I recently underexposed some Fuji Pro 400H 120 film by two and a half to three stops (due to a malfunctioning TTL meter) and still got some rather moody and dark, but useable, prints. The negatives did look rather thin and washed out.

Another time, I overexposed about half a 35mm colour negative film (Fuji Superia 400ISO) by one stop. Didn't do anything about it (other than reset the ISO to the proper setting -400 instead of 200- as soon as I noticed, for the rest of the film), said nothing to the processor, and the exposure of the prints looked identical throughout the roll: you couln't have told. Even the negatives didn't look all that different

I have to laugh. Since I use film bodies, I have no problems hand-holding my Macro lenses (M42 or other).

Hi all,
on Friday, I picked up a copy of the above lens in "Excellent" condition.

Unfortunately, due to unseasonal weather conditions, I have not, as yet, managed to give it a whirl in the field.

Anyone out there own one? Any comments?

Thanks

Like many, I struggle with the composition of my images, particularly now that I have some MF cameras (6x6 and 6x7). My usual "tricks" don't seem to cut it.

However, all is not lost, and I came across this (see link, below). Quite some food for thought here.

link: http://www.diagonalmethod.info/

Thanks for responding.

I also have (two versions of) the S1 and and an SV.

I agree, pottering about with these older, manual, cams -and a hand-held meter- is quite relaxing as well as addictive.

Forecast, here, today: 21 to 34 degs C. Possible thunder.
Tomorrow: possible odd shower, 19 to 29.
Rest of the week: mid teens to mid 20s (Centigrade) and fine.

Right now: mid 20s and 100% blue sky.

Sigh!



(Mind you, we have had the wettest spring in decades)

I found one of these (1957 to 1962) lenses in its original box in mint condition!
(Some information regarding this lens may be found here: http://www.taunusreiter.de/Cameras/Pentax_Takumar_e.html )

Does anyone have any personal experience of this lens?

I have film in the camera ready to go, but haven't had time to try the lens as yet.

15 to 27 degs C here, today.

Matt, I'm sorry, but the picture looks to me rather as if it is one of the vinyl-coated cardboard types. In anycase, there were no "hard leather" case in that style, only soft leather (if it was leather).

Now, as to refurbishing the half-cases (which I agree are most useful in protecting the camera) I have found you can restore them to full original protective capacity (and better), though not to their original appearance by carefully applying a single layer of craft felt (in a colour of your choice) using a quick drying,strong, craft glue, to the outside of the original half-case. This takes care of the flaking off bits as well.

The result is almost as strong as if they were made of fibreglass and very practical (if a bit nerdy)!

The technique is to get a worn halfcase, glue in place any major component parts that are flapping about, then measure up the panels (back, side and front can be cut from one piece and the base from another).

Then lay out the main panel first (on some newspaper), coat it generously with the glue, carefully apply it to the halfcase, and smooth it into place, shaping it by massaging it with your fingers and thumbs.

Make sure you have first cut out holes to fit any press-studs that attach the front half of the case, so it will still be attachable.

Use plastic clothes pegs and large rubber bands to clamp everything together and set aside to dry overnight.

The following day, coat the smaller panel (cut generously) with glue and attach as above (use rubber bands as clamps). Set aside to dry.

Once dry, use a suitable pair of scissors to trim any excess felt from around the joint between the two panels (and anywhere else). A brushing with a stiff brush will hide any join.

I find that it is the half-cases, generally that have suffered more from use, but the case-fronts are usually, still OK as is, so I haven't ever tried to "renovate" them. They would be a lot trickier.

So far I have renovated two Olympus OM cases and an Asahi Pentax MX half-case in this fashion: they serve me very well! And they are very robust indeed. The cost of the restoration is negligible, and you have a very individual item.

Hi all,

Forecast for today,here, 11 degs C to 23 degs C.

Well, someone's got to do it!