Our New Grandson

[ellacoya1]

In May, both of my daughters presented us with a grandchild, a week apart. This is Trip who's 6 weeks old with his Poppi at a cookout just last week



I'm not well practiced at people shots, but was pretty pleased with how this one came out. Taken with a Praktica MTL 5 with a Helios 50 mm lens.
Hopefully I'll get more people practice when the granddaughter comes to visit us from Philly the end of july ;D

[PeterW]

Lovely family picture, Sherri.

And once again the under-rated Helios shows just how good it can be!

PeterW

[John Parry]

Lovely picture Sherri.

I concur with Peter about the Helios, but I'm a little intrigued at the MTL 5 (not that I've anything against it). Just, why didn't you (or Bob) go for the MTL 5B that runs on the universally available LR44 batterys?

Regards - John

[PeterW]

John,

I think I'm right in saying that all the Praktica TL series cameras use the same meter circuit, and possbly the same pcb for it, though the battery compartment size might be different on different models and I think the wiring colours may differ.

In all cases the circuit is a Wheatstone Bridge which isn't dependent on battery voltage, provided it is somewhere around 1.3 to 1.6 volts because this is the range the variable resistors (or pre-set resistors to be accurate) like to handle.

Provided the battery physically fits, or has an O-ring or something to hold it in place to make contact, it doesn't matter if it is mercury, which was the original specification, silver oxide, alkaline or whatever.

The circuit board with the pre-sets lives in the bottom of the camera and is quite easy to get at. Meter calibration is by adjusting the pre-sets.

I've got (actually to hand, not packed away!) notes and diagrams of the circuit and a trial and error method of adjusting the pre-sets if the meter reading is way out. They came from various very helpful people on the net quite a few years ago but I can't now remember who so unfortunately I can't thank them here for the info.

If anyone really needs them I can post them here. I'm sure the original authors won't mind.

BTW, I haven't forgotten about the promised info on how to take the lens panel out of an Ilford Sportsman to get in to clean the lens and shutter but so far I haven't come across the couple in pieces that are still packed away in one my boxes. As soon as they come to light I'll take some pictures.

PeterW

[ellacoya1]

hmm...well, John, you'll have to ask Bob, lol. It's just one of those cameras that I came home and found in a box on my desk one day. I'm sure there's a reason why he felt I needed to have that particular camera, but if he told me, I forgot.
And the meter doesn't work, but then, who cares??? When in doubt I just ask Bob, lol. Being female, I can just use the "It's cute, I like it" excuse.
As far as the Helios lens...another thing found sitting on my desk one day, he actually bought it for my Zenit because I was complaining about the lenses it came with. I like it, I seem to be using it alot.

Actually, now that I think about it....most of my cameras just sort of appeared on my desk. You have to admit...it's a brilliant way of diverting attention from what he has coming in for cameras...or model cars....or vintage audio gear

[vintageslrs]

Sherri wrote "Actually, now that I think about it....most of my cameras just sort of appeared on my desk. You have to admit...it's a brilliant way of diverting attention from what he has coming in for cameras...or model cars....or vintage audio gear ."

Well, at least I'm brilliant! ;D

Hmm...does also explain why we go to a flea market and Sherri comes home with 3 cameras and Bob comes home with none?
And Oh, did I mention that Sherri's pockets had no cabbage when we got to the flea market.

Bob

[Randy]

All techincalities aside Sherri, thanks for sharing the pic of those two baby faces. You still got it Bob! ;D

[vintageslrs]

Aww shucks Randy!

You make me blush....

Bob