Nikon FM (1977)

Posted on April 5, 2013 by admin

This is my latest find; an early Nikon FM (Serial Number 2194502).

Nikon FM circa 1977

The FM was the successor of the Nikkormat range of cameras, labelled by Nikon as the first compact reflex camera. The FM is a fully manual camera with built-in exposure meter – similar to the one that Nikon used in the DP12 prism of the F2AS.

Nikon FM with Knurled Re-wind Lever

Early examples carried an engraved Nikon logo above the serial number. Having compared this early FM against a later FM in my collection it’s interesting to find several other slight differences between the bodies. Notably the re-wind knob is knurled on the early version, but not on the later. Likewise with the shutter button surround - knurled on the early version, but not on the later

Nikon FM with Knurled Shutter Button

The FM was an instant success due to the improvements made over previous Nikkormat models. The new camera included Ai metering, usable with both non-Ai and Ai Nikkor lenses.

Nikon FM Early Version on the left

The FM has gone through an amazing production cycle; over 20 years, the longest in Nikon’s history; the last model being the FM3A, a hybrid auto/mechanical camera.

The FM is still enthusiastically treasured by photographers today; some 36 year after it was launched – a timeless classic if ever there was one!

Nikon FM Shutter Button .. Early version on the left

From a collectors point of view look for early examples that show the engraved Nikon logo above the serial number. If you’re looking to add a 50mm lens a good match would be a 50mm f2 with a serial number between 3500014 and 3700001 these were made between 1977 and 1979.

Nikon FM with Engraved Nikon Logo .. very early versions only

Price wise; expect to pay between £80-£120 for later bodies, plus another £60 to £80 for a 50mm lens.

Happy hunting!

From Russia with Love

Posted on March 31, 2013 by admin

I’m forever on the lookout for the cameras I once owned when I first started out in photography. Here’s one I picked up the other day for just £20 – the Lubitel 166 Universal (Lubitel means Amateur in Russian). Theses medium format cameras were made by Lomo in Leningrad, formerly St. Petersburg between 1984 and 1998. I owned and used one for a very brief period in the late eighties.

Lubitel 166 Universal .. circa 1988

This being the “universal” model it will take both 6×6 and 6×4.5 (with adapter) images on 120 roll film. Despite the 166 being made of plastic, it does have a glass lens and is capable of taking some pretty sharp images; Lubitels were made by Lomo in Leningrad, formerly St. Petersburg between 1984 and 1998.

Shutter speeds on the 166 can be set from Bulb to 1/250 of a second and Apertures vary from f/4.5 to f/22. Although focusing is difficult in all but the best conditions there is a small magnifying glass, which flips up from within the head should you need it. If you do find focusing an issue you can always estimate the distance Holga-style.

Because the camera has no built-in light meter you’ll has to resort to the sunny 16 rule or get yourself a handheld light meter.

Specifications:

Camera type : 6×6, 6×4.5cm format TLR camera

Film : 120 roll film

Taking lens : T-22 75mm f/4.5

Sectors : eight

Shutter : B, 1/15, 1/30, 1/60, 1/125, 1/250 sec.

with built-in self-timer and flash sync contact.

Aperture range : f/4.5 – f/22

Viewfinder : focusing hood with direct-view finder built-in.

Focusing screen : Fresnel lens screen

Focusing : front-element focusing

Closest focusing distance : 1.4 meter

Filter accepted : 40.5 mm, screw-in type

Frame count : Film counting window

Body dimensions : H126 x W98 x D95mm

Body weight : 550 grams.

Although the Lubitel has a kind of toy-like appearance, it still attracts a large number of people, worldwide, for its compact body and unique lens performance. Unfortunately, Lomo no longer manufactures Lubitels, production ceased back in August 1998, making it now something of a cult classic!

Author & Son from 1988-89 .. Lubitel 166U

After a lengthy search I did manage to find one print that had been taken with my Lubitel back in 1988/89. Nonetheless, I hope to put a roll of film through this one very soon.

Fuji X100

Posted on March 30, 2013 by admin

For several years now I’ve been looking to own a high quality compact camera, not to replace my DSLR, just something small, light and manageable. My first purchase was the Canon G9, which at first seemed to fit the bill, but was let down badly by the poor viewfinder. My second compact was the Samsung NX-100, I won this camera in a competition through one of the UK photographic magazines back in 2011. My initial reaction was to sell it and add another SLR to my growing Nikon collection. However, once I’d tried the camera I really liked it, just two things missing – an EVF (Electronic View Finder) and a built-in flash. Nonetheless, I was using this camera up until a few days ago when I finally found what I was looking for – The FujiFilm X-100.

I played with the new X100s at Focus in March and loved it from the off, but with a price tag approaching almost a grand I turned my attention to the earlier (and just as lovely) X100.

After searching the Internet for a second hand X100 I found that it was much more economical (and wiser) to buy the X100 as a refurbished unit direct from Fuji and get one with a full 12 months guarantee.

My main concern about buying a refurbished model was condition; I didn’t want one that was marked or scratched! I phoned Fuji and asked them for advice; I was reassured that the camera would be in perfect condition and if I wasn’t entirely satisfied with it I could return the camera within seven days for a full refund. Safe in that knowledge I place my order online and paid for it that very same day.

I shouldn’t have worried really; Fuji delivered my new X100 the following day, everything was boxed and sealed, it even had the latest firmware installed, which saved me the job of doing it myself. I did however spend an hour or so setting up the camera with the following settings:

1. White Balance – Auto

2. Auto ISO – Max 1600, Minimum Shutter speed 1/80 sec

3. Auto Focus – Single Shot

4. Mode – Aperture Priority

5. Image Size – Large

6. Image Quality -Fine

7. Dynamic Range -Auto

8. AF Mode- Area

9. Silent Mode -Off

10. Operation Mode -Low

11. Shutter Sound-Low (Volume:1)

12. FN Button – Video

13. Raw Button -Raw

14. Fast Start Up -On

15. Energy Save – Off

16. OVF Power Save Mode – Off

The Street Vendor .. f9 @ 1/550 sec – ISO 800

Although I’ve only had the cameras for a few days I’m so impressed, all the so called problems I’d read about on the net in the run up to me buying the X100, such as slow AF and the camera locking up have all been ironed out through the various firmware updates. Besides, I still love and use my old manual focus Nikons, in fact I have a roll of Ilford XP2 in my FE right now. Whatever issues the X100 has or had, I’ve encountered none of them. All I can say is the X100 is a dream to use.

Life! Back on the Streets .. f4 @ 1/400 sec – ISO 400

It’s My Bike! .. f4 @ 1/320 sec – ISO 200

The only problem I’ve had with the X100 since owning it is the bloody weather! It’s late March, the clocks go forward today signalling the arrival of British Summertime and its snowing!

British Summertime .. f5 @ 1/2500 sec – ISO 200

Checkout the Fuji X100 hands on review from DigitalRev TV

UPDATE:

Latest firmware update is v1.3 and to go with it Fuji have issued the X100 New Features Guide

Nikkormat FS (#7400571)

Posted on March 23, 2013 by admin

My Nikon collecting obsession escalated recently as my hunt for a 1965 Nikkormat FS was put on high alert as my search went global! Despite the fact the Nippon Kogaku (Nikon) manufactured the all mechanical FS between 1965 and 1971 it never really sold in great numbers, which means finding one today is a pretty tall order – finding a box one is near impossible!

Nonetheless, I never give up a challenge and so my Nikkormat project began just over a year ago, my plan, to collect all 8 Nikkormat models – 5 mechanical and 3 electronic. These were: FS, FT, FTN, FT2 & FT3. The electronic ones were: EL, EL-W & EL-2.

Nikkormat EL

The used market at the moment is littered with FTN’s and FT2′s. The electronic EL and EL-2 seem plentiful at the moment too – so no real problems there either. In fact, I picked up these cameras in pretty fast succession, choosing the best I could find (and afford) from what was on offer.

What you have to watch out for are cameras being offered in “Mint” condition! Yes, we would all like shiny new examples, but beware, these cameras are now approaching middle age – 50 years old – they’ve had a life! Mint examples are very few and far between. Check that the mint example you’ve just been offered hasn’t spent the last 20 years sitting in someone’s loft because it got broken and was forgotten about and left there to rot! Only to be found again by its new owner and sold off on eBay!

Nikkormat FT-N

I’ve been caught out twice, once with a beautiful chrome FA and then again with my Nikkormat FT3. Luckily for me both cameras were fixable, only because I know a retired camera technician, who still likes to dabble with old cameras.

I always knew the camera I was going to have trouble finding would be the FS. The reason it never sold as well as the FT was simply because it had no built-in meter. All light-meter readings had to be obtained with a separate hand-held meter. It is reported that Nikon had a large number of FS parts going spare that they started using them to repair later models. Whether this is fact or not I have witnessed a FT2 sporting an FS serial number! Clearly an indication that the top plate from an FS was used to repair the FT2.

Very Early NIkkormat FS

All the Nikkormat models were built like tanks! Made to last forever, from steel and brass. Many of which were probably assembled by hand like the Nikon F and F2. Looking at them now, today, its hard to tell the difference between the build quality of a Nikon F or the Nikkormat FT, both in my opinion are thoroughbred classics!

All three electronic models were relatively easy enough to track down. However, the AW-1 winders for the EL-W and EL-2 were proving a little more difficult. The thing to watch out for with these winders are the plastic gears Nikon used in their motors. Plastic, with age, turns brittle and cracks, as a result many of these drives, along with those of the MD-1, MD-2 and MD-3 are also susceptible to breakage.

NIkkormat FS #7400571

I now had a permanent search set up on eBay informing me daily of any Nikkormat FS activity – things were slow! Painfully so. . . Then, as if by magic all my Nikkormat dreams came true. Not only did I find an Nikkormat FS in excellent condition – it came serviced and warranted for 30 days, so at least I had the opportunity to check it out. The other thing that had me jumping for joy was the serial number, which I instantly remembered, FS 7400571. This was the 571st Nikkormat to leave the factory, quite possibly en-route to America where I purchased it from, who knows? Anyway, The previous owner didn’t much care – he considered it to be just another old fashioned camera and sold it accordingly.

All 8 Nikkormats (1965-1972)

Associate of the British Photographic Exhibitions (ABPE)

Posted on March 22, 2013 by admin

Another milestone in my photographic accomplishments was achieved this week – I fore-filled all the requirements for claiming my Associate distinction with the BPE (British Photographic Exhibitions).

Anne; A Brief Encounter .. Peter Rees Medal Southport, 2012

The BPE was formed in the late 80′s by a group of exhibitions wishing to help each other in promoting photographic exhibitions here in the UK. This cooperation produced some immediate advantages, the most being an increase in entries.

In 1991 the BPE devised their Crown Award System, a system whereby points are accrued for each acceptance gained. I started entering BPE exhibitions in November, 2007 and gained my first BPE Crown (25 acceptances) in April, 2008. This was closely followed by my 2nd Crown in August, 2008. Their top Crown Award (BPE5) is awarded for 300 acceptances, which I gained in October, 2011. As of September, 2012 only 115 photographers in the UK could lay claim to having achieved this award.

Forever Friends .. Honours Mention at Guernsey, 2012

For those photographers who expressed a wish to further support these exhibitions the BPE added two more schemes; their highly prized Associate (ABPE) and Fellowship (FBPE) distinctions.

My pursuit of an Associate distinction began in November, 2011, gaining my first four acceptances in the Bromsgrove Open. In order to successfully apply for the associate distinction the candidate must gain a further 100 acceptances after achieving BPE5. In addition to this the candidate must also acquire a minimum of 20 awards from at least 10 different images.

Andy Capp .. Peter Siviters Medal at Bromsgrove, 2012

My first (ABPE) award came from the Guernsey Salon, an Honours Certificate along with a further 9 acceptances. I had set myself a target of gaining 1 award for every 5 acceptances, a tall order, but an added challenge all the same.

Disappointment came at Bebington in 2012 with only 2 acceptances, but I redeemed myself at Southport being awarded a judges medal and 3 acceptances. My plan of 1 award for every 5 acceptances wasn’t going all that well as the Vale of Evesham exhibition added another 5 acceptances, but no awards!

There’s No Going Back .. PAGB Bronze Medal Basingstoke, 2012

One thing’s for sure the BPE don’t give these distinction away easily – you certainly have to earn them you also have to respect those photographers whose footsteps you follow in. Faith in my system was restored at Basingstoke with 9 acceptances, including a PAGB bronze medal and 3 highly commended images.

Tally so far: 34 acceptances and 6 awards – I was back on track!

Mud Sweat and Glee .. Highly Commened at Havant C.C, 2012

Next came Rushden, Solihull and Glasgow, 3 exhibitions, but only 8 acceptances were forthcoming, which just goes to show – different judges, different tastes! However, the 3 judges at Nottingham (Robin Hood) exhibition were suitably impressed as I gained 8 acceptances and 2 more awards.

Points wise I was now half way there with 50 acceptances, but slightly below par with 8 awards. Things didn’t improve much in the Beyond Group exhibition, only 3 acceptances. Another 4 were added at Shrewsbury followed by another 4 at Dingwall, 6 at Great Barr, including a commend and 3 at Havant, plus another award.

Total now: 70 acceptances and 10 awards.

Muddy Hell .. PAGB Ribbon at Bromsgrove, 2012

I gained a very surprising silver medal in Guernsey, plus another Honours Certificate to match last years – 7 acceptances in total, not bad! More good news came from Bromsgrove; all 4 images accepted, plus a judges medal, a PAGB ribbon and a commend.

Newcomers to the BPE circuit; Yardley also gave my acceptance tally a boost, 11 out of 12 acceptances, including a solitary commend. A further 4 acceptances, including a commend was gained from the Frome/Wessex Salon (another new face). Bebington provided me with 7 acceptances, including another silver medal. Almost there! Just 2 more awards required.

We Can Make It .. Commended Image at Frome/Wessex Salon, 2012

Another year older, but perhaps non-the-wiser, 2013 kicks off with the Southport Open and I’m now down to entering single sections, in this case, monochrome only. I deem myself lucky to escape with 2 acceptances. The Clay Cross exhibition came back into the fold after a twenty year absence, which also gave me chance to send 8 images to 2 sections – 5 acceptances gained, plus an all important commended image. Only 1 more award needed!

In late February, 2013 I had work out at 3 different exhibitions, all with relatively close judging dates, which one, if any, would give me my final award?

Living in the Past .. Highly Commended at Basinstoke, 2013

In the end that honour went to Basingstoke. I sent 4 images to their portrait section. I had 2 images accepted, including a highly commend, ironically was the very same image that gained me my first award 17months previous, in Guernsey.

All in all it has taken me just over 4 years to reach Associate level. I did it using 75 different images, having gained 415 acceptances, including 74 awards. I have it on good authority that there are less than 45 photographers in the UK today that have an ABPE medal and certificate - 17 of those have since achieved Fellowship (FBPE) status.

Billy and the Kid .. PAGB Silver Medal at Guernsey, 2012

If you’re a UK photographer looking to exhibit your work and would like to know more on the subject, why not get in touch?

British Photographic Exhibitions – Round Up

Posted on November 6, 2012 by admin

Autumn here in the UK not only signifies the golden glow of the late afternoon sun, but also the welcome return of British Photographic Exhibitions after their summer break.

Autumn Light

Shrewsbury Photographic Society were the first of five National Exhibitions to publish their results. I gained four acceptances at Shrewsbury, which all help towards me gaining myABPE distinction.

Havant Camera Club were next, three acceptances here, plus a much needed Highly Commend for Mud, Sweat & Glee. Awards are a much needed commodity, a minimum of 20 are required for a successful ABPE application.

Mud Sweat & Glee .. Highly Commended image Shrewsbury

Next up was the Dingwall Camera Club Exhibition; another four acceptances, but no awards this time!

However, I did better in the Guernsey Salon; picking up a PAGB Silver Medal for Billy and the Kid! and an Honours Certificate for Forever Friends.

Billy and the Kid! .. PAGB Silver Medal at Guernsey and Commended at Bromsgrove

Forever Friends .. Honours Mention at Guernsey

The Bromsgrove Photographic Society Annual Exhibition was good for me too. Andy Capp was awarded a Judges Medal; Muddy Hell gained a PAGB Ribbon and Billy and the Kid! picked up a Commend.

Andy Capp .. Peter Siviters Medal at Bromsgrove

Muddy Hell .. PAGB Ribbon at Bromsgrove

Newcomers to the BPE circuit; Yardley Photographic Society provided me with my 16th award since gaining my BPE5, this came in the form of a Commend for Living in the Past. I also managed eleven further acceptances bringing my acceptance tally (towards ABPE) to 91 acceptances (100 required), plus 16 awards (20 required).

Living in the Past .. Commended at Yardley

Sonia & Trevor – Wedding Album Preview

Posted on November 5, 2012 by admin

Congratulations to Sonia and Trevor on their special day.

Sonia & Trevor

The Nikon F401 Trilogy

Posted on July 29, 2012 by admin

I can remember Nikon introducing the F401 back in 1987, as a follow up the highly acclaimed F501. Like many other photographers at the time, I wasn’t a big fan of the F401. Although Nikon added a built-in TTL speedlight to the F401, the first Nikon camera to have built-in flash, the F401 still lacked many of the advanced features that the more seasoned ameteurs wanted like exposure compensation and manual override. The viewfinder information is also very basic too, showing only focus confirmation, under or over exposure and a flash ready light. No aperture or shutter speed are shown.

Nikon F401 circa 1987

It didn’t take Nikon very long, less than 12 months, to issue an up-grade in the form of the F401s. The F401s had the same physical appearance apart from the fact that Nikon moved the 401 branding from the top of the camera to the front. Internally, Nikon installed their new and improved AM200 AF module, which was more responsive. The F401s was still very much aimed at the ameteur market, it still lacked any worthwhile viewfinder information. However, the camera did have a few plus points; it was solid, reliable and it was powered by 4 AA batteries.

Nikon F401s circa 1988

The Nikon F401x was the 3rd and final camera in the 401 series it is also the one with the best specification too. Nikon finally added a manual exposure mode along with an
extended film speed range and the flash was upgraded to give an angle of view that now covered 28mm lenses.

Nikon F401x – 1991

Although the cost of obtaining 35mm film bodies appears to be on the increase F401 cameras are still cheap and relatively easy to get hold of. Yes, there’s a few dealers
asking silly money for each model, but if you shop around, like I did, you’re bound to find a bargain, or three!

The Nikon F401 Trilogy

This trio of F401′s cost less than £30 (the lot) and they’re all in good working order.

Teresa and James Wedding Day

Posted on July 29, 2012 by admin

Congratulations to Teresa and James on their special day.

Teresa and James

Anyone wishing to purchase a copies of the above book can do so here:

http://www.blurb.co.uk/bookstore/detail/3428289

Guest Photos, as requested.

TandJguests

Jury Invitation: ViewBug.com

Posted on July 7, 2012 by admin

Standing up in front of a crowd of people, either to give a photography talk or judge a club merit competition just isn’t me.

However, I have accepted an invitation from Ori Guttin, co-founder of ViewBug.com to be a guest judge for their forthcoming Sports Photo Contest.

ViewBug.com is an on-line community that shares photography through unique and inspiring photo contests, which boasts a dynamic, international base, ranging from casual shutterbugs to skilled professional artists.

This contest is now open for entries, 3 per participant. Images can be colour or monochrome, copyright remains with the author at all times. Submissions will be judged based on the creativity, originality and in accordance to the contest theme.

FaceBook Users; “Like” the contest and if your photo is selected winner you win an additional $100

First place prize is a Epson PictureMate Charm Printer. Top People’s Choice is a Zeikos Cleaning Kit, plus Camera Case. Voting takes place from November 10th to November 16th, 2012.