Thwok--new Minolta film SLR

[Don Schaeffer]

I just became the owner of a new Minolta X-370 SLR with the Minolta 28 mm f2.8 lens and a 50 mm f1.7 lens plus a dedicated flash. It was surplus from our Manitoba Hydro. I purchased it from a neighborhood camera store for $100.

By the way this new store is starting a little photo gallery and my photos and drawings are in it.

[photophorous]

I just became the owner of a new Minolta X-370 SLR with the Minolta 28 mm f2.8 lens and a 50 mm f1.7 lens plus a dedicated flash. It was surplus from our Manitoba Hydro. I purchased it from a neighborhood camera store for $100.

By the way this new store is starting a little photo gallery and my photos and drawings are in it.

I have an X-370. It's a good litttle camera. I thought mine was broken for the past 5 or so years but I discovered recently that I was just an idiot and it actually works fine. So, I've been playing with it using a couple of Vivitar lenses, 28/2.5 and 135/2.8. They're ok, but not great. I've read good things about both of the lenses you have. I'm expecting a delivery today from KEH of a 50mm f1.4 Rokkor, and I'm thinking about getting the 24/2.8 Rokkor next.

Congrats on the new camera and also on having your photos and drawings displayed.

Paul

[Xia_Ke]

That's awesome Don! Both the camera and for your photos/drawings :thumbsup: Have you had a chance to shoot anything with it yet? Are we going to be able to convince you processing your own film too?

[Don Schaeffer]

Thanks guys. I shot about 14 photos today experimentally using the wide angle. It feels great and I love to feel the shutter go. But I'm still fundamentally a digital guy. I miss the zoom lens. I'm trying to work out a unique use for this camera. What is film uniquely good for? I will be getting the photos processed to digital media and print my own.

[Greg McCary]

Thanks guys. I shot about 14 photos today experimentally using the wide angle. It feels great and I love to feel the shutter go. But I'm still fundamentally a digital guy. I miss the zoom lens. I'm trying to work out a unique use for this camera. What is film uniquely good for? I will be getting the photos processed to digital media and print my own.

Congrats Don. Please share pictures of the gallery and also some pictures from your new camera.

[reverberation]

Thanks guys. I shot about 14 photos today experimentally using the wide angle. It feels great and I love to feel the shutter go. But I'm still fundamentally a digital guy. I miss the zoom lens. I'm trying to work out a unique use for this camera. What is film uniquely good for? I will be getting the photos processed to digital media and print my own.

For me, film will allow me to explore a wider range of artistic expression because I can use my enlarger to expose a variety of light sensitive materials. I can just do paper prints, I can do photo silkscreen, ortho-film, and I am also thinking about trying wet plate processes from my enlarger. I think film captures darkness better, highlights less well compared to digital. A chemical process is more tactile, when I get tired of sitting in front of the computer, I can take a break and play around with chemicals. Here are two links, the first shows what some people are doing with negatives, the second shows an old school lithographic technique. You can buy copper plates that are ready to be exposed, though you need a plate burner. The acid that is used in developing them is very caustic. The final image is like nothing else, a very distinct image.


http://www.alternativephotography.com/

http://www.curtis-collection.com/process.html