Introduction & Images (R3a)

[dkapp]

I'm pretty new here, but have been lurking for a few months now. I've recently bought my first rangefinder, and have fallen in love. I shoot Nikon film & digital cameras, and the size of the Bessa & 40/1.4 are a real treat.

I first got the camera last Wednesday, and I've fired off a few rolls in the past days. I'm a street photographer, and love people watching. The two really go together well.

For the first few rolls, I've not done as much with people on the streets, but have focused on one of my favorite subjects, reflections. I found this was a good starting point while I got used to the focusing & using two eyes. I've been squinting into a viewfinder for too long, and my brains putting up a hell of a fight.

The B&W's are from my first roll, and the color shots are from my second. For B&W, I used Kodak Plus-X developed in D-76, and for the color I used Kodak 100UC (Ultra Color) and let the lab do the processing and I did the scanning. With the scanning and color editing, I made the pictures match the prints from the lab.

"Suits & Shoes"

"No...I wanted That One"

"It's Still Too Expensive"

"Ben & Jerry's"

Thanks everyone for getting this far in the post. I apologize for my ramblings, but I've been known to be a bit long winded.

I look forward to meeting you.

Dave

 

[jorisbens]

I really like your images, especially the first. Because you can clearly see the people in the reflection, which gives the image an ambigious feeling.

Joris Bens 😎

 

[dkapp]

Thanks for taking the time to comment Joris, I really appreciate it.

I'll have to agree with you, the first one "Suits & Shoes" is probably my favorite too. For color, I'd probably have to pick the first one again w/ the FAO reflection.

Dave

 

[Todd.Hanz]

dkapp,
I recognize your pics from your photoblog, nice work and welcome here!

Todd

 

[dkapp]

Thanks Todd. I really love photoblogging. It keeps me motivated to shoot and keep new ideas coming in. I think I would get lazy without it.

David

 

[sockeyed]

These are very nice looking images. I think the Nokton renders b&w and colour very well, and I'm always happy with my results. No other lens I have compares to this one. I've been very happy with the body too - good solid feel, great viewfinder, accurate metering.

I look forward to seeing more of your images.

 

[dkapp]

Thanks sockeyed. You can say I was just a little surprised by this little lens. I've come from the Nikon pro line for both digital and film gear, with the best glass. I wasn't expecting images this sharp, with the contrast and color you see here. When I scanned the first shots I couldn't believe my eyes.

The lens is the best value out there right now IMO.

Dave

 

[peter_n]

Great stuff Dave! I'm impressed with your images, you have talent & that little lens is excellent! 🙂

 

[cp_ste.croix]

I love the last image...and for reasons that escape me. I think the subtle colour relationships really appeal to me...

 

[dkapp]

Thanks for your comments Peter & Chris 🙂

 

[rlk]

Am about to jump into an RF outfit myself, though with the R2A.

I have yet to go handle one in person, but am curious if you could compare the shutter noise to one of your Nikon film bodies. I'm hoping against hope that the R2A will be a lot quieter than my FM2. 🙂

Thanks!

P.S. Very nice images! I'm considering the 40mm f/1.4 myself!

 

[dkapp]

Am about to jump into an RF outfit myself, though with the R2A.

I have yet to go handle one in person, but am curious if you could compare the shutter noise to one of your Nikon film bodies. I'm hoping against hope that the R2A will be a lot quieter than my FM2. 🙂

Thanks!

P.S. Very nice images! I'm considering the 40mm f/1.4 myself!

I just tested the shutter sound of the R3a against my 3 Nikons (FE2, F3 HP & FG). The sound the the R3a is quieter than all 3, but also quite different. The R3a is not whisper quite by any means, but the sound made is less disturbing in a crowd. It makes just 1 click, where the Nikons have a click-thud from the mirror rising & falling. All my Nikons have fresh foam, so they are as quiet as they will get.

I hope this makes sense. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Dave

 

[rlk]

Very nice of you Dave, thanks for doing that...can't wait to go try one out!

Am curious what you used to scan the images above...going to try some of that Kodak UC100 soon!

I just tested the shutter sound of the R3a against my 3 Nikons (FE2, F3 HP & FG). The sound the the R3a is quieter than all 3, but also quite different. The R3a is not whisper quite by any means, but the sound made is less disturbing in a crowd. It makes just 1 click, where the Nikons have a click-thud from the mirror rising & falling. All my Nikons have fresh foam, so they are as quiet as they will get.

I hope this makes sense. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Dave

 

[dkapp]

Very nice of you Dave, thanks for doing that...can't wait to go try one out!

Am curious what you used to scan the images above...going to try some of that Kodak UC100 soon!

No problem. I actually tried to create a sound file for all 4 cameras so you could hear the difference but it turned out like crap 🙁

For the Kodak, I had the film processed at the local Wolf/Ritz Camera 1hr service, then scanned them at home on my Minolta Dual Scan IV. A good setup for the budget conscience like myself. It's a dedicated film scanner and costs about $230 from Amazon.

Dave

 

[rlk]

.wav files would be awesome! 🙂

I have tomorrow ('er today) off, so am going to go look at one in the flesh!

I have an old HP Photosmart S20 that I hope will serve for web posting purposes....

Thanks again Dave!

No problem. I actually tried to create a sound file for all 4 cameras so you could hear the difference but it turned out like crap 🙁

For the Kodak, I had the film processed at the local Wolf/Ritz Camera 1hr service, then scanned them at home on my Minolta Dual Scan IV. A good setup for the budget conscience like myself. It's a dedicated film scanner and costs about $230 from Amazon.

Dave

 

[QuillianSW]

Those are some great shots...thanks for sharing.