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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-31-2017, 06:14 AM  
Post your B&W Film shots
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 12,576
Views: 1,427,921
Although I'm not exactly sure why, it had been about 9 months since using any of my film cameras. I shot a couple rolls of Neopan 100 Acros with the Mamiya 6 and developed it in Fuji SPD.

1. River Crossing (yes, we did make it across those rocks with snowshoes on!)


2. Winter on the lake


3. A subtle selfie...


4. Snow-bound rice paddies


5. Irrigation ditch


6. Can you guess which tree I'm planning to cut down?


7. A bovine moment


Thanks for looking! :)
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-15-2016, 11:07 PM  
Film choice??
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 96
Views: 10,592
As I delved into my dad's photos and found myself captivated it got me to thinking. It also turned me on to doing more monochrome work myself. I've more or less reached the conclusion that one of the attractions is the absence of information. Somehow, when our minds that are conditioned to seeing in color encounter the absence of color I think it subconsciously stimulates the viewer's imagination. It creates a certain distance between present experienced reality and the captured image, leaving the viewer to wonder about and imagine what it must have been like.

Shooting in B&W has helped me to see and compose more in terms of light than colors. Rich color contrasts can be beautiful in color photos but disappear in B&W. But light contrasts are what make monochrome photos stand out, and actually are a fundamental component to all photos.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-14-2016, 10:57 PM  
Film choice??
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 96
Views: 10,592
Thanks to all who took the time to look at some of my dad's photos. One of my dreams is to get them published in book form some day... Alas, it doesn't appear to be happening any time soon. :)
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-14-2016, 12:27 AM  
Film choice??
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 96
Views: 10,592
I don't think the machines and methods used to make images has that much effect on the quality of the output. Once cameras became affordable for the masses there were lots and lots of terrible pictures. The total number of images has increased due to digital and the introduction of more type of cameras, often embedded in other devices. Now days, just like before, once in a while a completely casual photographer will come up with a winner, but in general, the quality of images is related to the basic disciplines of photography and the mind/effort of the photographer.

As I was growing up I was never impressed with my dad's photos, even though he took a lot. They tended to be group photos on specific occasions and photos related to his work. But after he died I began digitizing his older stuff and discovered some real treasures. Seven years before I was born my parents moved from the U.S. to Japan as missionaries. What I've discovered is that in the first 10 years or so his photos of Japan were really good. I can only guess that it was his curiosity and fascination with encountering a new culture, a new society and a new people. By the time I was grown up he had lived in Japan long enough to get used to it so his photographic creativity suffered. I only wish I could have gone thru his older stuff while he was still alive. Here are a few of my favorites.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-11-2016, 11:46 PM  
Film choice??
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 96
Views: 10,592
:D:lol: So true!
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-10-2016, 11:28 PM  
Film choice??
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 96
Views: 10,592
I've enjoyed scanning Velvia slide film in recent years. I send it out for development and if I need large prints for an exhibition I have that done professionally too. But in the mean time I've enjoyed the process of coming up with some pretty good LR profiles for each variety of Velvia that greatly simplifies things. The nice part about slide film is that it's pretty easy to have the developed film on the light table right next to my computer and then just tweak things in LR until the image on my monitor looks like the image on the film. Much easier than negative film, especially color negatives. This allows me to enjoy the images on my computer, upload them to my online gallery, and share them with others. Of course I lose significant detail in the darkest areas when digitizing, but still find the results to be acceptable, even pleasing at times.

---------- Post added 01-11-16 at 03:31 PM ----------



I also thoroughly enjoy the experience of shooting film. It slows me down and pushes me to be more deliberate. I know I could work just as slowly and deliberately with digital photography but it just feels different, in a fun way, to work with film.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-08-2016, 11:47 PM  
From 67 to 645 value
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 18
Views: 2,218
I agree about the 67ii being a good option. But if focusing is your main problem there is no guarantee that the 645n or 645nii with FA lenses will solve it, although it will certainly feel easier! Accuracy of the AF on that system totally depends on your subject.

If you really are going to step down to 645 and if finances are a real concern I would surely recommend the 645n over the 645nii. The functional differences are pretty limited but the savings are significant.
Also I'm puzzled by your comments about the 645 lens system being more attractive. The ED telephoto lenses on either system are equally good. And although this is just my personal preference, the other two you mention are zooms... I don't see the appeal of zooms over primes at all with cameras like this. If you're trying to save weight I don't think you would be shooting medium format in the first place.

Finally, if you want to use 67 lenses on the 645 I recommend the 90mm and the 105mm. They are the two smallest 67 lenses and fill the focal length gap nicely for the 645 system.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 01-08-2016, 11:30 PM  
Film choice??
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 96
Views: 10,592
For monochrome I like Tri-X for fast film and Neopan 100 Acros for normal. For slide film I use any of the Velvia varieties but like 50 the best. I don't shoot negative color film.
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 01-08-2016, 12:33 PM  
40mm 45mm 2.8 A for landscapes?
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 8
Views: 1,218
The 35mm gets significantly higher ratings than the 45mm in most reviews. It costs more too but is well worth it. I traded in my 45mm when I found a good deal on the 35mm. And the spread is evened out a bit with the 35mm, 55mm and 75mm. After that there is a gap in the prime lineup until you get to the 120mm macro but I use the 90mm and 105mm lenses from the 6x7 line with an adapter as they are very compact.
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 01-07-2016, 08:46 PM  
Next version of Pentax 645
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 51
Views: 6,504
Eventually Pentax really needs to provide a FF 645 sensor. Crop mode has served users well, but it's still a cropped sensor. Phase One has broken the ice. By 2018 maybe there will be affordable FF 645 sensors... I'll go out on a limb and call it the 645F. :)
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 01-07-2016, 08:38 PM  
Poll: A good time to buy a 645D ?
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 24
Views: 3,527
In Japan the used 645D goes for about 300,000 yen which is less than US$3,000 (sorry, I don't know other exchange rates). I've been tempted myself as I have a full lineup of lenses I use with the 645N. Ultimately I decided to wait and get the Sony A7s and I don't regret the decision at all. (also have a full lineup of Minolta lenses) My logic was as follows:

645D would make a wonderful landscape camera and that is my main area now.
But... I still shoot lots of other stuff including low light so I would still need another camera.
645Z could theoretically be my only camera (other than maybe a pocket P&S like the Sony RX100) but it just was too expensive and would have required that I sell all my Minolta lenses.
I couldn't justify selling great glass to get a great digital body being as glass holds its value and digital bodies don't.
So I decided to hold off on digital medium format and just continue to enjoy my Pentax 645N and 67ii and stay with FF Sony for digital stuff.

But if landscapes and the like really are all you shoot the 645D is a very valid option and if you don't mind manual focus, the A series lenses are very affordable and excellent performers. The only remaining question is whether you are OK with the large size and heavy weight. And of course you'll need a very stable tripod that hopefully isn't too heavy.
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 01-06-2016, 11:28 PM  
A35 vs FA35 vs 33-55
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 32
Views: 6,408
I've only owned the A35 and use it on the 645N and really like it. I'm using it almost exclusively for landscape so it's almost always stopped down and performs quite well. Affordable too!

Here are a few sample shots on RVP50.







Forum: Pentax Medium Format 12-20-2015, 11:27 PM  
Post your medium format photos!
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 20,356
Views: 3,148,869
Great shot! My son spent four years in Gunnison and absolutely loved it!
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 12-18-2015, 11:11 PM  
Post your medium format photos!
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 20,356
Views: 3,148,869
I grabbed the Mamiya 6 as we headed out for a walk in Palmer Park (Colorado Springs) and shot a roll of Neopan 100 Acros.




Forum: Pentax Medium Format 12-13-2015, 03:26 PM  
Post your medium format photos!
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 20,356
Views: 3,148,869
Ed, that is a stunning image! Well done.
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 12-10-2015, 12:14 AM  
Post your medium format photos!
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 20,356
Views: 3,148,869
I rode the cograil with relatives last week and didn't even plan to shoot any film, but discovered that I had forgotten to take the Fuji GF670 out of my bag and found a roll of Neopan 100 in my pocket so shot a roll in the wonderful, but rather cold light.







Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 10-12-2015, 11:30 PM  
Post your B&W Film shots
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 12,576
Views: 1,427,921
I love the GF670 but the only complaint I have is battery life, especially in cold weather. It runs out really fast, and I'm not sure why considering that a camera like this shouldn't be using much current at all.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 10-11-2015, 01:20 PM  
Post your B&W Film shots
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 12,576
Views: 1,427,921
I know it's all subjective but I really like the semi-high key look of these shots. In particular the girl's hair in the second shot is very convincing.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 10-10-2015, 10:56 PM  
Post your B&W Film shots
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 12,576
Views: 1,427,921
We are back in the U.S. for six months and the only film cameras I brought with me are the compact ones: New Mamiya 6 and FujiGF670. Being based in Colorado Springs, the scenic spots are numerous. I had a bit of free time the other day and found a wonderful spot that looks down on the Garden of the Gods so I loaded a roll of Neopan 100 Acros in the Mamiya 6 and had some fun. Then I had to replenish my chemicals and picked up a bottle of HC-110 for a painful $40! The final step was getting my scanner up and working, which included a call to Epson customer service and eventual discovery that my USB cable was fried.

1. 75mm


2. 150mm


3. 50mm
Forum: General Talk 06-20-2015, 12:27 AM  
Looking for Minolta version of "Eric"...
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 6
Views: 1,713
Thanks for the good tips!
Forum: General Talk 06-17-2015, 06:07 AM  
Looking for Minolta version of "Eric"...
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 6
Views: 1,713
Sorry for the strange sounding title and also for being off topic. But I know how fortunate we Pentax camera owners are with an expert like Eric (pentaxs.com) for advice and repairs. So does anyone know of similar resources for older Minolta bodies? I just picked up a beautiful Minolta XD (aka XD-11 in N.Am. and XD-7 in Europe). I found it in the junk bin for a bargain price and after giving it fresh batteries and a little jiggling it is working OK. But every once in a while the winding/cocking mechanism fails to catch. If I open it up and turn the gear at the bottom of the spindle below the winding lever with my finger it cures the problem until it happens again. Seemingly not a big issue but if it happens halfway thru a roll of film I'll be sunk!

So if this were a Pentax body I can imagine Eric (or another one of you experts) immediately telling me which spot to clean or lubricate etc. to cure the problem. Do any of you know where I might seek such expert advice regarding this camera? (Hope I'm not breaking too many rules by asking this... :) )
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 02-11-2015, 02:12 AM  
Post your medium format photos!
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 20,356
Views: 3,148,869
Thanks! And yes, it's been a while since I've used my Pentax cameras very much. Got a new digital camera so that has been getting more of my attention and time. But I still love getting out with the 67ii and the 645N!
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 02-10-2015, 03:18 AM  
Post your B&W Film shots
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 12,576
Views: 1,427,921
Took a walk around our mountaintop neighborhood with the Mamiya 6.

1.


2. Friends from SoCal tripping on the concept of walking on a frozen lake!


3. Ice fishing for smelt


4. Yes that really is a mountainbike rider on the frozen lake


5. Our lakeside downtown
Forum: Pentax Medium Format 02-10-2015, 12:28 AM  
Post your medium format photos!
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 20,356
Views: 3,148,869
These are from Christmas break in Nagano. I finally finished processing them today.

1.


2.


3.


4.


Taken with the 67ii on RVP50 with a variety of lenses.
Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras 12-02-2014, 08:39 AM  
Introduce your... film Pentax!
Posted By revdocjim
Replies: 3,535
Views: 772,653
OK. My better judgement tells me to just wait. It's just that I'd never seen a pre-spotmatic body that clean before. Just plain immaculate! :hmm:
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