Here’s to Life
Back in the days when Tower Records was the place to shop for music, I used to spend at least two afternoons each month browsing the jazz section for new releases. I had long since learned that jazz critics and I did not hear the same thing on recordings, so reading magazinesContinue Reading
VMLP 24: The Minolta A–Minolta’s Rangefinder Reboot
I did not expect much from the Minolta A. I bought it because, having decided to try Minolta rangefinders, I figured why not start with the first member of the modern 35mm fixed-lens line. The Minolta A is the oldest child in the family of cameras that ended in theContinue Reading
Halcyon and Fire Island Hostas: Back from the Dead
I’ve written before about the relentless march of the ferns that led me to relegate some of them to the backyard. I had to banish most of them because they nearly wiped out the Halcyon and Fire Island hostas. With its deep blue-green foliage, the Halcyon was reduced toContinue Reading
Rangefinders: The Epilogue
Beware of people asking questions. By nature, I like to be helpful. Teaching is something I enjoy. For better or worse, it can also lead to unintended gear purchases. My most recent adventure began when someone in a Minolta camera group asked what a Minolta Super A set was worth.Continue Reading
Buying Your First Minolta Autofocus Film Camera and Lenses: Advice for Newbies
If you are new to Minolta autofocus gear, very likely, you are having a hard time deciding on what cameras and lenses to buy. Minolta cameras and gear were marketed in North America as “Maxxum” and in Europe as “Dynax.” There is a lot of info available in blogs andContinue Reading
Frame Works? Our Doves
Description: Mourning doves relaxing Background: It seems that 2022 is the year for birds at our house. I started putting out bird seed in winter, and it quickly attracted regulars. By April, there were four nesting families—two sets of house finches at the apex of the eaves on the front and westContinue Reading
Kentmere 100 as an Ultrafine Xtreme 100 Replacement???
I discovered Ultrafine Xtreme in 2020. It never occurred to me to stock up on it. It seemed plentiful, and everyone raved about it, so there was no reason to fear its loss. Since I used it mainly for testing purposes, I bought only the 12-exposure rolls. To be honest,Continue Reading
Up Close 1: A Pleasant Surprise from a Minolta Autocord and + 1 Close-up Filters
Up Close is an ongoing series relating my attempts at macro photography. I have always been fascinated by the larger-than-life appearance of macro photos. I doubt there will be any insects, but obviously, flowers will have a good representation in what I shoot. From a technical standpoint, macro work isContinue Reading
I Have Ceded the Backyard to the Ferns
One ostrich fern–one. When my hosta garden still seemed a little bare, I decided ferns would be a good addition. My wife, who loves ferns, thought it was a wonderful idea. I really should have read a book. Wandering through Grower’s Outlet, looking for Prairie Bella day lilies (they neverContinue Reading
Choosing Film, Exploring Emulsions
Since I started doing photography in 2019, my focus has been 90% on film and gear tests. Occasionally, I mixed in a purposeful image or two that I hoped to be ”art” worthy. I now have about 15 pictures I want to print and am about to start selecting myContinue Reading
