Filed under: Ilford

Screen window bokeh

Oliver looking out the screen window, which created an interesting checkerboard pattern in the bokeh (out-of-focus areas). I was trying a recently purchased Zeiss-Ikon Contaflex Super, made in 1959. It's one of the cross-over cameras that employed a leaf shutter in the lens like older folders, used SLR viewfinder technology. The most famous of these types is the Voigtländer Bessamatic. The positives were manufacturers could use existing parts and knowledge with the shutters, while providing WYSIWYG viewfinders that Japanese camera makers were dominating the market with. Pentax, Nikon, and others were creating the next generation of camera, and the Germans were a little too stubborn to change in time. The main negatives about the leaf shutter were that lens interchangeability was difficult, and the mirror stayed down and blacked out the viewfinder until you cocked the shutter. The jury's still out on the lens in this camera. There's too much flare, even with a shade. The edges seem a bit soft, even in towards the center. I think my developer was off in this batch, so I'm going to give the camera another whirl with color this summer. I still don't think it will match the "Oh my God" sharpness and contrast of my Voigtländer Bessamatic, though.

Oliver_screen_window-2012-0219

Park Bench

At Camp Nelson. A bit of a candid, and a mistake. She kept watching me as I explored around. She finally gave up, I guess figuring I was harmless. As I was post-processing this, I slipped while adjusting the curves. It gave me the lithograph look, saving what was going to be a ho hum picture. I was already having contrast problems anyway. Like we say in the production biz, "If it's already trouble, just dumb it down."

(Bronica ETRS, Ilford Delta 100, Ilfosol 1:9)

Park_bench_campnelson-2012-021

Minimal Hill

At Camp Nelson, KY. A study in minimalism. I would have liked to see more slope on the foreground hill on the right. I might try this one again in the summer to get more shadow/sun contrast.

(Bronica ETRS, Ilford Delta 100, Ilfosol 1:9)

Minimal_hill_campnelson-2012-0