Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Been occupied lately with a broken cyclotron at work, and February is getting booked up: Superbowl this Sunday; second weekend is a film development marathon (perhaps 50 rolls); third Sunday is the Traders' Expo in Times Square; so that leaves Sunday the 26th as the date.
This year's favorite contender is John Chee who happened to be runners up twice in the two proceeding years. In conversation with John we will open it up to all rangefinders. Previously the beauty pagent was limited to only Leica M-bodies.
What construction will crazy Cristian build this year? Can anyone top John Chee's 2005 Nikon SP with 35/1.8?
Of course since we are all gear heads multiple entries will be allowed as long as they are rangefinders. Mount a Rangefinder on a Rollei TLR will be even permited.
I grant permission to John Chee to be head of the rule commitee. Only rule I will strictly enforce is "No Biting."
Hopefully this date is good for Damaso.
Cal
This year's favorite contender is John Chee who happened to be runners up twice in the two proceeding years. In conversation with John we will open it up to all rangefinders. Previously the beauty pagent was limited to only Leica M-bodies.
What construction will crazy Cristian build this year? Can anyone top John Chee's 2005 Nikon SP with 35/1.8?
Of course since we are all gear heads multiple entries will be allowed as long as they are rangefinders. Mount a Rangefinder on a Rollei TLR will be even permited.
I grant permission to John Chee to be head of the rule commitee. Only rule I will strictly enforce is "No Biting."
Hopefully this date is good for Damaso.
Cal
I'm good with the date.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Awesome.
For entertainment purposes I'll probably bring out the three old Fuji rangefinders that allow interchangable lenses. Very impressive and you know how I like heavy cameras. These guys are porkers. LOL.
I think this years pagent has the potential to be a real "Freak Show."
One rangfinder I want to see is Steve's M3 that has the MP finder. You know me I love freaks.
Also there is the possibility of some large format/ Linhoff madness from you know who.
Also you never know what new camera John Chee might show up with to surprise us.
Perhaps February should be recogized as the gearfest of the year.
Cal
Particular
a.k.a. CNNY, disassembler
26th is good for me.
Tacking every accessory I own to an M6 clearly wasn't a winning strategy last year, so I think I will just bring out a battered old m3 with a 50mm. I will spend the next three weeks polishing up the chrome though.
Tacking every accessory I own to an M6 clearly wasn't a winning strategy last year, so I think I will just bring out a battered old m3 with a 50mm. I will spend the next three weeks polishing up the chrome though.
gdmcclintock
Well-known
Not sure I can make it, but if I can, I'll bring the Welta Weltur 6x9 circa 1936. No other camera compares!
Particular
a.k.a. CNNY, disassembler
We'd love to see that!
SuperUJ
Well-known
Rules and Regulations
Rules and Regulations
2/26, Sunday works for me. 1:00 pm at Puck Fair?
As Cal suggested, I am laying out the rule here. The proposed rules went through the exposure draft process back in November. With all the comments received to date, below is the final rules:
1) Age limit: 18 years of age or older (under aged contestants (cameras) are required to bribe one of the judges with a beer for an entry);
2) Proportional figures: We will allow as many as two (2) rangefinder bodies with two (2) lenses, same mount.
Additionally, all gears in the set with serial numbers within 10 years of production range (again, exception can be granted with a beer, you get the idea!);
3) No plastic surgery: No shape changing body work has been done (also see accessory rule below). Contestants with dints or scratches will have explaining to do (we want stories, the more dramatic; the better ... pristine condition may not be an advantage);
4) Authenticity: Must be in original finish, no repaint done (must be comfortable under its own skin);
5) Accessories are encouraged but not required: Each add-on requires a reason. Practicality and creativity count. Less may be more here. However, "Leica Franklin" type cameras did well in the past. Go figure!
6) Play dirty: Each contestant can pick and attack another (just one) contestant of his/her choice (everyone has a little dirty laundry);
7) More than just the look: The set cannot be just pretty ... it has to be functional as well. Maximum two prints (one from each lens in contest max) allowed to show the inner beauty. The artistic value of the photographs will NOT be part of the judging criteria, rather the optional photographs are there to demonstrate the technical capability of the set;
8) Nudity is strictly prohibited (it's a family oriented event): Leatherette must be on during the course of the contest. But, we don't care how worn out the leatherette is (it can be a nightgown or bikini). It has to be tastefully done;
9) The winner promises to promote world peace and represent NYC. To start, the winner needs to be our ambassador and go around the bar and talk to people; and lastly
10) No biting, per Cal's special request.
I will have score cards based on each of the rule above. Anyone who shows up and knows how to hold a pen will have the right to pick the final three. All contestants, except for the final three, will have the right to score again in the final round to pick the 2012 RRF Pageant of the US - North East NY City Area Club. We have yet to determine the prize yet. Contribution welcome. But "the winner takes it all" is the tradition here.
Good luck!
John
Rules and Regulations
2/26, Sunday works for me. 1:00 pm at Puck Fair?
As Cal suggested, I am laying out the rule here. The proposed rules went through the exposure draft process back in November. With all the comments received to date, below is the final rules:
1) Age limit: 18 years of age or older (under aged contestants (cameras) are required to bribe one of the judges with a beer for an entry);
2) Proportional figures: We will allow as many as two (2) rangefinder bodies with two (2) lenses, same mount.
Additionally, all gears in the set with serial numbers within 10 years of production range (again, exception can be granted with a beer, you get the idea!);
3) No plastic surgery: No shape changing body work has been done (also see accessory rule below). Contestants with dints or scratches will have explaining to do (we want stories, the more dramatic; the better ... pristine condition may not be an advantage);
4) Authenticity: Must be in original finish, no repaint done (must be comfortable under its own skin);
5) Accessories are encouraged but not required: Each add-on requires a reason. Practicality and creativity count. Less may be more here. However, "Leica Franklin" type cameras did well in the past. Go figure!
6) Play dirty: Each contestant can pick and attack another (just one) contestant of his/her choice (everyone has a little dirty laundry);
7) More than just the look: The set cannot be just pretty ... it has to be functional as well. Maximum two prints (one from each lens in contest max) allowed to show the inner beauty. The artistic value of the photographs will NOT be part of the judging criteria, rather the optional photographs are there to demonstrate the technical capability of the set;
8) Nudity is strictly prohibited (it's a family oriented event): Leatherette must be on during the course of the contest. But, we don't care how worn out the leatherette is (it can be a nightgown or bikini). It has to be tastefully done;
9) The winner promises to promote world peace and represent NYC. To start, the winner needs to be our ambassador and go around the bar and talk to people; and lastly
10) No biting, per Cal's special request.
I will have score cards based on each of the rule above. Anyone who shows up and knows how to hold a pen will have the right to pick the final three. All contestants, except for the final three, will have the right to score again in the final round to pick the 2012 RRF Pageant of the US - North East NY City Area Club. We have yet to determine the prize yet. Contribution welcome. But "the winner takes it all" is the tradition here.
Good luck!
John
finguanzo
Well-known
Sounds good.. Not many accessories from me though, sorry.......
Damaso
Photojournalist
Alas I am in sunny Barcelona (actually we have a cold snap at the moment) and I won't be back till the end of March. But I will put up a print as a prize for the winner of the beauty pageant!
JeffNYC
Well-known
I think I tried the beat up M3 approach last year. (with a 50mm DR) ;-)
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
Okay. I see an opportunity here. If we play by John's rules we can use the bribing with beer to get him good and drunk. This is our own best interest so we can take advantage of his vulnerability.
Although not one of John's rules, I suggest having your cameras empty of film so they can be dry fired. Some cameras like Cristian's M3 have amazingly smooth film advances from decades of use.
Also let's see how smooth and quiet a shutter can be. Dry firing allows testing for that inner beauty. BTW my Wetzlar M6 through use has become amazingly quiet. My film advance is not quite as smooth as Cristian's M3 yet, but I'm getting there.
Cal
Although not one of John's rules, I suggest having your cameras empty of film so they can be dry fired. Some cameras like Cristian's M3 have amazingly smooth film advances from decades of use.
Also let's see how smooth and quiet a shutter can be. Dry firing allows testing for that inner beauty. BTW my Wetzlar M6 through use has become amazingly quiet. My film advance is not quite as smooth as Cristian's M3 yet, but I'm getting there.
Cal
helen.HH
To Light & Love ...
My black Chrome Ernest Leitz ... Midland Canada M4
the last Batch of 100 ever made
has The Smoooothest Shutter Click Ever ...
A Click that Sounds Like a Knife Sliding Through Butter
I Defy ANY of YOU to BEAT THIS Classy CLICK...
the last Batch of 100 ever made
has The Smoooothest Shutter Click Ever ...
A Click that Sounds Like a Knife Sliding Through Butter
I Defy ANY of YOU to BEAT THIS Classy CLICK...
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
My black Chrome Ernest Leitz ... Midland Canada M4
the last Batch of 100 ever made
has The Smoooothest Shutter Click Ever ...
A Click that Sounds Like a Knife Sliding Through Butter
I Defy ANY of YOU to BEAT THIS Classy CLICK...
Would love to dry-fire her or him.
My old Wetzlar M6 that John makes fun of is almost like a leaf shutter.
May the best camera win.
Cal
Particular
a.k.a. CNNY, disassembler
My black Chrome Ernest Leitz ... Midland Canada M4
the last Batch of 100 ever made
has The Smoooothest Shutter Click Ever ...
A Click that Sounds Like a Knife Sliding Through Butter
I Defy ANY of YOU to BEAT THIS Classy CLICK...
Game on!
My click sounds like a guillotine cutting through French aristocrat.
helen.HH
To Light & Love ...
Dear CCNY:
haha...
as I Stood next to Robespierre with my Leica In Hand
and Heard the Slice of Marie Antoinette
I can Say "NO"...Mais Non
YOU LOSE ...
SuperUJ
Well-known
I don't think any beauty contest has "voice" as one of the judging criteria. But, apparently, it is very important during the Q&A session. So, that's an important quality to have as a contestant. Wondering if we have a sound level meter in the group. We will need a quantitative measure to help solve the trash talking that has already begun. And, by the way, the shutter of my M2 sounds like saying "world peace" in a soft sexy voice.
John
John
I'll be a judge (we should have a few) this year if you guys want me to... but if a hello kitty M6 shows up, it's game over.
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
I second John's nomenation. He does not pull any punches, but since he is my friend I will share with you his strong bias for small lenses, practical over expensive, and he loves fast handling lenses with ultra quick focus throws. Also he's kind of a minimal kinda guy, although he has a serious strap fetish.
Cal
Calzone
Gear Whore #1
As you know, us New Yorkers are aggressive, but we are also kinda rowdy, especially our meet-up group, that's why we have the no biting rule.
I think it is understood that the pagent is kinda ruled by the mob and that is why the trash talking and vocal campaigning is always the most decisive elements.
Cal
I won't let my biases tilt my vote. It's about beauty... not practicality. I don't mind expensive set-ups in the contest. No offense to Andre, but I would not have allowed a M5 to win last year. John Chee got rigged. That said, I won't be giving John a "make-up" vote. New year, new gear!
By the way, all of my straps combined are still less than the hood for your 28mm summicron...even if I do have a strap fetish.