillo.com/

A follow up to my previous video profile on Dan's wet plate collodion process:
https://vimeo.com/20011942

A film by Patrick Richardson Wright
Model: Miranda Lilley
Hair/Makeup: Naomi Rincon
Music: Pure X - Heavy Air

Impossible - Instant Cats

Polaroid JobPro Instant Camera Impossible Project Color Shade UV+ Film - A couple more images from my first pack of Impossible Project Color Shade UV+ instant film.

The Cat on the left is Kuron Neko, this sly little kitten managed to work her way into our home by hanging herself by a rear paw in our hedges. Her weak cries and injured foot played in our sympathies and earned her indoor status. After limping around for a few days to insure her permanent indoor status, the paw magically healed. Mission Accomplished.

The Cat on the right is Greymon, son of Bob. He is the current dominate male of the neighborhood's ferrel clan. They keep the mole and snake population under control and like to leave the kills on the front porch in exchange for food...

Scanned with a HP Scanjet G4050 using HP's OEM Software

From the Archive - The Las Vegas Strip 1985

Nikon FE2 Nikkor 50mm f1.4 Kodak Ektachrome 100 - Vegas Baby! A shot of the Vegas Strip in February 1985, taken on my one and only to the city. There for the PMA convention, I was 19 and to young to drink or gamble, so I did the next best thing, shoot film. It was amazing that these signs were bright enough for a hand held exposure with ISO 100 in the dead of night.
Scanned with a Minolta Dimage Scan Dual III using SilverFast SE Plus v. 6.6.2r5

Impossible - Instant Spring

Polaroid JobPro Instant Camera Impossible Project Color Shade UV+ Film - Spring is here and with it comes color. A good time to break out the new Impossible Project Color Shade UV+ Instant Film and fire away.... Actually, I have had this pack since Autumn, but am just now getting around to finishing the pack. Like most Polaroid 600 Series camera, the JobPro is as basic as it gets. Fixed shutter speed, the built in flash fires whether it is needed on not and the only exposure control is the lighter/darker slider on the front of the camera. The JobPro does have a built in Close-Up Lens that allows for close-up shots between 2 to 4 ft. (0.6 to 1.2m), but correcting for parallax error with a marginally accurate viewfinder can make framing a challenge. Ah the joys of instant photography Polaroid style. Still, somehow, the results are worth it.
Scanned with a HP Scanjet G4050 using HP's OEM Software.

Instant Film - Demon Sheep

Polaroid JobPro Instant Camera Impossible Project Color Shade UV+ Film - Finally got through my first pack of Impossible Project Color Shade UV+ and am ready to start posting the results... This is my first shot. The "Demon Sheep" was a garage sale find and the creepiest stuffed animal I have run across in while. Its red eyes are leering out of a dog cage in this shot, and a cage is exactly where this thing belongs.

The Impossible Project Color Shade UV+ is everything you would expect from and integral type instant film. Muted, almost pastel colors, low contrast and slightly "unsharp," all combining to bring back the beloved Polaroid Film look of the late 20th century. The is the real "instagram."

A Slight Breeze

Lomography Society Diana F+ Kodak Tri-X Professional Arista 76 1:1 - The last of this "Dark Corners" series. There was very little wind this day. I squatted patiently, waiting for a breathe of life to lift the flag. It teased me... lift slightly then falling, until finally an exhale.
Scanned with an Epson Perfection V500 Photo using Espon's OEM Software.

A Mute Reminder

Lomography Society Diana F+ Kodak Tri-X Professional Arista 76 1:1 - Another from the Old City Cemetery, interesting shadows and tones. Many of the grave marks here are so old the marking have been lost to wind and weather, mute reminders.
Scanned with an Epson Perfection V500 Photo using Espon's OEM Software.

Coleman and Virginia

Lomography Society Diana F+ Kodak Tri-X Professional Arista 76 1:1 - Coleman and Virginia, there may be more detail buried beneath the surface, but this is all time has left visible. A loving couple? A Son and Daughter? We cannot tell. I could shoot for week in the Old City Cemetery and always find something new. There are some many layers, textures and new angles to explore.
Scanned with an Epson Perfection V500 Photo using Epson's OEM Software.

Found on the Web: Nathan Jones "Why Film Matters"

While link surfing from site to site, I ran across this great 2 parts essay "Why Film Matters" by Nathan Jones. It it well worth reading.

Why Film Matters Part 1

Why Film Matters Part 2

Nathan's other writings an photography can be found at nathanjones.com.

Object of Desire: Fujifilm GF670 Professional 6x7 Camera

© Fujifilm

Fujifilm has manufactured an impressive line of medium format rangefinder cameras over the years, including the innovative Auto-Focus Point and Shoot GA645 and GA645Zi, but the GF670 has to be one of the most drool worthy cameras of this series.

This Retro-styled medium format folder sports and EBC Fujinon 80mm f1:3.5 lens, switchable frame formats of 6x7 and 6x6, aperture priority automatic and manual exposure control, and rangefinder focusing. The in lens leaf shutter has speeds from 1/500th to 4 sec. with a B setting for longer exposures and a lens aperture range of f1:3.5 to 1:22.

Other Features include AE Lock, +/- 2 stop exposure compensation, ISO range of 25 to 3200 and automatic parallax correction. More on the GA67 can be found on Fujifilm USA's website and Camerapedia.

Tree of Stone

Lomography Society Diana F+ Kodak Tri-X Professional Arista 76 1:1 - An interesting Grave marker in the Old City Cemetery in Lynchburg Va.. Reminds me of the trees that come to life in the Lord of the rings, or a Hobbits lawn monument.
Scanned with and Epson V500 using Epson's OEM Software.

Found on the Web: Travel Wide 4x5 Camera

I recently ran across this Kick Starter project for a point and shoot 4x5 camera. What an insanely great idea. Check it out on Kickstarter.

Shooting with the Travelwide from Ben Syverson on Vimeo.

Ben shooting with the Wanderlust Travelwide in Brazil

Double Exposed

Lomography Society Diana F+ Kodak Tri-X Profession Arista 76 1:1 - An Accidental Double exposure that came out well. Shooting with the Diana F+, you must remember to advance the film after each exposure. Sometimes you forget, but the results can lead to some of your most interesting shots.....
Scanner with an Epson Perfection V500 scanner using Epson's OEM software.