Filed under: Jessamine

Stangled Tree

I really want this camera, the Konica Auto S2, to be one of my everyday go-to cameras. It's a Japanese rangefinder from the mid-60's is the perfect fixed-lens rangefinder. It has the ability to go full manual or auto (shutter priority), with in-viewfinder metering. The metering cell is in the lens casing, so adding filters automatically compensates for light loss. The rangefinder is bright, and is actually easier to focus than SLRs. The lens is a one of the most underrated lenses of all time. It's in the same league as Carl Zeiss, Schneider, and Leica. The trouble? The damn electronics (meter) is intermittent. I've done everything but replace all the wiring. I can certainly meter by hand (or with my nifty iPhone app), but I like my cameras to be fully functional. A rangefinder is all about spontaneity, That's why a working meter is essential. Oh well, I'll crack it open again and maybe replace the battery contacts.

Strangled_tree-2012-0221_kons2

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