Sears 32B Mamiya Prismat

[Just Plain Curt]

Despite the totally overcast day, I managed a couple rolls through my new toy. It rained an hour later so guess I got lucky.
First one is shot with an Accura 70-230 f4.5. Taken at 230mm f8 1/125 Fuji 100





Close but couldn't get any light or reflection in the goose's eye.



Picture of a garden plant hanger with an airplane theme. Guessing either a Lancaster or Mitchell. Mamiya 58 F.C. f1.7. Picture taken at f5.6 1/250 Fuji 100.



Rusty iron catches my eye lately and this former pier is full of it everywhere. 135 f3.5 Auto Topcor used as a preset lens, 1/125 f8 Fuji 100.




Coal boat unloading cargo. Steinheil Culminar 135 f4.5. Taken at 1/125 f8 Fuji 100.
It was interesting using Exakta and Topcon lenses on a Mamiya. Only surprise was mounting a 135 f2.8 Tele Astra and finding the film advance gone limp and not cocking the shutter. After 4 or 5 attempts , cursing eBay, deciding whether to give the Mamiya a swim in the river, etc. common sense prevailed and I checked a hunch. The rear of the lens protruded too far and was striking the mirror preventing the shutter from completing its cycle so no way to cock the camera. Saved about 1/2 the roll and finished up with a Meyer Domiplan 50 f2.8, and a Soligor preset 35 f3.5. Never did get around to unjamming the self timer lever but at least I got the selftimer unjammed on my Mamiya NC1000S. Tomorrow is Praktica Super TL3, Pentax 50, Soligor 135 T4 mount, Eyemik 135 f2.8, Vivitar 300 f5.6 T4 mount and possibly a 28mm or two test day.

[Randy]

Good thing you didn't give it the deep six Curt. Great shots!

[PeterW]

Hi Curt,
Definitely not a Lancaster, but a Mitchell had only two engines, much more glazing in the nose and more rounded fins and rudders. My guess is a sort of 'freelance design'. Eye-catching, though.

PeterW

[kiev4a]

I really like the goose and the coal boat. That's a sharp lens.

[mickeyobe]

The shot of the Canada goose is terrific.
I don't think it would be too great a sin to enlist the aid of PhotoShop to put a catchlight in its eye.

I too am fascinated by rusting objects. The colours can often be quite beautiful.

Mickey

[doubs43]

JPC, that goose is marvelously sharp and the colors are outstanding. I'd say your Prismat is worth keeping and so is the lens you used to take the goose shot.

That's an interesting plane too and I note that the plant holders are old construction safety helmets. I've seen old military helmets used that way too. The plane reminds me more of a Mitchell Bomber than anything else but poetic license has been used in large measures.

As I said, the Prismat looks like a "Keeper".

Here's a slide I took in either 1984 or 1985 at RAF Bentwaters. It's a Lancaster Bomber and as I recall was named "The City of Lincoln". The precision flying team overhead may be the RAF "Red Arrows" but it's been too long and I've seen too many air shows to be certain. Film was Agfachrome.


Walker

[John Parry]

Of course you couldn't get any reflection from the goose' eye Curt. It was glazed over, as it had been frozen solid in that ice for six months! LOL

What do you mean, "It wasn't ice"? Cracking good shot mate!

Regards - John

[Just Plain Curt]

Hi Mickey,
Probably not too difficult to add a spot of light to the goose's eye but to be honest I usually feel like anything more than a hint of lightening or sharpening is actually just a clue I didn't get the job done right in the first place. Silly in these days of photo manipulation I know but I'm just fussy enough to never be 100% happy with my own work. I have 3 photo programs in my computer as well as pirate (OK call the net police) versions of Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and three others on disk, but only use Picasa sparingly. Probably why I'll never win any awards but I try to be true to my convictions. Rusting iron is another field I'm exploring lately since I discovered (to my wife's chagrin) Flick'r a few weeks back and now belong/contribute to 145+ groups.
Wonderful airshow picture Walker. I believe you're right about it being the Red Arrows. Makes me wish I could go back to Oshkosh Wisconsin for the EAA Fly In. Supposed to be one of the bigger events and last time I was there it was amazing. Only downside was watching two vintage trainers collide as one taxied across a runway while the other was lifting off. OUCH. Something about those Antonov (spelling??) planes nose to nose with a Galaxy that is awe inspiring as well as the great homebuilts and warbirds. Ever stood beside a Fouga Dogwhistle? Still not sure if my hearing ever came back, LOL.
Thanks John, Wayne, Randy and Peter. That silly goose haunted me the whole afternoon. Most geese were leery but this guy must be reasonably tame since every time I'd go near the water he'd swim right up to see if I had any breadcrumbs.

[Peter S.]

Dear Curt,

I like the coal ship - I think all the subdued tones are very appropriate to that theme.

Btw, a question to the British: might the airplane be a Halifax?

Best regards
Peter

[mickeyobe]

Curt,

Far be it from me to try to alter your convictions.
However - you just knew I was going to throw in that however didn't you.
However, as picture MAKERS, ( not takers and in my case certainly not an artist ) I feel my job is not complete until I have used every means at my disposal and within my ken to turn out the best picture I can. I, too, usually fail and am rarely satisfied with the end product. Especially when I have the tools to do better. Unfortunately I have not yet developed all the necessary skills but I do keep on trying.
And it is now so very easy to manipulate. No manipulate is not a dirty word. When Josph Karsh or Ansel Adams selected the paper grade to make the best of their negatives they were using manipulation.
I recall my many frustrating hours in the darkroom trying various weird methods to squeeze the best out of a negative and am very grateful for the multitude of weapons at my disposal now.

Mickey

[Just Plain Curt]

My convictions, how'd you find out about those, LOL? I know what you mean Mickey, I just can't make myself add to an image or maybe I just don't want to screw it up worse I'm not sure.