|
Post by camerastoomany on May 9, 2009 2:25:38 GMT -5
I discovered last week one of my Minolta 7s's had a film in it. Actually, about 20 of my cameras have films in them (big sigh!). I couldn't recall when I last used the Minolta but estimated it at two years so decided to finish the film. The ISO setting was 400 and the film counter was on 14, so I figured the film had to be black and white or colour and 24 or 36 exposures! I donned hat and backpack and set off for a stroll around the district. On finishing the film, I found it to be a 24 exp. Fuji Superia, so it would have been expired stock when loaded into the camera. Had it processed and was pleasantly surprised with the results. All well-exposed, sharp, accurate colour rendition and generally good contrast. The photos were quite ordinary (just a test film after all) and my five plus years old flatbed scanner produces a disappointing result - I could buy something better but I only use it half a dozen times a year - however, I thought I'd pick a photo to show anyway, since this forum has been relatively quiet in recent times. I admit to being an irregular contributor. So, here's the camera- and here's a sample photo- Just in case it isn't obvious to some city-dwellers, these are roadside mail boxes.
|
|
|
Post by camerastoomany on May 9, 2009 2:42:23 GMT -5
Sorry about the pics, people. When I try to resize in Photobucket, Internet Explorer "chucks a wobbly" and closes down.
|
|
|
Post by nikonbob on May 9, 2009 7:20:07 GMT -5
I am not surprised that the photos turned out well for two reasons. First is that the camera and lens are good and secondly sometimes people worry too much about expired film. I have a Minolta Highmatic E that always performed well. I just used 4 year old film which was frozen just after expiring in my Topcon 35-L with good results. How are things down under these days? Hopefully better than here job wise. Enjoy that Minolta, she looks good.
Bob
|
|
|
Post by Randy on May 9, 2009 9:41:01 GMT -5
Very nice. I've always wanted a Hi-Matic but have never gotten "that deal" if you know what I mean.
|
|
|
Post by camerastoomany on May 10, 2009 4:18:31 GMT -5
Bob
You are so right and as for film, well the truth is I've used expired stock almost exclusively for years. Buy, say, 40 rolls on Ebay and with shipping included I still pay no more than a third of what a roll of fresh film would cost locally. I don't freeze it, just keep it in a large size bar fridge.
Only one purchase that was less than satisfactory. A batch of Mitsubishi 100 was kind of muddy and lacking contrast. After 3 or 4 rolls, tried down-rating it to 64 with normal processing and it made quite a difference. I keep it for test rolls or sunny days.
The unemployment rate here is in the vicinity of 5.5% seasonally adjusted, whatever that means.
I think it probably means, "Let's apply this fancy algorithm to the figures so they will be artificially reduced and look far more attractive to the voters."
It doesn't concern me greatly, I will admit, as I'm single these days without commitment or responsibility. I used to have a small business which I closed as it was never going to make me wealthy (or comfortable for that matter). I do voluntary community work in return for unemployment benefits and am a part-time uni. student. Life's good.
Randy
I can guess at what that means, however, when you live 400 kms from the nearest shop selling secondhand cameras, with petrol being the price it is, Ebay is the go when you really have to have a particular camera.
|
|
|
Post by nikonbob on May 10, 2009 19:22:02 GMT -5
Geoff
Sounds like down under is doing better than we are with an official rate of 8%. I always figure it is more because it does not take into account people who don't qualify, people whose claim has run out and people who are on job retraining among others. Single might not be a bad position to be in these days, as you say.
Bob
|
|
|
Post by camerastoomany on May 15, 2009 9:25:52 GMT -5
Bob
I think most governments fudge the figures. As I understand it, I'm not recorded as unemployed because I do voluntary community work. But the reality is that I am unemployed!
|
|
|
Post by nikonbob on May 15, 2009 12:48:59 GMT -5
Geoff
I am well on the way to being unemployed myself after a 35 years. The company I worked for applied for bankruptcy protection. Time to try and bale out on an early pension. Might feel good after all that time.
Bob
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 15, 2009 14:59:07 GMT -5
The company I work for has many of its 50 employees on four-day weeks now plus all company contributions to individual retirement plans have been halted. It's well enough managed (family-owned) that I don't think there's any danger of it going under--just some belt tightening until better times. I'm fortunate in that I'm 10 months from retirement and have been assured by the owners I'll have a job until then. But when I gone they plan to eliminate the position and outsource the work I do (some of it to me!)
|
|
|
Post by camerastoomany on May 19, 2009 10:23:58 GMT -5
I have to say, Bob, there are definite advantages in not having the commitment of a regular full-time job. Most mornings I wake when I want to wake. After a leisurely breakfast - usually just a banana and two cups of coffee! - I think about my day. Do I have uni. work to take care of or can I go out and play. Shall I kick the Moto Guzzi into life (figuratively speaking - it has electronic ignition) and go for a ride; go bushwalking; go fishing; do nothing. All with a camera , of course. And there is more time for books and music.
I do feel guilty occasionally but then I remind myself of 40+ years in the work force. Mind you. we can never completely escape commitments if we wish to be part of society. I write this whilst doing one of my 'work for the dole' stints, sitting in the studio of our community radio station playing jazz music for the masses (country town - masses ?).
I will say one thing for employment - apart from providing a steady income - it does give one a focus in life.
But for now, I have an Olympus DC rangefinder from my collection which I have never used. It's loaded and needs testing.
|
|
|
Post by nikonbob on May 20, 2009 10:19:23 GMT -5
Geoff
I should be in a similar situation 1 July this year only in retirement mode. I won't feel guilty at all having no focus in life but myself and my CLW. The ex has long been bought and paid for and the the kids are long gone also. I hope the biggest decisions will be what camera to exercise and where to go. There are also volunteer needing organization that I could be interested in helping.
Bob
|
|
mickeyobe
Lifetime Member
Resident President
Posts: 7,280
|
Post by mickeyobe on May 20, 2009 14:53:12 GMT -5
I have been in the enviable position of being unemployed for the past 11 years. Since I gave my business to one of my employees. My little business was too person oriented to have any value to a stranger. I was proud of that fact.
My kids are grown and doing well. I am spouseless.
No more schedules.
No more deadlines.
No more heavy responsibilities.
No more ties and jackets.
Not a great deal of ready money but I really don't need much.
My time is MY time.
I am FREE and life is good.
Enjoy yourselves folks.
Mickey
|
|
|
Post by camerastoomany on May 21, 2009 2:47:42 GMT -5
SPOUSELESS!!!!
That really is the key, Mickey.
Not that I'm against marriage, it obviously works for some. However, 28 years with the same spouse was far too long and kinda killed any desire to consider further forays into serious relationships.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"Just thought I'd go for a walk, take a few photos, you know."
"Oh no you don't. The lawn needs mowing, garden beds need weeding and the side gate isn't closing properly. Not to mention the fact that I could do with some help inside the house."
"Yes dear."
Never again (I hope).
Life IS good.
|
|
|
Post by nikonbob on May 21, 2009 7:05:53 GMT -5
Geoff
I have to say that I am not spouseless. My Common Law Wife of the last twenty years has been a jewel and I do not know what I would do if she was not here. This is after a 13 year marriage that I consider was well worth the expense and pain of getting a divorce from. The old joke about divorces being expensive because they are worth it is so true from where I sit. The right partner is just priceless. I was lucky but can understand people being gun shy of future relationships. Anyways I hope we enjoy a long retirement together.
Bob
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 21, 2009 8:56:14 GMT -5
Forty-two years with the same woman and although we don't always agree on photographic priorities, I can't imagine life without her. I'm lucky.
Wayne
|
|