May 1, 2013
80MP camera with a 1/400 flash sync speed? And all for less than the cheapest digital camera? Yup. I didn’t have high hopes for my 60 year old camera’s flash capabilities. For one, it has an obscure flash connection called bi-post on the shutter. To connect, you need a bi-post cord! How novel. Luckily, I found one at the local camera shops bargain bin. It even says Graflex! My next step was to cobble together my various flash adapter accessories, which you see above. Had to do a little rewriting to accommodate the household plugs (don’t plug these guys into the wall!), but once I got it all plugged in, to my astonishment, it worked! I can even go wireless with my cheap radio triggers. Who knew, vintage American gear mating with cheap new Chinese gear—Weegee would be turning in his grave. What this gives me is a fast sync speed (though I might be limited by the trigger’s max speed around 1/200) and a lot of film area to work with. Dan Winters, consider yourself on notice ;)

80MP camera with a 1/400 flash sync speed? And all for less than the cheapest digital camera? Yup.
I didn’t have high hopes for my 60 year old camera’s flash capabilities. For one, it has an obscure flash connection called bi-post on the shutter. To connect, you need a bi-post cord! How novel. Luckily, I found one at the local camera shops bargain bin. It even says Graflex! My next step was to cobble together my various flash adapter accessories, which you see above. Had to do a little rewriting to accommodate the household plugs (don’t plug these guys into the wall!), but once I got it all plugged in, to my astonishment, it worked! I can even go wireless with my cheap radio triggers. Who knew, vintage American gear mating with cheap new Chinese gear—Weegee would be turning in his grave. What this gives me is a fast sync speed (though I might be limited by the trigger’s max speed around 1/200) and a lot of film area to work with. Dan Winters, consider yourself on notice ;)

7:20pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wk07IFN
(Notes: 4)
  
Filed under: large format flash diy 
February 22, 2012
a brand new minneapolis no. 7 (lyn-lake) on Flickr.Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 (shot at f/2.8) | Kodak Tri-x 400 | 8x ND | D-76 According to my father, this gentleman is somewhat of a Minneapolis legend. As my dad tells it, he was a regular local character when my dad worked downtown. I actually came across this colorful personality in Lyn-Lake (Uptown) this weekend. His appearance and manner stopped me in my tracks when I saw him. “He’s perfect!” I thought. When I asked if I could take his photograph, he gravely nodded and proceeded to strike this pose. I imagine that this wasn’t his first time in front of a stranger’s camera! Anyway, some technical notes: I am not impressed with D-76 and will be moving on to greener pastures (Rodinal, DD-X, and XTOL to be specific). This picture is the seventh in my 100 strangers project, to learn more and see the rest of A Brand New Minneapolis, click here. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

a brand new minneapolis no. 7 (lyn-lake) on Flickr.

Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 (shot at f/2.8) | Kodak Tri-x 400 | 8x ND | D-76

According to my father, this gentleman is somewhat of a Minneapolis legend. As my dad tells it, he was a regular local character when my dad worked downtown. I actually came across this colorful personality in Lyn-Lake (Uptown) this weekend. His appearance and manner stopped me in my tracks when I saw him. “He’s perfect!” I thought. When I asked if I could take his photograph, he gravely nodded and proceeded to strike this pose. I imagine that this wasn’t his first time in front of a stranger’s camera! Anyway, some technical notes: I am not impressed with D-76 and will be moving on to greener pastures (Rodinal, DD-X, and XTOL to be specific).

This picture is the seventh in my 100 strangers project, to learn more and see the rest of A Brand New Minneapolis, click here.

Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

5:19pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wGsKfuT
(Notes: 3)
  
Filed under: a brand new minneapolis 100 strangers mamiya 645 1000s mamiya sekor-c 80mm f/1,9 medium format prime stranger man glasses hair Lyn-Lake uptown Minneapolis Minneapolis black and white film TX400 DIY D-76 
February 21, 2012
a brand new minneapolis no. 5 (nicollet mall) on Flickr.Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 (shot at f/2.8) | Kodak Tri-x 400 (shot at 320) | Rodinal (1:100, 120 min.) This gentleman was waiting…for something at Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. He was a bit reluctant to have his photograph taken, but I guess my charms wore him down in the end! This picture is the fifth in my 100 strangers project, to learn more and see the rest of A Brand New Minneapolis, click here. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

a brand new minneapolis no. 5 (nicollet mall) on Flickr.

Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 (shot at f/2.8) | Kodak Tri-x 400 (shot at 320) | Rodinal (1:100, 120 min.)

This gentleman was waiting…for something at Nicollet Mall in downtown Minneapolis. He was a bit reluctant to have his photograph taken, but I guess my charms wore him down in the end!

This picture is the fifth in my 100 strangers project, to learn more and see the rest of A Brand New Minneapolis, click here.

Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

2:15am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wGmyW_f
Filed under: a brand new minneapolis mamiya 645 1000s kodak tri-x 400 TX400 medium format film DIY black and white B&W man portrait street 100 strangers waiting minneapolis project mamiya sekor-c 80mm f/1.9 prime 645 120 
February 19, 2012
a brand new minneapolis no. 3 (lake & hiawatha) on Flickr. Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 (shot at f/2.8) | Ilford HP5+ 400 (shot at 320) | Rodinal (1:100, 75 min.) This gentleman was a bit skeptical of having his picture taken, but after I explained the project a little, he gave a curt little nod and proceeded to shoot me this look, as if he wasn’t quite sure what to make of me. I do detect a faint hint of a smile though ;o) This picture is the third in my 100 strangers project, to learn more and see the rest of A Brand New Minneapolis, click here. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

a brand new minneapolis no. 3 (lake & hiawatha) on Flickr.

Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 (shot at f/2.8) | Ilford HP5+ 400 (shot at 320) | Rodinal (1:100, 75 min.)

This gentleman was a bit skeptical of having his picture taken, but after I explained the project a little, he gave a curt little nod and proceeded to shoot me this look, as if he wasn’t quite sure what to make of me. I do detect a faint hint of a smile though ;o)

This picture is the third in my 100 strangers project, to learn more and see the rest of A Brand New Minneapolis, click here.

Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

5:42pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wGhRT-M
(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: a brand new minneapolis 100 strangers DIY film mamiya 645 1000s mamiya sekor-c 80mm f/1.9 medium format portrait street portraiture street man vintage analog analogue ilford ilford hp5+ black and white B&W lake street hiawatha avenue Minneapolis stranger 
February 18, 2012
a brand new minneapolis no. 2 (lake & cedar) on Flickr. Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 (shot at f/2.8) | Ilford HP5+ 400 (shot at 320) | Rodinal (1:100, 75 min.) Thank you for checking out this new project of mine, A Brand New Minneapolis. This is the name of my tumblr and etsy shop, but the spirit of this project is more specific. Here’s a summary of what’s behind it: Minneapolis is always in the news for being “the most” of some category or another. Be it “most bike-friendly,” “most literate,” “gayest,” “smartest,” “healthiest,” you name it—-if it sounds good to the NPR set, you can bet that Minneapolis is atop or near the top of that list. I am convinced that Minneapolis is a great city for all of these reasons, but also so many more. The “more” reasons are why I am setting out to photograph 100 strangers I meet while walking through this city. I hope that finding people from all walks of life will help me define for myself what makes Minneapolis special.  This woman was walking her dog along the cemetery on Lake and Cedar. She had a large collie who was very patient while waiting for this photographer’s fumbling. The woman was happy to hear that I was “an artist,” and gladly posed for this shot. She didn’t really look into the camera, but at her dog instead. I think that, in combination with her sunglasses, makes this an interesting portrait. This picture is the second in my 100 strangers project, see the rest of A Brand New Minneapolis here. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

a brand new minneapolis no. 2 (lake & cedar) on Flickr.

Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 (shot at f/2.8) | Ilford HP5+ 400 (shot at 320) | Rodinal (1:100, 75 min.)

Thank you for checking out this new project of mine, A Brand New Minneapolis. This is the name of my tumblr and etsy shop, but the spirit of this project is more specific. Here’s a summary of what’s behind it: Minneapolis is always in the news for being “the most” of some category or another. Be it “most bike-friendly,” “most literate,” “gayest,” “smartest,” “healthiest,” you name it—-if it sounds good to the NPR set, you can bet that Minneapolis is atop or near the top of that list. I am convinced that Minneapolis is a great city for all of these reasons, but also so many more. The “more” reasons are why I am setting out to photograph 100 strangers I meet while walking through this city. I hope that finding people from all walks of life will help me define for myself what makes Minneapolis special. 

This woman was walking her dog along the cemetery on Lake and Cedar. She had a large collie who was very patient while waiting for this photographer’s fumbling. The woman was happy to hear that I was “an artist,” and gladly posed for this shot. She didn’t really look into the camera, but at her dog instead. I think that, in combination with her sunglasses, makes this an interesting portrait.

This picture is the second in my 100 strangers project, see the rest of A Brand New Minneapolis here.

Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

10:47pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wGej-F8
(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: 100 strangers B&W Cedar avenue DIY Lake street Minneapolis a brand new minneapolis analog analogue black and white city film grain ilford hp5+ mamiya 645 1000s mamiya sekor-c 80mm f/1.9 medium format portrait retro street portraiture sunglasses urban vintage woman 100 strangers 
February 18, 2012
a brand new minneapolis #1 (Lake and Minnehaha) on Flickr. Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 (shot at f/2.8) | Ilford HP5+ 400 (shot at 360) | Rodinal (1:100, 75 min.) Thank you for checking out this new project of mine, A Brand New Minneapolis. This is the name of my tumblr and etsy shop, but the spirit of this project is more specific. Here’s a summary of what’s behind it: Minneapolis is always in the news for being “the most” of some category or another. Be it “most bike-friendly,” “most literate,” “gayest,” “smartest,” “healthiest,” you name it—-if it sounds good to the NPR set, you can bet that Minneapolis is atop or near the top of that list. I am convinced that Minneapolis is a great city for all of these reasons, but also so many more. The “more” reasons are why I am setting out to photograph 100 strangers I meet while walking through this city. I hope that finding people from all walks of life will help me define for myself what makes this city special.  This gentleman was walking around Lake Street, carrying a plastic bag. He was in no hurry. I asked if I could take his photograph and he seemed taken aback. I began to walk away, with a “thanks, have a good day,” when he asked in a rather small voice, “Why do you want to take my picture?” As if he couldn’t understand why anyone would want to waste film on him. I explained my project to him and he agreed. His sad eyes are what draw me to this shot. This picture is #1 in my 100 strangers project, see the rest of A Brand New Minneapolis here. Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

a brand new minneapolis #1 (Lake and Minnehaha) on Flickr.

Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 (shot at f/2.8) | Ilford HP5+ 400 (shot at 360) | Rodinal (1:100, 75 min.)

Thank you for checking out this new project of mine, A Brand New Minneapolis. This is the name of my tumblr and etsy shop, but the spirit of this project is more specific. Here’s a summary of what’s behind it: Minneapolis is always in the news for being “the most” of some category or another. Be it “most bike-friendly,” “most literate,” “gayest,” “smartest,” “healthiest,” you name it—-if it sounds good to the NPR set, you can bet that Minneapolis is atop or near the top of that list. I am convinced that Minneapolis is a great city for all of these reasons, but also so many more. The “more” reasons are why I am setting out to photograph 100 strangers I meet while walking through this city. I hope that finding people from all walks of life will help me define for myself what makes this city special. 

This gentleman was walking around Lake Street, carrying a plastic bag. He was in no hurry. I asked if I could take his photograph and he seemed taken aback. I began to walk away, with a “thanks, have a good day,” when he asked in a rather small voice, “Why do you want to take my picture?” As if he couldn’t understand why anyone would want to waste film on him. I explained my project to him and he agreed. His sad eyes are what draw me to this shot.

This picture is #1 in my 100 strangers project, see the rest of A Brand New Minneapolis here.

Find out more about the project and see pictures taken by other photographers at the 100 Strangers Flickr Group page

10:59am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wGcTFpH
(Notes: 6)
  
Filed under: a brand new minneapolis 100 strangers stranger street portrait black and white B&W mamiya 645 1000s mamiya sekor-c 80mm f/1.9 ilford hp5+ film Minneapolis lake street Minnehaha medium format 120 645 DIY Rodinal stand development analog vintage analogue street people man 
February 17, 2012
games on Flickr.Holga BC135 | Tri-X 400 | Rodinal (1:100, 120 min.)

games on Flickr.

Holga BC135 | Tri-X 400 | Rodinal (1:100, 120 min.)

12:32pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wGZI-BZ
(Notes: 3)
  
Filed under: Holga BC135 Lomo B&W black and white soccer flare cedar-riverside DIY film stand development Tri-x 400 Kodak a brand new minneapolis minneapolis 
February 16, 2012
fingers on Flickr.Pentax Super Program | 50mm f/1.4 | Tri-X 400 (shot @3200) | Xtol (1:1, 15.5 min) Winter-bare trees backlit by a nearby outdoor hockey rink in Seward.

fingers on Flickr.

Pentax Super Program | 50mm f/1.4 | Tri-X 400 (shot @3200) | Xtol (1:1, 15.5 min)

Winter-bare trees backlit by a nearby outdoor hockey rink in Seward.

12:05am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wGUyfjE
(Notes: 10)
  
Filed under: pentax super program SMC Pentax-A 50mm f/1.4 prime lens B&W black and white film tri-x 400 kodak xtol trees night winter lines 35mm DIY a brand new minneapolis seward minneapolis 
February 14, 2012
Roll-a-week 7/52 on Flickr.Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 | Kodak Tri-x 400 | Rodinal (1:100, 120 min.) After getting my lastest and greatest (and last, for a while) camera last week, I feel like I have the equipment I need to start to shape my photographs based on what I see in my mind before I press the shutter. Note that I am far from being able to actually execute this, but my equipment is definitely not an excuse now! So now the next challenge is to get a film/developer combination down. Right now, I’m leaning towards Tri-x 400 and Rodinal or Diafine. I decided to shoot a test roll earlier today, metering at 400 and then exposing at 100, 400, and 1600 ISO (-2, 0, +2 EV). The hypothesis is that using stand development should compensate both for the over- and under-exposure. The under-exposed shot will have time to develop the shadows while the over-exposed shot will block highlight development. The end result: usable negatives. My conclusions based on the test are that either -2 or +2 exposures will give you useable negatives. BUT shooting at 400 in Rodinal gives you the best out-of-scan shots. This was really interesting and it gives me more confidence in my shooting from hereon out. The old adage that you need to know the rules before you break them I believe also applies to exposure/development technique. Finally, I know I’ve been talking about this for some time, but my plan is to start shooting strangers on the street in the very near future! Exciting!

Roll-a-week 7/52 on Flickr.

Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 | Kodak Tri-x 400 | Rodinal (1:100, 120 min.)

After getting my lastest and greatest (and last, for a while) camera last week, I feel like I have the equipment I need to start to shape my photographs based on what I see in my mind before I press the shutter. Note that I am far from being able to actually execute this, but my equipment is definitely not an excuse now! So now the next challenge is to get a film/developer combination down. Right now, I’m leaning towards Tri-x 400 and Rodinal or Diafine. I decided to shoot a test roll earlier today, metering at 400 and then exposing at 100, 400, and 1600 ISO (-2, 0, +2 EV). The hypothesis is that using stand development should compensate both for the over- and under-exposure. The under-exposed shot will have time to develop the shadows while the over-exposed shot will block highlight development. The end result: usable negatives. My conclusions based on the test are that either -2 or +2 exposures will give you useable negatives. BUT shooting at 400 in Rodinal gives you the best out-of-scan shots. This was really interesting and it gives me more confidence in my shooting from hereon out. The old adage that you need to know the rules before you break them I believe also applies to exposure/development technique. Finally, I know I’ve been talking about this for some time, but my plan is to start shooting strangers on the street in the very near future! Exciting!

1:27am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wGOw3F2
Filed under: a brand new minneapolis 52 weeks photography challenge Rodinal mamiya 645 1000s 80mm f/1.9 medium format film kodak tri-x 400 stand development black and white DIY B&W 
February 10, 2012
untitled on Flickr.Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 | Tri-x 400 (box) | Xtol (1:1) So this is off of the first roll I ran through my new camera. I’m really happy with the results—-I can finally shoot MF without carrying around a light meter! And in low-light! I do need to replace the light seals on the back, I don’t think it should be too difficult. The nice thing about the Mamiya’s innards is that it’s all metal and the light seals aren’t very close to any vital part of the camera (i.e., the shutter or mirror), at least on its back end. As soon as I get the seals replaced, I’ll be wandering the streets of Minneapolis with this behemoth. Though I might wait ‘till it gets above 20 deg…this warm winter has spoiled me!

untitled on Flickr.

Mamiya 645 1000s | Mamiya Sekor-C 80mm f/1.9 | Tri-x 400 (box) | Xtol (1:1)

So this is off of the first roll I ran through my new camera. I’m really happy with the results—-I can finally shoot MF without carrying around a light meter! And in low-light! I do need to replace the light seals on the back, I don’t think it should be too difficult. The nice thing about the Mamiya’s innards is that it’s all metal and the light seals aren’t very close to any vital part of the camera (i.e., the shutter or mirror), at least on its back end. As soon as I get the seals replaced, I’ll be wandering the streets of Minneapolis with this behemoth. Though I might wait ‘till it gets above 20 deg…this warm winter has spoiled me!

4:24pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wGCJorC
(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: a brand new minneapolis mamiya Mamiya 645 1000s 80mm f/1.9 Xtol Tri-x 645 medium format SLR Minneapolis Flowers winter film DIY black and white B&W 
February 8, 2012
a seat at the bar on Flickr.Yashica Mat LM | Fuji Acros 100 | Xtol + Rodinal (210 min.) The Minnesota State Fairgrounds are a lonely place in winter.

a seat at the bar on Flickr.

Yashica Mat LM | Fuji Acros 100 | Xtol + Rodinal (210 min.)

The Minnesota State Fairgrounds are a lonely place in winter.

6:33pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wG6P015
(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: a brand new minneapolis Minnesota State Fair empty bar seat black and white B&W film fuji yashica mat lm TLR twin lens reflex twin lens reflex DIY Rodinal stand development winter abandoned square medium format 120 1:1 
February 7, 2012
Roll-a-week 6/52 on Flickr.Six weeks into this challenge, I’m getting bored wandering around downtown looking for interesting buildings/bridges/landmarks. I think I have more than enough of those shots for now. My mini-challenge-within-a-challenge will now be to go out and take more photographs of people (yes, real, live people!). Unlike buildings, people don’t stay in one place and they are definitely more interesting (at least they can be). Keep on following for the results of this mini-experiment! And thanks for checking out my 2012 photo challenge! [now I think my Roll-a-week series is caught up on tumblr! stay tuned for weekly updates and click through for “hilarious” captions]

Roll-a-week 6/52 on Flickr.

Six weeks into this challenge, I’m getting bored wandering around downtown looking for interesting buildings/bridges/landmarks. I think I have more than enough of those shots for now. My mini-challenge-within-a-challenge will now be to go out and take more photographs of people (yes, real, live people!). Unlike buildings, people don’t stay in one place and they are definitely more interesting (at least they can be). Keep on following for the results of this mini-experiment! And thanks for checking out my 2012 photo challenge!

[now I think my Roll-a-week series is caught up on tumblr! stay tuned for weekly updates and click through for “hilarious” captions]

11:31am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wG1_OlJ
(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: a brand new minneapolis roll a week Photo challenge photo challenge yashica mat lm medium format 120 1:1 square 6x6 tlr twin lens reflex black and white film DIY Rodinal Fuji acros stand development 52 weeks 
February 6, 2012
Mpls, 1935 or 2012? on Flickr.Yashica Mat LM | Fuji Neopan Acros 100 | Rodinal + Xtol stand (120 min.) A companion piece to this shot, which is my most “interesting” shot (by a long shot) on flickr. This location has all of the elements (cityscape, water, bridge) that make Minneapolis so beautiful, and shooting on film just magnifies this phenomenon.

Mpls, 1935 or 2012? on Flickr.

Yashica Mat LM | Fuji Neopan Acros 100 | Rodinal + Xtol stand (120 min.)

A companion piece to this shot, which is my most “interesting” shot (by a long shot) on flickr. This location has all of the elements (cityscape, water, bridge) that make Minneapolis so beautiful, and shooting on film just magnifies this phenomenon.

10:46pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wG0p2Zx
(Notes: 14)
  
Filed under: Yashica Mat LM TLR twin lens reflex minneapolis night black and white B&W film fuji fuji neopan acros 100 acros100 DIY stand development xtol rodinal long exposure winter bridge city urban reflection shadows flickr interesting a brand new minneapolis tumblr etsy blog prints 
February 6, 2012
Roll-a-week 5/52 on Flickr.Yashica Mat LM | 80mm f/3.5 | Fuji Neopan Acros 100 | Diafine (4.5 + 4.5) This roll is from a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon with my dad, uncle, and grandmother in greater Minnesota (near Owatonna). We trudged through the snow on some public management land that used to be my uncle’s childhood stomping ground. One note about Diafine—-I think I got a few subtle streaks due to uneven development. I’m thinking of trying a pre soak and a more vigorous agitation period. We’ll see what happens!View the Roll a Week Challenge

Roll-a-week 5/52 on Flickr.

Yashica Mat LM | 80mm f/3.5 | Fuji Neopan Acros 100 | Diafine (4.5 + 4.5)

This roll is from a very enjoyable Saturday afternoon with my dad, uncle, and grandmother in greater Minnesota (near Owatonna). We trudged through the snow on some public management land that used to be my uncle’s childhood stomping ground. One note about Diafine—-I think I got a few subtle streaks due to uneven development. I’m thinking of trying a pre soak and a more vigorous agitation period. We’ll see what happens!

View the Roll a Week Challenge

8:32pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/ZMHV5wG0IZra
(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: yashica mat lm medium format twin lens reflex twin lens reflex tlr 1:1 square 6x6 owatonna rural greater Minnesota Minnesota film DIY black and white Fuji a brand new minneapolis etsy meadow snow country