Made the jump to rangefinders

[robin a]

Hi,I'm new to rangefinders.I've followed this forum for several weeks before I joined.You guys know your stuff and aren't afraid to share it.Well, I won a auction on Ebay for a Fed2e,then I decided not to take a chance and ordered one from Oleg.I want one that works and seems he's the man.Both cameras are in route so I'll have to post again and tell how they are.In the mean time,how about lenses.I want some portraits and will be shooting B&W only in them.Any suggestions as to film also.I don't know what the cameras can do yet,but,I'm going nuts waiting. Thanks,Robin

 

[kmack]

Hi Robin, Welcome.

You can use any 35mm film. That's still a pretty big area. A lot would depend how you want to develop your film. If you are a beginner and want to try some Black and White and want to have the film developed at your local Walmart, Costco, Sams Club, drug store I would suggest Ilford XP2 or KODAK TMAX-400 CN both are C41 process black & white films.

For color, just pick a cheap one for now, you will have your hands full just learning how to use a manual camera to worry about which color film is better.

 

[Kim Coxon]

Hi Robin,
Welcome to the forum. I don't know what "other" background you have so any advice is difficult. However, I would put some film through the cameras you are getting with the lenses they come with and get used to the "quirks" of RFs. That should then give you a good idea of what other lenses you may want before the GAS really strikes.

Kim

 

[Silva Lining]

Hi Robin, Welcome to the wonderful world of rangefinders!

Most people would recommend a longer than standard lens for portraits. Lenses with a focal length from 85 to 135mm are considered more suitable for portraiture as they have the effect of foreshortening the distance between the nose face and ears to produce an effect that is generally considered more flattering and pleasing.

HOWEVER! as with all good things, rules are made to be broken, not only should you be able to take good portraits with the (presumably) 50mm lens on your FED, there are many examples of people taking great portraits with shorter focal lengths too.

My fave B&W films is FUJI ACROS and Ilford Delta 400 and I would recommend those. If you are not going to develop yourself then you will find Kmacks rcommendation of Ilford XP2 or KODAK TMAX-400 CN great choices.

Happy snappin' and remember to post some for us!

 

[robin a]

5-23 Thanks,keep the info. coming.I've been using a Spotmatic F forever,love it,got the FSU bug now.I'm going to find a fixer upper and do just that.Seems alot can be had on the web,cameras and infomation.Have one coming from Bill in IL..Not a candidate,and one from oleg,the same.Fed2's are cool!

 

[Jocko]

Hallo Robin,

You've already been given some excellent advice - I think Kevin is spot on in recommending C41 films, as at this point fast results are what you want to see!

But... one of the joys of B&W is to discover different films, and despite our occasional groans there remain a very wide range of available stocks. I'm not sure where you are exactly, but these two British sellers' sites are full of information on unusual, interesting - and often cheap - films:
http://www.retrophotographic.com/films.htm
http://www.silverprint.co.uk/
Most of which - and more - are available in the USA from
http://www.jandcphoto.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=99

Incidentally, the Industars on your FEDs are fine lenses and should produce great portraits.

Cheers, Ian

 

[robin a]

Hi, I live in Pensacola,Florida.Ian,we dont have a lot of choices here as to where to get film.1 good photo shop and a million wal-marts.I will be going to Pensacola Photo Supply for darkroom work,if, I shoot something worth enlarging,and wally for quick stuff.PPS has alot of film choices,gotta learn my cameras first.

 

[nomade]

Welcome Robin, i've a fed 2e, with a 50 mm lens. It's good for everything, just try it first 🙂

 

[wyk_penguin]

Enjoy the GAS.
Good choice on this obsolete, slow and quirky system.

 

[robin a]

I'm new,what is GAS?

 

[Kim Coxon]

An incurable disease!

Kim

 

[robin a]

yes,and it didn't take long to catch it.