Here are few snaps from a cool some what retro camera: the Nikon FE.
After replacing the batteries (A76’s) and figuring out the buttons and levers I went out and shot a roll of Fuji Reala 100 through it. It appears to meter well. I could learn how to use exposure lock so I can blow out the sun when shooting into it.
The feel is solid through out. I have to get used to the shutter lock – it is the main lever in the flat position. Most 35’s are ready to go in this position. The FE requires a slight outward click to release the shutter. Ultimately this will be a good thing to prevent accidental exposure.
There isn’t much to it other than to compose and shoot. Set up is simple: set the ISO on the left, keep the exposure compensation on “zero” (till I know how it behaves), set the shutter speed on “Auto” then dial in the f stop on the lens.
I would like to find a 85 1.4 or 105 2.8 to try portraits and of course a 21 or 24 Zeiss for wide angle stuff.
I scanned these on a Fuji SP-2000 without correction or Digital Ice. I cleaned up the scans (not the FILM!) with simple curves adjustment in CS4. A slight amount of Smart Sharpening for file size reduction.
Let me know what you think.
Go to Ken Rockwell’s site for a great, detailed review on the FE.
I once read that without boundaries there is no freedom. That’s a tough one to sort out at first, but when you think of it, in life, when we can go anywhere and do anything, we can loose focus and end up wishing we were somewhere else doing something different.
Living within our boundaries, if we are determined to improve our income, ie: get a good job, excel at it and make higher than average money, we then can afford ourselves the freedom to go to places that we dream of: vacation spots…or even move to “there”.
In photography, by using a “limiting” medium such as film, we force ourselves to see a little better and not shoot anything that crosses our path. You trade pixel perfection for a little clarity and vision. You trade safety for edge, and you end up gaining confidence that the real photographic experience is not at the sales counter or computer, but at the moment of capture.
Gerry - 1953 Rolleiflex Zeiss 2.8C w/Kodak Ektar 100
Wally's Harley - Canon Rebel 2000, Zeiss 85, Kodak Portra 160 VC.
When all is said and done, it matters not so much the method of capture, film or digital: they both have their advantages. It does matter what lens you use and why. It does matter where you stand and when you snap the shutter.
For many, digital ends up becoming the fast food of photography. Pictures are just machine-gunned every time out and little is thought about Vision.
A few from yesterday’s snowstorm. Yea I was the dope without a hat or gloves trying to get a couple of snaps in nasty Chicago weather.
Lights on a Red Wall
Twins
Here are just a few shots of flowers near the Wheaton Train Station.
All pictures shot with Nikon N55, Nikor 60 MM Micro, Kodak Max 200. Yup, $2.00 a roll.
We spent 4 hours running around Wheaton today trying to get a few gems…I had a fun and cooperative model today – thanks Honey!
Gallery:
