From Gear to Images
There is something special about looking through a viewfinder, framing a scene, pausing to be sure all is as desired, then slowly pressing the shutter button. Anticipation–that itch to see the scene on a negative–starts right then. The unknowns account for some of the allure of using film—failure is alwaysContinue Reading
Vincent
When I was a child, maybe eight or nine years old, I discovered paint-by-numbers kits. The kits were cheap and plentiful, always oil, and usually 8×10 or so in size. Completing a painting usually took only an afternoon. For some reason, no painting ever made it into a frame, andContinue Reading
The Final Three Cameras
I have shot seven rolls of film in the last week or so–usually this happens when I have a lot of new ideas to try. But this time, it’s because I got a few new cameras. They are the last purchases for the VMLP; my collecting efforts are complete! TheContinue Reading
Baby Lemons
“Lemon tree, very pretty, and the lemon flowers smell sweet,” as the song goes. I have learned these words are indeed true as I’ve watched the yearly cycle of the lemon tree in our sitting room. The tree was a gift for my mother-in-law (we all called her “Mommy”) sixContinue Reading
Refining My Development Technique with Df96 and Ultrafine Xtreme 400
I have had good results with Ultrafine Xtreme 100. The grain is always pleasant and the images sharp. The same has been true of HP5+ and Tri-X. However, I had begun to avoid Ultrafine Xtreme 400 because the grain was so pronounced that it had become distracting. I use CineStillContinue Reading
Well…I Think It Is Time to Declutter
I have too many cameras and lenses. When buying gear, sometimes it’s necessary to buy an entire lot just to get one item. This happened to me a number of times, and now I need to find loving homes for the overflow. I decided to do the VMLP forContinue Reading
VMLP 9: Minolta Maxxum 8000i — “i” Is for Intelligence!
The 8000i was close to the last Maxxum I bought. When I initially decided to purchase multiple Minolta cameras (before I conceived of the VMLP), I chose to focus on the “Sevens” (7000, 7000i, 7xi, 700si, 7, and 70). The 8000i entered the picture with the VMLP. Even then, IContinue Reading
To Verbena, with Gratitude
Every label I have read clearly states verbena is an annual in zones 4 to 7. I read labels and used to believe them. But, I am beginning to think labels are best thought of as educated guesses—more like what the grower believes about a plant rather than botanical facts. Continue Reading
A Comedy of Errors…(or Live and Learn)
Sometimes things seem destined to go wrong. Last week I decided to try out my new black XD11. It came in a lot, and the owner said it had been stored unused for 15 years. Usually, I would insist on proof the camera worked. But this XD11 was black and said toContinue Reading
VMLP 8: Minolta Maxxum 28-105mm — Very Good, Rarely Mentioned
This is my first true Lens Love post. My goal is to report my experiences with various lenses, primarily how they work with film. There are many detailed lens reviews available that use digital cameras—and I use those reviews quite often—but digital sensors react to light differently compared to film.Continue Reading
