I've been looking for a little film rangefinder camera for a while now, and came across this in the local classifieds:



I bought it, and when I got home, I discovered that the focus was broken. Well, the focus works, but the rangefinder is not calibrated, so trying to focus by looking through the viewfinder is futile. I thought I could adjust the rangefinder, but no luck. It appears a previous owner tried, and failed, and in the process jammed the rangefinder adjustment screw.

So, what to do? I decided to rely on 'hyperfocal distance'. What that means is by selecting a large f-number (ie: f11, f22), I could compute the distance I would need to focus to ensure as much of the scene was sharp as possible. So, I printed out a little chart of hyperfocal distances, and whenever I wanted to take a picture, I would adjust the lens until I was close to that distance (the lens has a foot and meter scale to help).

Next problem with the camera - the meter was not correct. So, I had to trick the meter by rating the film several stops lower than the manufacturers recommended rating. That got me in the ballpark for most shots.

So, I have a camera I can't focus, and a meter that's iffy at best, but I took it on a little trip my wife and I went on to Durango and Silverton, and loved using it.

Here are some shots I took with this little 'gem'. All of these were taken on Ilford HP5+, and developed in Kodak HC-110.











I'm still learning the art of scanning negatives, so these ended up looking a little rough --- too much sharpening, dusty scanner bed etc. I really need to figure out how to scan for the skies. They look horrible in these pictures.

Not too bad for a camera I paid $35 for, although I may have to send it off for repair.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: 4x5,

Thos pictures are quite a bit blurry.


:-) Just yanking your chain.

Just reading your post, I was asking "why bother?" With all the things broken, the work arounds, etc.

Then I saw your pictures.

Very, very, very nice.

Suprised you can still find film in this digital age.

Very nice. Makes me want to break out my old Nikkormat.

Silent

I loved shooting B&W film. Just loved it.

Me too! I used to shoot a lot of Ilford films. I saved the HC110 for Tri X.

quote:

Originally posted by msfzoe:
Suprised you can still find film in this digital age.

I still have my Minolta Hi-matic F, which looks and operates a lot like yours. It is 42 years old.

Beautiful camera. A broken camera is as good an excuse as any to buy more tools.

This morning I will look at a 55 year old Harmony guitar with a cracked body. They want $200. Already I'm set at $40 offer but may go to $60. Garage sale, $12 offer, $20 max.

Heirloom instruments can be the most difficult on which to get a deal. The value of history is variable according to user/owner experience.

Neat camera! Looks to be about the same size as a Leica CL – I've long drooled over that little gem. But for me, the age of film has passed – a CL would be a safe queen.

quote:

Originally posted by 4x5:

I'm still learning the art of scanning negatives

What do you use to scan? I used to use a Coolscan 9000 to scan 6x7 negatives. I wonder if 6x7 film is still available.

quote:

Originally posted by deepocean:

quote:

Originally posted by 4x5:

I'm still learning the art of scanning negatives

What do you use to scan? I used to use a Coolscan 9000 to scan 6x7 negatives. I wonder if 6x7 film is still available.

I have a big Epson scanner (4800 series) that I bought used about 10 years ago. It's one of the few scanners that will scan 4x5 film which is all I used to shoot. The scanner glass on the underside is a little dusty and has some residue on it, but I know if I tear into it with a screwdriver, I'll never get it together again, so I live with it.

Yes, you can buy film for your 6x7 camera. 120 and 220 roll film can still be found on Amazon or at Freestyle.biz.

I don't know if I can get used to looking at these dinky little 35mm negatives Coming from 4x5, they sure are small. 6x7 would be a nice size, too.

What kind of 4x5 did you use?

I have a Sinar F.

120 and 220 film are readily available at B&H Photo. Link

quote:

Originally posted by Sig2340:
What kind of 4x5 did you use?

I have a Sinar F.

I use a Toyo 45AX field camera:



It's just not as much fun to lug around as when I was younger. Wasn't it Ansel Adams who said something to the effect of 'if it's further than 100 yards from the car, it's not scenic'?

Do you still use your Sinar? Those are great camera systems. You should take it out again sometime - it's good for the soul.

I have an Olympus XA rangefinder among a few others. Olympus makes some really great glass, your results considering the handicaps are great. Will post some of mine later.

In the past dozen years as older Family members have passed, I have ended up with a few print cameras. A Rollei 35 and a nice 1960's Nikon F. Already have another Nikon F that I bought for myself in the early 1970's.

I like the old cameras and have looked at buying an old Hasselblad simply because I lusted after them when I was a camera nut forty years back. Only issue the market isn't all that low for them. they still command some high prices.

I like the old gear, but the new stuff is SO MUCH easier to use and simply better.

Gorgeous. You are making me want to start playing with film again. Digital just isn't the same.