a BIG (okay, bigger) decision

[dreilly]

I've come to a bit of decision. I'm going to now divide my shooting between medium format and digital, and begin phasing out my 35mm work (and gear, and film). All sorts of mini-decisions and determinations went into this, but basically for the trouble/expense of using film (that's harsh, film is FUN) I'd rather get the added value of tonality and detail in the large negatives.

My true loves in film are black and white and color slide, and the latter is just too expensive. The DSLRs at my disposal, especially my really nice D70, do a good enough job capturing the shimmering colors I've seen since that experience with Hashish in 2000. And they are just cheaper and more convenient. I'd rather put my resources and time to medium format--and maybe get some mf slide film for special occasions.

But, I'd also very much like to stay in rangefinders. So....

I broke down and put a bid on a Makina 67. And I bought an Autocord CDS II from Karl Bryan, which arrived yesterday and looks delicious.

Now to say good bye to my 35mms. Except the Oly LC, that'll be the last to go. And my fridge full of 35mm film will be on the trading block too, so if you're making the switch the other way, look out for my ad. Lots of color print and some b&w to off-load.

So I'll stick around here, popping up in the TLR forum and wondering where I can repair the Makina (bracing for the meter cable problem!)

thanks everyone for the community...

 

[BillBingham2]

DR,

I looked at the Makina a few years back and my lack of time to tinker keep me away. Not sure who is the Sherry or DAG of them, but I would think you might find some thoughts on www.apug.org, though I am not sure.

I think I have an old large format slide projector in the garage if you are interested. Not sure how much it costs to ship or if she is still working. You pay shipping and packing and she is yours! Medium format chrome is a wonderful thing. When I was shooting with my father’s ‘blad years ago it was amazing, every film looked great, but Kodachrome, well, never mind…..

At the end of my search, I was looking at the small Fuji folder. Never found one at a price point I could live with, so I stayed 35mm.

Please stick around, my 4x5 Crown Graphic is a rangefinder too!

Good luck and let us know how you make out.

B2 (;->

 

[Edward Felcher]

Knock yourself out, chief.

 

[dreilly]

Thanks! I actually have an MF slide projector, a real old thing that reminds me of my schools days. It's dual format and takes one slide at a time, and sounds like a bolt action rifle. But I have some MF crhomes I took in Turkey, Peru and New Orleans, and they are really something else. At least, the film is amazing if my skills aren't.