We are not fanboys of any camera system and half the fun of running a podcast about classic cameras is being able to both praise the cameras we like and point out the more difficult aspects of others. Now don’t get us wrong, all these cameras are actually decent machines on their image quality but sometimes you just have to ask, what were the designers thinking when they started to make these cameras. Cameras Featured on Today’s Show Olympus XA – The smallest ‘full frame’ rangefinder out there, with solid optics, and a cult following. But you have to contend with a hair trigger, thatRead More →

One thing is for sure when it comes to film photography unless you have the big bucks, you’re buying used gear. But there’s so much out there, what is a good way to buy this gear, maintain it, or even sell it! The gang jumps into a lively discussion on what to and not to do when buying used gear. Including on how to spot a fake Leica. You can also find additional information at Johan Niel’s site. Talking about optics including the dreaded fungus. Also, we decode Ebay for purchasing your used gear, and how to spot a bad deal! Looking for a goodRead More →

The Mystery Camera Challenge, a fun little game we played in Season 2 where we all bring a single camera to the table, then draw names and take a stab at using the camera that the person’s who’s name we drew. Unlike last seasons, this time around we are rocking 35mm film. Cameras Featured on Today’s Episode Zeiss Ikon Contaflex Super BC – Zeiss Ikon seemed to have a good thing going with their Contaflex line, but the Super BC is a decent addition with a shutter priority meter that is battery powered. The camera also is unique in that it takes interchangeable optics withRead More →

These fun cameras are the sort that will get you the age old question ‘you can still get film for that?’ A conversation starter for sure is the TLR or Twin Lens Reflex. The camera that of late made famous by previously unknown Vivian Maier. Cameras Featured on Today’s Episode Mamyia C220f – Mamyia took a totally different look at the TLR and thought it should be made more like a system SLR, the C-Series is the only TLR with a full line of interchangeable lenses. While the weight is an issue they are totally worth every ounce. And if you’re looking for one, getRead More →

So it seems that our hosts don’t shoot much in the way of Canon cameras, but we do have a decent selection not to mention the full lineup of the professional Canon F-1 cameras! Cameras Featured on Today’s Episode Canon F-1 – The F-1 was the direct answer to the Nikon F2. This professional system camera also introduced the famous Canon FD mount and remained fairly similar; there was a slight upgrade in 1976 with the Canon F-1n that made some minor changes both to the operation and cosmetics. Make: Canon Model: F-1 Type: Single Lens Reflex Format: 135/35mm, 36x24mm Lens: Interchangable, Canon FD MountRead More →

Pentax, the name that is always linked with the student special K1000, however, Pentax had a broad range of fantastic cameras, and for this episode, the gang takes a look at their shelves to discover the hidden gems that they have from the Pentax line. Cameras Featured on Today’s Episode Pentax Spotmatic SP F – While not the original Pentax SLR, it certain is a big step forward with automatic lenses and TTL metering. A worthy camera for any manual shooter plue the Super-Takumar lenses have a fantastic repuation not to mention a plethora of M42 lenses will let this camera sing. Make: Pentax Model:Read More →

The Nikkormat line was a series of SLRs released by Nikon through the 1960s to 70s that were aimed at the consumer market. While there were some electronic Nikkormat cameras the ones we have on the table today are the mechanical ones of the FT line. These are great cameras that you can have for a cheap price and still using all your Non-AI, AI, and AI-S lenses. AI and AI-S providing they still have the claw, unless you have the FT3. Cameras Featured on Today’s Episode Nikon Nikkormat FTn – An improved version of the original Nikkormat FT and the oldest one we haveRead More →

Cameras Featured on Today’s Episode Agfa Ventura Deluxe – The Agfa Ventura Deluxe is a camera by many names, and while the copy that Alex has produces images closer to that of a toy camera, that is mostly due to age, rather than design. But hey, you can probably get one for a lower price than a Holga these days. Make: Agfa Camera Works Model: Ventura Deluxe. Also Known As: Ventura 66 or Isolette II Type: Point & Shoot Format: 120, 6×6 Lens: Fixed, Agfa Apotar 1:4,5 f=8,5cm Year of Manufacture: 1952-1955 Agfa Ventura Deluxe – Agfa Apotar 1:4,5 f=8,5cm – Kodak Tri-X 400 @Read More →

Cameras Featured on Today’s Episode Minolta SRT-102 – This mechanical beast is an all mechanical, match-needle SLR. It has all the same features as the SRT-101 but what sets it apart is a hot shoe for a standard flash. From the viewfinder, you have both your aperture and shutter speed displayed which helps with setting the exposure without loosing the scene. Through the rest of the world, the camera is known as the SRT Super or SRT-303. Make: Minolta Model: SRT-102 Type: Single Lens Reflex Format: 35mm, 36x24mm Lens: Interchangeable, Minolta MD Year of Manufacture: 1973 Minolta SRT-102 – MC Rokkor-PG 50mm 1:1.5 – FomapanRead More →

So we’re here with just over ten days left in 2016, and I haven’t yet provided you, my faithful readers, with an update on what’s going to happen in the new year here on the blog! Well, there are going to be a few changes, but don’t worry they’re all going to be good. First up there’s going to be no overarching year long project in 2017, nor will I be engaging in a major project. Because my life is going to change, if you haven’t realized from reading some of my posts over on 52Rolls I’m getting married in April! So most of myRead More →