Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast #68: Two Bodies, Two Lenses, and Twin Lenses

The two Shutter Brothers, Wayne and Kevin, are talking twos on show #68:  two camera bodies, two lenses, and twin lenses. Why? Because two is better than one, of course! As the Bros think about their impending cruises later this year, they're both thinking of bringing along two cameras. While Wayne has settled on his two medium format Plaubel Makina 67 and his Noblex panoramic cameras, Kevin has narrowed it down to the idea of using two 35mm camera bodies, so that he can easily switch between b&w and color film. Why would Kevin want to shoot color film? Because he will have to opportunity to photograph wildlife like he never has before, and photography wildlife in color just seems like the right thing to do. So, given that Kevin wants to travel as light a possible, what would be the best combination of two cameras for the cruise? Wayne offers four options:

1.  Two identical 35mm camera bodies with the same lens mount.

2.  Two 35mm bodies of the same make but different models, both with the same lens mount.

3.  Two completely different 35mm cameras (one SLR and the other a rangefinder, for example).

4.  Two different formats (for example, a 35mm SLR and a medium format TLR).

Thanks to input from one of our listeners, Kevin is definitely leaning toward one of these options. Listen to the show to find out which.

The venerable Minolta Maxxum 700 is Kevin's go to 35mm SLR currently, but will it go to Alaska
with him in September? And what other camera and gear will go also?

www.dyxum.com is a great resourse for all things Minolta AF lenses and Sony A mount cameras. Kevin is considering taking two Minolta AF zoom lenses with him on his Alaskan cruise. Here is the review of the 35-70mm f4, and here is the review of the 70-210mm f4 (beercan).

Meanwhile, Kevin has been shooting his Rolleicord Va with mixed results. It seems that the Rolleicord is capable of very sharp images with the camera is mounted on a tripod. However, when Kevin uses it handheld, the results are variable, and he hates it when his negatives are not in focus! So why is this happening to Kevin, even though he is doing everything he can to steady himself before firing the shutter? The answer could have something to do with the Rolleicord's shutter button itself. It is a lever that requires lateral movement to fire the shutter. Could this side-to-side movement cause camera shake?

In search of an answer, Wayne gathers up his four twin lens reflex cameras (none of which are Rolleicords) to compare the shutter button layout of each, and each one is different. However, Wayne has an idea that may help Kevin to reduce camera shake on his Rolleicord, a solution that may help other TLR users.

Wayne's TLR quartet:  R-L:  Minolta Autocord, Zeiss Ikoflex iic, Zeiss Ikoflex iii, and Welta Superfekta

Is is a TLR? Is it a folder? The Welta Superfekta is both! But wait! There's more!

The Welta Superfekta for landscape 6x9cm shots!

Finally, while October may seem like a long time from now, it's never to soon to start planning for our 3rd Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers. The date is Saturday, October 26, and the location is Fort Southwest Point Archeological Site in Kingston, Tennessee. The City of Kingston will be celebrating Founders Day that weekend, and photowalk participants will have the opportunity to photograph people in period costumes participating in military reenactments. We hope to see you there, so mark your calendar now!

One more thing. Any stereo photography enthusiasts out there? Wayne has something special for you:  A Stereo Vivid projector kit! With this projector, special screen, extra bulbs and the accompanying sixteen viewing glasses, you could be putting on slide shows in 3D. If you are interested in owning this rare piece of photographic history, email Wayne at unclejonesyscameras@gmail.com. For more about stereo photography, listen to UJC #67 and check out our show notes here.

This Stereo Vivid projector and case, screen, sixteen 3D glasses, and extra bulbs could be yours!

As always, we greatly value the contributions our listeners make to the podcast, so please consider contributing to our next show! Send us an email at unclejonesyscameras@gmail.com. Also, check out our show notes at https://unclejonesyscameras.blogspot.com and our Facebook and Instagram pages (both can be found by searching @ujcpodcast). 

Happy Photography!