I broke out a film camera this weekend

In reply to 1988RedT2 :

I’ve done Orlando and Ormond. Maybe St. Augustine is next. :) 

pres589 (djronnebaum) said:

Wallens:  What do you think of the Minolta CLE?  What lens or lenses are you using with it?  Rangefinders look both interesting and very foreign at the same time with regards to focusing and composing images.

I’m digging the Minolta CLE. I have rangefinder-style digital cameras–Fuji X100V and X-Pro3–and love the format. So, I thought, what about a film rangefinder? Light, simple and I like how the oversized viewfinder really helps with composition.

Plus, I admit, this started when looking at Hasselblads. I mainly wanted something different that the usual SLR. Why? For the experience. 

Why didn’t I get a Hasselblad? I like the concept of waist-level focusing, but I really need my glasses to do it. Kinda doesn’t go with my usual which is working pretty fast–find the shot and take it.

But what about a rangefinder, I thought?

Insert a long, long process of looking at Leicas. Ask Andrew about it. 

The M6 seemed like the winner for me, but I couldn’t spend that much on myself at the moment.

But the CLE? Less money–about $900-ish for the body–plus a light meter and aperture priority. I usually use Av. 

Plus I know people with CLEs so I can bug them with even more questions. Even better, right? 

So I bought a CLE from KEH–spent the money for one in excellent condition and backed by a warranty. I wanted a camera, not a project or excuses. 

I got the Minolta 40mm lens and then picked up the Minolta 90. All came from KEH. 

The Minolta lenses feel soooo smooth. No wobble, no nothing. Well-defined aperture detents. 

I still need to drop off the roll with the 90mm images but, so far, totally loving the camera. It’s everything that I wanted. 

David S. Wallens said:

And doing it again in June. 

What do ya'll do there?

I need to figure out focus on my K1000.  Ever since I got glasses I can't guarantee my pictures are exactly in focus and it is berkeleyin killing me.  I wear my long distance glasses for camera taking, but maybe I need my close-up glasses?

Anyone have tips?

In reply to Mr_Asa :

Talk cameras and upcoming, local photo events. I’ll have some film cameras that people can hold and try–plus some prints for sale, too.

Basically, call it an intro to film photography talk that people can stop and visit. 

In reply to Mr_Asa :

Is it your close-up photos that are out of focus or the far-away ones? 

Also on the schedule. (And, to be honest, no one cares what kind of camera you use–just enjoy the company.)

Still getting the hang of the Minolta CLE. In close quarters, I’m realizing that I need to lower my aim a tick.

Sounds like a great day to finally put that F-1 to work can’t wait to hear how the shots turned out! There’s nothing like that film anticipation.

In reply to Darianwestbrook :

Yes, there is something about the process. My wife’s gotten back to shooting film, too, and currently has two rolls at the lab.

I need to get back using my F-1. I’ve been using my A-1 a lot and digging it, too. Please don’t check my browser history for pages about FD lenses. 

David S. Wallens said:

Also on the schedule. (And, to be honest, no one cares what kind of camera you use–just enjoy the company.)

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday!

Sunday’s photo walk was way fun with six of us poking around downtown Ocala: historic buildings, an old church, ducks in a park, a VW Bug that’s seen things and more. 

Now to drop off some film....

And my wife left a roll on my desk for me to drop off: Dubblefilm Pacific. 

The company’s description:

dubblefilm pacific, is the 35mm film that brings a killer '70s vibe to your shots. With 36 exposures and ISO 200, this film delivers sepia-toned blacks and super saturated blues, perfect for catching those retro feels. Whether you're shooting sunlit scenes or capturing cool, moody moments, pacific adds a nostalgic twist to every frame.

Here’s a shot from the company’s site:

Looks like expired film lol

In reply to aw614 :

I know, right?

And great seeing you yesterday. When I saw you drive into the square, I was like, Hey, a GTI like Andrew’s. 

Then I saw who was driving it. 

Video from yesterday’s photo walk in Ocala:

So, last night’s thought: Do I want to consider developing and scanning my own black and white film?

I haven’t developed film since college. 

Why do it now? Well, it would save money and time. Is the ROI there? And will I enjoy doing it? 

In reply to David S. Wallens :

I really enjoyed developing my own black and white film in college and think it would be fun to attempt again. I say go for it if it makes sense where you are shooting enough to make it cost less or the same to do it at home vs. bringing it somewhere to get developed. On the other hand its another time commitment and needing a place to store and use the supplies. 

In reply to Chris Tropea :

I figure I could use the downstairs bathroom or maybe even the laundry room. I’m not thinking about printing, though, as I don’t have a good place for an enlarger. 

Wondering about the scanning. Will it take forever using a flatbed scanner? Will I eventually tire of the process? Reformed is 8 minutes away and charges like $19 to develop and scan a roll of b/w. Is that still the better deal? 

In reply to David S. Wallens :

As someone who keeps forgetting to bring film to be developed its hard to say. I think the time commitment is the biggest hurtle, is it worth $19 to not have a few hours into developing and scanning film with the chance of over or under developing a few rolls? 

In reply to Chris Tropea :

The age-old question. 

Couldn’t fall asleep last night–again–so I found myself reading up on the Canon EOS-1 V, the brand’s final professional film camera. Production ran from 2000 alllll the way until 2018. From what I saw online, factory service will continue until later this year. 

If I have an F-1, the brand’s first pro camera, do I need the bookend?

David S. Wallens said:

If I have an F-1, the brand’s first pro camera, do I need the bookend?

No, you don't need it, but can you ever be truly happy if you don't?  

In reply to 1988RedT2 :

Well, I do have EF glass.....

Brought the Minolta CLE to today’s autocross along with my 7D MkII. A dude flipped out when he saw me change a roll of film. :)