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Industrial Line
Reflecting on the photograph I captured of the former industrial railroad line, it resonates on multiple levels, both in terms of aesthetic and historic significance. The textures and leading lines don’t just converge to create a beautiful image; they tell the story of transformation and change.
The Doodle Line‘s transformation into the Doodle Trail exemplifies a wider trend of repurposing old industrial spaces to fit contemporary needs. This concept of adaptive reuse not only preserves a slice of history but also breathes new life into areas that once hummed with the industrial activity of a bygone era.
The photograph elegantly captures the dichotomy between the bygone era of cotton and paper mills—a time when these lines were the arteries pumping the lifeblood of Southern industry—and their present state, being overtaken by nature’s relentless advance. This is emblematic of economic shifts where the old is giving way to new realities, quite visibly with the mills morphing into modern apartments.
The picture provides a commentary on the passage of time. The fact that the rails leading to the mill, now modernized into apartments, are slowly disappearing beneath grasses is a poetic representation of the relentless march of time and nature’s capacity for reclaiming. Yet, in the background, the mill stands as a haunting reminder of the past, bridging the historical divide.
Photographs play a crucial role in documenting these transitions. They offer more than just a visual treat; they invite contemplation and open dialogues about our collective history and future. They remind us that while places may change their skin, their bones remain steeped in the stories and memories of those who remember them as they once were.
The use of the Lerouge 135L to capture this image expands the narrative by giving a wider perspective. Not only does it allow more of the rustic scene to be included, but it also provides space within the frame to consider the old alongside the new, the industrial heritage juxtaposed with its future.
There is also a metaphorical aspect to consider—the rusting rails leading to repurposed mills serve as a symbol. They represent the inevitable evolution of industry and society, but also the way we lay tracks for the future while never really erasing the routes of our past. In essence, this photograph isn’t just a static image; it is a visual story unfolding, rich with texture, depth, and meaning.
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Yashica Electro 35 GSN
For years, I have heard praises about the Yashica Electro 35! People have raved about its build quality and lens performance. About two months ago, my wife and I were speaking with a local estate agent about cameras. In the back room, he had two old cameras. He handed me two dusty camera cases with “Yashica” engraved on them. The first one was a Yashica EZ-Matic 126 Film Camera. While it was a good little camera, it wasn’t exactly what I had hoped for. However, the second case held the infamous and highly desirable Electro 35 GSN! Needless to say, I was ecstatic!
I brought them home, cleaned them up, and loaded a roll of Arista Edu Ultra 100 film into one of them along with fresh batteries. It took me a couple of weeks to thoroughly test it out. Every photograph came out perfectly exposed and tack sharp. The viewfinder was also very bright and clear. I have absolutely no complaints about this camera. It’s versatile enough for street photography or capturing those spontaneous family moments.
I enjoyed my time with this camera, but rangefinder shooting isn’t my preferred style. I already have another rangefinder camera, a Zeiss Ikon, which I will keep. However, this Yashica Electro 35 GSN is up for sale. It delivers sharp images and consistently accurate exposures. It even comes with the original lens cap and case! Take a look at some of the photographs I captured with it below.
Let me know if you need more information or if there’s anything else I can assist you with.
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Yashica MG-1 Test Photographs
These are a few of the test shots from the Yashica. I had a blast using it. The lens is sharp and the mint meter has dead on accurate.
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Minolta SR-7 Review
This beautiful camera was thrust onto the world stage in 1962, the decade of space exploration and scientific briefs that would set the world on fire. This beaut set the world on fire in its own way, it was the first 35mm SLR camera to have a built in Cds light meter. Up until this point, light meters were a required accessory to ensure the photographer was getting the best exposure for a scene or portrait. Light meters were in abundance. You could pick one up, along with your film, at your local pharmacist.
The Minolta SR-7, the Pentax Spotmatic, and Canon and Nikon variants killed the light meter for the mass market. Sekonic was the only real contender that survived, though that is a debatable subject. They are still highly sought after for professional photographs like myself and amateurs.
When this beautiful Minolta came into my possession, it was dirty, grimy, and not working. I cleaned the camera exterior, interior dried up grease, and cleaned the battery contacts. That is all it took to get it working again. After about thirty minutes of fiddling, I was ready to take it out for a test run.
The Minolta 58mm Rokkor-PF f/1.4 lens came on the camera. That was my main reason for purchasing it. It is such a sharp lens at f/1.4. It competes with new lenses. It may not have the anti flare coatings, but it is probably sharper due to not having all of those extra coatings that we may not need all the time. There is a gallery below with photographs from that first test roll of kentmere 100.
I took it downtown Easley near where I live. It is a different experience, looking down at the exposure meter before doing a final composition check and taking the shot. It slowed me down and made me think before taking the shot. It was enjoyable and everyone that passed me, enquired as to what kind of camera it is. It looks a bit alien, as it should being from the early 60’s. I thoroughly enjoyed shooting with this camera! If you have the time to go out and shoot, trying new angles and perspectives, pick up one of these on ebay or etsy and give it a try. You will not regret it, I haven’t. After all, it is historically important and should be appreciated and used.