I like the Minolta Semi P—much more than expected. For the second round of testing, I loaded it with Lomography Potsdam Kino, took a few shots around the house, then went for a stroll. Unfortunately, a developing mishap led to odd floral-like patterns on the negatives. The few frames thatContinue Reading
The Minolta XK (XM/X-1) is a storied camera, a fine example of Minolta innovation introduced in 1972 with interchangeable finders and auto-exposure. It was Minolta’s first stab at a professional camera system, offering 8 seconds to 1/2000 shutter speeds, aperture priority shooting with auto exposure, and nine user-interchangeable focus screens.Continue Reading
About two years ago, I spied what looked to be a nearly mint black SR-T 101 in a large eBay lot of four lenses, three books, an SR-T SC-II, and a pack of SR-T spare parts. Hoping to fulfill my dream of owning a black 101, I wrote to theContinue Reading
The Minolta AF 35-105mm f3.5-4.5 is an oddity. It is widely touted for its sharpness and has an overall rating of 4.64/5 (sharpness, 4.78) on Dyxum, with the main ding against it being relatively poor flare control. I have seen it mentioned glowingly many times in forums. Yet somehow, IContinue Reading
As a Minolta fan, it is always heartwarming to read about the former days. Whether those days include innovations and breakthroughs or missteps and dead-ends, the stories are compelling. Unfortunately, many of these tidbits are found in old magazines and forums but rarely in some organized collection. Most books aboutContinue Reading
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
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
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 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
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
