OT: The OTHER Dark Side ...

[GeneW]

Not really expecting to win, I put a bid on a Nikon FM3HP with MD-4 motor drive last night. To my amazement, I won it. Now I have a parallel line of GAS ... anyone out there have a good condition AI or AIS 50mm for sale?

SLR's are good, too! :D

Gene

[FrankS]

Yes, I do. PM sent.

[daveozzz]

I just bought a couple of FM3a's so been on the look out myself... KeH in the US has a pretty good line in used Nikkor lens - I've got a 50/1.8 AI winging it's way over from there.
Ffordes too have a fair selection.

[daveozzz]

Man if I only knew there were ambidextrous RF / SLR types on RFF I would have made my enquiries here first!

[Brian Sweeney]

My oldest F3 is from 1983, and is going strong. It is an F3AF, autofocus, but I use it as a regular F3HP.

F3's can also be used with Non-AI lenses, in stop-down metering mode. A LOT of non-AI lenses go cheap.

[back alley]

gene's looking for a change of pace, congrats on your new gear.

i'm tempted to ask about your om gear but i'm afraid...

joe

[GeneW]

Don't be afraid, Joe. I have some really nice OM gear that I'll be putting up for sale to fund my new SLR direction. The OM stuff is lovely, but I've been using it for 30 yrs and, as you say, am looking for a change of pace.

I have one OM-1 left, and it's currently being overhauled with CLA, new focusing screen, and meter upgrade to modern batteries. It's black. And some very nice Zuikos to go with it :D

Gene

[back alley]

damn you genew!!

;)joe

[peter_n]

Ah, F3hp with MD-4. I've had one for years and loved it dearly. Just a wonderful camera. But since I got my RF camera, it has been unused. :( They say that no-one has quite the passion of a convert...

[GeneW]

Ah, F3hp with MD-4. I've had one for years and loved it dearly. Just a wonderful camera. But since I got my RF camera, it has been unused. :( They say that no-one has quite the passion of a convert...
How true. It's like the traveller's axim: no matter where you travel to, you ALWAYS meet someone coming the other way...

I suppose many of these fine cameras are being abadoned in the flight to digital. Hard to believe picking up a combo like this for $280 US ... each of my RF lenses cost me more than that!

Gene

[peterc]

Now you need a Nikkor-O Auto 35mm f/2 to go with your F3.

Peter

[GeneW]

I may not get a 35 for the Nikon. Based on my many years using OM gear, I'm looking at building a base kit of 24, 50, 105. Pure coincidence that a 24 got posted today??

Gene

[taffer]

Yeah ! :cool:

Now you only need a worn black F2 as a backup ;)

[DougK]

I like your choice in lenses for the camera. Not having used a 24mm I'll probably go with a 28 for my new-to-me FM and maybe a faster 50.

So if being a Nikon owner puts me on the dark side and a digtal camera also puts me on the dark side, I think I want a red lightsaber to complete the outfit...

[Byuphoto]

Gene, that is wondeful and I am excited about seeing some of your work with it. I felt the same way when I got the F1n at such a rediculous price. The guy sold it to buy one of those pro/sumer digixcams. What a putz. Turned out to be a lake Placid commemmorative. I had it CLA'd and just turned down a nice profit for it.

[GeneW]

There must be an epidemic afoot, something like Nikon flu? You, Dave and I are all suddenly afflicted with the desire to buy Nikon gear!

Given this is RFF, it must be pandemic...

Gene

[peterc]

I may not get a 35 for the Nikon.
If I'm going out with more than one lens, I usually take the 20, 50, 105 or 135 combo. But if I'm heading out with a single lens on the SLR it's the 35-O.

Peter

[jja]

Gene,

I've window shopped for Nikon gear at Richard Tillis's www.woodmerecamera.com. He has very good prices and is very responsive to e-mail inquiries.

[GeneW]

Sounds good, Peter. I don't expect I'll end up with a list like Brian's but over time I expect (all right I KNOW) I'll expand past my 24-50-105 plan. :D

Thanks jja. I'll do some window shopping.

Gene

[jja]

For lens specs, Roland Vink's http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/lenses.html is a great reference.

[peterc]

I'll expand past my 24-50-105 plan.
I set my limit at $100CDN each for Nikkor primes and have managed to collect a fair arsenal ... many of them for about $50. If you don't mind a bit of ugly, there are some great lenses out there really cheap.

Peter

[Gabriel M.A.]

I have been tempted by the power of the Dark Side too; an F2M with motor drive, for about $300, in very good condition. I don't know if I should ask to have them hold it for me or not.

A Canon & Leica user with a Nikon SLR ... that would be the Revenge of the Siths...

[ray_g]

I'll second the 35/2 Nikkor-O. Inexpensive to boot.

I like the 24(2.8), 50(2), 105(2.8) combo too, Gene. But sometimes, the 35/105 is a nice light (well, not with the MD-4) kit.

And don't forget the 180/2.8 ED AIS.

And the 20/4.
Or the 28/2.8 AIS, 45/2.8.

And the Nikon - EOS adapter :)

[Frank Granovski]

I'll expand past my 24-50-105 plan.Why not go with the super-sharp 28mm F2 instead, along with the 50mm F1.8 and the 105mm F2.5 or 1.8? That would be a better plan, yes?

[GeneW]

Why not go with the super-sharp 28mm F2 instead, along with the 50mm F1.8 and the 105mm F2.5 or 1.8? That would be a better plan, yes?
I could see the 28 as my 4th lens, but overall I'd get more use from the 24.

Gene

[GeneW]

I'll second the 35/2 Nikkor-O. Inexpensive to boot.

I like the 24(2.8), 50(2), 105(2.8) combo too, Gene. But sometimes, the 35/105 is a nice light (well, not with the MD-4) kit.

And don't forget the 180/2.8 ED AIS.

And the 20/4.
Or the 28/2.8 AIS, 45/2.8.

And the Nikon - EOS adapter :)
Okay, I'll buy 'em all! :D

Over the course of time ...

Thanks for reminding me about the Nikon-EOS adapter. I forgot I could adapt these for use on my current Digital Rebel.

Gene

[Frank Granovski]

Oh, you meant the 50/F2. That's a nice lens. A buddy of mine swears by it, along with the 105/F2.5. He's been using these for well over 30 years.

[doubs43]

OK fellows, I'll fess up! A couple of weeks ago I sepnt a week in Northern VA where my wife and I visited our son and family. Brian Sweeney said there was a Penn Camera store in the area and I did my best to ignore it....... unsuccessfully. It was only about 1/2 of a mile away so naturally I had a look with no intentions of buying.

OH BOY!! A case filled with Nikkor lenses and the used body case had two Nikkormat bodies; a chrome late model FTn and a black model FTn. Temptation, get thee behind me!

I walked away with my Common Sense Angel saying "Good for you" and my Gotta Have It Devil smacking me beside the head with a 2x4 saying "Buy it, ya big sap!" My biggest argument against the purchase was not buying yet another mount system that would require additional lenses.

Long story short: The Devil won! The next day I went back and negotiated the chrome body, an excellent 105mm f/2.5 AI lens (perfect optics) and a still-in-the-box mint 135mm f/3.5 non-AI lens for $225. Maybe more than I could have gotten them for on ebay but it was worth it being able to see and touch them before buying.

From ebay I've gotten a VG+ used 28mm f/3.5 non-AI lens with perfect optics. I now have 4 shots remaining on my first roll of film....... Agfa APX-400 B&W sold as Arista 400-Pro. It's been raining here all day so I haven't been able to get out and shoot the final 4 frames.

So welcome to the club, Gene. My Nikkormat isn't in the same class with your F3 but it's solid and well-built. It's also smooth and I know I'll be pleased with it.

Joe, considering the number of M-42, OM & Nikon owners here who also have rangefinders, have you considered an SLR section for our more demented members? ;)

Walker

[back alley]

i wouldn't dare!!

in all truth/fairness - - i have been thinking about an old canon f1 or an om1 lately.
it is non sense to buy them (again) as i have no need for long lenses and never got into macro...so why would i need an slr???

it's all craziness...

joe

[lynn]

Okay, I'll buy 'em all! :D

Gene

I was lucky: when I purchased my Nikon FE and my Nikkormat EL from a good-friend-going-digital, included were a 50/f1.4, a 50/f2, a 135/f3.5, a 28/f3.5, a 80-200/f4.5, and a 300/f4.5. I added an 85/f1.4 and a 105/f2.5 when opportunities arose, and I want nothing more.
(To be honest, though: that gorgeous 50/f1.4 is totally overworked. I use it almost exclusively as far as the Nikon goes.)
Enjoy, Gene.
I do mine.

[peterc]

Okay, I'll buy 'em all!
If you can find one at a good price get the 50/1.2 AIs. I managed to score one for $90CDN.

Peter

[Brian Sweeney]

> Okay, I'll buy 'em all!

Been there, done that.

I have the 28F2. It never received the reputation of the 24F2.8 or 35F1.4. It is a fine lens, but the 24F2.8 is a must. The newer version has a very short-throw focus, the old one is about like the all-metal 50mm F1.4. An AI converted 24F2.8 is well worth consideration.

$90CDN for a 50F1.2 is a steal. There are bargains out there. I picked up some non-AI lenses for dirt-cheap, like an 80~200F4.5 for $30 and 55F3.5 Micro-Nikkor for $25. These can be used stopped-down with an F3. pacificrim camera has factory AI conversion parts for many of the old lenses.

[peter_n]

Gene,

I've window shopped for Nikon gear at Richard Tillis's www.woodmerecamera.com. He has very good prices and is very responsive to e-mail inquiries.I can recommend Richard. I bought a Nikon FM for him for one of my kids a few years ago and she still loves the camera. :) I bumped into him at a camera show in the Boston area a couple of weeks ago. He's a really nice guy.

[Little Prince]

No recent Nikon buys here, but reading this stuff is tempting me. Until now (for at least 6 months) I've had no Nikkor desires. That just proves it is RFF's doing!

I'm using a 35/105/180 combo. Very rarely ever use the 180. When I do, I can't hold it steady enough (without pod). The 35/1.4 is my most used lens. It is certainly an excellent lens and if I had to pick one for going around, I'd pick it.

[taffer]

My current kit is built around two F2 bodies (a black one w/DP-1, chrome with DP-11) and three non-AI lenses, 35/2 - 24/2.8 and 105/2.5.

I got the last two together from the same ebay seller, both lenses and shipment for roughly $100.

The F2 handles a lot better with one of those Photoequip NF grips.

[GeneW]

Gene,

I've window shopped for Nikon gear at Richard Tillis's www.woodmerecamera.com. He has very good prices and is very responsive to e-mail inquiries.
jja, Peter, thanks for recommending Richard. After my deal on a 50/2 fell through (it turned out to be a pre-AI lens), I found a nice 50/1.8 AI on Richard's site and have purchased it.

Gene

[peter_n]

Great lens! The FM with that 50mm is in Dublin at the moment and she has given it a lot of wear. I don't know about the new Nikon stuff but the older cams and lenses could take a heck of a beating. I'm sure your lens from Richard will be in great condition, as I recall the FM was in its box and just about perfect. What a great camera that is! I think I actually prefer it to the F3...

[GeneW]

Woohoo! The F3HP with MD4 I won on eBay arrived today and it's in very good condition. Thanks to trades and some cash I have some Nikkors on their way to join it -- I traded locally for one so I at least had a lens to look through. This is gonna be fun!!

I'm not abandoning my RF's ... but I'll be doing some supplemental shooting with SLR!

Thanks for your help, everyone!

Gene

[taffer]

It's curious, once you're inside, it no longer looks that dark :D

Welcome Gene !!!

[Brian Sweeney]

And remember, with an N->F adapter you can use RF lenses on that F3...

That is compatibility.

[Poptart]

I like Nikons. I'd recommend all the fastest lenses if you can afford them. I've always wanted a 180 ED but so far, so far.

[jja]

Great news, Gene. I trust that the lens I sent you will arrive shortly, then you are ready for some wide angle photography with your F3hp.

[GeneW]

Thanks everyone!

It's curious, once you're inside, it no longer looks that dark :D

Welcome Gene !!!
You're so right!

And remember, with an N->F adapter you can use RF lenses on that F3...

That is compatibility.
Brian, do these adapters exist?? Just curious ...

I like Nikons. I'd recommend all the fastest lenses if you can afford them. I've always wanted a 180 ED but so far, so far.
Good advice!


Great news, Gene. I trust that the lens I sent you will arrive shortly, then you are ready for some wide angle photography with your F3hp.
I'm really looking forward to using the 24/2.8

Compared to RF gear, they're practically giving away SLR stuff these days.

Gene

[back alley]

i can see the grin on your face gene, congrats and enjoy, for that's what it's all about eh?

joe

[ray_g]

Brian, do these adapters exist?? Just curious ...



Here it is, Gene ;)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rare-39-LTM-to-Nikon-F-mount-Adapter_W0QQitemZ7526114574QQcategoryZ107925QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem

[GeneW]

Here it is, Gene ;)

http://cgi.ebay.com/Rare-39-LTM-to-Nikon-F-mount-Adapter_W0QQitemZ7526114574QQcategoryZ107925QQrdZ1 QQcmdZViewItem
Amazing, the things that are out there ...

Gene

[ray_g]

And this appears to be original. Probably had to do with transitioning RF photogs to the Nikon F.

[Brian Sweeney]

> Brian, do these adapters exist?? Just curious ...

The N->F adapter is for using telephoto lenses designed for the S-Mount version of the Viso-Flex with the F. Focus to infinity, it essentially took the place of the mirror unit. I have one for the 25cm F4 manual lens. The BR-1 tube allows use of the Nikon S-Mount Bellows lenses (105mm F4) with the F. Have one, bought from a collector. The L->F adapter allows use of 39mm thread mount lenses with the Nikon F, mostly intended for enlarger lenses on bellows. Have one, found in a pile of junk. I use this on the Nikon E3 digital camera to test out how well the LTM lenses have cleaned up.

[ray_g]

So, Brian, this adapter on ebay will not work without a bellows?

[peter_n]

Until I got my M-Hexanon 28mm I was using my Nikkor 28 on the Leica with one of Stephen Gandy's adapters. :)

[Trius]

damn you genew!!

;)joe
Yeah Joe.... Gene's been emailing me with temptation, as he knows I'm hooked. I expect him to whisper "Pssst, the first 50/1.8 is free" any day now. I'm interested in his 90 macro, but even at his killer price it's too rich for me right now. Unless I'm contemplating divorce and living in an '81 Bluebird bus.

Earl

[Brian Sweeney]

The LTM adapter when used with a regular lens gets shots like this:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12825&highlight=nikon

Used to test a Canon 50mm F1.5 after cleaning internal haze.

[ray_g]

Interesting shots. Thanks, Brian.

[Trius]

I may not get a 35 for the Nikon. Based on my many years using OM gear, I'm looking at building a base kit of 24, 50, 105. Pure coincidence that a 24 got posted today??

Gene
True story... a few years ago at a local neighbourhood garage sale, I picked up a 5cm micro Nikkor. There was no price on it, so I asked the woman the price. She said, "Oh, I guess $1.00". I bought it, not having a Nikon but having a best friend who did. When he next came down from Brampton to visit, I gave it to him.... what the heck did I need with it.

A few months later I was talking to David on the phone, prior to going to Brampton for a visit. He told me he had $100US to give me. Whaaa??? "I'll tell you when you get here."

He had researched the lens, and discovered that only 2000 had been made. It wasn't in mint condition (someone had blacked out the lettering on the front trim ring; David did his best to remove that without damaging anything), so it didn't go for full price ... but he had sold it on eBay for $1200CDN! If it had been mint, he probably would have gotten $1700US.

He keeps asking me "When is that garage sale?" I say, "I dunno", cuz I sure as hell aren't taking him ... any new finds are MINE!!!

[Brian Sweeney]

If it says Nikon and has cm markings, a collector will usually buy it.

That is the find of a lifetime.

Mine was this past year, two Nikon M's with lenses. One $470, the other $30. At the same antique mall, different sellers, 10ft apart.

[Poptart]

The 35 1.4 is a great lens that most who have it end up using as their standard lens.

[Trius]

Brian: Yes, it was marked as 5cm. I'm glad for Dave (we've been friends for 34 years), but another find like that is mine.

[ray_g]

The 35 1.4 is a great lens that most who have it end up using as their standard lens.

I would not mind having a 35/1.4, but the prices have become too unreasonable. With reviews stating that it is all but unusable at f/1.4, I just can't justify spending the extra $$$ versus the already excellent, and cheap, 35/2 nikkors. I have an uncoated (?) Nikkor-O, and I am perfectly happy with it, even at f/2.

That being said, if I came across a reasonably priced 35/1.4, I would not mind trying one out for myself ;)

BTW, any significant difference between the older (pre-AI, AI) and AIS versions of this lens?

[GeneW]

Yeah Joe.... Gene's been emailing me with temptation, as he knows I'm hooked. I expect him to whisper "Pssst, the first 50/1.8 is free" any day now. I'm interested in his 90 macro, but even at his killer price it's too rich for me right now. Unless I'm contemplating divorce and living in an '81 Bluebird bus.l
That oh so sweet 90/2 macro is no longer mine ... it's on its way to another RFF member in exchange for a sweet Nikkor 105/2.8 micro...

Hmmmm, not a bad idea on the 50/1.8 :D

Gene

[Trius]

Thanks, Gene, for relieving my GAS.

Earl

[Russ]

There must be an epidemic afoot, something like Nikon flu? You, Dave and I are all suddenly afflicted with the desire to buy Nikon gear!

Given this is RFF, it must be pandemic...

Gene

I recently picked up the Nikon F100 with Nikon 28-105 AF and MB-15 accessory grip. I love it. It goes quite nicely with my other 10 manual focus Nikon bodies, and a large arsenal of mf glass. And I'll never part with my FM's, FE's and FE-2's.

Russ

[back alley]

Thanks, Gene, for relieving my GAS.

Earl


well that sounds very unsanitary...;)

[taffer]

I received yesterday my $57 F-801 from Oz, really well cared for and what a piece of a good camera it is ! It's going to be a gift for my brother... but I'm having a HARD time letting it go...

BWAHAHAHA :D

[Brian Sweeney]

35mm F2 Nikkor-O is Single-Coated. It is an all time favorite among Nikon users and usually brings in more than the multi-coated version. I suspect for the same reason that Cosina brought out a single coated version of the 40mmF1.4.

[Brian Sweeney]

> but I'm having a HARD time letting it go...
Oscar, let go of your feelings.
Turn off the AF computer...
Trust your feelings...
Get an SP.....

[taffer]

Maaster !

I... will... 30 is a good all round number to get a worn black SP

Btw, is there any difference (apart from the multicoating) between the 35/2-O and the MC RIFR version ?

[Brian Sweeney]

I will check my big book of everything Nikon when I get home,

But the one you have is the best one going before Nikon wimped out and changed the formula to one that is less expensive.

Get a worn Chrome SP and have Shintaro paint it. It will be a lot cheaper than even a worn Black SP.

[taffer]

Thanks Brian ! You know, with all that 35 collections going on one can't stand from thinking that it could also be nice to do the same with SLR Nikkors... there will be time ;)

I'll start saving today for that SP, no more purchases, I promise ! :angel:

[Brian Sweeney]

> There must be an epidemic afoot, something like Nikon flu? You, Dave and I are all suddenly afflicted with the desire to buy Nikon gear!

Did I leave the wrong subliminal message up again?

I'll have to set it back to the M3.

That one worked, too.

The Canon 7 message only worked with the really smart people that know an under-rated camera.

[karmakamera]

Thanks Brian ! You know, with all that 35 collections going on one can't stand from thinking that it could also be nice to do the same with SLR Nikkors... there will be time ;)

I'll start saving today for that SP, no more purchases, I promise ! :angel:

Suggest you also try a user M3 with any Leica-M 50/2 or 35/2 Summicron, for manual focus SLRs, Nikon is still king.

Unless you do macro, sports telephote and TTL flash photography,you could save $ in the long run, by getting a Leica M3.

[Brian Sweeney]

HeHeHe....

Gene just traded me a Collapsible M-Summicron 5cm F2 for my M3 in exchange for two Nikkors. I want to compare it with the Type I and Type II Rigid.

[karmakamera]

HeHeHe....

Gene just traded me a Collapsible M-Summicron 5cm F2 for my M3 in exchange for two Nikkors. I want to compare it with the Type I and Type II Rigid.

Brian

Congrats, I like to try out the M-cron collapse too (greed knows no bounds).

Looks like you are a 50 person, I have got the Type I rigid, and current 50/2, 35 years between the 2.

Each kron of different era seems to have different characteristic.

[GeneW]

> There must be an epidemic afoot, something like Nikon flu? You, Dave and I are all suddenly afflicted with the desire to buy Nikon gear!

Did I leave the wrong subliminal message up again?

I'll have to set it back to the M3.

That one worked, too.

The Canon 7 message only worked with the really smart people that know an under-rated camera.
Ya know, before I joined this forum I was just a happy-go-lucky guy with a few old cameras and I never thought about getting anything else. Membership in RFF is like drinking a Pangalactic Gargle Blaster ... look out!

But damn it's fun! :D

Gene

[taffer]

LOL ! :D

I like to think of my Canon P as a screwmount M3 ;) With my recent Summitar it's not that far from a M3/Cron combo :)

[djon]

The thing that stopped me from evolving from FTns to then-new F2s stops me from SLR GAS...a pair of Canon F1s, one of them bought new, with 24 2.8, 100 2.8, 50 1.4, 55 3.5 macro, 200 f4, and doubler. Lots of film milage.

I had both F1s ClA'd and set for new batteries last year. The 50/55/100 are especially wonderful, as is the doubler.

[Brian Sweeney]

I just got back a roll from the Canon F1 (original) that I picked up from Natalia. I have the original issue FD BL 50mm F1.4, and the last model FL 50mm F1.4 that came on the Pellix. I like the build on those FL lenses; very good lens. Prices on Canon manual focus lenses dropped even faster than Nikon. I picked up a Canon 28mm F2.,8 at a show for $10! You can use Nikon manual focus lenses on the Digital SLR line. The AI lenses meter couple with the D1 and D2. Also couple on my E3.

[karmakamera]

Ya know, before I joined this forum I was just a happy-go-lucky guy with a few old cameras and I never thought about getting anything else. Membership in RFF is like drinking a Pangalactic Gargle Blaster ... look out!

But damn it's fun! :D

Gene

Hi Gene

The obsession for photographic equipment, is a very manly think and it is beyond rational explanation.

Yes it is fun but exercise restraint and beware of the Darkside.

I have the same addiction pattern as yourself, hope it won't get worse after joining this forum. :D

I re-started my photographic hobby 5 years ago with an OM-1md 35/2.8, now it has got more little friends in the same closet with new addictions, I mean additions almost every year. :D

BTW I was just informed that my well used M3 just konked beyond repair after years of abuse by the previous owner and myself for a year. :bang:

Leica service agent here in Singapore suggested a resurrection at Solms. A resurrection means that I would eventually gets an MP shutter mechanism, new M6 finder if I sent it to Solms plus a a la carte leather exterior by Hermes with the same brassed and abused exterior. Tempting isn't it?

However, the estimated USD1200+ price tag does suggest that I should start looking for two used M3 somewhere else or start using my OM-1 for a while.

My heart tells me to re-surrect, my wallet tells me to let it die.

What would you do? :D

[karmakamera]

True story... a few years ago at a local neighbourhood garage sale, I picked up a 5cm micro Nikkor. There was no price on it, so I asked the woman the price. She said, "Oh, I guess $1.00". I bought it, not having a Nikon but having a best friend who did. When he next came down from Brampton to visit, I gave it to him.... what the heck did I need with it.

A few months later I was talking to David on the phone, prior to going to Brampton for a visit. He told me he had $100US to give me. Whaaa??? "I'll tell you when you get here."

He had researched the lens, and discovered that only 2000 had been made. It wasn't in mint condition (someone had blacked out the lettering on the front trim ring; David did his best to remove that without damaging anything), so it didn't go for full price ... but he had sold it on eBay for $1200CDN! If it had been mint, he probably would have gotten $1700US.

He keeps asking me "When is that garage sale?" I say, "I dunno", cuz I sure as hell aren't taking him ... any new finds are MINE!!!

Wow that's outrageous, trust that you did not make up this interesting story. :D

Morale of your story
The person who would do the worse damage/devaluation to your lifetime
investment in photographic equipment is likely to be your spouse or next of
kin who would gladly sell your fricking worthless obsession for $1 a piece
after your untimely dearly departure from this earth.

Hey what the heck ! You'll be long dead by then.

If there are any real cause for concern, do up a will to make sure that your RF gears gets the proper treatment before heading for heaven.

[Brian Sweeney]

My wife has instructions to call my favorite salesman at Penn camera if I kick. Let him put it up at 20% consignment.

They will have to add some more caes.

[taffer]

Hey Karma, that sounds like the only M3 I could afford (similar to one ran over by a bus) :D Is it really THAT bad ???

Another SLR system I've enjoyed is the old manual focus Minolta. I still love my SRT 303b black body and lenses, even though nowadays it doesn't see a lot of use as I prefer the handling of the F2 and the set of Nikkor lenses I have is more suitable to my current use.

[hugivza]

OT: I found the receipt for my first Canon F1 with 50/1.4 SSC lens - $US369 in 1979 from Best Products in Houston. They even included a Winter Olympics logo. It seemed like a fortune at the time. I gave my AE-1 to my son who still has it. I bought a 300/f4 a few weeks ago for about $US220. It would have been way beyond my reach in 1979. It's an ill wind that blows nobody any good.

[GeneW]

The person who would do the worse damage/devaluation to your lifetime investment in photographic equipment is likely to be your spouse or next of kin who would gladly sell your fricking worthless obsession for $1 a piece after your untimely dearly departure from this earth.
Funny you should mention that. We had our wills updated a few months ago and the only special bit I put in was -- any photo gear my son doesn't want (he's not into photography) goes to the local camera club to be auctioned off to members as a fund raiser for the club. That means my wife won't have to figure out what to do with it, and someone down the road may continue to enjoy it.

Gene

[jja]

Gene, I had not noticed the Rolleiflex and Hasselblad in your signature? Are they new also?

[GeneW]

Gene, I had not noticed the Rolleiflex and Hasselblad in your signature? Are they new also?
I picked up my Rollei in 1969 and it has aged better than I have :D

The Hassy I picked up last year. It's an incredibly elegant camera system. My New Year's Resolution will be to use my MF cameras much more in 2006.

Gene

[jja]

I hope to one day be able to say I've kept my Nikon or my Leica as long as that. I owned a Rolleicord III for a brief time, and I miss it. Oops, I'm OT on the OT. 6x6, yet another 'dark side.'

[dostacos]

Man if I only knew there were ambidextrous RF / SLR types on RFF I would have made my enquiries here first!

we also speak MF :D

I have been having GAS attacks regarding my Bessa R, I also have a nice Pentax spotmatic kit, and ME SUPER kit, and now I won the OM1n charity auction so I have ANOTHER brand :bang:

at least I am at one with my Kiev 88 and 60 medium format system :p

[GeneW]

I developed my first test roll from the F3HP this morning, and the negs look really fine. I used the inboard meter to see how accurate it was and as I was shooting it agreed very closely with Sunny-16 so I felt confidence in it. I used my only Nikkor lens -- a 135/3.5 I traded for with PeterC. The other lenses are 'in the mail'.

It was a sobering experience though. The test roll was my last roll of APX100, developed in Rodinal 1:50. Two products that have defined much of my B&W work, both of which are disappearing from the shelves.

A bittersweet experience ...

Gene

[Uncle Bill]

Don't be afraid, Joe. I have some really nice OM gear that I'll be putting up for sale to fund my new SLR direction. The OM stuff is lovely, but I've been using it for 30 yrs and, as you say, am looking for a change of pace.

I have one OM-1 left, and it's currently being overhauled with CLA, new focusing screen, and meter upgrade to modern batteries. It's black. And some very nice Zuikos to go with it :D

Gene

I picked up Gene's other OM-1, the chrome one back in November. What a sweet camera! I got the test roll back and I am very impressed. I then picked up a 35 and a 135 lens to compliment the 50/1.8 that was on the camera. I can see why there is a hardcore following out there.

Bill

[back alley]

that other om has been on my mind ever since reading that line from gene.

part of me wants it, no question and another part is trying to talk me out of it.
no clear winner yet.

joe

[GeneW]

that other om has been on my mind ever since reading that line from gene.
Once it gets in your mind, 'resistance is futile' ... That's what happened to me with the Nikon ...

But, I gotta say, I'm a happy camper! :D

Gene

[DougK]

I've always been curious about the OM series cameras. I used to call myself a Pentax fanboy but when I look around the camera shelf, the majority of my cameras say "Olympus" on them. Funny how that happened.

[doubs43]

It was a sobering experience though. The test roll was my last roll of APX100, developed in Rodinal 1:50. Two products that have defined much of my B&W work, both of which are disappearing from the shelves. Gene

Gene, a quick search of Freestyle's offerings show that they still have APX-100 in 24 and 36 exposure rolls.

They also still have Arista II in 100 feet rolls at $24.99. It's rebadged APX-100.

Another alternative might be the ISO 100 EFKE/ADOX films offered by JandC Photo. It's more expensive than the Arista II but it's excellent film that does very nicely in Rodinal.

Walker

[GeneW]

Gene, a quick search of Freestyle's offerings show that they still have APX-100 in 24 and 36 exposure rolls.

They also still have Arista II in 100 feet rolls at $24.99. It's rebadged APX-100.

Another alternative might be the ISO 100 EFKE/ADOX films offered by JandC Photo. It's more expensive than the Arista II but it's excellent film that does very nicely in Rodinal.

Walker
Thanks, Walker. I'll be checking out the alternatives!

Gene

[karmakamera]

Funny you should mention that. We had our wills updated a few months ago and the only special bit I put in was -- any photo gear my son doesn't want (he's not into photography) goes to the local camera club to be auctioned off to members as a fund raiser for the club. That means my wife won't have to figure out what to do with it, and someone down the road may continue to enjoy it.

Gene
>...and someone down the road may continue to enjoy it.<

Your intentions and legacy is admirable. ;)

[karmakamera]

we also speak MF :D

I have been having GAS attacks regarding my Bessa R, I also have a nice Pentax spotmatic kit, and ME SUPER kit, and now I won the OM1n charity auction so I have ANOTHER brand :bang:

at least I am at one with my Kiev 88 and 60 medium format system :p

Hi friend
I am a RFf newbie, kindly tell me what's GAS?

[Poptart]

OT: I found the receipt for my first Canon F1 with 50/1.4 SSC lens - $US369 in 1979 from Best Products in Houston.
OMG! I used to work at a Best. In fact, we liquidated it down to the bare flooring. Remember the "post modern" architectural facades of some of the stores? The owners were big art collectors and had some avant-guard pretentions.

[Poptart]

BTW, Photographer's Formulary sells a Rodinal clone that's even described as such in their catalogue.

[Uncle Bill]

I have all my Nikon gear for now however everyone once and a while I window shop Nikkormat FTn/FT2's and Nikon F2's. Maybe next year..........Gene enjoy what you have and let us know how it turns out.

Bill

[Uncle Bill]

Gene,
I still have a couple of rolls of APX 100 and 400, if you want to do a trade.....Ilford works for me.

Bill

[karmakamera]

Hey Karma, that sounds like the only M3 I could afford (similar to one ran over by a bus) :D Is it really THAT bad ???

Another SLR system I've enjoyed is the old manual focus Minolta. I still love my SRT 303b black body and lenses, even though nowadays it doesn't see a lot of use as I prefer the handling of the F2 and the set of Nikkor lenses I have is more suitable to my current use.


Hi Taffer

Getting an M3
-----------------
Leicas are not that expensive if you consider that it would cost more buying and selling gears as substitute in the ultimate search for perfection.

IMHO, most 35mm RF photographers would attempt to scratch this Leica RF itch at least once in their life.

Yet the simplest and most effective Leica combo is M3 with 50/2 cron, bought used, mechanically functional and cosmetically challenged, period.

Minty and expensive Leicas usually gets to sit on the shelf or in the box for some unknown reason(s).

My battered M3
--------------------
It's not as bad as being ran over by a bus, the shutter got jammed at 1/60 x-sync and I tried all means including getting a chopstick into the act, :eek: the jam was "fixed" at the expense of a defunct shutter release button,konked the self timer and I am also left with a loose speed dial.

The panzer is still working at all speeds with no visible damage to the curtain, only BIG PROBLEM is that the shutter fires by itself upon everytime when I wind the film advance it became sort of like it has a winder, maybe a Leicavit winder works like this. :D

As you already know the Leica service agent in my area had suggested a resurrection at Solms for USD1200++, an amount which I could try to source for a M6 locally as an affordable alternative.

My heart tells me I should keep this M3 body for a future resurrection since I got lots of memorable photographic moments with it. Or I suppose I could try to use it my winder equipped M3 at higher speeds 1/250 & above.

Nikon & Minoltas
The Nikon SLRs are the ultimate Nippon panzers, I would sell the Minolta to a Minolta guy and add to the Nikon MFs, its better to be focused in your collection.

[GeneW]

The F3 arrived last week, and I've done several lens purchases and/or trades with RFFers who are helping lead me into darkness: peterc, jja, ray_g, Brian Sweeney, not to mention Uncle Bill and Jan Normandale who have picked up some of my surplus Olympus gear.

Developed my first test roll last night -- my last roll of APX100. This was one of the shots -- not great but at least interesting. I call it Lighthouse Solstice -- late afternoon winter sun shining through the lighthouse window.

I'm still amazed at how affordable good film gear is these days!

Gene

[peterc]

Nice shot Gene!

Peter

[taffer]

Hi Taffer

Getting an M3
-----------------
Leicas are not that expensive if you consider that it would cost more buying and selling gears as substitute in the ultimate search for perfection.

IMHO, most 35mm RF photographers would attempt to scratch this Leica RF itch at least once in their life.

Yet the simplest and most effective Leica combo is M3 with 50/2 cron, bought used, mechanically functional and cosmetically challenged, period.

Minty and expensive Leicas usually gets to sit on the shelf or in the box for some unknown reason(s).

My battered M3
--------------------
It's not as bad as being ran over by a bus, the shutter got jammed at 1/60 x-sync and I tried all means including getting a chopstick into the act, :eek: the jam was "fixed" at the expense of a defunct shutter release button,konked the self timer and I am also left with a loose speed dial.

The panzer is still working at all speeds with no visible damage to the curtain, only BIG PROBLEM is that the shutter fires by itself upon everytime when I wind the film advance it became sort of like it has a winder, maybe a Leicavit winder works like this. :D

As you already know the Leica service agent in my area had suggested a resurrection at Solms for USD1200++, an amount which I could try to source for a M6 locally as an affordable alternative.

My heart tells me I should keep this M3 body for a future resurrection since I got lots of memorable photographic moments with it. Or I suppose I could try to use it my winder equipped M3 at higher speeds 1/250 & above.

Nikon & Minoltas
The Nikon SLRs are the ultimate Nippon panzers, I would sell the Minolta to a Minolta guy and add to the Nikon MFs, its better to be focused in your collection.


Hey ! :)

Thanks for the detailed explanation ! Your sentences as for the M3 remind me a lot what I've heard from other members (they think I ignored their subliminal messages to grab a M3, but I did not ;) )

It's certainly something I'll try, but as with many things I guess that when the time is right and the right camera appears I'll somehow *know* it :)

Your M3 sounds like a real survivor, and it would be sort of sad to put it out of the service when it's been so loyal. $1200 is a lot but maybe you could ask DAG, Essex, Sherry Krauter or other service people for an estimate.

And with all that on top the beast just keeps working, she wants to be with you !

As for Minolta, well, I got that body locally in a store and the prices I see for them nowadays are dirt cheap. The glass OTH I got it cheap enough, so all variables seem to be telling me to keep that one ;)

---

Gene, nice lighthouse shot ! As I told you I've been using my Nikons mainly for field work, I shoot with them with a very specific subject in mind so my kind of shooting is very different than the daily one with my RFs, I'm sure you'll soon get the rythm of the F3 for your own kind of shooting, and you'll amaze us, as always !

Oscar

[GeneW]

Peter, Oscar, thanks! This was taken with your old Nikkor 135/35 Peter :D

Gene

[peterc]

This was taken with your old Nikkor 135/35
Glad it's working so well for you. I always liked the results I got, but with 2 135mm lenses it usually got left home to sulk while I took the 135/2.8.

Peter