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Long Exposure Photography

Some tips on long-exposure photography in my latest video. I spent a recent holiday in Ireland and visited the Powerscourt Waterfall. Whilst there I took some photos using a neutral density filter and shutter speeds in excess of 20 seconds. I was hoping to smooth out the moving water so that it gave me that ethereal look that you often see. I had a lot of fun experimenting with settings and I’m pleased with the results.

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Olympus Camera

Olympus OM-40 Program

This is the 1985 Olympus OM-40 Program. In my opinion, one of the best consumer 35mm SLR’s ever made, and a model I have been on the look out for. Three exposure modes, ESP metering and full DX film capabilities, all make it a very versatile camera and one that is already becoming my favourite to use. Unfortunately, I currently only own one OM mount lens, a 70-150mm zoom. So now I’m on the look out for a nice fast prime lens. You can read more about lenses here.

A massive thank you to everyone who interacts with my channel in any way. You’re all awesome!

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Olympus Camera

Olympus OM-101

The 1988 Olympus OM-101 Power Focus was an unusual SLR. Known as the OM-88 in many parts of the world, it was an entirely automatic camera. However, with the addition of an adaptor, it could be converted in to a manual one. My version unfortunately appears not to be working despite my efforts to clean it. Perhaps somebody can offer me some advice? In the meantime, enjoy my video where I discuss the camera and explain it’s operation.

A massive thank you to everyone who interacts with my channel in any way. You’re all awesome!

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Camera Lenses

Parallax Explained

The Parallax Effect is phenomena that can spoil your photographs, but what is it exactly and can it be overcome? In my latest short video I hope to answer these questions. It does not affect Single Lens Reflex (SLR) cameras as we are looking through the taking lens. But with point and shoot and other types of camera, we don’t always see what the camera sees. If our point of focus is relatively close, this can mean a missed opportunity. Luckily most manufacturers have our back.

This week my YoutTube channel reached over 300 subscribers and over 50,000 views which is absolutely mind-blowing to me. A huge thank you to all of you.

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Mamiya Camera

Mamiya/Sekor 528TL

This is the Mamiya/Sekor 528TL. Known in the US as a Sears Auto 35TL, it’s a 35mm SLR, but an unusual one. The lens, a 48mm f2.8, is fixed and cannot be changed. But it does have a light meter, an automatic aperture setting and lovely shutter sound. Unfortunately, mine is not working, but I hope you enjoy the video anyway.

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Camera Lenses

An Introduction to Lenses

Camera lenses can be a confusing subject and so I thought that a “lenses for beginners”, an introduction to lenses might be useful. There are way too many types of lens to cover in one video. I therefore concentrate on just two types. Prime lenses and zoom lenses. I explain the meaning of the terms focal length, aperture and depth of field.

Perhaps if this proves popular, I can produce a part two a some time in the future. But for now I hope that this will demystify things a little for the photographic beginner. Please let me know in the comments.

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Yashica Camera

Yashica FX-3

Back to basics with a camera that, apart from an exposure, check is mostly manual. However, the Yashica FX-3, launched in 1979, is a great camera to use and produces some lovely results. It’s a compact and light 35mm SLR. It was later replaced with similar models, but the basic FX-3 was very popular at the time.

My version of this camera was in a little bit of a poor state. The black leather was torn and was peeling away from the body. So I decided to reskin it with some fresh leather. I chose red, and although I didn’t make a perfect job of it, I am very pleased with how it looks now. Watch the video to find out more.

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Pentax Camera

Pentax A3

Part of the joy of photography for me, is the ability to experiment with the exposure settings. To create something and to be artistic. This is why I usually stay clear of cameras that take that experimentation away from us. However, if I’m going to break that self-imposed rule, then the Pentax A3 is a fine camera to start with.

Not only can this SLR operate in Aperture Priority mode, but with the right type of lens, it can be fully automatic. Leaving the photographer to deal with composition and focus only. In addition, it even features a powered film wind. Despite all this, I actually think its a nice camera, but more for a collector than a photographer perhaps.

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X-300

Minolta X-300

The story of my Minolta X-300 SLR is a bit of a rollercoaster ride. This lovely 35mm caused me some headaches, but it all came good in the end. Made from 1984 until 1990, this was a lower priced sibling of the X-500. It was marketed in some places as the X-370. It was also copied many times in China, under various names, but all were identical.

I’m not done with this camera. I think it is well made and nice to use. I just hope that I can find another in great condition and at the right price.

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Praktika Camera

Praktica BMS Electronic

A little bit newer but a whole lot more packed in to my latest 35mm SLR. The BMS was only made from 1989-1990, but I have to say it is a joy to use and feels really well made. In this video I compare it to my MTL50, and explain what’s been added.

Unfortunately it’s has just been announced that we are going back in to lockdown here in the UK. Oh well, I’ll just have to buy more cameras and make more videos. 😁

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