Manna From Heaven

[Todd Frederick]

A few weeks ago I photographed portraits of some family friends. In exchange for the job, the mom gave me an old camera her late husband owned. I thought I might get a a nice Argus C3 or a 127 Brownie Reflex or even a Kodak 110 if lucky. Not that these arn't good collectable cameras, but you know what happens with these "Do you like old cameras?" deals! "What kind is it?" asks me." " I don't know" she replies, "But it looks nice and has all those little round colored lenses. I even had to kill a black widow spider that was living inside the bag!" I wonder why she added that tidbit!

Well, we did our shoot, all went well, and she gave me his old leather bag and I went on my way. Of course I produced some of the finest family photos ever, with all the latest digital equipment, as a favor to a friend.

When I got home I opened the case and was amazed.

Now then, it wasn't a Leica or a Hassie or a Linhof, but since I'm into unusual vintage cameras I was delighted that I received a totally mint and working Konica IIIA with the better 50mm f/1.8 Hexanon lens. A totally beautiful little beastie, waiting to be fondled.

A few days later, I took this on the road and it works like a karate champ waiting for his belt.

Sometimes we are blessed for being kind.

Below is a photo of the camera and a sample test photo taken at the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose, CA USA.

I just wanted to share this event with you all.

[John Parry]

tefrederick said:

Now then, it wasn't a Leica or a Hassie or a Linhof

Todd - we don't care. I'd have been delighted for you had it been an Agfa, Praktica or Cosina. Get away from that stuff. While we all respect it, and hope to acquire some of it someday, very few of us collect it.

1) It's expensive
2) We get better pictures from our cameras

Regards - John

[Todd Frederick]

John, I just bought and repaired two fine Agfa folders (photos coming soon) and I use a Brownie twin 20 for street photography! This Konica is so beautiful I wanted to share it. These finds come along only once in a very great while. It's not valuable, but will make a great usable rangefinder.

[Todd Frederick]

PS...my first 35mm camera was a Kodak Pony from a Pawn Shop bought in the mid-1950's. I used kodachrome II in that, estimating the exposure, and the photos were awesome. I need to find a working model to acquire just for the sake of memories.

My wife also gave me a Kodak Tourist-1 camera she found in a thrift shop for $20 (paid too much!) that works like a pro. Beautiful photos.

I also have a C3 that I'd like to dress in some gray and black cobra skin from cameraleather.

One thing I really like about this forum is that I can jabber about this stuff and share experiences without being flamed, thought of as a nut, or redundant.

I also think you're going to regret teaching me how to post photos! (^U^)

[nikonbob]

That is one great looking and performing RF you have there. Looks like you are the victim of the old what goes around comes around saying. Mom always said it pays to be nice and I should have listened to her. Congrats.

Bob

[Todd Frederick]

Bob,

It's a good way to live.

Blessings, Todd

[kamera]

Todd,

Glad to hear of the deal made for the photo session. I have done such myself a few times and it has always turned out rewarding. Personally feel it is not done enough today.

The last time I traded talents was this summer when I extended width to our driveway. I had a lot of 'knowledge' from library books and advice from DIYers. But I am rather clutsy and slow to learn 'technical' and 'mechanical' things.

But the cement truck driver was most helpful...came back later that night with the proper tools that were his and on 2 days actually stayed and really did most of the work. Kindness and help like that is hard to find nowadays also.

In return I photographed his family for portraits and updated the photography work for his home insurance packet.

Makes one feel good when talent/work exchanges can be arranged.

One thing you mentioned was that you did not feel members of this group would consider you a "nut". Well...I must disagree with you on that. Actually I think we all here are at least a little 'nutty'...LOL.

Do keep posting pics!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ron Head
Kalamazoo, MI

[doubs43]

Todd, that Konica is beautiful and the image of the statue is testiment to the quality of the camera and lens. You've been blessed.

Walker

[chrisy]

Hi Todd Great camera Not one I have come across before.I shall certainly look out for one at my next camera fair.
Chris