A while back, a friend at work (also a photographer) and I were looking at the Leica and Zeiss cameras in a B & H catalog. Yeah, wouldn't it be nice to have something like that for some old-school photography, we asked ourselves.
A while later, another photographer friend, who is a Polaroid lover, mentioned how the production of the film packs was restarted thanks to a group of Polaroid fanatics.
So, I developed a craving for a vintage camera. However, I wasn't going to fork out US$40-100 for some old Soviet/Red Chinese camera that has poor construction and lenses, nor (with all due respect to my Polaroid friend) buy a camera made obsolete by the fact that the film is no longer made.
Twenty-two US$ later, I got my first: a Yashica Electro 35 GS rangefinder (circa 1970-71). It cleaned up well, smooth lens with good glass and good focusing through the rangefinder. The battery it required was no longer made, but with a little adjustment with a 6 volt battery, its light meter came to life, too. Shot one roll (400 speed), and they came out pretty clear and sharp. One problem though
A while later, another photographer friend, who is a Polaroid lover, mentioned how the production of the film packs was restarted thanks to a group of Polaroid fanatics.
So, I developed a craving for a vintage camera. However, I wasn't going to fork out US$40-100 for some old Soviet/Red Chinese camera that has poor construction and lenses, nor (with all due respect to my Polaroid friend) buy a camera made obsolete by the fact that the film is no longer made.
Twenty-two US$ later, I got my first: a Yashica Electro 35 GS rangefinder (circa 1970-71). It cleaned up well, smooth lens with good glass and good focusing through the rangefinder. The battery it required was no longer made, but with a little adjustment with a 6 volt battery, its light meter came to life, too. Shot one roll (400 speed), and they came out pretty clear and sharp. One problem though
The shutter release sticks open occasionally, especially in a low light setting if I forgot to set the aperture back appropriately. This is the best case scenario. However, I have researched the worst case scenario which is the "Pad of Death". This is a tiny rubber pad that, over time, wears out. It can be replaced, but requires you to half-way dismantle the entire camera (which, of course, you have to put back together and hope it works properly again). Yep, Pad of Death sounds about right.
I'll try to be optimistic about the Yashica, but for now...
I'll try to be optimistic about the Yashica, but for now...
Anyway, if I want to play with an older camera, I KNOW I can use this...
Since 1987, it just keeps on rockin!
But then I met this...
But then I met this...
Almost fifty years old, built like a tank and still taking pretty good pictures.
But I couldn't stop there, and got this little number...
But I couldn't stop there, and got this little number...
To be continued...
P.S. Commentary: I received an e-mail recently from a local (Austin, TX) photography store that was advertising the following class
Holga 101: an introduction and how to for users of Holga Cameras
Intro: History and Popularity
I. Loading
a. Getting ready: 6x4.5, 6x6, or without insert
b. Achieving proper tension to minimize light leaks
c. Gaffers tape is your friend: taping up the back to prevent accidents
II. Advancing film
a. Which set of arrows to follow: 16 or 12 exp.
b. Double exposures and overlapping frames: pros and cons
1. For effect
2. Scanning, printing, and photolab limitations
III. Focusing
a. Symbols and distance
IV. Light requirements
a. Choosing film: ASA: color, b/w, C-41 b/w, slide, x-process
b. Aperture settings
c. Flash
V. Unloading
a. Properly sealing film
VI. Accessories available--filters, lenses, other kinds of Holgas
VII. Slide show of Holga images
Cost of class: US$ 25.00.
Prices of Holgas from this particular store: US$ 33.95-44.99.
Cost of my 35mm Yashica Electro 35 GS rangefinder: US$ 22.00 (from antique store).
Cost of my 35mm Argus Autronic 35 rangefinder: US$ 20.00 (from EBay, price included shipping).
My Chinon CM-5: Christmas gift, 1987.
Allow me to use this allegory. Before you go buy a puppy-farmed Chihuahua, because you think they are so cute and they are the "In" pet to have, why not go to the animal shelter or check the classified advertisements for an older, more experienced and probably sturdier dog who could use a new home.
And if you do not know how to take care of a dog to begin with, well...
P.S. Commentary: I received an e-mail recently from a local (Austin, TX) photography store that was advertising the following class
Holga 101: an introduction and how to for users of Holga Cameras
Intro: History and Popularity
I. Loading
a. Getting ready: 6x4.5, 6x6, or without insert
b. Achieving proper tension to minimize light leaks
c. Gaffers tape is your friend: taping up the back to prevent accidents
II. Advancing film
a. Which set of arrows to follow: 16 or 12 exp.
b. Double exposures and overlapping frames: pros and cons
1. For effect
2. Scanning, printing, and photolab limitations
III. Focusing
a. Symbols and distance
IV. Light requirements
a. Choosing film: ASA: color, b/w, C-41 b/w, slide, x-process
b. Aperture settings
c. Flash
V. Unloading
a. Properly sealing film
VI. Accessories available--filters, lenses, other kinds of Holgas
VII. Slide show of Holga images
Cost of class: US$ 25.00.
Prices of Holgas from this particular store: US$ 33.95-44.99.
Cost of my 35mm Yashica Electro 35 GS rangefinder: US$ 22.00 (from antique store).
Cost of my 35mm Argus Autronic 35 rangefinder: US$ 20.00 (from EBay, price included shipping).
My Chinon CM-5: Christmas gift, 1987.
Allow me to use this allegory. Before you go buy a puppy-farmed Chihuahua, because you think they are so cute and they are the "In" pet to have, why not go to the animal shelter or check the classified advertisements for an older, more experienced and probably sturdier dog who could use a new home.
And if you do not know how to take care of a dog to begin with, well...
