frankeieio Loc: Bend, Oregon

I got a pretty amazing camera off of ebay, Minolta 9000, for less than $12 (including shipping). The seller said he had no way to test it out, therefore was selling it for parts only. I guess they don't have AA batteries in his part of the country (though I credit the gentleman for being honest). Anyways, when the camera arrived I found a couple of batteries laying around and it fired up right away. The shutter clangs when released! It almost scared me, but I guess that is the way a titanium shutter in these old babies roll. I stuck a roll of Fuji 400 (about $2.00) in it and went off on a three day trip into Oregon's outback. Along with my Sony's cropped sensor digital, I shot through the roll of film with the Minolta not knowing what to expect. I really hadn't used film since junior high back in the early seventies, but now I had a near a year of self studying and practicing photography techniques at my disposal. I had the film processed at Costco and forewent the prints to just have a cd made ($4.50). I couldn't be more pleased with the results. An eighteen dollar and fifty cent joy ride. Pure joy.

If anyone wants to take a stab at identifying this bird, I'd sure appreciate it. I tried without success so far... it may be these birds are sporting their juvenile attire.


This image is just as remarkable for the old glass still intact in the window panes.


Old lonely school house at Summer Lake, Oregon.

MsJ Loc: Northern Indiana

I'm surprised at how well they turned out, aren't you? Congrats on the fun find!!! :)

frankeieio Loc: Bend, Oregon

I am really delighted actually. I was quite sure I chose the right apertures and shutter speeds for the effects I was after. I wasn't sure if the camera was altogether functioning right, after all someone fairly well discarded it. I also chose to use a roll of iso 400 film because I thought I would be having a try at night photography on this trip- weather didn't allow for it. I was very surprised at how much I liked the grain effect of on the bokeh. I am going to shoot more with this camera using this film and others. It is a kick!

crazy4thread Loc: Minnesota

Very nice pics and nice find! I think the bird might be a barn swallow hard to tell but the shape and coloring looks about right.
I think i might pull out my old film canon and use up some old film i have laying around.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

Nice work! I must get out with my N6006 and get some shots. Thanks for the incentive.

frankeieio Loc: Bend, Oregon

Here is another of the bird. It must be a juvenile- which puts close (but not identical from what I've seen online) in appearance to the barn swallow.

frankeieio Loc: Bend, Oregon

Oh, and how is that for creamy bokeh?