Anybody?
Dec 17, 2011 10:02:10 #
Does anyone here still use a film camera? I've been trying to just to see if I still know how to think with no digital automation involved. You know, read a light meter to set shutter speed and aperture, focus manually, all that fun stuff we used to do with cameras that rarely went obsolete in 6 months.
I'm trying out a 1962 Leica M2 and a 1963 Rolleiflex. One thing I find myself doing, especially on the 35mm camera is forgetting to advance the film for the next shot.
Not trying to shoot gallery-ready images, just again getting used to the mechanics of the process. The square format of the Rollei eliminates the decision of portrait/landscape.
I'm trying out a 1962 Leica M2 and a 1963 Rolleiflex. One thing I find myself doing, especially on the 35mm camera is forgetting to advance the film for the next shot.
Not trying to shoot gallery-ready images, just again getting used to the mechanics of the process. The square format of the Rollei eliminates the decision of portrait/landscape.
Dec 17, 2011 10:26:58 #
I have a Minolta Hi-matic 7s 35mm rangefinder that works, The hotshoe needs to be replaced and the meter doesn't work because I can't get mercury batteries.
I also have a Nikon F90 that is on indefinite load to my youngest son, and a Nikon N90s (updated North American version of F90) that I use regularly.
It is possible to use modern dSLRs in all-manual mode and forgo post processing.
I also have a Nikon F90 that is on indefinite load to my youngest son, and a Nikon N90s (updated North American version of F90) that I use regularly.
It is possible to use modern dSLRs in all-manual mode and forgo post processing.
Dec 17, 2011 10:33:44 #
I just recently broke out my Minolta Maxxum 300si ! Gotta get into film again !! Film is fun !!! More expensive, that's all !! My Pentax K1000 was stolen a few years ago....it's the only camera I ever owned until I went digital ! My buddy gave me this Minolta....the problem is it's almost all Auto.....I can Zoom and focus manually...that's it ! But I'll get my feet wet with it again, then buy another K1000 ! I plan on shooting mostly B&W film !
Dec 17, 2011 10:37:34 #
I have a vivitar I just pulled out of the closet and even found a roll of film. But that thing is so darn heavy. Solid metal. Had a cool little light meter inside with a needle to center. Also had a nice little round battery that I think I changed all of three times in about 10 years of use. Keep thinking I should go out with it. Maybe one of these days.
Dec 17, 2011 10:39:34 #
rivernan wrote:
I have a vivitar I just pulled out of the closet and even found a roll of film. But that thing is so darn heavy. Solid metal. Had a cool little light meter inside with a needle to center. Also had a nice little round battery that I think I changed all of three times in about 10 years of use. Keep thinking I should go out with it. Maybe one of these days.
Go for it !! I look at digital images vs. film images and I DO see a difference ! Digital is nice, it's technologically advanced, but that look of film is unique !
Dec 17, 2011 10:48:57 #
One thing using film does is make you slow down and think about the shot.
Since I can't get the old batteries, the last time I used my Minolta, I took the D40 along to meter.
Since I can't get the old batteries, the last time I used my Minolta, I took the D40 along to meter.
Dec 17, 2011 15:26:08 #
Dec 17, 2011 15:35:47 #
I've seen a couple of alternates on the web, but I haven't tried any. Try searching or your battery model.
Dec 17, 2011 15:42:03 #
rivernan wrote:
hmmmmm wonder if i can get a battery...never even thought about that.
Rivernan,
I have been able to find lots of "old" batteries at those all battery stores. I think some are run by Interstate Battery. The closest medium to large city near you is likely to have one.
Rocco
Dec 17, 2011 15:46:05 #
Ill have to pull it out of the camera and take a look. If I recall it had some numbers on it I could probably search on the internet. I am also only a train ride from NYC and the big camera stores their. I gotta tell ya though. My batting average was only about 2 in 24....It might just make me mad.
Dec 17, 2011 16:52:33 #
snowbear wrote:
One thing using film does is make you slow down and think about the shot.
Since I can't get the old batteries, the last time I used my Minolta, I took the D40 along to meter.
Since I can't get the old batteries, the last time I used my Minolta, I took the D40 along to meter.
I still have my original Canon FT-QL that I just love. I bought that camera in the base exchange back in 1967 and it went all over Europe and Turkey with me. Everything works including the light meter. It used the PX-13 mercury battery, which as you say is no longer available, but I have found that a Duracell PX625A, which is alkaline, will work just fine, You just need to change it more often, as the voltage drop off is rather quick over their life, where the mercury cells held their voltage right up to the end of their life before they just died.
Dec 17, 2011 17:18:50 #
naturalite
Loc: Up state NY
Besides my Pentax MX that I still use quite often, I broke out my little Olympus XA . Believe it or not, the battery that the light meter uses still works great......after 15 years!
Holy biscuits!! darned good Eveready batteries. I used it as a back up for a long time.
I picked up some color Fujifilm at WalleyWorld yesterday. A 4 pack for $6.89. Can't seem to find black & white though. Have to look on Amazon for that.
Anyway, I love to use my all manual MX. It keeps me sharp.
Holy biscuits!! darned good Eveready batteries. I used it as a back up for a long time.
I picked up some color Fujifilm at WalleyWorld yesterday. A 4 pack for $6.89. Can't seem to find black & white though. Have to look on Amazon for that.
Anyway, I love to use my all manual MX. It keeps me sharp.
Dec 17, 2011 17:53:18 #
I used a Canon FTQL to shoot weddings back in the 1970s. I still have one, just not the original one. The one I have I bought on Ebay for $26.00, including the Eveready case. I still have my Canon AE-1 Program and my original Yashica Electro 35 GT rangefinder. Back then I also had a Leica M3 with more accessories than you could shake a stick at. And two big Honeywell electronic flash units. And two Vivitar 283s, one of which I still have and just used. And all made in Japan, not China like most stuff is today. And filters, you name it I had it. I loved to use the cross-star filter and the ever-present polarizer. Never left home without it.
Dec 18, 2011 06:18:46 #
rivernan wrote:
hmmmmm wonder if i can get a battery...never even thought about that.
yeah, there are still sources for older batteries.
Dec 18, 2011 06:37:50 #
My dad has two Minolta film cameras for sale. Sorry, I don't know which ones although I know he said one of them was their top model at the time. If anyone is interested I can get the details. He takes care of his stuff better than most so they're in tip top shape. He was also a photographer in the Air Force. I think he was asking $150 for both including accessories. He has some kind of lens that sees around corners... ??? Don't know what to call it.
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