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Hello from France

John Henry

Member
Allowing Ads
Joined
Sep 24, 2016
Messages
9
Location
France
Format
35mm
I'm returning to film after a 15 year hiatus. I kept trying digital but, for some reason I was never happy and sorely missed the darkroom experience.

I'm in the process of rebuilding the type of outfits I had at the beginning of this century. As I still had a few Nikon bits hanging about a Nikon outfit was first on the list, in the past I had an F4 and FE2, this time round F90x and FG, half a dozen lenses, SB24 etc.
Before I was a Nikon convert I was an OM fan. So, as I can now get an OM4 for peanuts I'm in the process of building an OM system too, OM4, OM2, and today an OM-PCdx aka OM40. I've managed to get my favourite Zuiko, a 50mm F1.4. I can't believe just how low prices have got. So far my OM outfit, 3 cameras, T32 flash, 6 lenses and a few bits and bobs have cost just over £300. As a scary example today I bought the PC-DX, Kiron 28-210, tripod and "satchel" case, all described as being in good working order for the princely sum of £1.99! Now I just need a Bronica S1a. My old one together with a 220 back, together with a Pentax Spotmeter was, back then, a delight to use.

I've also got hold of an example of the first slr I ever owned a Pentax SV, with a Weston Master 5 to use when I really feel the need to go back to basics.
Film is cheaper to get from Germany than from here in France, darkroom supplies too. All the darkroom stuff should be here by the end of the week. Then, providing I can remember how to load a Patterson reel, I'll be semi-stand developing to my heart's content.
 
Bon retour parmi les maniaques de la spire Patterson...
 
Welcome to APUG! That's quite a list of cameras you get you going...
 
Welcome to APUG
 
HI. Try an Angenieux enlarging lens, which are rare here in the US but should't be hard to get there---real JAZZY!
 
HI. Try an Angenieux enlarging lens, which are rare here in the US but should't be hard to get there---real JAZZY!

Should be pricey... And I am not sure it is that common even in Europe.
 
I got a new 48mm G10 many yrs ago for $100 from Central Camera in Chicago, a priceless jewel!! See'em on ebay once in a while for about $400, and worth it!!
 
This is not what I understand from comparative reviewed done in the '80... Good lens but nothing outstanding (a mere Meogon was rated better).
 
I have the Meogon S also. The G10 has extraordinary brilliance, only my Komura S has as much. It's got a soft, baby-blue look, is really swank and Jazz-Age. Only thing is, it's a little "Frenchy", too. I have closely eyeballed many prints w/many top enlarging lenses over many years, and you absolutely cannot tell the "LOOK" of a lens from "test reports".
 
I don't know what do you mean by "Frenchy" so I suspect we are here in a very subjective territory.... Nothing wrong but nothing to discuss neither.

BTW, I also have a Komuranon 3.5/50mm lens. Underrated lens (Komura is not considered as a top lens manufacturer), nicely built but here again nothing another lens (Rodagon for instance) could not do.
 
The Komuranon S is very close to the Leitz Focotar 2 (of which I have 2, and 6 "Ss". Do you have a "S" or an "E"? It took me a year to notice what it could do (back in 1980, when I was new at comparing lenses) and it hit me like a lightning bolt! Yes, I have a Rodagon too, I have them all, except for APOs. The S is on a higher plane & much more luxurious than a Rodagon.
 
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Komuranon-S 3.5/50mm. My Omicron-EL 2.8/50mm is marginally better (crisper film gain under the enlarging focuser).