Too close for missiles; switching to guns….
Since its inception in 1932 the Minox subminiature camera has been the essential spy camera. Its compact design, sturdy construction and mechanical shutter have transformed the Minox from a photographic curiosity to a legendary spy camera. History Designed in 1932 by Walter Zapp the Minox was first produced in their Latvian factory VEF (Valsts elektrotehnisk? … Read more
The Konica, or Konica I (also known as the Konica Standard or just Konica) is the first in a series of rangefinders that come at the beginning of a company that would go on to produce quality cameras for generations. As a mechanical 35mm film camera, the Konica I is a fine example of the … Read more
The history of the Futura camera line starts during the second World War with Optische Anstalt, an optics factory that produced equipment for the German Military. Unfortunately the factory was destroyed during the war, so after the war ended the founder Fritz Kuhnert built a new factory and by 1947 was producing the Efka 24. … Read more
Introduced in 1966, the Canon FT QL is an all mechanical 35mm film camera that you’ve probably never heard of. History Canon has been in the business of making cameras since the 30’s when they released their first camera, which, like many other companies, was based on the Leica II. They really started to hit … Read more
Built by the Haking company in Hong Kong, the Halina 35X is a stout little rangefinder 35mm film camera and released in 1959. It’s smooth design and compact size make the Halina 35X an attractive film camera. History and details Founded in 1956, the W. Haking Enterprises Ltd. made film cameras and binoculars, but also … Read more
The Bolsey Model C is a curious little 35mm film camera with its TLR design and cast aluminum body. The design of the camera is unique and eye catching, one of very few 35mm film cameras that boasts a twin lens reflex system, waist level finder and, just to make it even more unique, a … Read more
Years ago I read that War Correspondent Ernie Pyle used an Argus C3, which would be a great segue into this post, but I haven’t been able to confirm it. Regardless, the C3 35mm film camera, the third in the “Brick” series was the most popular camera that Argus made selling 2 million or more … Read more
The Lordomat 35mm rangefinder camera is a 50s era film camera that has a lot going for it. With many lenses available for the camera, and other accessories it would have been a good pick. The Lordomat is easy to operate and fun to use, so the unique design is just icing on the cake. … Read more
The Konica FS-1 35mm film camera is a sturdy, well made camera. With a solid built-in metering system, a huge variety of lenses for it, and a fast motor-drive, the FS-1 is a solid performer. Perfect for photographers of any level. History Konica has been making cameras and photographic materials since 1873 and was Japan’s … Read more
Most of my cameras are manual cameras in that they don’t have auto-focus, a motor to advance the film and they don’t have a bunch of presets for sports, landscape, aperture priority, etc. Honestly, that’s by choice, but there are times that I enjoy being able to just trust the camera and worry about framing; … Read more
I have always been interested in aerial cameras and photographing places from a perspective that most people will never see. Finding work from photographers like Bradford Washburn and Vittorio Sella served only to pour gas on an already raging fire. Their portfolios of remote mountain ranges, glaciers and snow covered peaks from around the world … Read more
When I hear someone talking about a TLR, my mind instantly goes to Rollei. They ruled the market on high quality TLR cameras (and some others). The next best thing to a Rollei is a Mamiya from the C line of cameras. The Mamiya C220 is the third camera in the Mamiya C line. It’s … Read more
I have a lot of cameras. I’ve used even more than what I currently own, so when I say that camera X is my favorite, there’s more than a fair amount of experience that puts it in that position. The Linhof Technar holds that spot. I have a bias though, I love Linhof. Their cameras … Read more
I’ve always wanted a Graflex, more precisely, a Speed or Crown Graphic 4 x 5 or 5 x 7 field camera, but I never really got around to getting one. I’m very familiar with using folding field cameras. In fact my first 4×5 was a Linhof Technika IV, which is the best field camera that … Read more
I’ve been lusting after a Hasselblad for at least a decade now, and having had several medium format 6×6 cameras over the years. I stumbled across the Salut C a couple of months ago on eBay, so I decided to take a chance on it since it was listed as “in working condition”. Without really … Read more