Analog Photography

[ed]

Was sent a 'new' old Yashica Rookie camera so took it out last Friday for a test roll. This camera was only sold in Japan I believe, and was manufactured in 1956. It has a small format option, but I can't find that mask for sale. I may try to make my own when I have time. I love the camera though.

I went to Thurmont Maryland, which is a small town in the Catoctin mountain region of Maryland. Excellent trout streams, and Camp David is right outside the town. The President's helicopters fly over my house on their way there.

It was kind of sad. The last time I was here was the beginning of the Covid lockdowns. The downtown is basically shuttered now; most of the small businesses are closed and buildings boarded up.

[Dave McElderry]

Beautiful, Ed! Another example of how music sets the tone. The combination of the B&W photography, the old buildings, and the music are haunting.

[ed]

Thanks for the kind words Dave. One problem with taking photos in the small towns around here are all of the power lines in the air, and trying to minimize them in the frame.

[sidd finch]

Enjoyed that one Ed. Are you using a tripod or is it hand held?

Sad that these little towns are all closing. So much cool history in the town that just kind of fades away. Nice you were able to capture the images.

Sidd

[Peru]

One problem with taking photos in the small towns around here are all of the power lines in the air, and trying to minimize them in the frame.

But that adds to the charm of small towns.

[ed]

Sidd: I handhold unless it's low light, but I tend to go out in good light for the old cameras. This one has a top shutter speed of only 300. Also, I don't usually carry around the tripod, and people seem to get concerned when you use it in some settings. Hopefully some of these towns will have another renaissance when our current economics are more settled.

Peru: I get what you're saying, but the power lines all over really distract from the scene you try to photograph. Maybe I'll shoot a role of film where I don't try to minimize them.

[sidd finch]

Ed I bite my lip as I say this... but..... could you use photoshop to remove the power lines from the photo? I know how outrageous. I sent myself to bed with no supper as a punishment.

Sidd

[ed]

I did the sign of the cross after reading your comment Sidd

I try to use the old cameras as they would have been used back in the day. I do tend to over expose when needed, and adjust the levels in photoshop though. Just trying to be authentic.

[sidd finch]

I did the sign of the cross after reading your comment Sidd

My local Bishop called to tell me I was not welcome at Mass today...

Sidd

[ed]

Maybe my favorite camera - Canon Canonet QL17 GIII. It has an amazing 40mm lens that can drop to f/1.7. It's often called the "poor man's Leica". One really nice thing is you don't really need a battery; the meter is great on auto but if you don't have a battery you can do manual exposure settings. On mine one of the small plastic tabs for the battery door broke, so I've had to cover it with black electrical tape. Thinking of buying a broken one for the battery door.

Nothing too exciting, a stream near the house I like to fish and explore and some home photos.

[sidd finch]

Ed I enjoyed that one. The photos look dramatic. Well done. The music reminded me of something by Kraftwerk. I always enjoy your videos.

Sidd

[ed]

Thanks Sidd! Agree on the music take.

[ed]

Some folks in my neighborhood take Halloween pretty seriously. Photos taken with my Minolta Hi-Matic G point and shoot camera and Arista Edu 200 black & white film. What a great little camera, almost 50 years old now, and the zone focus has never let me down.

[Steve Grisetti]

Very nice!

[Steve Grisetti]

Very nice!