Recent content by Big G

I use the Mamiya 6 with the unloved (but consequently cheap) 150mm lens. You need some cooperation from the subject, but it does work -- mostly. Sure, I would like to use a Hasselblad with one of the longer lenses, but I'd like to keep both my kidneys.

One of those big square Linhof lens hoods -- the one that uses spring pressure to stay on the lens and has a slip-in circular filter holder. It doesn't fit any lens I own, large format or otherwise. It also wasn't cheap.

The Spanish and German version.

Here you go. I have left out a page with languages other than English because of the 2MB limit. Ah, but I see you are from Switzerland, so I will attach the German version to the next post

I think my one is about 1997, towards the end of production. It's a camera that I have total confidence in -- it's rock solid and utterly reliable. You just know it's going to work. Yes, the flash set up is a little dodgy, and the small light doesn't appear to work anymore, but these are easily...

I liked Nikon House -- an astonishing variety of all things Nikon. A few years ago I snagged an F2 body that mated nicely with an orphaned eye-level prism I had. However, two weeks ago I looked for the shop in the same location (Ginza) and it was no more. The curved glass is still there, but...

That's a great list from Petapixel-- one that I might use myself! Honestly, Nikon is a prolific brand, and you're not looking for anything exotic. I like Fujiya, mostly because it's got a big range and I know where to find the shop (this a country 'where the streets have no name', literally). I...

I live within walking distance of the Nikon factory in Natori, although I don't think they make cameras there anymore. Japan is indeed a paradise for used photo gear, but you need to be prudent about where to shop. Many stores in the upmarket areas like the Ginza specialize in rare and...

I have used the Capital TK79 meter for a number of years -- so simple that it looks like a toy. I also give a shout out to the venerable Sekonic L228 zoom meter. Endorsed by no less than Fred Picker, it has worked very well with PR44 hearing aid batteries (1.4V). Although a little slow to...

I know how you feel. I had mine fixed in Japan a couple of years ago. They did a good job (Suwa Camera), but who knows how long it will stay fixed? So far so good, but these cameras are getting pretty long in the tooth. I'm on tenterhooks every time I fire it up. I also don't have Kendall...

So in my local camera shop they have a couple of trays of miscellaneous items. You know what I mean -- tripod plates, body caps, cable releases, a brand new Kodak ready-load holder (the latter priced according to its usefulness). I found two rare (at least here) Canon 40mm filters for my Canon...

Another vote for the Nikkormats (or Nikomats here in Japan). Models in reasonable shape can be had in the $20 - $40 range on local second hand sites. Simple, robust, unpretentious, and made in numbers that make them undesirable for collectors. Even their meters (the weak point of many cameras...

My local camera shop has a bin of 90s film SLRs with a notice saying they're all broken. I've found that some of them are, but many are not. They only require a battery and a customer willing to forgo a guarantee. I've picked up a Nikon F80S (or N80) and a Canon 620 for about $5 each. Both have...

I have this camera. It cost a whopping $5 from a junk store in Japan. It had the usual backlight problem that quickly drained the expensive battery. I opened it up (using excellent instructions from IFIXIT) and cut the two offending wires. Seems to work fine now. It's got a solid feel and the...

I have to agree that the meter on the 6 is not the best, but it's perfectly serviceable within its limitations. As suggested above, the AEL is a great help, and a +1 exposure compensation adjustment done as a matter of course is a good idea. I've hardly had any trouble with underexposure in...