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FED 4 Review: A Soviet Rangefinder, a Leaky Shutter and a Light Meter That Quit
When I bought this camera, it had light leaks in the shutter curtain. That's common on old rangefinders, and really on any old camera with rubberized cloth shutter curtains. The rubber coating dries out and cracks over the decades, and tiny pinholes open up in the cloth. Each pinhole lets a little light through while the shutter is closed, and it shows up on the film as spots or streaks.
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Is Film Dead or Thriving? Examining Current Trends
Like many of you, I vividly remember a time when film was the only game in town for photography, whether you were an amateur snapping family moments or a pro chasing assignments. Shooting on film meant deliberate choices: metering carefully, composing with intention, and accepting that every frame cost money and couldn’t be instantly reviewed. Then, in the mid-2000’s, digital cameras became viable options for amateurs and professionals alike. By the late 2000’s and early 2010’s, the shift was nearly complete. Digital offered instant feedback, virtually unlimited “film”, and far lower per-shot cost. During the COVID era (roughly 2020–2022), and something unexpected happened: film experienced a genuine resurgence. Stuck at…
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Capturing Moments with Minolta’s 50mm f/1.4 Lens
I found a Minolta 7000i with a valuable 50mm f/1.4 lens for a low price, which I had to clean and equip with a new battery. After testing it with Kentmere 100 film, I was thrilled with the results, showcasing its quick focus and beautiful bokeh, enhancing my photography experience.
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A Shot in the Dark: Still Chasing Light as a Blind Photographer
Hi, I’m Jefferson Davis, I’m a photographer. It still feels a little absurd saying that out loud sometimes, like confessing a quirky habit at an awkward support group meeting. “Hi, my name is Jefferson, and I’m a blind guy who insists on taking pictures.” But here I am, more than five decades into this wild ride on planet Earth, still hauling cameras around and clicking shutters, even as my vision fades. It all started way back when I was just one day old. I contracted spinal meningitis in the hospital, a brutal infection that nearly ended my story before it really began. I survived, but the damage was done. It…
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Windsor 35
This incredibly quirky little rangefinder camera is a lot of fun to shoot. The Windsor 35 was developed and manufactured by Tōkō Shashin K.K, a.k.a. TKC, in 1953. TKC made quite a few cameras in the 40’s and 50’s, showcasing their creativity and innovation in the rapidly advancing field of photography. After WWII, they designed the Mightyy, a 17.5 mm paperback film camera, which was indicative of their forward-thinking approach. By the early 1950s, they were building a name for themselves and establishing a reputation amongst photography enthusiasts. There is not a lot of information on the company, which adds a layer of mystery to their products and makes them…
