Greetings, comrades

Gordon Coale · 10-13-2004

Thanks for the welcome.

Yes, the camera in my avatar is a Petri 35. It's just like my first real camera that I bought when I was 13. The story is here:
http://www.electricedge.com/greymatt...s/00005231.htm

First, thanks to Joe for the Rangefinder Forum. Most excellent. Second, thanks to the inhabitants of the Russian Rangefinder Forum. I've moved back to film, from digital, and have been using a medium format rangefinder (Mamiya Universal and Super 23) and an Olympus XA2. The Olympus hasn't really given me what I want. It's a long story and you can find some of it here:
http://www.electricedge.com/gordon.c...nkencamera.htm

Thank's to Jim Blazik, and numerous other sites on Russian rangefinders (a couple by members of this forum), I made the plunge with the Zorki 6 and Fed 2. Then I found this resource. (I'm not alone!) I will keep you posted when the Zorki and Fed arrive.

Thanks again!

Honu-Hugger · 10-13-2004

Welcome Gordon,
This is easily the most civilized and amicable group of pleasant individuals that actually take pictures and post them, as opposed to just talking about them, that I have come across on any other forum. I am grateful to have found the forum (as well as ecstatic that they allowed me to join) and welcome you wholeheartedly!

A warm welcome,

D2 (another Doug precedes me)

back alley · 10-13-2004

hey gordon, just a small detail here - i'm the moderator but the forum/rff site/gallery belongs to jorge. he's the main man, i'm more like the butler.

even as moderator i have little to do here, these guys are just so damn nice and friendly and civilized.
i have not had to break up one fight.

joe

Rich Silfver · 10-13-2004

Welcome Gordon - I'm sure you'll find this to be a great place to hang out at.

Doug · 10-13-2004

Hi Gordon -- a Petri was a very early acquisiton for me too, following a Brownie 127 and a guess-focus 35. My first SLR, a Petriflex V, and then I also got a Petri Half-7 to carry in a pocket.

I've recently gotten my Dad's old Petri 7s cleaned up and running. Kind of a neat old camera with a rather good lens. I think I've uploaded some of the pics to the Gallery.

You mention the XA2 hasn't delivered what you want... how about the Mamiyas? Like those big negs? :-)

MP Guy · 10-13-2004

Welcome aboard Gordon. Now, how about some nice pictures of Deception Pass

oftheherd · 10-14-2004

Welcome. I am sure you like those big negs from the Mamiyas. I have had a Super Press 23 for almost 30 years. What a camera! I have a Rollieflex and just can't get myself to exercise it much as 6x6 is just not the same when you have a 6x7. 6x6 was wonderful until I got the Mamiya. You have probably noticed that you don't miss reflex viewing once you get used to it, and can slip back and forth between reflex and rangefinder with no problems.

Again, welcome.

Gordon Coale · 10-14-2004

Thanks to Jorge. This forum is a great thing.

I will get up to Deception Pass to take some pictures one of these days. I'll probably use the big Mamiya for the scenic shots but, on a sunny day, there is no shortage of tourists to take pictures of with my future russian street shooters. I will have to figure out how to post to the gallery. That's eluded me so far.

I have a 6x9 back for the Mamiyas and those big negs are more than wonderful. But I wanted something faster for street shooting and the russian rangefinders look great. Moving backwards in camera technology. (However, I'm all digital once I get the negatives back from the lab.) I'm really looking forward to my Zorki and Fed. I want them now! I'm probably still another week away from getting the Zorki. I hope, I hope, I hope!

I also plan on working on my cameras. That's something new to me but the russian cameras look pretty simple. I like simple. With those new camera cleaning skills, I'll have to get that Petri shooting again, too.

jdos2 · 10-14-2004

Mamiya Universal's, two, here. Awesome cameras. What lenses do you have for it?

Gordon Coale · 10-14-2004

I have a late 100/3.5 and a late 65/6.3 for my Mamiyas. For those not familiar with the 6x9 format, that's equivalent to a 50mm and a 28mm in a 35mm camera.

I wish the Russians had a cheap 28 for their rangefinders. I love how the 28 sees. I guess I will have to save my pennies for that lovely Cosina/Voigtlander 28.

jdos2, I see from your site that you only have the Mamiya (I might be wrong here). You might look at the Russian rangefinders to complement the Mamiya. They seem to share share similar characteristics -- cheap, solid, and simple. Just a *lot* smaller.
http://www.geocities.com/fzorkis/index.html

But be careful, they can be habit forming.

GermanB · 10-15-2004

welcome Gordon, you will enjoy this forum!!

taffer · 10-15-2004

Welcome Gordon !!! Really great work with that Frankencamera !

I'm sure you'll love the site, just beware, FSU cameras and lenses are INDEED addictive, hope they get to you soon !

Oscar

jdos2 · 10-15-2004

Quote:

[i]
jdos2, I see from your site that you only have the Mamiya (I might be wrong here). You might look at the Russian rangefinders to complement the Mamiya. They seem to share share similar characteristics -- cheap, solid, and simple. Just a *lot* smaller.
http://www.geocities.com/fzorkis/index.html

But be careful, they can be habit forming. [/b]

Oh... Only about 4 broken Kievs and now two working ones, a broken Zorki, and a working Kiev 88 (it has a rangefinder spot on the ground glass!)

:-)

I'm covered. Did I mention the Prominents? Or the Contax G2? Or the...

sfaust · 10-15-2004

Welcome Gordon. I checked out your gallery, and you have some great images there. Love the cameras also!

You'll find a great bunch of people here to exchange ideas with.