by Johnny Martyr Shooting 3200 ISO film may seem like little more than putting a faster film in your camera and setting the ISO dial accordingly. But it's not that simple. There are a lot of differences in how film handles in very low light, and indeed, how to handle film that has been shot... Continue Reading →
Many photographers struggle with focusing rangefinder cameras. Some photographers, unfortunately, tend to shoot only wider/slower lenses or give up on rangefinders entirely for this reason. But I don't think photography should always be easy and by learning to use simpler cameras, we can internalize concepts and develop instincts and reflexes that apply to any type... Continue Reading →
The Leitz 9cm f4 Elmar is almost as ubiquitous as the famous Leitz 5cm f3.5 Elmar but often seems forgotten about. The lens dates back to 1933 and was Leica's first 90mm. It was likely designed to take advantage of their newly released rangefinder cameras, model's II and III. The 9cm Elmar is part of... Continue Reading →
by Johnny Martyr If you're cheap or just enjoy a variety of glass in your quiver, it's worth running vintage Leica Thread Mount (LTM or M39) lenses on your newer bayonet M mount Leica bodies. The fact that this can be done so flawlessly is yet another boon to the Leica rangefinder system and justification... Continue Reading →
Maybe you've read my previous entry, detailing all the things wrong with the current three 35mm 1.4 lenses available in Leica M mount. I got some good recommendations but ultimately, my decision came down to price and ergonomics. It took a lot of consideration and reading but I finally made a decision. But not 35mm.... Continue Reading →
Say what you will about wedding photography but few other gigs will allow you to party 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... Continue Reading →
Sometimes the dumbest ideas are perpetuated on the internet. Storing ones film in the fridge is one of them. Like many adamant film photographers, I too, used to buy months or even years worth of film when there was a sale. And I'd store it in a little mini fridge. I would open the door... Continue Reading →
So you want to take some photos of the fireworks with your Fuji Instax instant film camera this Independence Day & you're wondering how to do that. Well, you're on the right track by studying up BEFORE loading up your camera & heading out to a fireworks show. While seasoned photographers who don't shoot film anymore... Continue Reading →
Yesterday, Thursday April 21st, 2016, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz and his entourage made a stop along their campaign trail at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in downtown Frederick, Maryland. I arrived at about 7:30am and TV crews I spoke to reported being on scene as early as 4:30am who shot live cut-in's intermittently... Continue Reading →
The Nikon FM2n, the most remarkable unremarkable camera ever made.
The Thoughts & Photography of Johnny Martyr 