Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast #78: M Bop

When Wayne and I (Kevin) get together to record a podcast, we usually bring some things (cameras, prints, etc.) to show to each other. The day we recorded show #78 was no different, except that I don't usually bring a Leica M2 that I had just purchased the day before. But that is exactly what I did. I didn't even tell Wayne about it beforehand.

It might seem like an impulse purchase, but it actually was years in the making. If you have been a long-time UJC listener, you have heard me discuss the idea of getting rid of most all my cameras just so that I could own and use a Leica M. I even did a lot of online research into just which M body I would want, and I landed on the M2 and it's three sets of frame lines (35, 50, and 90mm). But you no doubt know, purchasing a Leica M camera and lens is not something one jumps into quickly. It is a sizable financial investment, to say the least. 

However, four weeks ago I saw an online ad for a clean looking Leica M2 with a Summmicorn 50mm f2 collapsable lens; it was priced right, and it was local. A killer combination for certain, but even then, I didn't jump at it. I waited three and a half weeks before contacting the seller just to give myself some time to talk myself out of it. 

Soon, I will publish a blog post dedicated to the subject of purchasing this camera and why I could not say no this time. As I write the show notes, Chattanooga is in the middle of what is predicted to be a three day steady rain, but Debbie and I are making a trip to our cherished Jekyll Island next week. The Leica M2 will be the only camera a take with me, so I should have some photographs to show soon.

My new-to-me Leica M2.

As it happens, I haven't been the only Shutter Brother who has been playing with a classic German-designed miniature 35mm camera. The Rollie 35 is truly iconic mainly due to its small size. To put the Rollei 35 into the "miniature 35mm camera" category along with all other rangefinder 35mm cameras doesn't seem fair. If you can fit a pack of cigarettes into your shirt pocket, you can carry your Rollei 35 the same way. However, as much as it it known for being one of the smallest full frame 35mm cameras, it also known for its strange design, which no one would describe as being "ergonomic." Just having the hot shoe on the bottom plate freaks me out, and that's just the beginning. I keep asking myself, "How could Wayne like this camera?" We may have a better answer to the question after he develops the roll of film he shot in it last week.

Wayne's Rollei 35. Your smartphone is larger.

As has been the case for the last several show, Wayne and I devoted most of the show to the feedback we received from our listeners. I am thrilled to say that my dream of publishing a listener-driven podcast is coming true! In show #78 we read questions about split grade printing, Minolta SR-T film transport problems, darkroom design, and more. And I learn something new every show. This is why we created this podcast to begin with, and our faithful listeners are making it happen!

So, we would love to hear from you. We want your questions, comments, tips, reviews, and stories to share with our listeners. You can join our community by sending your emails to unclejonesyscameras@gmail.com, or you can post comments on our on Facebook and Instagram pages (@ujcpodcast). 

Thank you for listening, and Happy Photography!

Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast #77: What's in the Mailbag, Wayne?

The Shutter Brothers are back with the first show of 2025, and its time to read some of the listener feedback that's in the UJC mailbag. Our listeners have lots of great questions and tips for us on topics like the best ways to meter with and without a light meter and the importance of shooting digital images in RAW format. And two of our listeners weigh in on why Kevin (who, as you no doubt know, has red green color blindness) can see colors more accurately when they appear on a screen as opposed to seeing them in person. We love the feedback we get from our  listeners, and we will have more listener questions in our next show.

Knockout rose bloom, photographed by Kevin with his Sony a100 DSLR and Minolta AF f2.8 50mm macro lens. The difference between this image and what Kevin actually saw with his own eyes can-
not be overstated.

Meanwhile, both Wayne has been having unexpected troubles with hs film development process. As you know, Wayne develops his Ilford FP4+ 4x5 inch film sheets in a self-mixed modified Caffenol C-L developer. This highly compensating process is cental to getting the negatives to which he is accustomed, namely detail in both shadows and highlights. This results in negatives that, because they contain all the important "information," are easier to print. However, Wayne's last two batches have had brown streaks and over developed highlights. Wayne wants to know why and what he can do about it. 

This 4x5 sheet is typical of Wayne's negatives and it ready to print

This negative is stained and overdeveloped. What went wrong?

A side by side comparison .

So, what could possibly be causing this problem? All of the ingredients Wayne uses to make Caffenol C-L (B) are photo-grade except for one:  instant coffee. Wayne used the cheap stuff - Kroger brand instant coffee. However, his problems began about the same time he purchased a new jar - you guessed it - Kroger brand instant coffee. Could it be the coffee?

In case you are interested, here is the formula Wayne uses to to his modified Caffenol C-L (B) film developer. the photo below is of an index card Wayne keeps handy in his darkroom.

When Wayne develops 35mm and 120 film, he uses his homemade version of Kodak Xtol, which he called Mytol. Here is the recipe.

And finally, Wayne has been experimenting with a homemade version of Kodak's Dektol print developer. 

You can always reach the Shutter Brothers at unclejonesyscameras@gmail.com or at our Facebook and Instagram pagers (@UCJpodcast). 

Happy Photography!

Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast #76: We Wisner a Minolta Christmas!

The Shutter Brothers are back with their last show of 2024! Wayne and Kevn recap their 2024 Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers, dive into some darkroom tips, discuss some holiday photography ideas, and read some listener email. Thanks for listening, and Happy Photography!

Coffee on the Campfire. Photo by Kevin Lane

Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast #75: No Freeform Jazz

The Shutter Brothers are in improvisation mode for this impromptu yet informative show with a full range of film photography related topics. But don't worry. There will be no freeform jazz. No chaos. No 35 minute drum solo. Nope, we're swinging and singing melodies that all you film photographers can sing along to. Our first number features a little  "showing and telling" from Wayne, who begins with a discussion of his Canon Canonet QL17 G3, an excellent little compact 35mm rangfinder camera (often called "The Poor Man's Leica"). Whether it deserves such a comparison is a discussion for another day. But when Wayne recently printed some negatives he shot while visiting family living in Norway earlier this year, he was amazed at the quality of the indoor flash shots. It seems that wheen this very capable camera is paired with partner flash, the Canon Canolite D, it produces some of the best flash photography the Bros. have ever seen. But how is this possible? How does this flash perform differently from other auto flashes of the same era (like Kevin's favorite, the Vivitar 252)? Wayne explains how in the how.

Wayne's Canon Canonet QL17 G3. Lots of people know about it's quality, but when paired with the 
Canolite D flash . . . 

 . . . it cam make really nice flash photos with no blown out highlights.

Meanwhile, Kevin reveals what camera he bought after declaring his Wisner 4x5 would be the last camera he would ever buy? Would you believe it was a DSLR? Would you be surprised to learn that it was a DSLR that makes use of Minolta Maxxum (A mount) lenses? Of course not. You probably already know what camera it is, but here is a photo to give you a clue.

Kevin's first DSLR. It says Sony on the front, but it underneath, it's a Minolta

As usual, our listeners contribute some excellent questions and comments on topics ranging from how a camera's depth of field preview feature works to ideas for macro photography on the cheap.

Along the way we mention the YouTube work of John Finch and his Pictorial Planet channel. I have learned a great deal from John's videos, especially the ones about darkroom photography., so you should check them out. In the one I refer to in this show, he demonstrates how to easily make hypo clearing agent with water and baking soda. You can see it here.

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram by searching @UJCPodcast.

Until next time, Happy Photography!

Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast #74: Photo Walking Through History

Show #74 is our photowalk special. The 3rd Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers is just around the corner, and Wayne and I are getting ready for a fantastic day of photography and fun. It all happens on Saturday, October 26 at Fort Southwest Point in Kingston, Tennessee. Hundreds of late 18th century military and civilian reenactors will converge for Kingston's Living History Reenactment Weekend to celebrate the city's 225th birthday, providing a unique photographic opportunity. All the details can be found on our Facebook event page.

This photo walk is quite different from our previous two events, which took place at locations where one could photograph most any day of the year. I don't really follow reenactment activities, so I may never have an opportunity to do this kind of photography again. And when I say "this" kind, I don't just mean reenactment photography. I'm really referring to a situation where there will be hundreds of people who know that they will be photographed and are willing to be so. You see, I'm not much of a 'people photographer,' mainly because it is outside of my comfort zone. I have experienced enough times when I have tried to photograph someone, even someone I know, only to see the discomfort on their face. This is why I'm not a street photographer (although I greatly wish I was). the exception to this is when I'm photographing street performers, as they would expect to be photographed. I always leave a little tip for them as well. 

This 3rd Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers will be a great opportunity to photograph people and learn what makes a good people photograph. I found a photo book in our public library dedicated to the portrait photography of Henri Cartier Bresson, and I've been studying it for ideas. Since he used a 35mm camera to make the photographs in this book, I've decided to use a 35mm camera for the photowalk. Which one? Well, if you are reading this, you've probably already listened to the show. but if you aren't going to listen, then I will tell you. I'm using Uncle Jonesy's Minolta S-RT 202, the one you see in our logo. It's what Jonesy himself would have used for this event (and he would have loved to photograph an event like this), so I think it is an appropriate choice. 

And speakig of choices, I must decide which of the three Minolta 50mm lenses to use for the photowalk. Surely one is better than the other two, right? Sounds like a great question for Wayne, so I put it to him on the show. He said that there are ways that lenses can be tested and compared, and people do this all the time and write posts about it online. But when it came to comparing different 50mm lenses, Wayne's answer really  surprised me. You will have to listen to the show to find that out.

Meanwhile, I have been looking over the scans of my color negatives from my Alaskan cruise, trying to convince myself that they weren't as disappointing as they appeared to be. All three rolls looked dull with blown out skies and little shadow detail, and we're talking about Kodak Portra 400 here. What gives? What did I do wrong? I couldn't wait to get the actual negatives back to see if I could learn what my mistake was. 

But when the negatives did come back, they looked normal and obviously properly developed by the lab I chose. So, I decided to scan them myself and see if I could improve on the lab scans. I'm going to save the complete story of this endeavor for an another post, but I will tell you that I was quite successful. And I owe much of this to Nick Carver, whose video on color negative scanning was helpful beyond words.

This is the scan the lab sent me . . . 

. . . and this is the scan I made. 

Both Mike Kukavika and Jason Priebe contributed excellent emails to our show. Both Wayne and I love the input we receive from our listeners. It truly is my favorite part of doing the podcast. We welcome questions, tips, comments, reviews, and stories, because we get to learn right along with our listeners. You are always welcome to join the conversation; just send your emails to unclejonesyscameras@gmail.com, or you can post to our Facebook and Instagram pages. We'e love to hear from you!

That's all for now. We hope to see you in Kingston for the photowalk on October 26th. 

Happy Photography!

The 3rd Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers is On!

Our 3rd Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers is just over two weeks away! If you arrange to be in Kingston, Tennessee on Saturday, October 26, you will not regret it. The city of Kingston is putting on its Living History Reenactment Weekend to celebrate it's 225 birthday, and hundreds of late 18th century military and civilian reenactors will be on hand at Fort Southwest Point, giving us photographers many incredible opportunities to capture scenes that may never happen again. 

The day begins at 8:00 am, and reenactments continue throughout the day. You're welcome to stay as long or as little as you like. Wayne and I will be at fort office/museum at noon to lead the way into Kingston for lunch and photography chat. This even is free, and you are welcome to bring any kind of camera you wish, film or digital. 

Living History Reenactment Weekend Saturday Schedule 

8:00am - 8:30am - Sounding of Reveille and muster on the parade grounds

8:30am - 8:45am - Sounding of "To the Colors" and raising the Colors

8:45am- 9:30am - Breakfast throughout the grounds

9:30am - 11:00am - Vendor sales and unscheduled demos throughout the Fort and grounds

11:00am - 12:00am - History (subject tbd) lecture at the amphitheater

12:00 noon - Noon cannon

12:00pm - 1:00pm - Free time, lunch

1:00pm - 3:00pm - Cherokee story telling time at amphitheater

3:00pm - 4:00pm - Black Powder Weapon Demo in Fort

4:00pm - 5:00pm - Period craft making demo at the amphitheater

5:00pm - 6:00pm - Evening meal cal

6:00pm - 9:00pm - Cherokee music, dance, entertainment at the amphitheater

9:00pm - 9:15pm - Retreat and lowering of the colors in the Fort

10:00pm - End of the day's events

Please let us know you are coming by visiting our event page. See you there!

https://facebook.com/events/s/3rd-annual-photowalk-with-the-/2296255367407611/?

Uncle Jonesy’s Cameras Podcast #73: The Best Leica RF Camera Isn’t a Leica

The Shutter Brothers are in the studio - and so is Wayne's new camera, an 35mm rangefinder at that. And why would Wayne, a dedicated large format photographer, want a such a small camera?  It’s simple. There will come a day when it may not be possible to carry around an heavy backpack full of large format gear, and a small 35mm camera will become Wayne's primary photographic tool. And what a tool it is! The Canon VI-L is as impressive a 35mm meter-less mechanical shutter rangefinder camera we've ever seen. It has all the features Wayne wants, plus a few that we've not seen on any other camera (like dial-switchable viewfinder fame lines). With a solid build quality, could it be a better camera than any LTM Leica? Or even a Leica M? Listen and find out.

The Canon VI-L with Canon 50mm f1.4 and 35mm f2 lenses. 

Meanwhile, Kevin is back from his amazing Alaskan cruise with six and a half rolls of exposed film. The cruise itself exceeded all his expectations, and Kevin is mulling over the opportunity to put down his post-cruise reflections in book form (kudos to the entire 1300 member crew of the good ship Celebrity Edge). But what about the photography? Kevin chose two Minolta Maxim autofocus SLR bodies, a 7000 and a XTsi, and Minolta AF three lenses, a 28mm f2.8, a 50mm f2.8 macro, and a 70-210mm f4 zoom (the famous Beercan). To avoid having his film scanned at airport security, he had it shipped  from the Film Photography Store directly to his hotel in Seattle, and after the cruise was over, he shipped it from Seattle back to Chattanooga. Listen for a report on how his two SLR cameras and three lenses performed on the 2000 mile journey.

Two cameras, three lenses . . .

. . . and one bag. Total weight - seven pounds.

Next, the Shutter Bros read some listener questions about focus loupes and stand development, the latter of which serves as a chance to discuss Wayne's updated Caffenol CL formula. Both Wayne and Kevin have used it with 4x5 sheet film with excellent results, but would it work with roll film?

Source:  Alexandre Kraev, Digital Truth Photo

Believe it or not, Wayne's Leica-busting Canon VI-L isn't the smallest format camera Wayne had been testing out lately. How about a subminiature twin lens reflex spy camera! The Goerz Minicord is one of the most unique cameras we've ever seen. It's a subminiature twin lens reflex camera that uses double perforated 16mm film. It’s mechanical shutter and 25mm f2 lens makes 10x10mm images that have more than decent sharpness and contrast. Also, because the f2 lens and the 16mm film size translates to a focal length of about 75mm on a 35mm camera, you get a short telephoto effect on every shot, which can be very useful for candid photography. The build quality is excellent, and the controls are cleverly placed. And speaking of clever ideas, Goerz made a compact enlarger that uses the Minicord as both the negative holder and the enlarger lens. You can read a review of the Minicord by the esteemed Mike Eckman here.

The Goerz Minicord. The 35mm cassette is shown for size comparison.

10x10mm negatives sure look small when compared with a 4x5 inch sheet . . .

. . . but the images are sharp with good contrast!

After you develop the film, you can make prints with this compact enlarger.

Fiinally, Wayne and Kevin preview our 3rd Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers, which is going to happen on Saturday, October 26, at Fort Southwest Point near Kingston, Tennessee. The city of Kingston will be celebrating its 225th birthday with period military reenactments, and the photography opportunities will be numerous and rich.  No matter what kind of camera you bring, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make interesting photographs, as well as connect with other photographers. The Living History Reenactment Weekend is a three day event, but our photowalk happens on Saturday. The complete schedule is below. We hope to see you there.

As always, our show notes can be found at www.unclejonesyscameras.logspot.com.

Happy Photography!