p.giannakis
Pan Giannakis
I responded to a vague listing for "vintage cameras". Loads of rubbish in there but I can see an Olympus 35LC in there...
I'll know more tomorrow when I pick it up.
I'll know more tomorrow when I pick it up.
Retro-Grouch
Veteran
That word "vintage" is always a red flag. It usually means that the item is in a horrible state of disrepair, and the seller doesn't want to be held responsible. Sometimes, though, you can get lucky. Let's hope the Olympus is a bright spot!
Muggins
Junk magnet
If that rubbish includes a Halina 35 (the model that cocks the shutter when you wind on) you might find yourself getting a request for help from me!
p.giannakis
Pan Giannakis
seany65
Well-known
This week I bought a large camera backpack by the name of " Unho ". I thought I'd take a punt on it as in the photos it looked like the ends of the straps had been folded over and sewn, which doesn't seem to be the case in the official illustrations. When it arrived I found it did indeed have the folded and sewn strap ends. It is also different from the "No-Name" version of this bag in that the straps seem to be longer and the buckles and the other "plastic slidey-bits" (dunno what they're called, lol), seem to be tighter fitting to the straps, giving the impression that it'll be less easy for the straps ends to slip out of the buckles when putting the bag on or taking it off. With the no-name version, the strap ends slipped out every time I put it on or took it off.
This UNHO bag smaller than the Tarion Pro PB-01 I bought last week so will be used for local trips around town with my 35mm gear, or my 120 format cameras that are smaller and much lighter than my Mamiya M645 1000S and kit.
This UNHO bag smaller than the Tarion Pro PB-01 I bought last week so will be used for local trips around town with my 35mm gear, or my 120 format cameras that are smaller and much lighter than my Mamiya M645 1000S and kit.
shawn
Veteran
Missed UPS but have a Fuji GS645W incoming. Pictures make it look like it is in good shape.
It was listed as being in poor shape due to two issues, only one of which is actually an issue.
1) Rangefinder not working so it would need to be shot zone focused. Which, obviously, is exactly how this camera is meant to be shot.
2) Something rattling inside that is claimed to not seem to effect anything. This one I will probably open it up to see what is going on. Or maybe send it to Frank Marshman if everything else checks out.
It was listed as being in poor shape due to two issues, only one of which is actually an issue.
1) Rangefinder not working so it would need to be shot zone focused. Which, obviously, is exactly how this camera is meant to be shot.
2) Something rattling inside that is claimed to not seem to effect anything. This one I will probably open it up to see what is going on. Or maybe send it to Frank Marshman if everything else checks out.
Retro-Grouch
Veteran
If you're lucky, the rattle is from the take-up spool. Some sellers seem not to understand the most basic stuff about cameras.
Vince Lupo
Whatever
Ah jeez if only I needed them! Right now both of my Ermanoxes are in Vienna patiently waiting for the June auction.
shawn
Veteran
This is from a store that sells lots of used equipment so I doubt it would be that simple. But would love it to be that simple. They got the RF wrong after all.
I did find a few repair posts for the GS645W where a little brass thing breaks free (and rattles around) due to it being part of a plastic piece that breaks. Sounds like it is fairly common. The repair is epoxying it back together. One person left it out and the camera still seemed to work fine so not really sure what it does yet or if this is even it.
rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
Mmmm. This seems wrong somehow.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Here's to hoping it is easily repaired and whatever is rattling about taken care of. I have the "GS645S Professional Wide 60" ... the name is quite a mouthful ... and it proves to be a delightful shooting camera. I bet the GS645W is too!
G
KintaroTanaka
Member
I sold my Leica M2 for an M4 in better shape ! And I’m thinking of going back shooting medium format. I used to shoot with a Mamiya C330 that I sold with regrets, I was thinking of getting a Zenza Bronica S2A.
shawn
Veteran
S2A is a nice camera and great looking. You will likely need to replace some foam under the focus screen and behind the mirror. Pretty easy to do and there are lots of directions available.
As a shooter I reallly like the EC too. Controls are laid out a little more ergonomically, winding doesn’t have the crunch at the end and it feels like it didn’t have as much shutter shock. Bigger than the S2A and not nearly as good looking though. The TL or TL II add auto exposure.
Vince Lupo
Whatever
How’s that song go? To everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a season turn, turn, turn, a time to gather Ermanoxes together, a time to cast them away, turn, turn, turn….
I’m selling off most of my vintage camera collection - most if not all of my stereo cameras, likely all my other Ernemann cameras, glass plate etc etc. Likely the only things I’ll keep are some of the Hasselblads and the one screw mount Leica. To every season turn, turn, turn….
rfaspen
[insert pithy phrase here]
I guess I understand.....I guess 🤔
Actually I also recently sold off a very large proportion of my collection.... about 1.5 years ago and I haven't yet regretted it.....much. I also kept the Leicas and RF Canons. Just a couple Nikon SLRs/lenses and a couple 4x5 kits. Sounds like a lot? Apparently I had about 500 cameras before the purge 😮.
Can't wait to see what photo adventure next grabs your attention!
Actually I also recently sold off a very large proportion of my collection.... about 1.5 years ago and I haven't yet regretted it.....much. I also kept the Leicas and RF Canons. Just a couple Nikon SLRs/lenses and a couple 4x5 kits. Sounds like a lot? Apparently I had about 500 cameras before the purge 😮.
Can't wait to see what photo adventure next grabs your attention!
Vince Lupo
Whatever
For me it’s mostly been just money sitting there, and since my wife and I have entered a new ‘phase’ of life I had to pare down. I found that I was using my Hasselblad 1000fs more and getting more consistent results from them that I felt I had to make this move (and I do have the Hasselblad single exposure back and a bunch of plate holders if I want to travel back down that road). The one camera I am dithering about selling is the Contessa-Nettel Deckrullo Tropical - hmm.
Sheesh 500 cameras? I am but a mere child compared to that!
Out to Lunch
Ventor
I feel a lot better now.
Godfrey
somewhat colored
Retro-Grouch
Veteran
You can't go wrong with the S2A. Like any camera, it has its quirks and its drawbacks. But the Nikkor and Zenzanon lenses are breathtaking, and inexpensive. I reach for my Bronicas as often as I do for my Hasselblads.
Don't be afraid of the foam replacement; I'm a ham-fisted oaf, but I've done that repair on three S2 cameras, and it went fine. I have found that even cameras sold with a CLA often have the foam problem, so plan on it.
And last of all, if money is tight, consider the S2 over the S2A. They tend to be much cheaper because of the reputation for stripped wind gears occurring. Bronica did beef up the gearing on the S2A, but that was because professionals used to machine gun them during wedding shoots. Wound properly, the S2 was perfectly capable and durable, and winding actually feels much smoother in use. Look for one in nice cosmetic condition, and you can probably assume it wasn't hammered by a pro.
KoNickon
Nick Merritt
I love the S2A but that <SNAP> at the end of winding always makes me wince.