New York February NYC Meet-Up/ Tenth Annual Camera Beauty Contest

CNNY said:
That's why I'm building an 8x10, like I really need it. In the mean time I couldn't help hitting buy on another Linhof. It's black, it is weird, and they only made 2200 of this model.
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Devil Christian,

Only 2200 free gym memberships.

I was digging through my Public Storage. Wow I have mucho Leica boxes, but I don't want to throw them out. Also "found" some rare "O" Rolliesoft, "1" Rolliesoft, and a red Rollie filter. Pretty much I forgot that somehow I bought them. What makes these rare is the size is "Bay II."

I also have Bay two skylights or UV's, enough that I even use one to protect the "viewing" lens.

I'm assembling a "grab bag" of "Free" stuff to give away. At least we'll have some stuff to fight over.

Also I dug up some cool hardware to help you build out your home built cameras. I have these thumb screws that are pretty trick. I don't know if they are metric or not.

Cal
 
CNNY said:
Have we had a fixed lens rangefinder category before? I remember Phil once showing a very nice Retina 2a. There are some neat fixed lens gems out there. Let's see them!
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Christian,

I can borrow back this 645 Zeiss that I gifted "Mike the Skinny Hipster."

I think I lent this camera to Andre for a while. A pretty cool folder, but you can tell the lens and film planes are not parallel.

Cal
 
This Meet-Up will also be a swap-meet.

I have a boxed silver Pentax-L 43/1.9. The silver version is rarer than the black version and if I remember correctly only 750 siver versions were ever made.

Know that this is the only Pentax lens made for a Leica (LTM). It comes with a M-mount adapter, a VF'er that has 43mm and 50mm frames that is mucho contrasty and has a diopter (know that the entire frame is ideal for 35mm), and a rare 40.5mm Heliopan UV filter marked "Digital."

Know that for digital that the Heliopan filters maked "Digital" cut UV and IR to eliminate light signals that are not visual information lowering what I would call "noise" for cleaner histograms and less clipping.

For street shooting it has a focus tab, and the focus throw is mucho short.

Bring something I might be interested in.

Cal
 
For Sam I have a Voightlander Bessa 1. The lens is a Voightlander Vaskar 105/F4.5. This lens is not so sharp and perhaps not so good a performer, but I believe the bellows is light tight and it is in very clean condition.

The shutter at times sticks at one second, and the lens looks to be hazy.

Sam always brings out cool stuff that you will never-ever see otherwise.

He just deserves to be rewarded.

BTW Christian this is a fixed lens 6x9 with also a 645 mask. A little odd.

Cal
 
Devil Christian sent me an E-mail to taunt me with his new rig.

It definitely has "You suck" factor.

Did anyone tell you that, "Christian is no good?"

Kinda reminds me of my old boss who had all kinds of anger issues, paranoid tendncies, and anti social behavior, but otherwise was a nice guy. LOL. Just kidding...

He would go into these rants that could began, "Christian is no good," he bought a camera that I would like, then he took pictures with his camera, just to annoy me...

Then he would mention someone else and go through a list...

Another expression was, "I don't mean to be nasty, but..." and then he would go through a list of things he did as payback to someone that he had just riffed "XXXX he's no good..."

Where do they find such people?

Cal
 
Cal, since I won't be getting an SL2 anytime soon, I thought I'd get something that has an actually comfortable grip.

Btw, I was looking to replace my Fuji 645 because I don't really get on with autofocus. Some months ago I bought and sold a old style Mamiya 6 folder that unfortunately was in bad shape. Some of those models could shoot in either 6x6 or 645. They are well made and heavy with a unique internal focus mechanism. Mine was also visibly not parallel, so I sold it.
Instead I got a Mamiya 645 back which I will try to mount on my fake Technar. With the Super Angulon 47mm it would be like an oversized version of the wide Fuji 645. One lens and camera that I can use with 6x9 as a 21mm, 6x7 as a 24mm, and 645 as a 28mm.
 
CNNY said:
Have we had a fixed lens rangefinder category before? I remember Phil once showing a very nice Retina 2a. There are some neat fixed lens gems out there. Let's see them!
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That Retina IIa I got from Robert Long when he visited NYC years ago. Maybe it was 2013?
As for fixed lens cameras, I have a bunch. Wow, far too many. One is a Konica C35 Automatic with a working light meter that is accurate. It came with a mercury battery that was somehow not leaking. That will go into some prize pool for the contest. I also have an original XA which I can't seem to get rid of. I will bring a few nice point and shoot cameras and probably some parts.
As for swap stuff, I have a couple beautiful Konica T3 bodies and some lenses. I also have a T4 that I may want to get rid of. All need meter recalibration but all the meters respond.
Then there's the Eyemo... This pre WWII 35mm motion picture camera that will certainly be left behind after mankind is long gone. Like a bigger version of the early 16mm Filmos, this thing is indestructible. Doesn't come with a grip, sorry Cal. I wish I had the original grip. This is a camera with a 25mm hyperfocal lens that was basically used by B17 and B24 crews to film the bombing of Europe during WWII. Most of these early Eyemo bodies wound up in the 8th Air Force serving that function.
Phil Forrest
 
Phil_F_NM said:
That Retina IIa I got from Robert Long when he visited NYC years ago. Maybe it was 2013?
As for fixed lens cameras, I have a bunch. Wow, far too many. One is a Konica C35 Automatic with a working light meter that is accurate. It came with a mercury battery that was somehow not leaking. That will go into some prize pool for the contest. I also have an original XA which I can't seem to get rid of. I will bring a few nice point and shoot cameras and probably some parts.
As for swap stuff, I have a couple beautiful Konica T3 bodies and some lenses. I also have a T4 that I may want to get rid of. All need meter recalibration but all the meters respond.
Then there's the Eyemo... This pre WWII 35mm motion picture camera that will certainly be left behind after mankind is long gone. Like a bigger version of the early 16mm Filmos, this thing is indestructible. Doesn't come with a grip, sorry Cal. I wish I had the original grip. This is a camera with a 25mm hyperfocal lens that was basically used by B17 and B24 crews to film the bombing of Europe during WWII. Most of these early Eyemo bodies wound up in the 8th Air Force serving that function.
Phil Forrest
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Phil,

Bernard and I are military hounds and love war history. This past Monday we saw 1917. It had these long takes that made one feel like they were walking along right with these two Corporals sent on a mission behind enemy lines.

As a film maker you have to see this film.

Last year I saw "Dunkirk" in 70mm.

Back a few years ago I hooked up with Robert, and Pro-Mone and I took him shooting. I met this Vietnam Vet who was a truck driver in Long Island City that had volenteered instead of being drafted.

When I inquired he reported to try and escape Greenpoint where he happens to still live. He explained how few opportunities and choices he had.

He was assigned to a tank. Told me some interesting hellish stories. BTW he had a white thick beard and could get the gig to play Santa Clause at Macy's.

Cal
 
I have a grab-bag of sorts to the early attendees. I generally arrive early around noon, even though the official meet-up time is 1:00 PM. There will be an assortment of HMC (Hoya) and MRC (B&W) filters mostly in Nikon (52mm) and Leica (46mm) sizes that are contrast filters for B&W.

Other odds and ends is: a 58mm Canon lens cap that I found on the street; a Dual USB 5000mAh Pocket Juice "Slim-Pro" boxed, that "Maggie" could not get to work; an unused Instax case-black that Maggie bought and never used; boxed unused "Moment photo case for an Iphone XS Max that Maggie bought and never used; Shimano Deore XT short cage rear deraileur...

I'm also sure I find more stuff to recycle. Remember that Sam is donating a M3 that needs some TLC.

So far the grand prize is a Nikon Coolpix S80 kit that includes case, spare battery, and USB charging cable. This camera is flat like a pack of cigarettes, a little smaller, and about half as thick. I figure it is something cool to fight over. Remember the only rule that is strictly enforced every year in our bare knuckled competition is: "No biting."

Cal
 
Cal,
its a shame Barnack didnt get his early prewar prototype into production before WWI. Those two Tommy lance corporals couldve gotten some nice shots of that dogfight over France.
Curse you, Red baron!!!

-B



Calzone said:
Phil,

Bernard and I are military hounds and love war history. This past Monday we saw 1917. It had these long takes that made one feel like they were walking along right with these two Corporals sent on a mission behind enemy lines.

As a film maker you have to see this film.

Last year I saw "Dunkirk" in 70mm.

Back a few years ago I hooked up with Robert, and Pro-Mone and I took him shooting. I met this Vietnam Vet who was a truck driver in Long Island City that had volenteered instead of being drafted.

When I inquired he reported to try and escape Greenpoint where he happens to still live. He explained how few opportunities and choices he had.

He was assigned to a tank. Told me some interesting hellish stories. BTW he had a white thick beard and could get the gig to play Santa Clause at Macy's.

Cal
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Today "Maggie" has a gig in a studio. Hair, make-up, and a long day of shooting.

After the Meet-Up yesterday I came home and had to assemble a shoe rack that can hold 50 pairs of shoes. I say we likely need a second one and this is just for Maggie's shoes.

Tomorrow is the network TV show that I think will be a live broadcast.

Sometime in early February Maggie has a gig in Paris and it ain't for Fashion Week.

Saturday somehow there was a follow-up to some podcast that wanted to include me. I found out this is for a TED Talk podcast that will be released in March or April. The Producer, Jessica, interviewed us as we did our usual shooting on the street as our "studio" that we do.

So I actually got asked a few questions, and I think I came across in an intelligent manner. At one point in a Calzone manner I kinda got a bit hysterical and exaggerated a bit about how two days before our trip to Mad-Rid I had to buy a tux, how I was at work paniced, and how all of the sudden I bought a Paul Smith Tux so I didn't look like Bozo the Clown at some formal event held in a palace (No exaggeration: Palace de los Dukes).

Another colorful point that got recorded is when I kinda said that I don't consider my photography that I do for Maggie my work. I said she is the creative director, the writer, and the person with the vision.

So anyways anytime one disagrees with a PhD you can expect an argument, so we pretty much had a exchange that was taped that likely will be podcast.

So somehow I'm now part of this Podcast that really is suppose to be about Maggie. How did that happen?

Also for some brand of sparkling wine we did last year, Mike the Skinny Hipster shot Maggie and I giving a toast to out free luxury vacation in Europe. It seems they liked me as a model. Maggie's followers also posted some flattering comments. So now sometime in February she has to post again for this brand again in a new gig with the stipulation that I have to also be in the shots.

How did this happen. Previously Maggie gave me $2K towards a new SL2. I went to B&H and bought a pair of 128GB SD cards that have an extra set of contacts on them for high speed. $199.99 each plus tax. Brutal I say. The SL2 is mucho fast and really needs these high speed cards. Ouch.

So now Maggie says when she gets this check she will give me anothe $1K towards the SL2.

Cal
 
The February issue of "Oprah" magazine is out, and there is a one page shot of "Maggie' with a short blurb (text).

From Maggie's nervousness this morning, I think she figured out it was going to be a live broadcast. Evidently the video that was shot previously is a clip they will play on the show.

Cal
 
Since it seems you're going to be famous even if you don't want to be, I found a song for you on YouTube-Rick Jame's "Big Time". Go take a look....
 
MrFujicaman said:
Since it seems you're going to be famous even if you don't want to be, I found a song for you on YouTube-Rick Jame's "Big Time". Go take a look....
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MFM,

I don't wish being a celeb on anyone. Too much maintenance and hassle.

Actually I like being "under the radar."

I feel for Megan and Harry. I wish everyone would just leave them alone and let them be happy.

The "Today Show" is likely over right now. I'm not like "Maggie" where it gets complicated just getting dressed. If I were an invited guest pretty much I would pick between three Paul Smith suits (one is the Tux you recommended).

Yesterday when Maggie was fussing over what to wear, I asked, "Is this really about you, or is this about fashion?" Not really sure, because Maggie is really trying to establish herself as a writer/thinker.

At work it is slow because so many people have gotten poached. I am wondering if I too should start writing again. Pretty much I have a MFA in Creative Writing.

With Maggie's recent cull down I was given an IPAD Mini, and a 6th Generation IPAD (GoDaddy Swag) that is still being currently sold at the Apple Store. Maggie just upgraded to an IPAD Pro. They will be great tools to set up a website, and as platforms for photography and writing.

I use Lightroom 5 that I have downloaded that came free when I bought my Monochrom on an 8 year old MacBook Pro Titanium. I have the teacher/student Edition of LR5 on a CD as well as an old I-Book that has a DVD reader. Pretty cool to avoid a monthly Creative Cloud bill, and to have a redundant computer. Call me a CB. I like it.

I just finished Jack Keurowack's "On The Road." Pretty much I have a lot of free time at work, so I have been getting paid to read novels. I have the Robert Franks book from when they featured "The Americans" at the MET. That is on the list. Today I'm reading William Least Heat Moon's book "Blue Highways" A Journey Into America.

The author gets laid off and looses his job, and pretty much goes out on a road trip alone in an Ford Econoline van, no frills with a little more than $400.00.

He avoids the Interstates which are red lines and decides to use the blue lines on the map that are the small part of America.

The voice involves lots of thoughtful/poetic thinking, and like a blog post captures a moment and experience with few words. He meets people and pretty much interviews them. He has a Nikon F2 and 5 lenses, and there are some photographs of the places and people to document this journey.

Spiritually, he is 38 years old, the book was published in 1982, and pretty much since his life pretty much ended with the job, my guess is the journey is really about finding a new beginning.

I wrote a poem about my Jeep. In Maggie's recent clean up she found a poem I wrote to her for Valentine's Day. Back then I was paying child support and pretty much had the life of a dirt bag. Pretty much "no-money." Sadly, I remember eating Pizza every night for dinner.

The poems explain themselves, but what contrast and tension. I'm a complicated Mo-Fo.

Cal
 
Calzone said:
.. Today I'm reading William Least Heat Moon's book "Blue Highways" A Journey Into America.

The author gets laid off and looses his job, and pretty much goes out on a road trip alone in an Ford Econoline van, no frills with a little more than $400.00.

He avoids the Interstates which are red lines and decides to use the blue lines on the map that are the small part of America.

The voice involves lots houghtful/poetic thinking, and like a blog post o a moment and experience with few words. He meets people and pretty much interviews them. He has a Nikon F2 and 5 lenses, and there are some photographs of the places and people to document this journey.
....

Cal
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This is an excellent book, I read yearsvago, it s really a book on the road! Sometimes I think how nice it would be to travel through Europe avoiding the motorways, just driving along the small roads...maybe from mediterranean sea to the Ocean...
 
MrFujicaman said:
Cal, one of MY goals in life is to never have to wear a tux!
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MFM,

I met a guitar player, named Mike, who played with Big Joe Turner. He got married, had a kid, and set up a music store that basically was a guitar shop.

Mike told me a story of how he hated "club-dates" meaning doing weddings. To destroy his tux when he gave up doing weddings he basically wore his tux to paint his house.

Funny how this comes up. I have a brand new size 46 orange/tan coveralls that my jerk boss who retired bought for me. I'm a size 38, so this is monsterly big on me. I could understand a size 40 to wear over clothes, but size 46 is retarded.

Anyone need a free pair of coveralls size 46.

The shoe rack is full, I have to drop off some more shoes at Housing Works after work, threw out a few bags of shoes that are too worn she says to recycle or donate, and now she has to deal with her boots.

I took notice that my 50 Lux-SL is now a $5.8K lens due to the Trump tariffs. Ouch. Mucho glad that I bought the glass I need before the increases. Saved about $1.2K.

Cal
 
robert blu said:
This is an excellent book, I read yearsvago, it s really a book on the road! Sometimes I think how nice it would be to travel through Europe avoiding the motorways, just driving along the small roads...maybe from mediterranean sea to the Ocean...
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Robert,

I drove from New York to New Mexico three times round trip alone in a Jeep.

One thing you learn is how vast a country the U.S. is. Europe really isn't so big. That does not mean that Europe is not rich. BTW I was deeply impressed by the style, the way of life, and most of all the quality of life. I see the greed, and the disparity, and a lot of non-sense going on here in America. We are not so happy...

At the NYC Meet-Up the guys discounted the British Isles as not being Europe. What says you? Is Britain part of Europe?

On one hand it could be viewed as an Island and not part of a continent. My guess if you are British, Irish, Welch, or Scottish that they identify as being Europeans anyways. As a blanket we use the term "Western Europeans" and that includes the British Isles.

I wanted to give you a heads up that I expect to start a blog/website this year. Boy am I a lazy slacker, but all this reading at work to pass the time has inspired me to get back into my writing again. Could be "crazy-good."

Cal
 
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