This is another great Arsenal Kiev rangefinder, a camera that is great to use just like it’s sibling the 4AM. Paired with the Jupiter-8M lens, it is forgiving enough to be a daily shooter. The fine-tune focus wheel is a welcome feature and made it easy to quickly compose shots. Make Arsenal Model Kiev 4A…
Foth Derby Type 3
I knew virtually nothing about the Foth-Derby except that a friend of mine had one and found the camera intriguing. When one became available at a price too good to pass up, I snapped up this little 127 viewfinder camera. The Derby feels well built, except for the viewfinder which looks like it would be…
Kodak Retina I (Type 148)
The collection of Retinas continues to grow. This example was picked up at Central Camera in Chicago on my first trip to that photogenic city. As usual, the build quality is exceptional. The Type 148 feels very similar to the Type 126 in my hands but feels slightly heavier. More details will be forthcoming once…
Lomography Fisheye 1
The Lomography Fisheye 1 is a paragon of photographic engineering excellence. No, I can’t say that with a straight face. The tape I used to get a roll of UltraFine 100 film to adhere to the take-up spool (and subsequently fell off), laughable frame counter, and build quality of McDonald’s Happy Meal toy makes that…
Pentax Auto 110
The Pentax Auto 110 is a tiny beauty that is a joy to shoot with. It is a perfect SLR in a tiny package. The viewfinder is bright and the camera is dead simple to use. That being said, I am not horribly impressed with the results. Already enamored with the ME Super, this Auto 110…
Canon demi EE17
I love the way this camera looks, as I do most half-frame shooters, though my favorite by far is the Olympus Pen-F, also introduced in 1963. The viewfinder is bright and controls easy to use. Although, as with many Japanese cameras the focus throw is short, utilizing roughly 1/6 of available ring space. Film advance…
Olympus Pen-F
What can I say, I have lusted after an Olympus Pen-F for a while. I have a weakness for half-frame cameras and the Pen-F is the pinnacle. When one became available from Japan, at a price I could live with, I snapped it up. Everything works, and works well, on this Pen-F. The controls are precise…
Carl Zeiss Werramat
I didn’t know what to expect with the Carl Zeiss Werramat, originally purchased due to its clean design and unique lens cover. Equally interesting is the rapid-wind and cocking action initiated by twisting the ring at the base of the lens. Surprising to precisely no-one is that optics on the Tessar f2 50mm lens are…
Arsenal Kiev 4AM
No, 4AM is not the preferred time to use this camera, rather the model of this great Arsenal Kiev rangefinder, a camera that is a joy to use any time of day. Paired with the Jupiter-8M lens, some remarkable pictures can be captured. Despite initial issues with wayward fingers blocking the rangefinder window, the 4AM…
Beauty Canter 2.8
This is the Beauty Canter 2.8. It is a 35mm rangefinder camera manufactured in 1957 by Taiyodo Koki. Interestingly the Canter has a tinted viewfinder lens and a diamond-shaped rangefinder patch. Make Taiyodo Koki Model Beauty Canter Year c 1957 Format 35mm Shutter Copal-MXV Speed B,1,2,5,10,25,50,100,250,500 Lens FC Canter f2.8 45mm Focus 2.7ft – ∞ Aperture f2.8…
Pentax ME Super
I consider the Olympus OM-1n as one of my favorite recent acquisitions to shoot, but a friend recommended I try the Pentax ME Super. It has a similar form factor and feel to the Olympus. It also feels lighter in hand, a fact borne out by the specs. The ME Super is roughly two-tenths of a…
Ihagee Exakta Varex IIa
Since starting my collection, I have always liked the look of Ihagee cameras. In fact, I have nine of them, eight working. Oddly I have never shot with one until now. Which one did I pick? The Varex IIa. Despite some quirks, this camera is a joy to use and is perhaps the prettiest in…
