View Full Version : Dilemma.
Stephanie Brim
08-23-2006, 20:29
I'm going to Colorado in October to visit my boyfriend's dad and I'll have the chance to have at least a day to drive across CO to take photos. I plan to take my Canon P and lenses with me along with my tripod, but I'd really like something larger format to capture the colors of the fall leaves.
Enter the EvilBay search. Someone is selling an Anniversary Speed Graphic with a Carl Zeiss Tessar 135mm lens and it has no bids on it as of yet with less than a day to go. The starting bid is rather low. This is why I needed to sell those cameras quickly...I don't want to pass up the oportunity to finally get into large format at such a low price.
But the basic conundrum is this: do I really need it? Is it the way I want to take my photography? I've always been interested in larger formats, particularly 4x5 and larger. Even looking at medium format negatives gives me a chill that looking at 35mm doesn't give me. I think that the acquisition of this camera would start a complete downward spiral into wanting even more large format gear, and this has nothing to do with belonging to APUG and their leaning toward the large...it's all about me wanting to be able to stick a negative on a light table and see every detail.
I probably wouldn't regret having this...I'd probably use it as much as budget for film allowed. But give me some opinions, will you? It seems I may be coming into more money now that I may be working at one of the in-town bars and things won't be as tight as soon as I get confirmation.
But yes, to the point: talk me into it, talk me out of it, tell me I'm nuts, etc. I want other opinions before I take the big plunge.
And yes, this one does come with the rangefinder...which technically makes it legal for discussion. ;)
back alley
08-23-2006, 20:34
october in colorado?
the fall leaves will be long gone i think.
here in edmonton we will likely have snow by then.
joe
Stephanie Brim
08-23-2006, 20:36
Doesn't snow as early here...there should still be some on the trees. Maybe not as many as I'd like. The main draw is the mountains. I've NEVER been anywhere close to mountains before. It's going to be an experience. Hoping to talk him into doing some hiking.
Wayne R. Scott
08-23-2006, 20:43
Steph,
Take the Ansco, a tripod, a shutter release and a few rolls of 120 Velvia. The learning curve on 4x5 is kinda steep and expensive if shooting color to start out. I think you want color for the autumn leaves.
But what do I know? I have 6 4x5's, a 5x7, and 2 8x10's. I'm not very smart about camera purchases:)
Wayne
Stephanie Brim
08-23-2006, 20:45
It's why I want to start out small (so to speak :D) with a Graphic and then graduate to something better and with more movements. Getting it now would permit me to shoot a bit with it before heading to Colorado, and the price is right...trust me. I haven't seen one of these so cheap, but the owner says it works.
Wayne R. Scott
08-23-2006, 20:53
It may be cheap now, but I'll bet it goes up like crazy in the last 10 seconds of the listing.
There is a Calumet rail 4x5 for sale on nelson site for $80 shipped right now. You would need a lens but I know some one who might loan you one for the trip.
Wayne
Stephanie Brim
08-23-2006, 20:54
My friend at work may ALSO have one that I can buy from him. It belonged to his dad. If that's the case, I may have the camera I need anyway. It's just that this one has the Tessar, which I seem to remember hearing good things about.
Wayne R. Scott
08-23-2006, 21:05
Steph,
If you can buy the one from your freind at work that would be best. Tessar is an ok lens, I doubt that it is any better than an Ektar or Optar that normally comes on the Graphics. None of these allow for much if any movements on 4x5, but with the Graphics this is of little concern as they have very few movements. (Super Graphic is an exception).
Good Luck.
Wayne
be careful about the color rendition with the older lenses. I don't know about the Tessar, but my old speedgraphic had a schneider lens which was awesome at b/w but sucked at color as it was 1950's coatings and such.. Something to consider anyways.. I sold mine in the end because even though there were those few times I used it. more often than not I opted out of taking it because I didn't want the extra weight. I always talked myself out of it, so I finaly sold it to help buy a lens or something.
Stephanie Brim
08-23-2006, 21:15
I shoot more black and white than color. I much prefer black and white film over color, but worse comes to worse I CAN develop color at home by grabbing one of those nice little press kits. It wouldn't be perfect, but I could do it. I'd mostly be shooting Arista EDU Ultra 100 and developing it in Rodinal and perhaps a little Tri-X. Very little Tri-X. =p
wlewisiii
08-23-2006, 21:23
That one will go for a lot more in the end. The glass is probably fine, but I really wouldn't trust a rim set compur before a full CLA and maybe not even after. The Calumet Wayne mentions is a much better way to get into 4x5. Heck, I've got an ancient B&L Rapid Rectilinear in a Kodak ball bearing shutter you can have if you go that way.
BTW, 4x5 e-6 is an obscenely expensive proposition. Try only after you've made the mistakes that ruin 50 to 100 sheets while you're learning (read this: http://www.largeformatphotography.info/mistakes.html ) $2 per sheet + $2.45 per sheet for developing at the only lab here in Madison that will touch it makes mistakes much more painful than a single slide on a roll of 135...
William
Edit: the Arista.Edu Ultra 100 is an exquisite film and plays nice in Diafine at EI200... :)
Take the P and lenses for your B&W and put some colour in the Canonet.
Use some of the money you'd have dropped on the Graphic for some nice colour film and processing.
Peter
amateriat
08-23-2006, 21:38
Stepnanie,
To paraphrase the old saying about exercise, whenever I think about larger-format photography, I go and lie down until the urge passes. ;)
More to the point: if you really have a jones for working in 4x5, don't let me stop you. But if this ties in with photographing someplace you've never been, I'd be a tad cautious. This advice, of course, comes from a person whose bias toward 35mm has been cultivated over a quarter century (I had to pause for a moment after writing that...). When I felt the need for a bit more resolving power for a given subject, I simply switched to a slower-speed film than usual. But the key was that I worked with the gear I knew, and this allowed me a higher comfort level when traveling through new and different environs. Of course, this is my formula, not a universal one by any means. And you may have a particular creative itch that can only be scratched by exploring the possibilites of a different (in your case, larger) format. All I'm trying to say here is that it pays to think deeply about the changes you think you want to make, whether the timing is a good idea, and just what your expectations are from these changes. (And, yeah, don't forget the extra film holders.)
- Barrett
Stephanie Brim
08-23-2006, 21:40
Yeah, sigh.
Maybe I'll just wait a while. I have plenty of time before I go to Colorado. I don't really need anything now. And yeah, William, I'd never shoot E-6 4x5...that's an insane proposition. I probably wouldn't even shoot color negative at first. ;)
photogdave
08-23-2006, 21:51
I thought you were saving up for a car??
Stephanie Brim
08-23-2006, 21:52
This would be after selling various kit to get more kit, not spending any money that I don't have.
And with another job on the horizon, the car should be a pretty easy purchase. Forgot to mention that, really. ;)
Rich Silfver
08-23-2006, 21:54
Does it have a glaflok back?
- If not do you see yourself having to buy one? ($)
Does it have a fresnel screen?
- If not do you see yourself having to get one? ($)
How many filmbacks does it come with?
- How many backs do you expect you will need? ($)
Have you calculated the cost per roll (incl. development)?
What will you do with the negatives once you have them?
- Print/Scan?
If you've thought it all through I don't think I could advise AGAINST a Graflex Speed Graphics - as that's one camera I've always wanted to try myself.
I remember when I 'stepped up' to a Hasselblad. It had a significant impact on how much I enjoyed photography. Sometimes gear-change can really boost or alter ones perspective.
SolaresLarrave
08-23-2006, 22:10
Steph... try medium format the next summer. Make it your goal, but now... it's not a good idea to take a camera you're not going to be completely familiar with (not as much as you're with the Canon P), to a place you don't know. Besides, it's a money issue. In fact, I frequently calm GAS attacks by asking myself the same questions from your initial post: Do I need this?, will I use it? Will I like it? Will I get good results with it? Will it make a difference in the way I photograph?
More often than not, the answer to all those questions is no.
Good luck wrestling with your GAS demons! :)
Stephanie Brim
08-23-2006, 22:12
I'm most comfortable with rangefinders of ANY kind, so perhaps everyone is right to say that I should just wait. I may pick up that Pentax Spotmatic I've been jonesing for.
wlewisiii
08-23-2006, 22:13
Rich has some good points there. That's a Graphic type spring back on that one. Major pain to use just about anything other than regular sheet holders. At least it's not a Graflex back... :bang: There won't be a fresnel so you'll at least want to buy a new Satin Snow ground glass for it. No sheet holders are included: they aren't cheap. Plus does your scanner do 4x5? Enlargers that can do 4x5 are not cheap either.
Don't get me wrong - an Anny Speed can be a marvellously fun camera to use. Mine would be the last camera I'd get rid of. Plus it's a great weapon if someone tries to mug you... ;) Look to get a more recent one with a top mount RF & including some of the extras instead.
William
Stephanie Brim
08-23-2006, 22:17
They come up on APUG for sale every so often with everything for a decent amount...they also come around Ebay decently often with the rangefinder. I'm going to pass on the auction, look at the one my friend from work has, and then go from there.
I'd advise against it. When you go out shooting, how many exposures do you normally make? Twenty? Consider the bulk of ten film holders to make those twenty photos. And there's no dropping in another roll when you've come to the last photo...you need to find a darkroom. And there are so many things to go wrong. Every step of the way you have to be attentive and thinking. Have you ever shot one of your rangefinder cameras and forgotten to remove the lens cap? There are about ten of those situations that you can absent-mindedly overlook, for even one exposure on sheet film. How will you develop the film...swishing it around in a series of trays? That get's old and you'll want a developing tank for 4x5. Then what? Do you have a large format enlarger or a scanner that'll handle large format film? If not, you're stuck with making 4x5 contact sheets. If you want something larger than 35mm, I'd go with medium format, where you have the ease and convenience of using roll film. Here's an alternative idea...if you want to go large, why not go really large and invest the money in a lens with mondo-huge coverage. Make yourself a big light tight box, staple on some 8x10 or 11x14 film to the inside, and then you could make beautiful contact prints. Or it could be a pinhole camera. Or you could use photo paper and long exposures. Scan the results on a flatbed and flip in photoshop. Just a few ideas, but I surely wouldn't wanna get sidetracked into large format if I were starting a new job, going on vacation, etc etc.
lmd91343
08-23-2006, 23:22
Stephanie,
Don't do it!
It is a great camera. I used speed graphics 35 years ago. I still remember the pain.
In addition to the camera, you need to buy: focus screen; film backs; other lenses.
The bellows and shutter will need a cla and work - that is an absolute.
You will need a real darkroom, not just a changing bag, with hard rubber tanks, film holders, special enlarger, special enlarger lens.
This camera has no special shiempflug movements.
The shutter is limited so you can only use a handful of slow films.
The film is very expensive and hard to get in person
The logistics alone are impossible to complete by October!
If you want to try medium format get a Moskova Super Ikonta clone. The 5 version has a coated tessar clone. It has a coupled rangefinder and uses 120 film. You get 6x9 with that. You can develop with changing bags and daylight tanks. I get great results with mine. You can get one for less than $100 dollars from a reputable store.
Good luck!
Stephanie Brim
08-23-2006, 23:29
The thing about the camera being auctioned off is that the guy selling it says it works and that he's used it recently, meaning that it would NOT need a CLA to be good. I assume that, since he's a photographer, he has good ground glass in the thing.
The thing about my friend's is that his dad actually used the camera, therefore it would probably need a CLA but the groundglass can't be that bad.
Man, I wish someone else would say this, but since no one has, here goes, I think you should get a dslr kit, a D2x or D200, canon, or an *ist. Shoot all you want, and inexpensively.
Read a lot of books. Read all the John Shaw books (johnshawphoto.com).
If you really have to do film, get a Nikon F3/F4/F5/F100.
Do medium and large format after you've mastered the above.
Keep an RF with you all the time for street shots.
If you're planning to come out to Colorado in October, I do hope you're here in time. The aspen color (which is the most spectacular) peaks for about a week in September, and it's difficult even to predict what week that will be. Sometimes it can be as late as the first week in October. You didn't mention where you'll be going in Colorado, but if you're coming later in October, you might have the best luck toward the southwestern part of the state (the San Juan range).
Fortunately there's a ton of information on the net, so you can Google for "Colorado fall foliage" or something like that and get some ideas of what part(s) of the state to visit, what roads and trails might provide the best views, etc. And since you'll be visiting the altitudes, keep in mind that snow, while not highly likely in October, is certainly possible.
Anyway, enjoy your visit! Even if you're not here during the time of peak color, Colorado is still a beautiful place.
Cheers,
Jeremy
David Murphy
08-23-2006, 23:57
I'm going to Colorado in October to visit my boyfriend's dad and I'll have the chance to have at least a day to drive across CO to take photos. I plan to take my Canon P and lenses with me along with my tripod, but I'd really like something larger format to capture the colors of the fall leaves.
Enter the EvilBay search. Someone is selling an Anniversary Speed Graphic with a Carl Zeiss Tessar 135mm lens and it has no bids on it as of yet with less than a day to go. The starting bid is rather low. This is why I needed to sell those cameras quickly...I don't want to pass up the oportunity to finally get into large format at such a low price.
But the basic conundrum is this: do I really need it? Is it the way I want to take my photography? I've always been interested in larger formats, particularly 4x5 and larger. Even looking at medium format negatives gives me a chill that looking at 35mm doesn't give me. I think that the acquisition of this camera would start a complete downward spiral into wanting even more large format gear, and this has nothing to do with belonging to APUG and their leaning toward the large...it's all about me wanting to be able to stick a negative on a light table and see every detail.
I probably wouldn't regret having this...I'd probably use it as much as budget for film allowed. But give me some opinions, will you? It seems I may be coming into more money now that I may be working at one of the in-town bars and things won't be as tight as soon as I get confirmation.
But yes, to the point: talk me into it, talk me out of it, tell me I'm nuts, etc. I want other opinions before I take the big plunge.
And yes, this one does come with the rangefinder...which technically makes it legal for discussion. ;)
I've done roadside photography in Colorado -- its fun. The last thing I'd use would be a 4X5 camera for this. Take a RFF and/or SLR -- that' be my advice.
Stephanie Brim
08-24-2006, 00:26
Man, I wish someone else would say this, but since no one has, here goes, I think you should get a dslr kit, a D2x or D200, canon, or an *ist. Shoot all you want, and inexpensively.
Read a lot of books. Read all the John Shaw books (johnshawphoto.com).
If you really have to do film, get a Nikon F3/F4/F5/F100.
Do medium and large format after you've mastered the above.
Keep an RF with you all the time for street shots.
I do not do digital. Period. I don't like it. I get cheap B&W film and develop my own...and it turns out to cost me very little. I've actually got a soft spot for toy cameras...medium format and 35mm. My main love is rangefinders, though, and that will always be.
However, I've wanted to do large format for YEARS.
My great grandfather had an old medium format folding camera when he was growing up. It has been misplaced somewhere along the line and that's why I don't have it, but I actually started taking photos on miniature formats. 35mm was my next thing, with cheap toy cameras and equally cheap point and shoot zoom cameras. Then I got a Nikon FE. Used that thing to death, sold it here, got the Canon P from someone and have used it and loved it since.
I love film for the whole process. I hate digital for the same reason. Digital photography doesn't feel as creative to me. I like having to sit in the dark for a few minutes to get film into a development tank and then sit, contemplating the next thing to shoot, while I develop it. When it comes out of the tank and I see images on the film I feel like I've accomplished something great for myself, no matter what anyone else thinks.
So yes, I mastered an SLR long ago...I could get about any manual focus SLR now and get great results. I'm getting good results out of the Canon P. I'm getting good results from the Ansco, though no one's been able to see them do to lack of a scanner that can handle it. I did get decent results out of the Meopta Flexaret until I realized that the slow speeds weren't working.
I actually think that a new format would get me out of the rut that I find myself in. I may start doing more landscapes with a large format camera because I have a better and larger negative to work with. I've always wanted to try portraits with a large format camera. I'd love to take it out to where the GE windmills are and shoot those again with a large format camera. I don't want to be Weegee, I just want to find out whether or not large format will work for me.
BrianShaw
08-24-2006, 08:11
For goodness sake... you asked an open-ended question and you got a thoughtful response. If you don't like Ampguy's answer, just say "thank you, but no thanks" and move on. Why start ranting on two different forums? What's up with that?
clarence
08-24-2006, 08:20
I did not see it as a rant. It seemed to be a bit of stream-of-consciousness writing, that is all.
I would second the recommendation to get a medium format camera first. The Moskva is a good choice, especially one that comes with the 6x6 mask.
Clarence
My advice Steph, if you are asking for it, is to leave LF alone for now. Your financial resources seem to be spread pretty thin, and you probably should concentrate them on more essential needs and in areas that will help you move forward with life. Save whatever you can. Use your expendible income for film and chemicals. You have the Canon P with lenses (yeah!) and a great MF folder. You have enough to keep you going. Focus on what you do have rather than on what you don't have. There is a long lifetime ahead to explore everything, in time. Sorry for the boring, responsible advice! :)
BrianShaw
08-24-2006, 08:34
Great advise, Frank, but experience has shown that you are talking to the wind.
Weren't you talking about a pinhole somewhere? I'd finish making one of those and take it! Sounds like a fun way to shoot things. Definatly an interesting perspective on nature.
Stephanie, considering how often the question of money comes up with you, you can't afford it (not yet anyhow).
Get the Spotmatic instead and use some Pan F or Efke 25.
mc_vancouver
08-24-2006, 12:17
You want my Holga?
I have a LF camera, a more than decent one Linhof Supertechnika IV, with all the bells and whistles. I have filmholders, a tripod you need a truck to transport, a 105mm lens, a handheld meter, even a timed release you can set to several minutes.
The last time it has been used was in 1989.
From time to time I look for 120 backs and polaroid backs, could be fun to make a few polaroids at sunset and 120 isn't that expensive. Then I check the prices and availability for polaroid film and I'm cured :-)
Setting up a LF camera for a nature shot is time consuming, when you're done there is a cloud where you don't want it and that's it then.
A 6x9 folder is a cheap way to get into huge negatives and with current emulsions I don't see the need of larger formats, except you want to enter the Zone System which is best done with sheet film or need movements.
Today I do some perspective correction in Corel Photopaint, another thing I inherited from my father, and if I'd need perspective correction I'd get a PC lens for one of my SLRs. A Hartblei shift lens in Canon EOS mount is just $190 and it gives you 11mm shift which is a lot!
Rich Silfver
08-24-2006, 12:36
[...the sound of wind blowing...]
back alley
08-24-2006, 12:43
let's try to not be mean folks...
Similar to Socke, I have a LF camera: a 4x5 Speed Graphic with 135 Optar lens, a bunch of funky old lenses in barrel to use with the camera's FP shutter, a bunch of duplex film holders, 5 Grafmatic film holders, and a couple of 120 roll film backs. I haven't used it in 5 years. I'm saving it for my retirement when I have more time.
I have felt the way you feel many, many, many times: wanting some gear that I don't have, telling myself that it will be the answer to my dreams. It never is Steph, and there is always another want.
Wealthy is the man with few desires.
Now, we shouldn't all be aesthetics, wearing loincloths and living in hovels. Once you are established with a career, a place of your own, and some extra money in the bank, go ahead and buy yourself some toys and give in to some of those material desires.
BrianShaw
08-24-2006, 14:23
Wealthy is the man with few desires.
With the number of sayings like this that you have, Frank... I get the impression that you might eat a lot of Chinese food. True or not? :D
Everything I need to know I learned in kinderarten, and from fortune cookies. :)
Stephanie Brim
08-24-2006, 14:30
For goodness sake... you asked an open-ended question and you got a thoughtful response. If you don't like Ampguy's answer, just say "thank you, but no thanks" and move on. Why start ranting on two different forums? What's up with that?
It was not meant to offend him...it was just meant to explain my stance. I felt that I gave a thoughtful response in kind. Sorry you don't think so.
The rant on my blog was WELL overdue, thank you very much.
I've taken everyone's advice here, actually, and I've decided to stay with a medium format for a bit (though I'm going to look at my friend's camera) and take my Ansco and perhaps look for a Yashica Mat TLR or some such.
I value everyone's opinion, but in the end I have to make the choice.
BrianShaw
08-24-2006, 14:33
Everything I need to know I learned in kinderarten, and from fortune cookies. :)
GREAT NEWS... I guess I should keep my day job as a FBI profiler rather than giving it all up to become a full-time RF street photgrapher, eh?
You're obviously tallented as a profiler. You pegged me.
But go with your instinct on the job switch. Sometimes you have to listen to your heart.
Jason Sprenger
08-24-2006, 14:53
Personally, I love the Graphic. Resolution for all day. With Tri-X 320 and Diafine, you can get some speed out of it (c. ISO 800-1000).
On a tripod, landscapes like they should be done. Except for architecture, usually one doesn't normally need many movements.
Handheld, the Graphic works and works well. And surprisingly, handheld, an old Graphic is a very people friendly camera. The culture has labeled photography a rude endeavor such that street photogs have to go covert just keep from being pelted or falsely accused of violating imagined civil right. Pull out an old Graphic and people brighten up. And not only enthusiasts say, "Now there's a camera!"
I do have a scanner that can handle 4x5 and a HP Combiplan for daylight development.
I use an insulated cordura "lunch box" to store about 5 or 6 holders or two or three Grafmatics. 10 to 18 shots is about an afternoon for me anyway. The camera in one hand, the bag hanging off me is no less handy than some of my other kits.
So yes, I mastered an SLR long ago...I could get about any manual focus SLR now and get great results.
i love it when it came out of a 23 year old...
so you mastered the slr use when you were...uh...3?
Stephanie Brim
08-24-2006, 15:10
i love it when it came out of a 23 year old...
so you mastered the slr use when you were...uh...3?
I'll put it this way: I got all I could get out of an SLR during the time I had my FE and decided that I liked it for limited things. I much prefer rangefinders and would rather not have an SLR at all, but for closer shots a rangefinder isn't really the best choice.
BrianShaw
08-24-2006, 15:19
Sometimes you have to listen to your heart.
Frank, another of your famous truisms. I totally agree that listening to hearts is good/necessary, but getting back to your earlier advise, there are many realities that must be attended to when growing up. First things, first... wasn't that in one of your cookies? At my age I KNOW what my priorities are. I don't hate my job, but there are many more fun things out there that I sorta', kinda' wish I were doing. But htey don't pay as well, would require relocation, etc, etc, -- all of which is not a good thing right now. I have adult responsibilities and must "take care of business".
Here's how I see life priorities... you can agree with them or not (the specific order can be altered to meet individual needs, of course): God, family/friends, education, job/career, emotional maturity, home, and then toys. Honour is in their somewhere, but I don't want to step on Frank's toes so I'll leave that priority for him to deal with. ;)
My Chinese fortune cookie wisdom:
"You have to give up to get".
"A little sacrifice up front reaps many rewards in the end."
"It's better to suffer early and shorter, than later and longer."
"You have to stay true to the course else you quickly get misdirected."
"If you don't know where you are going, any road will do; but if you do know where you are going it is best to get their in the most direct way."
"If you keep flip-flopping then all you'll end up doing is flipping and flopping."
See, I eat Chinese food too! :p
back alley
08-24-2006, 16:24
i'm learning so much here today!
;)
Stephanie Brim
08-24-2006, 16:34
So Joe...decided what body you're going to get yet? :D
back alley
08-24-2006, 16:43
i have what i need for now.
but i have seperation anxiety from not seeing the postman...;)
Brian, I wasn't trying to talk you out of changing your job - I have no way of knowing if you were serious or kidding.
Just thought of another FC saying: If you NEVER listen to your heart, it jsut may stop talking to you. Made that up myself. :)
Rich Silfver
08-24-2006, 17:00
The best fortune cookie paper must be "That wasn't chicken you just ate"
BrianShaw
08-24-2006, 17:01
Just thought of another FC saying: If you NEVER listen to your heart, it jsut may stop talking to you. Made that up myself. :)
Ahhh, you are Frank (AKA Confusious) S. :D
p.s. I totally understand where you are coming from. I know you weren't trying to talk me into, or out of, anything.
p.p.s I made a few of those FC sayings myself. Perhaps we are really twins who were separated at birth??
BrianShaw
08-24-2006, 17:08
The best fortune cookie paper must be "That wasn't chicken you just ate"
Not funny... too close to being true. I once took my wife to a Chinese restaurant that once was the best in town. Nobody was there except us. We should have known better but we stayed. The food was bad and the service was worse. The waiter was nowhere to be found and after about 30 minutes of waiting for him I opened the kitchen door and stuck my head in. Another man was working on a pile of chickens with a cleaver, but he yelled "get out of here... NOW; you're not supposed to see this" so loud that I could only imagine that they were rubber chickens or something. The restaurant is still in business. I imagine the same chicken is still on the chopping block :rolleyes:
(For the mods: I had a rangefinder camera with me at the time but it was too dark in the restaurant and kitchen to take a picture.)
Oh... and a similar thing happened to me at an Indian restaurant in the North of England. I asked what "meat Rhogan Josht" was... considering that they also had beef, lamb, and mutton on the menu. I never understood the answer but I think it was something like "That wasn't chicken you just ate." :)
Rich Silfver
08-24-2006, 17:17
I've been to this one Chinese restaurant in San Francisco a number of time and once there was a big rat scurrying across the glass ceiling and once there was one on the floor maybe 10-15 feet away. Their chook is some of the best in the city though so I'm pretty sure I'll be back.
Note: This is nothing against Chinese restaurants in general - I've seen really, really bad habits/incidents at a number of other types of restaurants.
For those in San Francisco you can look up your favorite restaurants here and read all about how many rodents, cockroaches, etc the health department found during the last inspection: http://www.dph.sf.ca.us/eh/Violations/Loc_Search.asp
Oh..and I had a rangefinder with me when I saw the rats (didn't take any photos though).
I've been to this one Chinese restaurant in San Francisco a number of time and once there was a big rat scurrying across the glass ceiling and once there was one on the floor maybe 10-15 feet away.
That was the special of the day :D
The sensible answer might be to leave that format alone for a while, however, sensible isn't always the most fun or most interesting. The logistics might be a bit tight to test, maybe fix, and learn that system before October. Your hobby is photography and you definitely like the gear. Neighbours, friends, people at work, acquaintances, relatives, yard sales, are places you might find good gear that you like and want to experience. If your friend at work only needs $25 for that camera why not grab it? You might like cleaning them up, making adjustments, fixing stuff, being on the lookout for parts you need. Maybe I am wrong but I just get a feeling that fewer people will be wanting this stuff someday and you could end up with lots of it if you want. You don't have to burn $100 day worth of 4 x 5 film to be an enthusiast. You can find them, fix them, try a few shots occasionally, do your own thing. :)
Just don't let your hobby influence the rest of your life. You might need to move away for work or school and live in a small place. Hopefully you can leave it all with your folks till your set up again. :)
SolaresLarrave
08-24-2006, 18:40
This whole thing reminds me of my own dilemma.
Should I get a Mamiya 645 or not?
Some time ago, a guy in PN offered an 80mm Mamiya lens he had around, broken but repairable, for just $5.00 (the cost of shipping). I jumped at it, thinking that, with time, I'd get it fixed, get a body and shoot away.
Guess what? That lens is still looking at me. And the thought of carrying a 645 camera with me doesn't appeal to me as much as it does to carry a nice RF camera. So, my own dilemma is... should I buy the 645 body and get the lens fixed or drop it altogether?
Of course, I'm fairly proficient in 35mm but then, there's the allure of trying something new. And getting a new toy, now that I learned I got a raise! :)
BrianShaw
08-24-2006, 18:46
Congratualtions on the raise, Francisco... that must mean that you have a job and can probably afford a Mamiya 645 if you really want it. But it doesn't sound like you really want it. Maybe later?? Why not keep hanging onto the lens until you feel a stronger calling... one way or the other.
SolaresLarrave
08-24-2006, 18:50
Thanks, Brian... the truth is that I've used the lithmus test on this particular purchase (will this camera make me a better photographer?). While the switch (however partial) from SLRs to RFs was a resounding "yes", this one simply is inaudible.
I think I'll get the lens fixed, just for the sake of not seeing it unused, and then I'll ask a friend to let me use his 645, just to see if the romance rekindles.
But then, again, I have a Mamiya TLR that I haven't used in about a year.
Time to rethink if medium format is really for me.
Oh, I just learned about my raise today. It really made my day. :)
BrianShaw
08-24-2006, 18:57
I think I'll get the lens fixed, just for the sake of not seeing it unused, and then I'll ask a friend to let me use his 645, just to see if the romance rekindles.
Great idea! I shot 35mm for years doing boring industrial stuff and some personal work on the side. Then one day a guy at work asked if I've ever tried MF. I hadn't so he loaned me his Dad's Rollei TLR, and an offer to sell it to me at a good price if I liked it. After the first roll of film I put the money in his hands. I used that camera for many, many years. I never made me a better photographer, but it sure made me a DIFFERENT photographer. I do different work with 35mm, MF, and LF. Each has its place, but none have ever made me what I'd call "better". If you crave a way to broaden your photographic eye, give MF another chance. Etiher the TLR or the 645 will probably be a real good experience!
Congrats again on the raise... you must be making htem happy at work :)
SolaresLarrave
08-24-2006, 19:15
The good thing is that my wife got one too (we work for the same university and same department).
I should take the TLR for a spin sometime soon... Since it's a 6X6 format, I feel as if I were shooting CD covers! :) And that's a completely different standard.
I had Andrew's Rollei (Solimar) in my hands. I can understand your reaction to the camera: never have I seen a brightest, sharpest viewfinder on a TLR! :eek: I really fell hard for it... But then, never bought one. Why? I think I have enough with the Leica mystique to face another camera make with an equally strong sense of tradition.
But wait... there's always time! :)
clarence
08-25-2006, 07:41
I have to try this fortune cookie thing someday. Here in the Orient, wisdom is taken for granted so the restaurants don't bother dishing any out.
Clarence
They should put Western wisdom in their cookies. Stuff like:
Whoever dies with the most toys, wins.
Be all you can be - join the army.
Insure with Smith and Weston.
Drink Coke!
lmd91343
08-25-2006, 21:46
They should put Western wisdom in their cookies. Stuff like:
Whoever dies with the most toys, wins.
Be all you can be - join the army.
Insure with Smith and Weston.
Drink Coke!
I thought of a few more:
A war to end all wars
My son can beat up your honor student
My other car is a Porsche
Look for the Golden Arches
In your guts, you know he's nuts
A few with meaning for RFF:
you press the button, we do the rest
Take pictures. Further
Share moments. Share life.
Wayne R. Scott
08-26-2006, 04:36
I've always liked this one:
Support mental health, or I will kill you.
Wayne
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