Introduction & first roll

[wrenhunter]

Hi there

I am pretty new to film photography and brand new to RF shooting. I just purchased a Bessa R kit from CQ and shot my first roll today (Kodak BW 400 "C41"), walking around a pond near my home.

I had a lot of fun, and two funny things happened. First, as I was taking my 8th shot or so, a girl walking by said, "Hey, nice Leica" (!). Second, halfway around the pond there was a guy taking photos of his friend -- on a sofa! (They were in the process of moving it and decided to "stop by the pond" for a few shots.) They were nice enough to let me take a shot. Both good omens, I think.

A few things I learned:

* Velcro is loud. I scared the ducks on one shot, opening my shoulder bag. I wish I had ordered my Gordy strap earlier -- should have it in a few days, then I can keep the Bessa in my hand.

* It's a rangefinder. You can see things even with the cap on. Only happened once.

*The sunny f/16 rule really does work -- at least according to the Bessa's meter. We'll see how the roll turns out!

David

 

[ray_g]

Welcome, David. Glad you are enjoying your new outfit. Do post some photos from your roll when you get them.

 

[Byuphoto]

AHHHHHHHH that's the way it starts. Welcome to the forum

 

[peter_n]

Welcome to the forum David! Sounds like you had a really good first day!

 

[Finder]

It's a rangefinder. You can see things even with the cap on. Only happened once.

It will happen more than once. A few things you can do. Paint or tape the edge a bright yellow, orange, or red so you can see the cap through the viewfinder. Always use a lens hood that will not accept a cap. As long as you shoot with the hood on, the lens cannot be capped.

To protect the camera without a cap, slip a nylon sack over the camera and tighten the synch straps to hold it in place. Simply remove the sack to take a picture. You can get these sacks from most good mountaineering or climbing stores.

 

[sf]

Welcome to RFF, and please post us some shots from that first roll.

 

[jano]

Paint or tape the edge a bright yellow, orange, or red so you can see the cap through the viewfinder.

You, dear sir, are a god. Thank you. 😀 😀 😀 😀

 

[JoeFriday]

welcome to the club, David.. what lens are you using with the R?

 

[egpj]

A woman who knows about Leicas!!??? Why hasn't anyone picked up on that? Did you get her number?! I am rolling around on the floor in ecstasy just thinking about it.

Welcome to the forum. Time to start your gallery.

 

[wrenhunter]

Ha, she was walking the other way ... I just smiled.

Thanks for the replies. I got the prints today and some look good. At least they're not all black or white.

I'll try to hook up my old scanner to my new Mac & see if I can post a few soon.

 

[bobofish]

Next time plot an intersect course with the hot leica loving ladies. I'm sure there's an astrophysicist sticking in the bushes somewhere on RFF that can help you with such a trajectory.

 

[wrenhunter]

I finally managed to scan a few prints, and upload them to My Gallery (link below). Not so happy with my scanner -- I did touch the photos slightly in PS to make them resemble the prints. I'd appreciate any feedback 🙂

 

[dostacos]

A woman who knows about Leicas!!??? Why hasn't anyone picked up on that? Did you get her number?! I am rolling around on the floor in ecstasy just thinking about it.

Welcome to the forum. Time to start your gallery.

there IS one other type of woman..... one that would rather you spend your $$$$ on camera gear, film and developing rather than WINE WOMEN AND RIOTOUS LIVING!!!! 😀

 

[dostacos]

I finally managed to scan a few prints, and upload them to My Gallery (link below). Not so happy with my scanner -- I did touch the photos slightly in PS to make them resemble the prints. I'd appreciate any feedback 🙂

nice shots, I look forward to some nice FREEZING cold Bostan winter pics 😱 😀

 

[rbiemer]

I like the photos and sounds like you had a good first outing! Welcome aboard, David.
Rob