Critique my work with my new vintage cameras!

[keenmaster486]

So I picked up two older SLRs from eBay for $15 USD each a while back.

I've been shooting test rolls with them - just some cheap-o Arista.EDU 100. I'd like advice on my technique, and how to target the strengths of these particular cameras

EDIT: It's spring break for me! So this week I'm loading up at least one of these (and maybe some of my other cameras!) with some freaking COLOR REVERSAL FILM (which I've never shot before) and having a ton of fun. So that's part of the reason why I need critique of my work here; I want to make sure I completely know what I'm doing with these cameras before I go shooting slide film.

ANOTHER EDIT: I actually feel quite proud of these results regardless of how good they are - I was involved in every step of the process from setting the exposure to hanging the negatives to dry; it's a cool sense of accomplishment for this fresh-faced wet-behind-the-ears 19-year-old.

Here's the first one:
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Zeiss Contaflex Beta! This one is in perfect mechanical condition, with just a little discoloration on the front surface that you can see there. Everything is quite solid and works like a charm, even the meter. The speeds are within 1/3 stop of perfect on the higher speeds, and spot on for the lower ones.

Now the second one:
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Kodak Retina Reflex III. This one is in quite good condition, with just a little scratching on the metal. Mechanically everything works - but the exposure meter in the viewfinder and the one on the outside are not quite coupled properly. That's OK, since I can just calibrate for one of them and use only that one. The shutter appears to fire properly, although every once in a while the mirror sticks and I have to tap it slightly. The speeds are all within 1/3 stop of perfect. Sometimes when you cock it, the aperture does not open all the way up for viewing, so the viewfinder is dark, but mostly it works fine. In actual operation it's very fun to use, but heavy.

And now the results of a few weeks of walking around taking test shots on Arista.EDU 100 film, and then developing it myself in LegacyPro chemicals (have you noticed I'm a cheapskate yet? ) I've picked out what seem to me to be the best ones out of all of them

(bonus points if anyone can guess where any of these images were taken )

Disclaimer: All of these images were scanned from the negatives with a scanner that is *hmmph* NOT the best. I did my best to make them look good, but I have no reference point. Sadly, I have neither the money nor the space to make real prints and scan those

First, results from the Contaflex:

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Okay, now results from the Retina:

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My first thoughts:
1. The human interest shots appeal the most to me - those are the ones, out of these particular shots, that I would hang up on the wall. For nature/landscape/"looks cool" shots I think I prefer color.
2. Apparently I still need to learn how to hold the camera straight
3. I'm not quite sure I know what I'm doing metering-wise. In that last shot I metered for the shadows for sure... but they still came out nearly black (yes, I tried my best with the scanner settings to bring them out)

Sooooo what's everyone's opinion on these cameras and what I'm doing with them?

 

[mike c]

They all looked like they have been exposed and processed correctly to me, but maybe your scanner or my computer screen, but they seem a little soft, like camera movement, not focus, focus is good.I like the big vs the small dog photograph. They are both excellent camera's with a hi reputation, think you have two nice one's.

 

[Theo Sulphate]

I like all of those images - I like the subject matter and composition. Well done!

 

[MattKing]

I am just concerned about referring to a Retina Reflex III as "vintage" (because that would make me older than vintage).
I enjoyed all those photographs.
I really cannot tell much about the quality of the exposure and development from scans, other than that they are within the "ballpark".
I wouldn't worry too much about the performance of the Retina Reflex's meter in those conditions. It is a selenium meter, and isn't really designed for metering "the shadows".

 

[GregW]

Nice stuff. You're on the right track. One thing I'd suggest with the street shots. Watch how foreground elements react with background. In the Piano shot for instance had you stepped to your right a few feet the guy listening in the background might have been placed a bit better? Same with the dogs and couples greeting. We loose the woman on the far left, a different angle might have captured it a little better. That said, I do like the interactions you've been able to capture. I also notice a little softness, try and shoot with faster shutter speeds when hand held. At least the asa of the film and higher. asa 100: 1/100th. 400 asa might be a better choice for you?
Shoot lots and lots!

 

[R.Gould]

All looks fine to me, can't see any problems

 

[bsdunek]

They all look good to me too. GregW's comments are good. I don't have an interest in street photography so I probably wouldn't do as well.
I had a Retina Reflex S followed by a III. Really solid cameras for the most part. The S did have a weak point in the shutter cocking mechanism - it would break a little shaft inside. Never had a problem with the III. The only reason I traded it off for a Nikon F was so I could use bellows for close-up work. Still like my F's though. Keep posting.

 

[John Galt]

I'm a goober Noob . . . in fact i think I am the FNG here . . . . that said . . . I think your photos are great, certainly better than mine . . .

 

[markbarendt]

Not bad.

My advice, in general get closer to your subjects.

 

[Kevin Caulfield]

All look great. There is definitely some softness in the first couple, so I agree a faster shutter speed should help. I especially like the football shots too. Overall very well done.

 

[Brian Schmidt]

Hello.

The street shots may benefit from stooping a bit to raise the subject relative to the surroundings, making them look larger and more prominent. Also try playing with Depth of Field in the shots where the foreground and background don't complement each other.

The sports ones, in my eye, are excellent.

Lack of shadow detail may be due to the scanner. Take a loupe /magnifier and see the dark areas. Can you see good shadow detail on the film? You may have to look closely.

Something I've figured out, seeing as you are also at a University, is that the Microfiche machines in libraries are merely negative scanners with an assumed identity. I've never had a reason to do so but you might want to give it a try. The ones we have are capable of making digital files, inverting, and changing negative to positive and back.

Brian

 

[RichardJack]

Overall very nice images. Some could be sharper, but that might be the way they were scanned or human error. You have a very nice classic there, enjoy it in good health!

 

[keenmaster486]

Thank you all for all the constructive advice!!

I shot a roll of Velvia 100 through the Reflex III this week, trying to take some beautiful nature shots as the spring flowers are in full bloom... I will get the slides back on Monday or Tuesday hopefully and I will post results then!

Yes, these shots do look a little fuzzy... I will inspect the negatives with a loupe, but I suspect it has more to do with my choosing lower shutter speeds than scanner error

I'm also a little miffed cause the strap on the Reflex III broke, the camera dropped, and now the meter is completely unresponsive

 

[tessar]

Your shots all look just fine. I use old SLRs too (newest is about 25 years old). I find manual film cameras a lot easier to use than auto-everything models, must be my advanced age!