Monday, Dec. 10th 2012
Joe Stump on switching from iOS to Android #
I agree 90% with this. My main disagreement is that I love haptic feedback. Comparatively, I went from iOS -> Android -> iOS.
Monday, Dec. 10th 2012
Review: The Mamiya nc1000s #
Mamiya is a name that resonates pretty strongly when it comes to medium format film. Their cameras have been considered a staple of medium format for ages. The RB series, although I haven't shot one personally, is very well regarded. Let's not forget the revered (and lustworthy) - Mamiya 6 and Mamiya 7 rangefinder cameras.
However, we are no longer going to talk about medium format for the rest of this review. The camera that we are discussing does not consume 120 or 220 film, but rather 35mm.
The story
I was actually out at thrift stores for a work assignment (perhaps this will be explained in a later blog post). I noticed there was a camera sitting on top of a shelf, surrounded by corny religious framed pictures. The brand of the camera immediately stuck out: Mamiya. But the make, honestly, wasn't familiar to me. There wasn't a price tag on the camera. After walking up to the desk, I asked the woman behind the register: "How much for this old camera?"
She loosely responded, "Um… $10?" I immediately agreed, and now, this camera is sitting on my shelf.
History
The Mamiya nc1000 was released in 1978, with the nc1000s released later that same year. It has an electronic focal plane shutter, and a CdS cell light meter powered by two S76 batteries. These are still fairly easy to find today.
Specifications
As you would assume, this camera takes standard 35mm rolls of film. It loads and unloads in the typical and standard manner of 35mm SLR cameras of the day. It also does pretty typical things such as a standard self-timer, depth of field preview, and a flash hotshoe (x-sync).
If you have any experience with 35mm film cameras in the past, you'll easily pick up this one.
Atypically, the shutter speed is adjusted by an aperture-esque ring behind the aperature setting along the lens mount. The ISO/ASA setting is on the same shutter adjustment ring. It also has a viewport to show the converted DIN value.
The camera has a dedicated off button. I prefer this over the early 70s solution with the lens cap acting as the off switch. It's nice to assuredly know that you're not wasting the batteries when out walking around all day.
Consider this section simply a general overview, as there are already sites with much more accurate specifications about this camera.
Feel
The nc1000s is fairly compact and light. Especially when considering it comes from a company that prides itself in tank like cameras.
The shutter button is in a fairly comfortable position and the film is easily advanced shortly thereafter. The shutter and film advance have an exceptionally satisfying feel and sound to them. Digital SLRs don't have the same tank like acoustics.
This camera is a really nice size. It's somewhat smaller (mostly height) than the already svelte Nikon FE (and considerably smaller than my d7000). Comparitively, it's hardly noticeable when it sits around my neck for many hours. This will likely be my camera of choice for future camping and hiking trips.
The leatherette along the outside of the camera is considerably grippy and seems to be pretty durable. The top and bottom plates are made of metal and seem to be anodized or painted. There is no visible brassing on my sample.
The only cheap feeling part of the camera is the film rewind knob and dial. It feels like an after thought on a camera that otherwise feels very sturdy.
The lens that came with this camera, the Mamiya-Sekor 50mm f1.4 has a good build quality as well. For an f1.4, the size is pretty compact. The aperature adjustment ring has a strong and satisfying click to it.
The focus ring has a nice amount of resistance to it. Not as much as the lovely vintage Minolta-Rokkor lenses, but fairly similar to the Nikon F-mount pre-AI lenses. I'm not a huge fan of the churned texture that is present around the focus ring and the silver accent seems a bit tacky. Unfortunately, on my example, if the focusing ring is not used for a few days, it gets slightly sticky.
Here's my terrible attempt at capturing the viewfinder with my d7000.
The 50mm F1.4 optics
I was pleasantly surprised by this lens. I didn't expect much. I find the bokeh very pleasing. It has a strong vintage feel to it. This is probably the closest way to emulate a time machine. It evokes a strong sense of high end 70s photography, that I find really nice. It instantly gave some of my motorcycle trip photos a nostalgic feel to them.
It's not the sharpest lens when it comes to the corners, but let scientists squabble over that. This lens has a wonderful feel to it. Sadly, my version has some mildly messed up coating on it. This explains the noticeable ghosting and flaring that you will see in my example photos.
A case for 35mm
As a disclaimer, I own a medium format camera: the previously mentioned Yashica 12. I love it. The advantages of 120 film makes 35mm feel like cropped APS-C digital sensors.
However, today, it seems that every photo nerd (myself included) is driving up the price of the used medium format film market. With the Mamiya 6, body only, often selling for over $700 and Rollei TLRs also going for a decent chunk of change, these antique 35mm cameras start making a lot of sense.
Unless you want a high demand film camera such as any Leica, Nikon SP, et al, these less commonly mentioned 35mm cameras can be strong performers. Especially when you start shopping for lenses for these less popular SLRs, the math starts to make sense. The Mamiya CS series of lenses ranged from 14mm to 300mm. These seem to ocasionally pop up on ebay.
Conclusion
Typically, I highly recommend the Nikon FE for anyone looking to get into film. Sadly, the price of the FE has gone up in the last few years due to increased demand. However, if you find a great price for a Mamiya nc1000s on ebay or in a thrift store, get it. Don't hesitate.
This is the perfect camera for someone looking to give film a shot, add a camera to their collection, or anyone looking to collect classic cameras.
If you do get this camera, I've had very pleasant results with Kodak Ektar 100. The saturation, warmth and fine grain are a perfect match.
You can view many of my photos taken with this camera on my flickr set specifically for this camera.
Monday, Dec. 10th 2012
Review: Yashica 12 Medium Format TLR #
I'd call this a review, but it's not. Considering that the camera was originally made circa 1966 (45 years ago), I'm not exactly reviewing a new Macbook Air.
Since acquiring my Nikon FE, I've been enjoying shooting with film again. Previously, there weren't a whole lot of opportunities for me to shoot medium format. In college, I only took 35mm SLR classes.
Fortunately, this camera came along. I had not show with a Twin Lens Reflex camera before. The horizontally flipped image took some getting used to. But before long, I was taking light readings and snapping photos as if I had been doing it for some time.
About
The Yashica 12 is a 120 medium format camera. It takes 12 photos on a roll of 120 film, producing a 6x6cm or 2.25x2.25in negative. It has a 5x5 grid to aid composition. The square format was absolutely fantastic. Being used to a 35mm and similar digital aspect ratio, this format was a nice experience. It gave me fresh compositions, and forced me to think differently.
The camera is pretty straightforward. It's entirely mechanical. The fact that it has lasted nearly half a decade is a testament to its durability. My Nikon D70s lasted about five years before it started to have issues relating to its circuitry.
Glass and Bokeh
While the Yashica-12 isn't quite as iconic as the Rollei TLRs, it's build quality is fantastic and the glass is fairly decent. The 80mm f3.5 Yashinon lens produces sharp images and pleasant bokeh.
Build Quality
This camera isn't the lightest. But I wouldn't hesitate to take it on a short hike. It's dimensions fit pleasingly in the hands. The leatherette is still intact, and looks like it will last some time.
Overall
This camera is pretty fantastic. Sure, it doesn't have iTTL, or even a functioning light meter (the mercury riddled batteries for it are no longer made). But, it's enjoyable to shoot with. It's slow operating, and only takes twelve shots to a roll. It may not seem attractive to todays PowerShot strutting user, but that's not the point. This camera's purpose is to enforce the user to take their time. Compose their image. And ask the often overlooked photography question: "Is this worth taking a photo of?"
Monday, Dec. 10th 2012
Black and White #
Recently, I've been quite astounded by how cheap one can acquire and shoot film cameras. About a month ago, I purchased a Nikon FE from ebay for around $100. It had new seals. It was tested. And it even came with a new watch-sized battery. The seller was Blue Penn Cameras. The battery will last around five years. I attached a Nikon 50mm f1.8 lens AF-D that I already had. They can be found for under $200 and they're quite good.
The Nikon FE was made from 1979 to 1983. At the time, it was considered a pro-sumer camera. Not quite the professional F line, not quite the low-end cameras. As for features, it only has what you need.
It has a fairly accurate and reliable light meter, shutter speed (aperture is adjusted on the lens), automatic mode, a self timer, flash sync, and not much more. Ken Rockwell writes on his site: "The Nikon FE is one of my favorite Nikon cameras of all time." That praise is hard to beat.
While shooting with my Nikon D7000, I'm always thinking about ISO, dynamic range, noise reduction, vibration reduction, and all the other amalgamation of technology. There's too many distractions. With the FE, I focus more on composition. What actually matters. Will I stop shooting with my D7000? Hell no. Is the FE a good creative exercise and an enjoyable camera to shoot with? Hell yes.
After shooting an expired roll of Kodak T-MAX 400 on it, I sent it off to North Coast Photographic Services to be processed. This was my first time using them. I was quite impressed with the results. The development of the film was flawless, and their enhanced scan was very well done. I'll be sending more rolls of film their way soon.
The flickr set can be seen here.
What's really interesting is when you compare the cost of film to digital. With the Nikon FE averaging around $100, and a much more modern Nikon F100 around $250, it's a very cheap alternative. With current scanning technology, 35mm film is equivalent to 24 megapixels. That's D3 territory. That's also $5,000 territory. Even the D7000 (16 megapixel) itself is close to $1,500. With that difference in money, you could shoot quite a few rolls of film before even approaching the initial cost of digital.
Although the Nikon FE is around 40 years old, the construction quality is amazing. It will easily last another 40. With a bit of care, it may even outlast me. I know that it will last longer than the very overcomplicated, yet amazing, Nikon D7000. My seven year old Nikon D70s has even begun having some issues with writing to memory cards. These circuit board issues will not plague the mostly mechanical Nikon FE.
The Nikon FE feels amazing. Having spent my life growing up around plastic toys, and later plastic tools and cameras, it really is amazing to hold this steel camera. In the event of zombie apocalypse, I'm grabbing this camera for self defense. It's made to last. Unfortunately, I don't have any experience holding the Leica M series. I'd love to be able to compare.
I don't recommend film for everyone. If you're interested in photography, have the basic understanding of aperture, shutter speed, and can read a light meter, you have no excuse. You can buy everything you need to shoot your first roll of film for under $200.