Misc 1954 Tower 23(Asahiflex IIb model 1) test results

1954 Tower 23(Asahiflex IIb model 1) test results · **4 Likes**

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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** · 09-21-2021, 08:53 PM - **1 Like**

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** · 09-22-2021, 06:59 AM - **1 Like**

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 · 09-22-2021, 03:04 PM - **1 Like**

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

**sergysergy** · 09-23-2021, 06:45 AM - **1 Like**

Awesome results!!

normhead · 09-23-2021, 07:01 AM - **1 Like**

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 · 09-23-2021, 07:23 AM - **1 Like**

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** · 09-23-2021, 05:00 PM - **1 Like**

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

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09-23-2021, 07:01 AM - 1 Like	#6
normhead Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Near Algonquin Park Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 40,420	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. Last edited by normhead; 09-23-2021 at 07:07 AM.

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09-21-2021, 08:53 PM - 1 Like	#2
mroeder75 Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Iowa Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,256	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.

09-22-2021, 06:59 AM - 1 Like	#3
MikeNArk Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Arkansas Posts: 9,252	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.

09-22-2021, 03:04 PM - 1 Like	#4
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 11,313	Shows you what a high quality camera/lens that Asahiflex was...and still is. Thx for posting.

09-23-2021, 06:45 AM - 1 Like	#5
sergysergy Site Supporter Join Date: Jan 2011 Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,988	Awesome results!!

09-23-2021, 07:23 AM - 1 Like	#7
lesmore49 Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Western Canada Posts: 11,313	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.

09-23-2021, 05:00 PM - 1 Like	#8
angkymac Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2019 Photos: Albums Posts: 6,349	Back in the day, I certainly would not have cried about any of those images! Good restore! Angky.

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