New to this and just bought a Koni Omega

[Buzzard]

Hey, I am new to photography and just bought a Koni Omega Rapid. It appears to be in almost pristine shape and I will be taking it out this coming Monday to go through a few rolls of film.

I have armed myself with:
Camera with standard 90MM Lens
Film, Porta 160
Omega Manual, downloaded
Book, Photography, 7th Edition, Barbara London ....

I am really looking forward to seeing what this camera will do. I may eventually have it CLAd. But right now, I am biting at the bit to use it and see the results. Any additional input will be appreciated.

 

[agfa100]

Remember if anyone attacks you when you are using this camera you can defend yourself with it and still keep on taking pictures, it's built like a tank and weighs like one too. 🙂 🙂
Lenses are very good, the only problem they tend to have is overlap with the film backs which can be repaired. Plus you need to "learn" how to advance the film, not to hard, not to easy, just right..... Also if the viewfinder is not clear that also can be taken care of.

Besides that just put lots of film through it and enjoy. I have one put away and lots of 120 film in the freezer, maybe I should dust it off and use it again just for fun.
wbill

 

[Buzzard]

Remember if anyone attacks you when you are using this camera you can defend yourself with it and still keep on taking pictures, it's built like a tank and weighs like one too. 🙂 🙂
Lenses are very good, the only problem they tend to have is overlap with the film backs which can be repaired. Plus you need to "learn" how to advance the film, not to hard, not to easy, just right..... Also if the viewfinder is not clear that also can be taken care of.

Besides that just put lots of film through it and enjoy. I have one put away and lots of 120 film in the freezer, maybe I should dust it off and use it again just for fun.
wbill

Thanks and I have read very similar statements on this camera. It is a beast! My only other halfway decent camera is a point and shoot Panasonic Lumix I bought years ago for family get togethers.

I bought five rolls of the Porta film and plan on going through 2 to 3. Then get it processed and see what the camera ( and me ) can do before deciding on the CLA option.

 

[KoNickon]

One thing to keep in mind is that the dark slide needs to be all the way inserted in order to lock the shutter lock and the lens release. Wouldn't want you to lose a frame or two that way! As for the back and whether it overlaps frames, the only way to find out is to shoot a roll. Greg Weber (webercamera.com) is the guy to send the camera to if it needs any work.

 

[ColSebastianMoran]

Buzzard, it's a great adventure. Enjoy!

I took the plunge with a similar-sized camera, the Mamiya Press to shoot 6x9. I needed a couple of repairs (for example, one shutter was bad), but these cameras are strong.

 

[furcafe]

Congrats. Yes, a beast of a camera, but the results can be wonderful.

 

[Gregoyle]

Let us know how you like it! I have been looking at the Koni-Omega recently, too. It looks like about the best image quality for the money of any camera out there.

Have fun!

 

[farlymac]

I hope to one day get mine back from a buddy I sold it to years ago. It was great to use, and the lenses were outstanding. Have fun!

PF

 

[dshfoto]

Check for light leaks before shooting a lot of film. If any use gaffers tape as a short term fix around the back.

 

[Buzzard]

Let us know how you like it! I have been looking at the Koni-Omega recently, too. It looks like about the best image quality for the money of any camera out there.

Have fun!

Will do. I am shooting two rolls first of next week. Mail them in for processing and hopefully have the results about two weeks from now.

 

[dshfoto]

I you need repairs, I have found the following service to be very good:

WEBER CAMERA
2022 E. 7TH STREET
FREMONT, NE
68025-1615
gweber@webercamera.com
PHONE: 1.402.721.3873
TOLL FREE: 1.877.721.3873
FAX: 1.402.721.3838

 

[Buzzard]

Let us know how you like it! I have been looking at the Koni-Omega recently, too. It looks like about the best image quality for the money of any camera out there.

Have fun!

I searched the net for close to a month. No review I found ever said the Koni was a bad choice. In fact most said its a excellent choice when you consider the price point. This is one of the many reviews, articles, and threads I read which made it clear to me this is a solid camera to start with.

The last two paragraphs, where the author mentions a 1400 to 1600 dollar GF670 sold me.

link:
http://lipstadt.com/noted/camera-reviews/koni-omega-rapid-m-200/

I don't have 1600 dollars right now for a camera; but if I learn how to use this Koni, I can get similar quality shots in the right situations for 1/8 the cost.

 

[Buzzard]

I you need repairs, I have found the following service to be very good:

WEBER CAMERA
2022 E. 7TH STREET
FREMONT, NE
68025-1615
gweber@webercamera.com
PHONE: 1.402.721.3873
TOLL FREE: 1.877.721.3873
FAX: 1.402.721.3838

Thanks dshfoto! If it needs to be CLAd, I will go there. I honestly expect it does; but still want to take some pictures with it before I send it away 🙁

 

[agfa100]

Buzzard, if you hit the link on how to repair your own film back it's worth saving, it's in the review of the camera. I got bold and did one of my 220 film backs and I really repaired it, the only problem now is 220 is no longer made but I still have a couple of rolls in the freezer.
wbill

 

[mfogiel]

Remember to use a lightmeter, and to begin with, measure for incident light, and expose your Portra 160, as if it was a 100ISO film. Drop off for normal processing. You will get less grain and better shadow detail. Another good practice with colour film, is to use a lens shade, or at least use a hat to shade the lens if you shoot against the light.

 

[Gregoyle]

Remember to use a lightmeter, and to begin with, measure for incident light, and expose your Portra 160, as if it was a 100ISO film. Drop off for normal processing. You will get less grain and better shadow detail. Another good practice with colour film, is to use a lens shade, or at least use a hat to shade the lens if you shoot against the light.

Kudos for giving good photography advice when the rest of us want to focus on the gear 🙂

 

[Joe Vitessa]

That's quite a rig to get into photography with! Kind of like learning to drive on a 1959 Ford Fairlane. Good luck with the adventure.

 

[Buzzard]

That's quite a rig to get into photography with! Kind of like learning to drive on a 1959 Ford Fairlane. Good luck with the adventure.

Thanks Joe. It is all manual so in a way you are right. I have heard though that all manual, even a 35mm, is the best way to learn the basics which is what I am after.

 

[Buzzard]

Bad news! I was getting the camera out and the back glass that is what you look through had fallen off. I did tape it on but decided I am going to have it CLA'd.

Hoping to have it back and ready for December snow.

PS, I will be calling WEBER CAMERA for advice and shipping information Monday.

 

[farlymac]

Don't give up. My first Rapid I bought from a camera store turned out to be a piece of junk when I got it home, and I had to take it back for a refund. The second one was much better (bought in a different store). They are great fun to use, and some of the accessories (such as the flash bracket) give it a unique look.

PF