X-posted

Hello,

I recently restored a 1954 Tower 23 (Asahiflex IIb Model 1).

You can read the story here: Every great story has a beginning: Asahiflex (Tower 23) - PentaxForums.com

Well, I finally got the lab scans! Negatives should be here by next week. I'm very happy!
These are untouched scans except for the resize and the signature. Once I get the negatives I try to scan myself and see if I can improve on them. But I like these.
All of these were using Sunny 16 as starting point. Not even a handheld meter.


1/100 @ f11


1/100 @ f16


1/500 @ f8


1/100 @ f16


1/100 @ f11


1/500 @ f5.6

My favorite!

1/100 @ f16


1/50 @ f16


1/100 @ f4


1/100 @ f8


1/100 @ f11


1/100 @ f8

I even did a studio test using the Xsync port to trigger the studio strobes

1/25 @ f16 with strobes connected to the Xsync flash port (Should have gone f11... oh well!)

Conclusion: This camera is not the fastest to use. I don't see it been used in a sporting event for example. But taking the time to properly focus, set aperture and compose and it will knock your socks off!!!
What do you think?

Thanks,
Ismael

[mroeder75]

I have seen a few shots from my Uncle Don taken during the Korean conflict (in color) of airplanes in flight from another airplane, and they were sharp. I don't recall what camera system he was using. I say this because what you have here reminds me that although photography was developing, what you have here is colorful, and is fairly sharp too.

[MikeNArk]

You have made some very nice photos with that camera. Colors in the water scenes are outstanding. In fact, focus in all scenes is sharp. I don't thick that I could achieve this with manual settings. Very good work.

[lesmore49]

Shows you what a high quality camera/lens that Asahiflex was...and still is. Thx for posting.

[sergysergy]

Awesome results!!

[normhead]

It looks awesome. When are they making the digital version?

I'd love a camera with a waste level viewfinder.

Starting from the age of 8, I learned on one.


If you have a waste level viewfinder, you don't need no stinkin flippy screen.

[lesmore49]

Waist level finders are good. I have three. Two Yashicamat TLR's and my Mamiya 220 Pro F, TLR. I pop the Mamiya on my 35 year old Leitz Tiltall tripod and I almost feel like Ansel Adams...making slow adjustments to the composition I see in my WL finder.

Unfortunately, none of my pix turn out like Adams did. But that's down to my ability.

[angkymac]

Back in the day, I certainly would not have cried about any of those images!
Good restore!
Angky.