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.