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Purblind Illumination
As many of you know, the revelation of my impending vision loss has sparked a sense of urgency and a poignant mission within me: to document the world through my lenses while time allows. The launch of “Purblind Illumination,” a title that playfully embraces the oxymoron of seeking light amidst gathering darkness, is more than a project. It’s a journey—a visual odyssey that I intend to share bi-monthly, if not with greater frequency.
Photography has been a beloved craft that has participated in the ebb and flow of my life since I first cradled a camera. The weight of a Pentax, the click of a Minolta shutter—these are the sensations that have charted the course of my passion. With decades of film and digital imagery behind me, my love for photography has never waned. It endures as the consistent, silent witness to my life’s narrative. There’s an undeniable truth I’m facing: the day is approaching when my eyes will no longer bear witness to the crisp edges and contrast of the world. But until then, I am committed to capturing as much as I can, to embrace, through my craft, every remaining photon that graces my vision.
“Purblind Illumination” is not only a testament to an enduring artistic spirit but also a tangible means to sustain my ardor for film. The magazines and books, rich with the past and vibrant with the present, are emblematic cords tying me to the world of visual storytelling, supporting the transition to a landscape of different sensations. The debut issue, modestly priced at $10, is an invitation for patrons to partake in this voyage—each purchase a beacon that not only illuminates the path for future works but also lights a candle of solidarity in our collective journey through the arts.
At the heart of this endeavor, and the very soul of my support network, stands my incredible wife. Her patience and understanding, as endless as space, have given me both the time and space to delve into the thralls of photography and to crystallize these moments into magazines and books. Without her, the narrative of “Purblind Illumination” would remain untold. Her role in this journey cannot be overstated; she is not just the unsung hero behind the scenes but the very foundation upon which this creative edifice stands. To her, I extend my deepest gratitude. I love you, Deana.
To the community: Your support and enthusiasm provide the resolve to push past the encroaching shadows. Each snap of the shutter is a tribute to your encouragement—a melodic verse in our shared symphony of life and art. Thank you for joining me on this expedition, as we illuminate the canvas of the world together, one frame at a time.
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Episode 2
In this short Labor Day Special, I discuss previous podcasts and Pentax rumors about their new film camera coming out sometime next year, we hope! Please stay tuned for a episode ever Wednesday.
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Episode 1 of Coffee with Jefferson Davis
In this first Episode of ‘Coffee with Jefferson Davis’, I discuss the Minolta SR-7, Yashica MG-1, Zeiss Ikon Contessa, and different black and white films. I talked about the cost of film and different options available to us currently. My favorite is Kentmere 100 and 400. They are just as good as Ilford’s FP4 and HP5, but that is just my opinion. I hope to see Kodak or someone in the states come out with a competitive film. Arista Edu Ultra films are merely rebranded Fomapan films. They do work, and I have got some great results from them, yet they are prone to curling and scratches. The base on the Arista Edu films is very thin and easily scratched. I will have a review of the Contessa up by the end of next week.
Thank you for listening to this episode. I appreciate your time and attention. It gives me immense pleasure to know that you find value in the content I provide. Your support means a great deal to me, and I am grateful for the opportunity to connect with such an amazing audience. I hope you will continue to enjoy future episodes and find them even more insightful and engaging. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome as they help me improve and cater to your interests and preferences. I look forward to the thought-provoking discussions that will undoubtedly arise from these episodes. So stay tuned, subscribe, and be ready for more captivating and enlightening conversations ahead. Thank you once again, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together. 🙂
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Precursor to Episode 1 of Coffee with Jefferson Davis
Intro to Episode 1 of ‘Coffee with Jefferson Davis’ #podcast. In the intro, I discuss what I’ll be covering from the presidential campaigns, #kennedy24, to #film #photography and #cameras. The first episode will be available on Wed., the 30th.
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Yashica MG-1 Review
I haven’t discussed anything on this blog in years. During that naughty virus that I can’t write about, I picked up film photography again. I started buying cameras, fixing them, shooting film, and developing it as in decades past. It has been an intriguing experience. I still buy and sell film camera gear on a regular basis. As you may know, I got married a few months ago. Now that we are settling into life together, I have a bit of time to write again.
A few weeks ago, I bought a “LOT” of cameras on ebay. In that box of goodies was a very dirty Yashica MG-1 rangefinder. I cleaned it up, checked all the connections, made an adapter that you’ll need, put a battery in it, and took it out for a test run with a roll of AristaEdu Ultra 100.
The Yashica MG-1 came after the infamous Electro 35. There were over a dozen versions of the Electro 35 that was so popular over the years. It is still highly desirable. However, some of the models of the Electro 35 have the “Pad of Death” problem. Unless you are skilled at dismantling rangefinders, I wouldn’t recommend trying to fix it.
But, the MG-1 doesn’t have that problem. In fact, the problem was known and fixed by the time the MG-1 came out. The lens shocked me! It is tack sharp at 45mm f/2.8. I was utterly blown away by the sharpness and performance of the lens and the 1975 light meter was still spot on. These can be found on ebay for as little as $15! If you see one, pick it up and put some film through it. My beautiful wife has stolen this one, so it will not be going up for sale! Sample photographs should be below. If you have any questions about this camera or others I have reviewed or used, please leave me a comment. Thank you. 🙂