Dream Camera or Expensive Donkey?

I’m not sure when exactly, but at some point in the past I began to pine after a Rolleiflex 2.8.  The model wasn’t an issue, the age or cosmetic condition wasn’t an issue, I just want a Rolleiflex 2.8.  But which lens?

Having found a resolution test of the Xenotar and the Planer F2.8 lenses I discovered that they are virtually identical and come down to personal preference.  The only difference seemed to be the cost (xenotar seemed to be cheaper!!).

Now I managed to get one from the infamous Bay auction site, expecting near perfection in terms of the condition.  The anticipation nearly drove me crazy as I waited for the text that said “postman has dropped a parcel of for you.”

The text came, I rushed home after work and ripped into the box like my life depended on it.  Then everything went dark!  The lens was peppered in lots of tiny dots (flaws in the coating, a couple of small dints in the front element and bubbles between the front elements), which instantly put me off keeping the camera.  So back it went and my trip to Las Vegas drew closer.

It was time to trawl through the Bay and find another one and try and get it quick.  Messages where exchanged and a phone conversation later and I have a replacement.  I may have paid more than it is worth but I want it now instead of later.

So what did I get?

A Rolleiflex 2.8F plus case and light meter cover.

A set of all 3 rolleinars plus cases

Rolleiflex yellow and UV filters

Rolleiflex hood + case

2 rollei camera straps

 

To say I am a little stoked would be an understatement.  I just hope that the condition is as good as described and that it lives up to its reputation.

All thats left is the long wait till the morning, a battle with packaging and several minutes of looking at my purchase.  Oh and then to test it and share the results too.

 

Blog incessantly and pointlessly or infrequently and with some minor worth?

Blog more often to boost your visits! Increase the number of people following you by increasing the number of blogs you post.

Now, early on I decided to make this blog a record and sharing of moments I’ve happened to capture of film. After several emails I could feel that pull towards getting followers, inviting comments on my posts,, but then I realised it was a little futile to try. There are millions of blogs posted everyday and millions more people viewing blogs with varying tastes and ideas, so what was I trying to do? Appeal to them all, appeal to a niche or appeal to none?

I could chose to appeal to none, which would justify the lack of readers or followers of what I write and share or I could spread the word on Facebook and other sites. “check out my blog!” sent to a multitude or friends, who may pass it on……….., if they like what I’m doing. That is assuming they bother to “check it out”

Now, I’m not knocking those that wish to share their thought with the world and I realise that I sound like a grumpy old man, but that’s not my intention. I’m merely using the urge to share as a way of contemplating my own motives.

Now, I think some more and realise I need something to drive my image making along. Something to give a purpose to ending that roll of film and seeking that small opportunity to capture time, even if it is a temporary form of stasis that will lives long as the image lives.

It’s an odd act to share thought with people who may never visit to read. It is almost like praying, being observed by some gods of different ages and then being left to my own devices.

Well, I guess I’ve answered my own question. Although reading back thought the rambling thoughts that sprawled from my brain I almost say “I won’t blog cos tsin our nature to seek approval from the masses and to seek some prestige, no matter how small.”

Note to self – “Blog with something worth sharing, even if that means you avoid blogging.”

Second note – “maybe even write a draft and tweak it before publishing”.

Oh well, guess I ignored my second note : )

New Instruments To Capture Time

It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything and about the same amount of time since I felt exited about using a camera. The problem stemmed from having sold my most trusted and favourite instruments, and since that time, no other cameras had the same feel to them.

Recently I came across an old set of Balda folding cameras. They all needed something done to them and I could feel that old excitement again!! Odd that I was getting exited about using a set of cameras that didn’t even work fully as they were.

This ones the best of the bunch and only needed a l little clean up to get it up and running.

Ive done some research on the lens and it seems it is a special little thing. It is a rare 5 element Xenar (later called the S-Xenar) and it is in excellent condition. I’ve checked the bellows and even they are in great condition. Makes up for the lack of care given to the others I guess!
A film is in there and all that’s needed is to shoot some test shot and develop it to see what it is capable of.

The First Of Many…………

I’ve looked through many blogs and always wandered about creating my own.  It’s an odd thing to partake in, especially when it is the first post and there isn’t an established theme yet.  It will be interesting how this blog grows and evolves over time.

The only vague purpose is to provide a chaotic and unstable imagination with an outlet that can be scrutinised by one and all and give some form to the incoherence of daily thought.  

I’ve recently rediscovered old friends (film, caffenol, film scanner and light meter) and have been spending some time reaffirming these old friendships, the results of which are below and the first of many…….

Taken on Leica CL with Voigtlander 40mm F1.4 S.C, Fomapan 100 @ box-speed, Stand developed in Caffenol-C-L @20°C for 70min

Taken on Leica CL with Jupiter-8 lens, Fomapan 400 rated @ 100, Stand developed in Caffenol-C-L @21°C, 32min