Hi everyone

[Fontinalis]

Between the mid-eighties and end of nineties, I tackled analog photography as a serious amateur, let's just say, equipped with a great Nikon FE. That thing was like a tank. Indestructible. Bought used at a yard sale, it delivered impeccably for decades. Around the same time, I also tackled Polaroid transfers (dye transfers and emulsion transfers). It was lots and lots of fun. Got into digital photography around 2006, still as an amateur, using a Panasonic ELPH (I forget which one), documenting travels by bicycle, birdwatching, nature photography, etc. That is when keeping a blog was a thing, and 500 followers was a measure of success. (LOL). Around 2010 I got introduced to 4/3 format, bought a Panasonic Lumix GX7 which came with a great lens to start with. Loved it. And still enjoy it from time to time. But, to be honest, digital photography (including the uses of cell phone cameras), has never been the same for me as analog photography. I see extraordinary craft in both analog and digital photography, and loads of super talented people in both. That is not an issue. But I miss my Nikon FE and the analog process, and how a limited number of shots (12, 24, 36) on a roll of film, combined with not seeing the result immediately, forced me to approach the whole thing. I see analog photography as a way for me to slow down at this point. Two weeks ago, a vintage camera crossed my path, and even with 'buyers beware' in mind, the impulse buy happened. The price was very reasonable, so limited damage on the wallet (so far!). A medium format Zeiss Ikon Nettar 515/16 that came with case, leaflet from the store it was bought at in Switzerland, probably just before or during WWII. (I'm currently working on documenting its provenance a little better). I have to say that I will need a refresher course on the basics of analog photography - all part of the adventure - but I expect that it is like riding a bicycle, it will all come back to me. ;-) I reached out to PhotoTrio forums for some help about this camera, as I saw there were great minds and tons of knowledgeable people here. Thanks for the help already. I hope I can also make my humble contribution.

 

[Old_Dick]

Bienvenue

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Welcome to Photrio, Fontinalis! Montreal is a very stimulating place for art and photography! I just wish the Canadiens would bring home the cup!

 

[Alan Edward Klein]

Welcome.

 

[Molli]

Salut, Fontinalis, et bienvenue! Those Zeiss Ikon Nettars are lovely little cameras, aren't they? I have a very early 510, "the Bob" which renders surprisingly lovely images for such a simple little camera.

I hope we're able to help you with the issues you're having with it and that you're able to get out there and use it soon.

Beware, we will have you buying darkroom gear by the end of the week!

 

[mshchem]

Welcome!!!!

 

[Fontinalis]

Salut, Fontinalis, et bienvenue! Those Zeiss Ikon Nettars are lovely little cameras, aren't they? I have a very early 510, "the Bob" which renders surprisingly lovely images for such a simple little camera.

I hope we're able to help you with the issues you're having with it and that you're able to get out there and use it soon.

Beware, we will have you buying darkroom gear by the end of the week!

Yes, I can't wait to have the problem figured out and fixed. And will for sure get out there with the camera as soon as I can.
I plan on having the films developed. There are a few good places in Montreal that are good at it, and not too expensive.
I can then scan the negatives and see if any are worth printing.

 

[Molli]

No, no, no - Make a contact proof print first THEN decide if any are worth printing!

I'm kidding! Enjoy those lovely big negatives when you get your camera up and running.
I do make individual little contact prints from my 6x9 negatives (no enlarger required!) and make little cardboard pocket albums to store them in. It gives me something to show people when they ask about the camera and say things like, "but you can't get film for that anymore."

 

[Fontinalis]

I do make individual little contact prints from my 6x9 negatives (no enlarger required!) and make little cardboard pocket albums to store them in. It gives me something to show people when they ask about the camera and say things like, "but you can't get film for that anymore."

I love it! Neat idea.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Welcome to Photrio!