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Forum: Post Your Photos!
03-31-2024, 08:54 PM
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Hello,
Sorry I've been away for a long time and taken so long to continue with this series. I've been really busy with work and other commitments.
Slowly continuing to process more pictures from my epic trip to Italy back in October 2023.
The timeless beauty of Italy pairs perfectly with Black and White.
This is Part 5 of the series: One more of David and Pisa
You can check the previous parts here:
Part 1: Rome Italy, in Black and White - PentaxForums.com
Part 2: Rome in B/W Part 2 of 2 - PentaxForums.com
Part 3: Italy in B/W, Part 3: Vintage Police cars and a bonus - PentaxForums.com
Part 4: Italy in B/W Part 4: Florence - PentaxForums.com
Italy stole my heart, my mind and my stomach! Beautiful country full of history, art, food and great people! We really had a great time.
I still need to process many more pictures, but I want to humbly share some of those in these series.
David
In Part 4 I shared some pictures of Michelangelo's David. Here is one more from certain distance, the way it was meant to be seen. Up until this trip I never really paid
much attention to sculpture as an art form. This took my breath away. I was not expecting that!
Pisa (I said Pisa, not pizza :lol:)
While in Florence, we took a last minute decision to hop on a train, go to Pisa and return the same day. Glad we did. Of course the leaning tower is the main attraction. Walking the streets of Pisa, after a great lunch, there were hundreds of vendors. Souvenirs, antiques, food, you name it. Browsing around I stumbled upon a vendor that had some old cameras on a table. Uh-oh...
Honestly my first thought was "overprice tourist junk". But I heard the guy talking to other customers and I could make out from my poor Italian that it was all part of an estate collection and everything was in working order.
Long story short, I had a great conversation with the guy and his wife. Part Italian, part English, part Spanish, part hand gestures language :)
He really knew about the stuff and when he saw my K5-II we talked a bit about it as well.
Ended up buying him a 1950's 6x6 (120 film) folder from England: A GB Kershaw 110. The name has nothing to do with the 110 format. Still trying to get some time to properly document it, refresh it and take it out for a spin. That will be a separate topic on its own.
After the purchase, as I was walking away he called me. "Wait!" He started looking into some boxes, found the original case for the camera and graciously gave it to me.
My wife laughed and said "Nope, not a photo related trip whatsoever..." :lol:
But back to Pisa:
Italy just took my breath away in every corner.
Yup! No Joke. It's leaning alright!
The same Arno river goes thru Pisa on its way to the Mediterranean.
Galileo's birthplace in 1564!
Pisa Centrale Train Station. We went by train and walked all of Pisa. Never needed a car. And I am a car guy!
I hope you like these!
More to come...
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
01-06-2020, 11:58 AM
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Lovely! The SP IIa is rare indeed.
This one looks great!
Thanks,
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
09-16-2020, 05:15 PM
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Hello,
Am I dreaming? If I am, please don't wake me up!
In the car hobby, there is an old saying that says you are not an owner, just the current custodian of a historical piece.
Thanks to forum member Bill (Steamloco76) I am now the current custodian (new owner) of an ASAHI PENTAX. The first one. The original. The one and only. The camera that was so pivotal in the history of the company that it changed the name from Asahi Optical to Pentax as we know today.
I honestly did not think I would be able to get my hands on one of these. But good things happen to those who wait.
The Asahi Optical Company was literally destroyed during WWII. After the war, it was allowed to regroup and restart. In 1952, they introduced the Asahiflex camera with good success.
In 1957, they introduced this camera: The "Asahi Pentax", also known now as the "AP". It was not the first pentaprism camera, but it is considered the first successful pentaprism SLR camera with instant return mirror and rapid winding lever (instead of a knob) that set the basic layout for 35mm cameras for decades to come. Every SLR and DSLR today can trace their origins back to this camera. It started the revolution that ended the rangefinder dominance and established the SLR as the system of choice.
While the Asahiflex used the M37 mount, this new camera used the M42 mount. Again, it was not invented by them, but it became so popular that to this date it is usually called the Pentax Screw mount. In the US, Sears sold this camera under the name Tower 26.
This camera made a splash at the photography scene. The company even changed their name from Asahi Optical Company to Pentax.
According to my research, about 19,500 were made. It was followed by the S model in 1958 and then the K model later the same year ('58). I refer to these 3 as the "Trifecta".
The subsequent S (H) series of cameras (which I have documented elsewhere in this forum) was the continuation of the basic design of this one. Constantly improving but staying true to the original.
Can you tell I'm excited?
So this particular one has little signs of use. A few tiny scratches here and there and a little ding on top. But it still looks great! Keep in mind, it is about 63 years old!
But more important, it is in perfect working order!
The serial number identifies it as an early unit.
It is very clean and buttery smooth. Here are pictures of it as I received it. I will deep clean it as usual (as a maniac who never claimed to be normal) but there is not much more to improve.
A shoutout to Bill (steamloco76) for the excellent packing of the camera.
Not in the pictures but it also includes an original leather case.
This camera will serve dual purposes: It will be the centerpiece of my humble collection but it will also be respectfully used.
I think a Takumar 55 1.8 and a BW roll will soon join it.
Can you tell I'm excited? :)
Thanks!
Ismael
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
08-16-2021, 08:17 PM
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Hello,
I'm by no means an expert, but I haven't seen that much difference in value between both. I think part of that could be that not many people are aware of the difference and these are not exactly the hottest trading items within collectors. A true collector may want one of each variation or just the oldest one, while somebody with intentions of using it may prefer the later one for compatibility with the Supertak 50 f1.4 or any other lens that may protrude and interfere with the earlier auto pin push bar.
Anybody else wants to comment on this?
By the way, other than the main redesign of the auto pin push bar and colored "R", there are other changes as well, most notably the door latch. Check this thread:
Early and late Pentax H1a: Not identical twins - PentaxForums.com
Hello,
There are different ways to deal with corrosion. Mine may not be the best as I'm by no means an expert, just an enthusiast.
I start by cleaning the area with Non-acetone nail polish remover. Then I use white vinegar in a cotton swab to carefully remove the corrosion residue. If the part can be removed (screws, latches, etc.) I submerge it in the white vinegar for a few hours. However, the vinegar may continue attacking the surface if left un-attended, so I "neutralize" it by cleaning with 91% IPA (Isopropyl alcohol). I don't try to make old cameras look new. The patina is part of their charm. But I do try to get them as good as they can get.
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Other Camera Brands
10-25-2019, 08:50 PM
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WOHOO!!
The pictures are in!
The negatives are on their way back but I just downloaded the scans and they look great! Can't wait to scan my own.
Walgreens ASA 800 film, expired over 5 years ago
These are untouched:
The lens focuses close enough for this Hot Wheels.
and my favorite:
I think it is a winner!
Thanks,
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Forum: General Photography
12-07-2023, 09:16 AM
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I've seen pictures of them using a chrome camera as well, most likely an S2.
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Forum: General Photography
12-07-2023, 05:14 AM
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They all look like the SV. The picture in the airplane is showing a Type 1 clip on meter.
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
12-05-2023, 08:58 PM
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Hello,
Slowly continuing to process more pictures from my epic trip to Italy back in October.
The timeless beauty of Italy pairs perfectly with B/W images.
This is Part 4 of the series: Florence. What a city! If I ever need to consider moving to another country, this would be it!
You can check the previous parts here:
Part 1: Rome Italy, in Black and White - PentaxForums.com
Part 2: Rome in B/W Part 2 of 2 - PentaxForums.com
Part 3: Italy in B/W, Part 3: Vintage Police cars and a bonus - PentaxForums.com
Italy stole my heart, my mind and my stomach! Beautiful country full of history, art and food! We really had a great time.
I still need to process many more pictures, but I want to humbly share some of those in these series.
Florence, Italy
The Duomo
Timeless Tuscan beauty: Getting there. These 2 are from the Hi Speed train from Rome to Florence that topped 155 MPH (250KPH)
Wanted to try something different in this one: dark skies
Ponte Vecchio
The Arno river from Ponte Vecchio
What's the big deal with this David sculpture I've been hearing all my life? It is just a...
WOHA!!
I mean... ehh
WOW!!
Spoiler alert: It IS a big deal and seeing it is a humbling milestone in your life.
My jaw still hurts...
La pièce de résistance: Most likely my favorite from the whole trip. BEGS to be printed BIG.
Florence from Piazzale Michelangelo. A HUGE challenge as there were hundreds (probably thousands) of people there all fighting for a picture spot.
I hope you like them!
More to come...
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
12-30-2020, 01:41 PM
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Hello,
Last few weeks have been really hectic. Dealing with a lot of personal stuff including my father's health which is deteriorating. I haven't been very active with any of the hobbies but at least working on something, even if only a few minutes a week, helps me recharge.
By now you know I like to tinker with old cameras. The Pentax MX is considered by many the ultimate mechanical SLR along with the LX. It is still very popular.
I got a non-working MX on eBay. Not sure if I can get it back to work but it will be a learning experience as I've never worked on anything newer than K1000.
While "mechanical" it is far more complex than earlier models. And scarily so.
This is what I got:
Mirror stuck in the up position
buckled curtains. That looks serious...
Started disassembly without any clue of what to look for
While working to remove the mirror box, something went "Clack" and the curtain closed. "Huh? What the...?"
My instinct told me to put everything back together. So I did and in the process, I resoldered the wires to the aperture coupler metering circuit.
These will not win any solder joint beauty contest, but the meter now works!
Putting everything together, the camera "worked" at 1/60s. But at other speeds it randomly got stuck. But something was not right. Can't explain it but it sounded "weird". That was when I noticed upon close inspection the curtains are not in the right place!
This camera has been tampered with and assembled wrong! ( :lol: That's MY job!)
However, since the curtains are the most inner parts, everything needs to be taken apart.
Here is where we are now after desoldering some wires to allow the mirror box out of the way:
To boldly go where I've never been before!
This is a very long term project. I honestly don't have much hope this may ever be a functional camera again, but I'm just having fun.
Thanks,
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
11-23-2023, 09:49 AM
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I concede. You win!
No way to top that one. :lol:
What a score!
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-21-2023, 10:41 AM
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Hello,
As a car guy, shade tree wrencher and photographer, that first picture is a winner!
The K1000 is a joy to use. Enjoy!
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Pentax SLR Lens Discussion
11-21-2023, 11:10 AM
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Hello,
I am by no means an expert, but from the image, I would suspect there is a flipped element rather than missing because it is "almost" ok at the center. The effect is similar to when the front lens is flipped in an old 620 Kodak Brownie.
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
10-31-2023, 08:38 AM
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Forum: Welcomes and Introductions
10-28-2023, 03:02 PM
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HA! When my friends and family asked me about Rome I said it was a beautiful chaos, referring mostly to the traffic.
I spent several days in Rome, staying in beautiful Trastevere area.
I am still processing many pictures. I'll share some of then in the forum soon.
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
11-10-2023, 02:54 PM
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Just the 9 focusing screens will be a lifetime achievement!
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
11-10-2023, 07:50 AM
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Hi,
The obvious choice would be a K1000.
But if you want to be different, a KM.
You can't go wrong with a KX or K2. The KM is essentially the ultimate all manual Spotmatic with K mount. The K1000 is a low cost version of the KM.
Can't go wrong with any of those. Actually, get them all!:lol:
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
11-09-2023, 04:26 PM
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Hello,
I continue to slowly process images from my recent trip to Italy. It seems this trip was meant for B/W!
You can see Part 1 here: Rome Italy, in Black and White - PentaxForums.com
And Part 2 here: Rome in B/W Part 2 of 2 - PentaxForums.com
This is the third installment of this series: Vintage Police cars and 2 other old cars.
While waiting our tour of the Colosseum, I noticed a few vintage police cars coming in and parked near. I later found out there is a Police Car Museum in Rome. I did not get a chance to visit but if I ever go back to Rome I certainly will!
As with the other series, I am trying to give these images that timeless feel. I want these images to look like they could have been taken any time in the last 60 years or so.
Hint: The sometimes weird crops are due to the massive crowds there. That was the biggest challenge.
BONUS: Here are 2 additional images.
There have been countless arguments in favor and against phone cameras. A controversy that will never end.
Well, I took these 2 images with my cell phone. Both processed in Photoshop with the same passion and care as a raw file from the K5-II. I really think they capture the "timeless" vibe I was looking for.
By the way, these 2 vehicles are really part of the decor of a restaurant.
I hope you like both the images and the series. Plenty more to come.
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
11-08-2023, 07:09 AM
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Any idea where I can find an empty 120 spool? :lol:
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Forum: Pentax K-01
11-07-2023, 01:41 PM
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Hi,
How about an AF fast 50 like the F or FA 50 1.7? That is my favorite lens formula.
I do like the 40XS as well but if you need something a bit wider, the DA35 with an inexpensive hood is also great for portraits.
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Photo Critique
11-04-2023, 06:05 AM
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Hello,
You are on the right path. You can try f22 as a starting point and go from there. There are tons of factors involved so it is not a straightforward recipe. Not all lenses render it similarly. Actually, modern lenses are designed to minimize diffraction so it can be another challenge.
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: General Photography
11-06-2023, 08:14 AM
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No wonder it was overcrowded. We were all there :lol:
I was there the first 2 weeks of October.
I saw a few DSLRs but other than a Nikon 850 and my K5-II everything else was either a Rebel or a Nikon 3100, all with kit lenses. Saw some mirrorless (Sony most of them) and some bridge cameras. A few bigger than usual lenses were spotted from the distance, but judging by the fact they look like just having a rear cap, I suppose those were mirrorless with big adapted lenses. None looked like a Pentax Q family by the way. I did see a disposable film camera and saw film available, but at ridiculous "desperate-tourist" prices.
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
11-04-2023, 06:58 AM
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Thanks Mike!
People?
Every single place we went, all 12 days, including multiple cities, were like this.
During the day,
or night:
According to my estimates a little over half of the world's population was there with us in Italy :lol:
This gives me an idea. I'll eventually make a post of crowds and people. :lol:
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
10-31-2023, 08:32 AM
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Hello,
I recently had the blessing to have an epic trip to beautiful Italy with my beautiful wife. The running joke was that even before leaving I kept saying "It is NOT a photo-trip" and my wife always replied "yeah, right!" :)
According to my definition, it was NOT a photo-trip because I did not bring any additional equipment other than a single body and a single lens. No film bodies, no extra lenses, no tripod, no monopod, no filters and I did not stay in any place for hours waiting for the right angle of the sun or any of that.
According to her definition it was a 2 weeks photo trip as I was constantly photographing everything. :lol:
Italy stole my heart, my mind and my stomach! Beautiful country full of history, art and food! We really had a great time.
Needless to say I took hundreds of pictures. Huge challenge as the massive crowds were at record levels according to locals.
I still need to process most of them, but I want to humbly share some of those in several series. This is the first of hopefully several series. These will make it to my house walls.
Rome in B/W
Funny story: a few people saw me getting this shot and all of a sudden lots of people were trying to replicate it, not knowing the secret of f32...
I hope you like it! Plenty more to come.
Thanks,
Ismael
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Forum: Post Your Photos!
11-02-2023, 07:51 PM
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Hello,
This is the second installment of this adventure: Rome in B/W, Part 2 of 2.
You can find Part 1 here:ROME IN B/W Part 1
I recently had the blessing to have an epic trip to beautiful Italy with my beautiful wife. The running joke was that even before leaving I kept saying "It is NOT a photo-trip" and my wife always replied "yeah, right!"
According to my definition, it was NOT a photo-trip because I did not bring any additional equipment other than a single body and a single lens. No film bodies, no extra lenses, no tripod, no monopod, no filters and I did not stay in any place for hours waiting for the right angle of the sun or any of that.
According to her definition, it was a 2 weeks photo trip as I was constantly photographing everything. :)
Italy stole my heart, my mind and my stomach! Beautiful country full of history, art and food! We really had a great time.
Needless to say I took hundreds of pictures. Huge challenge as the massive crowds were at record levels according to locals.
I still need to process most of them, but I want to humbly share some of those in these series.
Rome in B/W Part 2 of 2
Castel Sant'Angelo
Vatican
Pantheon
This is one of those special compositions that I fully visualized in B/W even before turning the camera on! It was like a revelation.
I hope you like it! More to come later.
Next: Italy in color...
Thanks,
Ismael
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