Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast #44: SR-Teeerrific!

After some horrible recording conditions and some uploading shenanigans courtesy of yours truly, Wayne and I are back with a new show that we think is terrific - SR-Teerrific, that is! I start the show by discussing my purchase of a new (to me) camera, a black Minolta SR-T 102. I have two many cameras already (and I am currently trying to reduce that number - see below), but I made an exception for this camera, and if you listen to the show, you will find out why. You may even find yourself wanting one, because the Minolta SR-T camera line was really quite remarkable then and still so now. My camera came with some issues, however, and I discuss how I repaired the meter system in the show. If I can do it . . . 

I bought this camera to use!

The rear CdS cell has become unglued from the 
prism. And look how cloudy the glue is!

I re-glued it with clear epoxy, and now both cells are working
as they should.

The remainder of the show consists of what we hope is the future for the UJC Podcast:  listener interaction! Wayne and I tackle some great listener feedback and questions from some of our favorite "nephews and nieces" about resin coated photographic paper and toning, our favorite types and brands of photographic paper, and the ever-popular subject of pushing and pulling film - how to do it and when should you do it. Our goal for each show is to give all of us a chance to learn something new that can be useful and maybe even fun! 

Of course, to have a show that is based on listener interaction, we need your feedback in the form of questions, comments, tips, and stories. Sharing is caring, and you can share with us by sending us an email at unclejonesyscameras@gmail.com. Voice memos are welcome, too! Also, I try to keep all our listeners informed about future shows on our Facebook page, you can post or comment of one of our posts there. Finally, we are on Instagram, and we hope you will follow us. There is something truly special about the film photography community and how we freely share our knowledge and experience so that the community will continue to thrive. So please feel free to make Uncle Jonesy's Cameras your "community room."

Here is the link to a The Rokkor Files, a fabulous website devoted to Minolta manual focus cameras. Highly recommended.  

Although we are not a camera store or even a business at all, both Wayne and I have cameras for sale. You can see Wayne's Automatic Rolleiflex ("Baby Rollei") here.

You can see my Rolleicord Va here.

You can see my Holga 120N here.

Here is a link to a UJC blog post on pushing black and white film.

Here and here are two UJC posts about pushing color negative film.

Happy Shooting!

Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast #43: Focusing on Focus

Focus, exposure, and composition represent perhaps the three most basic elements of photography technique, yet because most people today take photographs with smartphone cameras, very little thought is given to the idea of controlling focus and using it as a creative tool. Those of us who use vintage film cameras, however, usually have much more control over exactly what in the frame is in focus and what is not. So, Wayne and Kevin are here in this show to discuss focus aesthetics and how to achieve them. As a large format photographer, Wayne has complete control of focus and tends to want everything in the frame to be as sharp as possible. Kevin, on the other hand, shoots mainly 35mm film and often wants to make the background blurry while keeping the subject sharp. Learning how to control focus can become another creative tool that can take our photography to the next level.

Photo by Kevin, who was not happy about the out-of-focus foreground in the upper right.

Also in this show, Wayne discusses his experience with his Automatic Rolleiflex 4x4 twin lens reflex camera. This camera looks just like a smaller version of the classic Rolleiflex, and it shoots 127 film, a roll film that was quite common at one time but is not common today, although it is still made. Developing and printing the film requires equipment that Wayne does not have, so developing the roll and making a print from it was a serious challenge that made for a frustrating day in the darkroom. 

Photo by Wayne Setser with his Automatic Rolleiflex

Finally, Wayne and Kevin answer a listener question about flash sync and how it works. 

As always, you can be a part of the show by sending us a question, comment, or tip. You can reach us by email at unclejonesyscameras@gmail.com. You can also post a question or comment here or on our Facebook page or Instagram feed. We would be thrilled to hear from you!

Until next time, Happy Shooting!

Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast #42: Welcome to Wayne's World

It's a new year, and we have a new show and a new host. We are thrilled to have Wayne Setser on the show today and even more thrilled that he is joining the UJC team along with Kelley and Kevin. We are dedicated to making a lot of great shows on the subject of film photography in 2022, so find us in your favorite podcast app and subscribe.

In this show Wayne takes the lead on an important topic for anyone who loves to hunt for old film cameras: how to test an old camera. Putting a camera through a multi-step inspection can save you some disappointment and money. And while we all love to find amazing treasures at bargain prices, it is important to keep emotions in check so that you don't walk away with a camera that needs more work than it is worth.

Kevin and Wayne answer some listener questions in this show, including one about the right camera to take on that "once in a lifetime trip." Also, we are in a goal setting mood regarding the new year. 

While it's not easy to pick one photograph that represents a "best work," both Kevin and Wayne discuss their favorites, and you can see them right here.

Here are Wayne's three favorites

And here are Kevin's favorites.

Finally, we give away the Minolta AF-Sv, otherwise known as "The Talker." Listen to the show to find out who is the lucky winner.

That's all for this show. Happy Shooting!