Just got back from Atlanta

[bmattock]

Hello all:

Just got back from Atlanta, where I had a one-day business trip (well, it turned out to be two days, bad weather and all). I took my Bessa R and a 4-pack of lenses: all Canons this time. 35mm f2.8, 50mm f1.8, 85mm f1.9, and 135 f3.5. I found that the camera and lenses packed very well in a small camcorder bag that I picked up at the local Albuquerque camera shop. I also brought a 135 external viewfinder, since the Bessa has no 135 frameline.

Overall, I was very pleased with the results I got. Weather was bad, so I didn't take too many photographs, but I did get a moment to stop by Stone Mountain, GA on my way to the airport yesterday - here's the best of the bunch.

I shot this with the Canon 135mm f3.5 (this is a late-model all-black aluminum-body lens), setting was f8.0 @ 1/60, hand-held, no filters. I shot on Kodak Portra 160VC, but converted to B&W in Photoshop Elements.

I am finding that the Bessa is a better travel camera than one of my ancient SLRs, and of course it is nice to have alternate choices in lenses - so my beloved fixed-lenses were left behind on this trip.

I have to say, I am very pleased with the Bessa's performance!

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[SolaresLarrave]

How's that 135 lens when it comes to holding it? If there's an intimidating aspect about that lens, it's the size. Kind of reminds me of a Vivitar zoom I had, which, when attached to my now-gone Minolta SLR made me tip over to the front...

Tips, strategies, ideas? Would like to know... 😕

 

[bmattock]

How's that 135 lens when it comes to holding it? If there's an intimidating aspect about that lens, it's the size. Kind of reminds me of a Vivitar zoom I had, which, when attached to my now-gone Minolta SLR made me tip over to the front...

Tips, strategies, ideas? Would like to know... 😕

At the moment, I've got 4 different 135mm lenses for the Bessa - just gotta try everything, right? I have a Canon 135 f3.5 in solid brass-n-glass (chromed), and you're right, it's heavy! I also have a Canon 135 f3.5 that is the 'later model' and it is in black aluminum - much lighter! That's the one I took with me. I also have a Leica Hektor f4.5 and a Kyoei Super-Acall 135mm f3.5. None of them are as heavy as the Canon (chromed).

Actually, the heaviest lens I have for the Bessa at the moment is a Canon 85mm f1.9 - shorter than the 135, but very fat! I *did* take that one with me!

I am kind of a big guy - 5-10, 250 pounds. I don't have much trouble toting heavy stuff, and the big lenses don't worry me too much. For balance on the camera, I must admit that my favorites right now are my A. Schacht 90mm f2.8 Travenar, and the Canon (black) 135mm. They have a nice balance on the camera and don't feel unwieldy.

But there is something tangible and 'real' about the Canon 85mm f1.9! Yes, it's heavy, and it throws the balance of the camera way off - but it feels very steady in my hands. I tend to balance the camera with my right hand gripping the Bessa body and my left hand holding the lens from underneath - this feels 'right' and it also reminds me slightly of holding a rifle when I was in the Marines - so I get my stance and take a breath, hold it, exhale slowly, and depress the shutter. Seems to work ok!

Here's a shot I took with the Travenar this last weekend at a local show-n-shine lowrider car show in Albuquerque...good DOF, it was f2.8 @ 1/60th.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks

 

[r-brian]

Bill

What local Albuquerque camera store do you frequent? When I first moved to ABQ six years ago I worked at Kurt's down on Central for about 4 months until I got a "real" job. Kurt's is family owned for over 50 years in the same location. Still go there to hang out when time permits.

Brian

 

[bmattock]

Bill

What local Albuquerque camera store do you frequent? When I first moved to ABQ six years ago I worked at Kurt's down on Central for about 4 months until I got a "real" job. Kurt's is family owned for over 50 years in the same location. Still go there to hang out when time permits.

Brian

Brian,

They know me down at Kurt's (on Central), but I also shop at Camera & Darkroom. I used to think I would try to give all my business to one shop, but I've had various dealings that have made me feel like switching around.

My wife dropped into Kurt's one day to pick up a few things for me, and was treated very rudely (you probably know the hockey puck who is known for his rudeness). I've complained - the response is 'Well, that's just the way he is.' Not really an acceptable answer. Especially since I've spent a lot of money there.

But I've run into the same thing at C&D, although they've been much better lately, as my face has become somewhat familiar to them.

I've probably spent more time & money at Kurt's, and overall, they're fine.

Best Regards,

Bill Mattocks