Being trapped in the house during a global pandemic, what with stay-at-home orders in-effect, etc., has put a damper on my photographic endeavors. While I could certainly take a film camera along with me during walks, hikes and other permitted outdoor activities (well away from other humans), I decided this past weekend to instead load a roll of Kodak Tri-X in my Rolleiflex SL35 (my favorite 135 camera), set it to push to ISO 1600, put-on one of my heretofore unused extension tubes, and set about finding photographic subjects hidden in plain sight. Microcosms is what I’ve called the surprisingly satisfying results, and this article is the guide to the series.
Continue reading…March 2020
Review: Mamiya RB67 Professional S Medium Format Film Camera
One of the most glaring omissions in my camera collection was some sort of 6×7 medium format model. I’d been intrigued by what I’d heard about the Mamiya RB67, and started keeping my eyes open for one. When I saw one for sale at National Camera Exchange, I decided the time was right to jump. What I discovered in the process is without question the quirkiest camera I’ve yet had the pleasure of using.
Continue reading…The 4×5 Journey Begins
It had been my intention to explore large format photography in 2020, but it all started happening faster than I expected. First, the perfect Graflex Pacemaker 45 Crown Graphic materialized out of nowhere. Then I started meeting people on Instagram who encouraged me to just jump-in. Next thing you know, I’m getting what I needed to do just that. Now I understand why people the people who shoot it are so passionate about it.
Continue reading…Review: Benro TMA37AL Mach3 Aluminum Tripod and B2 Triple Action Ballhead
I’ve recently become massively annoyed with my old ProMaster XC525 tripod. Back when I bought it, I honestly wasn’t that much into photography, and didn’t know what I needed. Turns out, what I needed wasn’t really a budget priced, mass market tripod that’s a pain to use, has a jammed center post, and leaves gooey gunk on my fingers after only a couple of years’ use. That sent me on a mission to find something better.
Continue reading…Calibrating a Kalart Rangefinder (Yes, You Can DIY)
I recently acquired a Graflex Pacemaker 45 Crown Graphic camera from National Camera Exchange in Minnesota (see my Vendor Directory for a link). The camera is in really outstanding physical condition (look for a review soon), but it does (or did) have a couple of unsurprising issues.
Continue reading…