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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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Why I Chose the Fujifilm X-T4 for My Digital Photography
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been writing about the rising cost of film photography, and unfortunately, the trend hasn’t slowed down. With global instability, tariffs, silver prices, and persistent inflation, film prices continue to climb. Film photography is drifting into the territory of a luxury hobby. That’s a difficult reality to accept, especially for those of us who have relied on it as a primary creative outlet. I don’t want photography, especially something as timeless and expressive as film, to become inaccessible. But practicality has a way of forcing decisions. For me, that meant looking for an alternative. Some of you may remember that I previously owned a Sony…
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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…
