Shot my first Rangefinder photos this week

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chrispscott

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I've always been a digital photographer. I'm 25 and got my first DSLR about five years ago (Nikon D70s) and in that amount of time I've only shot digital. However, most of my favorite photographers shot film (Robert Frank, Capa, Bresson, etc.) so I figured what the hell I might as well give it a try.

I've got something of a vintage aesthetic and have always been attracted to rangefinder styling so I figured what the hell why not buy a cheapo FSU rangefinder and if it does not work at least it will look cool decorating the apartment. $55 with shipping and two rolls of film later and I can say that I really dig this little thing. Everything seems to work fairly well for a 50 year old camera. Working without a meter is a bit daunting but I think in the long run shooting this way will make me a better photographer.

Anyway here's the results. (clicking takes you to my flickr)

Neopan 400




Cheapo Walgreens 400 film





Don't think I did too bad for judging the exposure with my eye.
 
Good job, and welcome! Don't be surprised if you start getting really bored of the digital...then you start wanting a better viewfinder....then buying lenses even though you'll need to have them CLA'ed...you may ask yourself, "How did I get here?"

🙂
 
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spiderfrank said:
welcome to the film camera work! I like your b&w shots, the first one is really fresh and nice, next step is self-developing your film! ;-)
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Thanks! I actually self develop all my own black and white and then scan the negatives. A friend is giving me the supplies I'll need to make wet prints so hopefully that will be the next step.
 
Ranchu said:
Good job, and welcome! Don't be surprised if you start getting really bored of the digital...then you start wanting a better viewfinder....then buying lenses even though you'll need to have them CLA'ed...you may ask yourself, "How did I get here?"

🙂
Click to expand...

Yeah, I'm already saying to myself "how long before I can afford a Leica?"

I took digital shots that same day and I have not even bothered to look at them yet.
 
Oh Spiderfrank! What do you suggest? Don't you know that he will be addicted if he follows your suggestion of a next step? He will never been able to be a whole hearted part of the digital world - lost forever in the darkness of his lab....

Chrispscott - great shots - like the first one especially too - seems you got a nice working FSU!
Have fun and show more!
 
Armoured said:
According to new RFF rules, you are not allowed to enjoy your FSU camera because it is junk. Okay, you can enjoy it, but not without suffering through long forum discussions about how it is junk.

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=86570&page=9
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Wow, that whole thing seems a bit ridiculous. They are 50+ year old cameras I can't believe anyone expects them to work 100% right out of the box. I was shocked that mine works as well as it does. Part of the reason I purchased was so that if it did have some defects I would have an excuse to take it apart and see how it works. I'm a tinkerer and for my other money drains (guitars and scuba diving) I either build or work on my own gear. I'll probably never take my D90 apart but I think I can handle taking apart and servicing my FED.
 
nice shots. don't let anyone here torment you too much. the camera seems to suit your style well, as those shots in the park are great -- very up-close and personal. enjoy your new tool/toy. shoot lots of film and keep posting here.
 
The shots look great! Congrats, hopefully this will be the start of a long and fruitful (albeit expensive) relationship. My DSLR has accrued quite the dust collection since I started shooting with rangefinders a year ago. Don't be surprised if it happens to you too! I'll look forward to seeing your "I got my first Leica" thread in the future!
 
Great images. Welcome to the film bug... it only gets worse. And at 25 you've probably lowered the average age of this forum by at least 25 years 🙂

Keep posting you work!
 
Nice shots! Specially love the first and the last one.
Seems that you know you're another RF infected! There is no hope for us! 😉
 
Welcome to RFF! Looks like you and the FED have taken well to each other. Those are really great shots. For years my only RF was a Super Press 23. Then after I came here, I thought it would be nice to get an FSU. I thought perhaps a Kiev. I finally did that a couple of years ago, so I am a FSU junkie too.

Louisville eh? I haven't been there since I left Ft Knox a little over 30 years ago. Do they still have their Blue Grass Festival every year?

Look forward to seeing more of your photos.
 
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