Author Topic: Official: Happiness Thread (Read 52087 times)

Francois · « **Reply #150 on:** October 22, 2011, 03:24:40 PM »

I've never even seen one... so no experience on it to speak of.

But yesterday, I volunteered at a book sale (I have to work today too).
One of the good things is you get to handle all the books, so you can choose what you like as you go. I got a nice big book on the history of cameras... not something common. I also got a nice Kodak publication.
Paid only 4.50$ for both so it was well worth the trouble of pushing books around.

Sadly, we have a book on Boy George & Culture Club which I'm pretty sure I'll have a hard time selling and will probably have to pack at the end of the day

Late Developer · « **Reply #151 on:** October 22, 2011, 05:20:15 PM »

Quote from: Francois on October 22, 2011, 03:24:40 PM

Sadly, we have a book on Boy George & Culture Club which I'm pretty sure I'll have a hard time selling and will probably have to pack at the end of the day

Sadly, indeed - you might have to introduce some money into the deal to offload that onto someone...

Happy day for me, too. My de-cluttering / refocusing of kit moved forwards a step. I got my Ricoh GR1s in place of my old F2S, my "knob" arrived from Wista in Japan - so the field camera is now all ship-shape and Tokyo fashion - and I got a Linhof Universal Viewer (see photos). It'll do views for lenses from 75mm to 360mm. I'd never heard of one before but my mate (with whom I did a trade for this item) reckons it'll save me a load of time as I can just wander around taking a look through this viewer and I only need set up the camera when I like the look of what I see. Seems logical.

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #152 on:** October 22, 2011, 07:50:52 PM »

Such a nice bit of kit. I have a viewfinder for my SWC/M that enables me to wander around looking at the scene. It helps so much.

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #153 on:** October 24, 2011, 10:09:14 AM »

I use a piece of card with a 5x4 ratio aperture cut out... far cheaper!...

Paul M

Sandeha Lynch · « **Reply #154 on:** October 24, 2011, 07:14:09 PM »

Ditto, though with a 4x5 format cut into a brass sheet key fob.

LT · « **Reply #155 on:** October 24, 2011, 07:23:15 PM »

I use my 5x4 camera with a lens attached. I find it the most direct method

Late Developer · « **Reply #156 on:** October 24, 2011, 09:06:21 PM »

Well, Paul / Sandeha, when I reach your levels of ability to spot a scene using random holes cut into various materials I might just dispense with the gizmo. Whether I'll ever be able, like Leon, to gauge the image by eye alone, who knows. For now, however, I need all the help I can get....

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #157 on:** October 25, 2011, 09:26:54 AM »

Or for those with an iPhone.... http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/viewfinder-pro/id362496185?mt=8

LT · « **Reply #158 on:** October 25, 2011, 09:48:43 AM »

Quote from: Late Developer on October 24, 2011, 09:06:21 PM

Whether I'll ever be able, like Leon, to gauge the image by eye alone, who knows. For now, however, I need all the help I can get....

I dont do it by eye, I use the camera ... e.g., I open up the camera and look through it.

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #159 on:** October 25, 2011, 09:51:37 AM »

I am a sucker for an App, Paul. A bit pricy, but, I'm sure in one of my more weak moments I'm bound to click on BUY!

Flippy · « **Reply #160 on:** October 25, 2011, 06:59:16 PM »

Ebay has just been unloading deals lately...to think I was kind of getting disenchanted by the prices going up and up lately...

Foldex 20 with Flash - $6 buy it now! Even included four flash bulbs. I actually got it for the flash because I already have a Foldex 30 which has a very sharp Steinheil Cassar lens. I might even harvest the bellows from this one if the 30 gets any more leaks.

Imperial Delta with original box, instructions, warranty card, and mail-order envelope. Never been used, still had wrist strap and original plastic spool inside. I almost feel bad for wanting to take it out and use it. I already had a Delta and matching flash - but it disappeared somewhere a few years ago. These actually produce rather good results for a toy camera. The older Satellite models give pronounced edge blur, but these are relatively "normal" by comparison. One of the last gasps of 127 in the instamatic era. Is it bad to love a camera because it just looks cool?

To add to the happiness these both were delivered on the same day along with a new developing reel. Oh joy.

LT · « **Reply #161 on:** October 28, 2011, 01:10:23 PM »

I called in to Arundel Photographica and snagged a wonderful old brass 7"/ 171mm enlarger lens with f5.6-f32 apertures for £5! It is a bit grubby, but no fungus (those marks on pic are dust/ water - I've cleaned them off now.

I think it's destined for a lens board and use on my 5x4. Maybe low-light portraits? No shutter, so that could be an issue. OR, I could just use it on the enlarger.

I've no idea who made it there's no name on the lens at all ... it's an anastigmat so could be a Wray, or a Dalmeyer? Not sure.

original_ann · « **Reply #162 on:** October 28, 2011, 02:56:47 PM »

Happiness is 'twin weekend' (more like 5 days) with my sis in NYC. Off to the PhotoExpo today!

Francois · « **Reply #163 on:** October 28, 2011, 03:07:09 PM »

Leon: that lens begs to be put on the camera! On the enlarger, you probably wouldn't get as much quality as with modern optics (hence sharp grain). But on the camera with direct positive paper... or something like that. Or with a very dark ND filter to lengthen the exposures... or with a Packard shutter... or a handmade shutter...

Ann: you lucky to have someone to go to NYC with

I could sing you both Sinatra's version of New York New York but I'm afraid I'd make people envious of my simply awesome voice (then again, probably not

)

Sandeha Lynch · « **Reply #164 on:** October 28, 2011, 05:39:39 PM »

Agreed, that's a camera job. You could hang a Packard on the front ...

You can get a reliable 1/40 with them, and it's not difficult to add a flash contact.

Francois · « **Reply #165 on:** October 29, 2011, 09:52:33 PM »

Today, I pretty much cranked the volume on the sound system... something I hadn't done in a ling time!

My mom brought me back some CD's from a garage sale. I've got some Joe Jackson, Bauhaus, Dylan, Nina Simone, Les Rita Mitsoukos... and some KISS... best played with the adequate volume... I think a real 50 watts per channel should be plenty

Late Developer · « **Reply #166 on:** October 30, 2011, 01:34:56 AM »

.............happy and frustrated in equal measure that we're not going to Thailand and Cambodia on 07/11 and that we won't be adding to the burden of the poor people out there who are going to have to try to sort out their country after the flood water has receded. The devastation will be phenomenal and almost 400 people have been killed to-date. We will go there one day - but to see these countries at their best - not in the midst of a crisis.

We've planned, paid for and looked forward to this, our one annual holiday, since March and it's beyond frustrating to have it ruined and the rug pulled with just a week to go. However, rather that than have to deal with food and clean water shortages and - potentially - becoming stranded or suffering some water-borne illness.

Paul Mitchell · « **Reply #167 on:** October 30, 2011, 01:11:48 PM »

What a bummer Paul but as you say 'there'll always be another time'

I was due to go to New York for a week on the 12th September 2001...

Paul

Soap · « **Reply #168 on:** November 02, 2011, 10:19:17 AM »

Harsh winter has come

and my rolls are arriving today, cant wait to freeze my toes off and make some snowstorm pictures with my weatherproof F3

Francois · « **Reply #169 on:** November 04, 2011, 10:09:34 PM »

How come is it that I'm always happy to bring more gear in?
Well, this morning was another great score!

An old Argus STL 1000 mechanical camera with an M42 mount and a Metz 45 CT-1 reporter flash (potato masher)...

I need to clean out quite a few contacts and they both require a lot of cleaning... but at 3$ for both, I won't complain about it

Flippy · « **Reply #170 on:** November 04, 2011, 10:37:07 PM »

That looks like a nice Argus - what lens has it got?

I received some equipment of my own today:

I've always wanted one, but it's not been at the top of my list.

Francois · « **Reply #171 on:** November 05, 2011, 02:04:27 PM »

Quote from: Flippy on November 04, 2011, 10:37:07 PM

That looks like a nice Argus - what lens has it got?

The lens is a Cosinon 50mm f/1.8
Nothing very special in itself. Just extra cruddy. But on the upside, focus is very smooth on it. I also have a few lenses for it so I'm in business

Francois · « **Reply #172 on:** November 23, 2011, 02:54:46 PM »

Reviving an old tread just to say: It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
I wake up and everything is blanketed by the first snow of the season

Sweet...

Sandeha Lynch · « **Reply #173 on:** November 23, 2011, 06:06:53 PM »

It turns out that my local uni has won some Welsh Arts Council (ACW) and European Social Fund (ESF) research money for art engagement projects for kids who are Not in Education Employment or Training (NEET). They are now looking for projects to fund. Purely coincidental that I shared a report on my own work on using visual art with NEETs with one of the project managers just a few weeks ago.

The next stage is a general meeting on Dec 6th to elaborate and refine project proposals from a range of arts organisations and youth service providers. I could continue as a practitioner 'on the ground' but SMU are more interested in putting me forward as their researcher ... which would mean part time employment (2 or 3 days a week for one year, at uni rates) and most likely registering for an MPhil (funded).

Far too many acronyms, but all good.

LT · « **Reply #174 on:** November 23, 2011, 06:25:56 PM »

hey Sandeha - welcome to the world of HEIROPGST! (Higher Education Institutions Relying On Post-Grad Student Teachers). They'll work you hard, and give you none of the benefits

Seriously, though, that is good news, congrats. Sounds like an interesting project.

Sandeha Lynch · « **Reply #175 on:** November 23, 2011, 07:13:27 PM »

Leon, I got close to something similar last year when they offered me a research post on a NEET project, only for the funding to be cancelled in the post-election panic. I'm guessing this time it will work out as they secured the dosh first. [fingers crossed smiley]

Flippy · « **Reply #176 on:** November 29, 2011, 02:58:50 AM »

Repaired a Ricohflex VI. Bought off of ebay for $10. Of course it came to me with completely frozen focus, and a stuck shutter, which the seller obviously didn't bother to describe. They also spent two weeks not shipping it out.

But it works now! Gotta test it out when I have some free time.

LT · « **Reply #177 on:** November 29, 2011, 10:11:12 AM »

great news flippy, and I'm really pleased to see this thread still running ... (cue the Bobby Mc'human orchestra'Ferrin song ......)

Here's a little song I wrote,
You might want to sing it note for note,
Don't worry ... etc

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #178 on:** December 07, 2011, 07:05:40 PM »

My website is down, my blog is down, I've just been shafted by someone on the bay, but, this arrived today. I have no idea how to use it, but, I am excited and happy!

Late Developer · « **Reply #179 on:** December 07, 2011, 07:17:43 PM »

@Phil

Nice one!

The thingy on the top is the same as mine. It's a telescopic effort that allows you to see what different focal lengths look like and they are worth a small fortune on their own. No idea what you paid for the whole lot but there were some of the viewfinders going for £200+

LT · « **Reply #180 on:** December 07, 2011, 08:22:46 PM »

Phil - tis a thing of beauty. Now all you need to do is take a trip over to Kent and show it to me. In the mean time I'll work on my sleight of hand and hypnotism to whip away the Linhof and convince you my Shen is yours.

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #181 on:** December 07, 2011, 09:45:14 PM »

Leon, I think I may need your wizard like ways to show me how it works. It took me an hour to find the lens! A drive to Kent seems a small price!

Francois · « **Reply #182 on:** December 07, 2011, 10:31:12 PM »

This is a very fine piece of kit!
I don't know if I can get my Crown Graphic to look half as good!

From memory, on those the focusing cams are stored in the folding bed and not in the little cubbyhole under the finder like on the Graphic.

Jeff Warden · « **Reply #183 on:** December 08, 2011, 12:04:11 AM »

I don't have anything to add to the happiness thread right now, other than to say how pleased I am that it has taken on such a life of it's own.

Happy.

:-)

Jeff

DS · « **Reply #184 on:** December 08, 2011, 02:45:17 AM »

I'm loving this thread too.

My happiness- soon I will have 500 sheets of 13x18 x-ray film, a lens to cover it on ebay for £10 and a few days hollibags at the end of the month to play with it all

I am ecstatic.

Sandeha Lynch · « **Reply #185 on:** December 08, 2011, 08:39:36 AM »

Quote from: DS on December 08, 2011, 02:45:17 AM

I'm loving this thread too.

My happiness- soon I will have 500 sheets of 13x18 x-ray film, a lens to cover it on ebay for £10 and a few days hollibags at the end of the month to play with it all

I am ecstatic.

Sounds like perfect timing.

So, Phil, you won't be needing your SWC anymore, then?

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #186 on:** December 08, 2011, 10:00:30 AM »

Quote

So, Phil, you won't be needing your SWC anymore, then?

Mmmmmmm, I can see it being quite some time before I get my head around this new thing! I'm not exactly fast at using new cameras - rabbit in headlamps springs to mind!

LT · « **Reply #187 on:** December 08, 2011, 10:13:41 AM »

just take your time Phil. Spend a few weeks just playing with the camera, learning how all the movements work. Have it set up on a low tripod in the lounge, and while Corrie/enders/other inane soap is on, mess about with focusing it, using the movements, opening and closing, using the RF etc. It will come eventually. That's how I get used to using new cameras.

Seriously though, if you want to pop over in the new year, let me know. I'm around and free all week until the week starting the 16th. We can go out and take some pics, try out the workings etc. Let me know. If any other LF users want to come along, they would be welcome. We could have a bit of a LF workshop going on!

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #188 on:** December 08, 2011, 11:41:49 AM »

Leon, that sounds like a great plan! It would be great to travel down your way and if you are able to give me any pointers at the same time, even better. A good time to blow away the New Year blues!

LT · « **Reply #189 on:** December 08, 2011, 11:46:34 AM »

Quote from: Phil Bebbington on December 08, 2011, 11:41:49 AM

Leon, that sounds like a great plan! It would be great to travel down your way and if you are able to give me any pointers at the same time, even better. A good time to blow away the New Year blues!

excellent. I'll start a new thread ....

damiand · « **Reply #190 on:** December 08, 2011, 04:28:05 PM »

I am moving to Scotland soon which make me very happy

new place new begining.

So I thought that it will be nice to start something new and I bought this baby:

10x12 inch Marion & Co Perfection camera with 3 film holders it needs work but it even make me more happy. I have 300 mm industar and 25cm carl zeiss in compound shutter waiting for this lady

Sandeha Lynch · « **Reply #191 on:** December 08, 2011, 05:43:59 PM »

Quote from: damiand on December 08, 2011, 04:28:05 PM

I am moving to Scotland soon which make me very happy

Then I'd definitely recommend red bellows.

(http://www.sandehalynch.com/isolette.htm Scrool to the bottom.

)

Wensleydale Blue · « **Reply #192 on:** December 08, 2011, 11:33:26 PM »

Agree - would like awesome with either of the red bellows.

Graham

Jack Johnson · « **Reply #193 on:** December 18, 2011, 02:27:30 AM »

Found out my local Walgreens (newly built) will process 35mm film in under an hour, and because there isn't a big demand for that (at least today) it's actually about a half-hour. From the first test roll through my $1 Canon AE-1 Program on full auto.

Film is expired Kodak Gold 400 my wife found at a garage sale for $2 for four rolls. Developed and scanned for under $6. I'm down around $0.30 a shot.

Phoebe by knapjack, on Flickr

astrobeck · « **Reply #194 on:** December 18, 2011, 02:48:02 AM »

Wow!
Reading this last post made me happy!

Sounds like you scored all the way round Jack.

Andrea. · « **Reply #195 on:** December 18, 2011, 10:33:15 AM »

Quote from: Sandeha Lynch on December 08, 2011, 05:43:59 PM

Quote from: damiand on December 08, 2011, 04:28:05 PM
I am moving to Scotland soon which make me very happy

Then I'd definitely recommend red bellows.

(http://www.sandehalynch.com/isolette.htm Scrool to the bottom. )

Mmm, might like red bellows on my Agfa record too :-)

Nice LF camera. Not really sure it needs much doing to it. A bit of gaffer tape perhaps.
Now, where in Scotland are you going??

Francois · « **Reply #196 on:** December 18, 2011, 03:27:03 PM »

Quote from: Jack Johnson on December 18, 2011, 02:27:30 AM

Found out my local Walgreens (newly built) will process 35mm film in under an hour, and because there isn't a big demand for that (at least today) it's actually about a half-hour. From the first test roll through my $1 Canon AE-1 Program on full auto.

Film is expired Kodak Gold 400 my wife found at a garage sale for $2 for four rolls. Developed and scanned for under $6. I'm down around $0.30 a shot.

Wow!
That's cheap!
I haven't seen prices like that around here for years...

Sandeha Lynch · « **Reply #197 on:** December 18, 2011, 05:44:39 PM »

Two bellows queries in one day. I'm happy.

Pete_R · « **Reply #198 on:** December 18, 2011, 10:25:48 PM »

Went to Beaconsfiled cam fair this morning and aquired this...

...for just £30 because the focus knob was loose - which took five minutes to fix. A quick clean up and I'm happy.

Phil Bebbington · « **Reply #199 on:** December 18, 2011, 10:57:02 PM »

Nice one, Peter!

Author Topic: Official: Happiness Thread (Read 52087 times)

astrobeck