I have a very controversial little tool to thank for the cleanliness of my negatives; the Dot Line DL-6121, more commonly known as a rubber squeegee. Many shooters will tell you that squeegees scratch negatives and to avoid them at all costs. I followed this advice for years but then came to firmly disagree with […]
Read more "Standing Up for Squeegees"Proverbs 18:2 states “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.” I’m not a religious guy but I heard this Bible passage recently and immediately thought of the litany of misinformation and poor demeanor that I have seen posted ad nauseam on film photography forums for the last 20 years. […]
Read more "The Ten Commandments of Film Photography"Something that drives me crazy is when I see photographers with disorganized camera bags. My wife’s is absolutely terrifying. Film photographers are probably the worst offenders but ironically have the greatest need for an organized bag. If you’re an award-winning, world renowned photographer and keep a messy bag, fine. Who am I to criticize you? […]
Read more "A Well Organized Bag is a Good Start"Say what you will about wedding photography but few other gigs will allow you toparty with beautiful people without having to even know a single dance move. My wife and I are freelance wedding photographers. She shoots digital and I shoot on b&w 35mm film. I use vintage, all manual cameras and lenses and I […]
Read more "Wedding Receptions on Film; No Flash, No Automation"If you happen across an old Nikkormat in a junk shop etc, you might wonder, what the hell is this?! It doesn’t SAY Nikon but it has a Nikkor lens and the name plate reads “Nikkormat,” or “Nikomat.” Is this some sort of cheap Nikon knock-off? But it’s weighty and machining is quite handsome. What […]
Read more "Nikkormat, Brutish & Beautiful"What are your go-to focal lengths? I shoot most of my work within the 50-90mm range. But everyone needs a jump-start to their creativity once in a while. A different lens can helps us take our work in different directions but also can improve what we already do. Yes, folks, the equipment matters. Previously, I […]
Read more "The Voigtländer 15mm 4.5 Heliar & An Introduction to Rectilinear Super Wides"As a user of a modest pile of vintage thread mount Leica lenses, I’ve found that shooters often skimp on using shades with these little wonders. Sadly, some of these lenses get a bad rep as a result of what is essentially, improper use. The driver is most certainly, cost. Perhaps not surprisingly, vintage Leica […]
Read more "Throwing Shade: XOONS, SOOPD, FISON, FIKUS & Other Made-Up Words"