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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.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 1968 Yashica TL Electro-X - Kodak ColorPlus 35mm C41 ISO 200 Self II Memories
Agfa Camera

Agfa Silette II

In this week’s video I look at the 1962 Agfa Silette II. As a successor to the Silette I featured here, this 35mm has several improvements. A hot-shoe, a bright-line viewfinder, a faster lens and a nice clean action. I think that this is another contender for a cheap but very useable street photography camera. Or an ideal start for the collector of vintage cameras.

This could be a great choice for street photography as it nice and small and discreet.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Light Rest Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Scooter Fix 1957 Kodak Sterling II - Kodak Portra 400 C41 ISO 400
Lomo Camera

Lomo Cosmic 35

This is the 1963 Lomo Cosmic 35 or Smena 8 or Global 35, depending on where it was first sold. Normally, by the time I feature a camera here, I have owned it for a while and have done some research in order to be able to use it and tell you about it. But as I didn’t intend on buying this one, I have decided to learn along with you. Since I made the video I have started using it and so I have added some captions but I would also urge you to check out this video https://youtu.be/OSF_Xu8af9o as it explains some things in much more detail.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Summer Meadow Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace Light Rest MTL50 Scooter Fix
Agfa Camera

Agfa Silette

The Agfa Silette has quite a complicated timeline. This is the 1957 Silette (Type 2) which is a 35mm, viewfinder camera. But there were many versions up until it was discontinued in 1973. This is well made little camera and it is very easy to use. My version has a 45mm f3.5 lens, with shutter speeds ranging from 1sec to 1/300th. I will be posting some images taken with it to the gallery soon.

Enjoy the video below and please consider subscribing for more vintage film cameras.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Light Rest Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Scooter Fix 1957 Kodak Sterling II - Kodak Portra 400 C41 ISO 400
Ilford Camera

Ilford Sporti

This is the 1959 Ilford Sporti. A medium format camera that uses 120 film and is very simple but quite elegant in design. I have sometimes been asked, “What is the best camera to make a start in vintage film photography?”. My honest answer is any camera, as it really depends on so many things. But if you’re on a budget and you’d like to try medium format, you really can’t go wrong with the Sporti.

It has very few controls and the ones it does have, they have made very plain as to what effect they are going to have on your final image. But the best bit, is that currently, it is very easy to find one for less than £10. Enjoy the video below and please consider subscribing for more vintage film cameras.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Light Rest Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Scooter Fix 1957 Kodak Sterling II - Kodak Portra 400 C41 ISO 400
Halina Camera

Halina 3000

My latest video features the Halina 3000. Made in 1974, it’s a 35mm viewfinder camera. The camera has a battery-free selenium light meter. But this only gives a reading and doesn’t control the exposure automatically. The 3000 has two “siblings” which don’t have any metering. The 1000 and the 2000.

You can pick these up on the likes of eBay for very little outlay and so give it a try. You might find it grows on you.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Light Rest Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Scooter Fix 1957 Kodak Sterling II - Kodak Portra 400 C41 ISO 400
Canomatic Camera

Canomatic M70

The Canomatic M70 was introduced by Canon in 1970 for use with 126 film. For all intents and purposes, it is a point & shoot camera. The 40mm f2.8 lens is surrounded by a selenium powered meter. This provides a programmed auto exposure (f2.8 at 1/30 sec to f13 at 1/800 sec). Mine needs some TLC but thought you’d like to take a look anyway.

My plan will be to strip it down and give it a good clean. I then hope to purchase an adaptor so that I can try using 35mm film in it. This is because 126 film is no longer available.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Light Rest Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Scooter Fix 1957 Kodak Sterling II - Kodak Portra 400 C41 ISO 400
Kodak Camera

Kodak Sterling II

Back to medium format for my video this week and my 1957 Kodak Sterling II. 620 film with a nice big 6x9cm frame size. The Sterling II was made in England by Kodak and it was introduced in May 1955 until 1959. I was lucky enough to obtain this fine 1957 example from from the original owner and it is in near mint.

Because it is a simple camera to use, it would be ideal of anyone wishing to make a start in vintage medium format photography.

Related Images:

Vintage Selfie Chasing the Wind Light Rest Fields of Battle - Lands of Peace MTL50 Scooter Fix 1957 Kodak Sterling II - Kodak Portra 400 C41 ISO 400