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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
07-03-2016, 09:22 AM
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Nice work on the guitar! I've had a couple sets of claro for years, but never got around to building with it yet. I have used Indian rosewood, mahogany, cocobolo, and koa, but age is slowing me down.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
04-19-2016, 04:29 AM
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Center sharpness of the f1.4 is comparable, but the f1.7 is better across the frame. I have a few of each, and consistently prefer the images of the f1.7. (I also have the K f1.2, and still prefer the f1.7.)
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
04-11-2016, 04:27 PM
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The K is interesting as the first model to automatically close the aperture, but in a different way than the later models. The lens pin and linkage look the same, but on the K the linkage is operated directly from the shutter button, so it gradually moves out to the lens pin as the button is depressed. The linkage has an adjusting screw you can reach through the mount to match it to your lens so that the aperture trips and closes just before the mirror flips and shutter fires. If not adjusted right, the shutter could fire before the aperture closes. On the K the linkage is hinged at the bottom of the mirror chamber.
By my Heiland H1 they had changed so that the tripped mirror linkage moved the linkage closing the aperture, so that it is more snap-acting, and interlocked so the aperture always closes ahead of the shutter. But on the H1 the aperture linkage is hinged from above,to connect easily to the mirror linkage.
Later models moved the hinge pivot back to the bottom of the mirror chamber, on the sheet metal that holds the lens mount.
I find these signs of mechanical evolution interesting.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
04-11-2016, 11:14 AM
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A new H1a was my first SLR in 1965. I've always found its 1/1000 shutter speed works fine - it just isn't marked.
The shutter and adjustments were identical to the H3v, just a different dial for marketing reasons, to make the higher priced model more appealing.
My H1a still feels great when I return to it.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
07-14-2014, 05:07 PM
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I've had mine since bought new (80s?), but have used an MX more, as I like the meter display better. On the LX, manual mode, you match the flag to an LED. In very bright Texas sun you can't see the LEDs, and in dim light you can't see the flag. So when I use the LX it is usually in auto mode. (Same issue with my Leica R4.)
Bright sunlight I'll take a Spotmatic (or SV with clip on meter.), and dim light the MX.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
11-11-2013, 06:25 PM
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I bought my LX in the early 1980s, as a "user" camera when my main SLR was a Leicaflex SL. But the build quality of the LX and size of the SMC-M lenses soon made it my main SLR, even though the Leica lenses were clearly better. I also loved the metering range of the LX, but liked the"center spot" pattern of the SL better for manual exposures.
Over the years mechanical issues sidelined both cameras, and I went back to Leica rangefinders. (Got all repaired since retiring, and enjoy each for its good points again.)
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
11-09-2013, 11:39 AM
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Good points - I'm old enough to remember when my aunt came home from Germany with the Leica - so I always saw it as the ultimate. But my first "good" camera in college was a new Pentax H1a. But within a few years I got a new Leica M4, and have used both RF and SLR ever since. Nowdays I use mainly RF - as I do a lot of available light, and my old eyes can focus a Leica M (or even better a Zeiss Ikon ZM) better than an SLR in dim light. Still not ready for autofocus...
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
11-09-2013, 10:42 AM
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While I fully agree about how great the original Pentax was, that lineup of cameras would make anything stand out, especially representing one of the ugliest Russian cameras as a Leica "clone." While there were close clones (FED, NICCA, Leotax, etc.), the Leica and Canon (not really a clone) were very good looking cameras.
Here's a progression from a 1930s Leica Standard (much like the original 1925 Leica), the Asahiflex, the Pentax, and a Leica IIIc witch was introduced in 1939. (My aunt bought this one in Germany in 1948.) The Leica IIIc has a 50mm f2.0 Summitar also introduced in 1939, which is still an excellent lens.
Attachment 194402
And for good-looking cameras you should include the Canon II-IV series of the early 1950s as well. Here's a model IVSB with Canon 50 f1.8 lens that was very well regarded, along with the Leica and Pentax.
Attachment 194403
Not to minimize how Pentax influenced the 1950s-60s Japanese camera industry, but to show that good design and quality were well established by then.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
04-17-2013, 11:24 AM
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I've had great service and fit from Aki-Asahi.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
03-12-2013, 07:34 AM
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I'm not surprised - that 55 f1.8 largely made the Takumar reputation. The f2.0 was apparently the same lens simply masked to use it as a lower tier offering, much like the S1a actually had the 1/1000 speed - just not shown on the dial. Whenever I use the H1a and 55 f2 I marvel at the results. Depending on what image characteristics you value you can easily prefer the 55 to the 50 f1.4.
Likewise I have both 50 f1.4 K mount and 50 f1.7 (as well as 50 f1.2), and I prefer the f1.7 image to the others.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
03-12-2013, 06:06 AM
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Very nice! The H1a was my first "enthusiast" camera in about 1965. The Spotmatic was out then, but they marketed all 3 cameras as a tiered offering. Usually you would see the 55 f2.0 on the H1a, the 55 f1.8 (by rumor the same lens not masked down), and the 50 1.4 on the Spotmatic.
I see yours both have the "orange R" rewind knob, which should indicate that they have the newer style stop-down linkage so they can use the 50 f1.4 lens without damaging it. I have one of each type.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
03-04-2013, 05:21 PM
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Got my 6x7 back from Eric. Now THAT'S a camera!
(Portra 800, cropped severely for this...)
Attachment 162077 |
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
02-28-2013, 05:06 AM
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Nice use of the 6x7 viewfinder. I'm waiting on mt first roll processing now.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
02-26-2013, 03:55 PM
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Thanks for the reminder of underwater housings. I made one about 1962 from 1/4" plexiglass and a couple of o-ring sealed glands sold in the SCUBA magazines at the time. But rather than risk my only 35mm camera I used a Kodak box camera - Brownie Hawkeye or similar. It worked quite well until I forgot to leave it in the shallows as we went down a steep bank in Torch Lake (Michigan). It imploded at about 180 ft. Later when we went to the Keys before our Sr highschool year a friend took his "US Divers" Calypso - which later became the Nikon Nikonos. I gave up diving when I moved to Texas and saw the water...
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
02-20-2013, 07:28 PM
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Nice collection! I recently added a 6x7 and have been enjoying it. However, at first I had a terrible time focusing: just couldn't tell when it was in focus. Then I removed the eyepiece and realized there was a diopter lens installed. Removed it and it has been wonderful since!
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
02-20-2013, 06:04 AM
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Among those choices you couldn't make a bad one!
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
02-09-2013, 03:46 PM
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Very nice. The MX is a favorite.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
02-06-2013, 11:59 AM
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None that I've found. The old Canons are fairly easy to work on, but the F1 shutter-meter linkage is a pain. I've had better luck working on the FT than the F1.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
01-15-2013, 06:27 AM
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It's true the name came from Contax, and there were pentaprisms used by others before (Look at the Exakta in the 1954 movie "Rear Window"),but the history I read said that Orion engineers had developed a prototype with prism and then saw the Asahiflex instant-return mirror, and so collaborated to help Asahi add the prism in exchange for instant-return help.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
01-14-2013, 05:38 PM
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I actually have a nice Sensorex. Trivia: I understand Asahi traded their instant-return mirror ideas with Orion (makers of Miranda) for the Pentaprism work they had done, which resulted in the 1957 Pentax.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
01-14-2013, 08:04 AM
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I always thought chrome cameras looked best, as I got interested in cameras in the 1950s when all the good cameras I saw were chrome. So I bought chrome cameras, until I wanted an LX, which wasn't made in chrome. I've since decided black can be nice too, so I revisited older models in my recent collecting:
Attachment 155434
From L to R: H3v, SPII, 6x7,LX, MX
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
11-06-2012, 06:11 AM
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I still use a Watson loader I've had since the 1960s. One thing to watch is overusing cassettes, as eventually the felt seals get dirty and start scratching the film.
Doesn't seem long ago when you could buy 12-exposure rolls from Kodak... I guess now the costs of making and distributing are greater than the cost of the film.
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
10-31-2012, 09:45 AM
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I haven't tried any of the Bessa models, but the Voigtlander Leica-mount lenses are indeed nice. I have the 35 f1.4, and while nice, it has a LOT of focus shift as you stop down; so I use it mainly as a dim-light lens. The 35 f2.5 is a better all around lens. Also, the 50 f1.1 is a heavy beast, while the 50 f1.5 was perhaps the best of the Voigtlander lenses made. I also prefer the 75 f2.5 to the f1.8 model.
Lately Voigtlander has been stressing very fast lenses, also very big (by Leica standards), and they tend to have more focus shift and sample to sample variation in performance than their older, slower lenses. All are well made, but I'd prefer to see them stress medium speed and better performance. (But the same Cosina factory makes the Zeiss Leica-mount lenses, which are more medium speed and higher performance, so there may be a non-compete issue...)
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
10-27-2012, 04:39 PM
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When I bought my new H1a in 1965 it was 55/135 (and later 85), as SLR and long lenses go together. The classic kit for the Leica M4 rangefinder I bought at the end of college in 1968 was 35/50/90 - and much later added a 21. The Leica is at its best with 35 or 50 in low light, where it is MUCH easier to focus than an SLR. Newer Leica models added a 28mm viewfinder frame, but other wides (like the 21) need a separate finder. They also have a 135 frame, but I find an SLR easier with 135 and longer.
(I do have a Visoflex mirror/prism housing that converts the Leica rangefinders to SLR for longer lenses and macro work; but a Pentax is much simpler, and long lenses are not traditionally all that great on Leica.)
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Forum: Film SLRs and Compact Film Cameras
08-29-2012, 04:57 AM
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Very nice SV! I have the same wrong-way 55 f1.8 that came on an early SV (before export, per the paperwork). However my lens has a "Super Takumar" name ring. My "Auto Takumar" lenses are all semi-automatic. Interesting variations on these early models.
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