What this blog is about…..

Hi, folks!

Just to let you know what this blog is about, if you didn’t already guess by the title….

You’ll find some really great stuff here to tickle your fancy, ranging from news or tidbits about famous photographers, unknown photographers, film and digital camera news, 35mm film reviews, and lots, lots more. I usually aim to post at least once a week, but failing that, then at least once a month.

Aside of that, I will also talk about film noir, writing, my other love, street photography, and also on the odd occasion, anything that really bugs me. We’re all allowed to rant and rave about things in this world, so if you also have a rant, be my guest and rant it out here as a comment….all opinions catered for!

When I was resident in Vancouver BC, I managed to arrange regular street photography sessions there, but circumstances dictated my move to the UK, where I am now. However, there is talk (within my own head!) of moving back to BC….so…watch this space!

I also offer cameras, films and materials for sale here, which you will find in my posts….I also have an online store at eCrater.com , Twitter and a YouTube channel, all which I have temporarily paused as I just cannot find the time to maintain all my social media accounts linked to this blog! Social media is defo a blessing, but can be a headache, too…I’m sure you know that already! So, for the time being, all items for sale will only be available on this blog.

Other than that, I hope you enjoy reading this blog; if you don’t like anything in it, or feel there’s something missing, well, please let me know by your comments. I’d really appreciate that.

Just to add that we are living in extraordinary times, and most of us have been affected by the pandemic, so I would like to ask that we all try to help each other during these difficult times.

Oh, and a very, very warm welcome to the blog!         🙂

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Hiya!

Warm greetings to everyone!

The weather is changing very very slowly, cold one day, clear next day, then ran next day…such are the vagaries of Spring!

With the change in weather, lots of opportunities will come our way to use cameras that may not have been used since last year.

I have heard from many friends who said they’ve not used their cameras due to the global rise of prices in almost all economies, which has affected the cost of film as well.

My answer to this is that if we are true users of film, then a slight rise in prices should not stop us. Don’t forget, there is nothing wrong with using expired films…I use them more than fresh film and the results are just as good.

My apologies for not posting on here…I decided enough was enough and I needed a break, so I managed to scrimp and save and spent 2 glorious weeks in India…the eternal land of contrasts!

I have so much to tell about the trip, which I will do in my next post. Meanwhile, I’m trying to recover from jet lag…the flight back should have been 8 hours but was delayed and took 10 hours…absolutely shattered at the end!

Let’s chat soon!

😀

Lovely fully refurbished Olympus Trip 35 on offer

Hi everyone.

Hopefully the chilly winter is gradually moving away and bringing warmer fresher weather!

Isn’t it funny when it’s high summer, how we all crave the winter, and when it’s winter, we cry out for warmer weather.

I’ve noticed during my daily walk down country lanes where I live, how some plants are already growing fast; daffodils are almost half their normal size and primrose are flowering.

I see many birds are very active too now…blue tits with their blue and white colours flit about the trees looking for tiny insects to eat, and my favourite bird the wren, is quite difficult to spit because it’s so tiny…the first you hear it is it’s shrill call, and if you look where the sound came from, you will see the bird. It’s very fast moving so you need a quick eye to catch it!

We also have a tiny species of deer in the woods as well. I spotted a pair yesterday but as soon as they saw me, they ran away into the bushes. I have yet to find out what species they are, but sometimes it’s best not get carried away with species etc and just enjoy things!

Come the brighter weather, your creativity will start to awaken and you will want to capture the scenes around you.

What better way than to use real film in a pocket film camera!

I have a fully refurbished Olympus Trip 35 on offer for you. It’s ready to go and has really nice mottled red and black crocodile effect coverings, new light seals and comes with a locking lens cap too.

You can see it HERE …https://youtu.be/DvtqlEIUggY

Price to purchase is £124.99 free shipping in the UK

Shipping to USA/Canada/Europe is £15.00

Drop me a comment on here if you wish to buy it.

A cold, damp day, but a warm welcome!

Yes indeed, it’s that time of year when the weather is cold and damp, and what with the pressures of Xmas and the New Year, and the eating and drinking to excess that comes with it, it’s no wonder we can feel ill.

The year has flown by and we will be in another year very soon.

Things all over the world have been quite tough, and some of us have had a tough time financially.

Let us be strong and look ahead…things will change for the better, because nothing stays the same.

I never set myself any resolutions, because doing so adds even more stress to our stressed up lives.
Better to just chill and go with the flow.

It’s what I’ve done all my life and it hasn’t caused any problems so far!

Photography wise, I’m still using film as well as a little digital as well.

With the advent of AI artificial intelligence, I have seen numerous instances of photos on social media purported to be taken on film, but in most cases, it’s easy to see those pics have been generated by AI.

True film users such as me and you, will always remain faithful to real cameras and film, so AI will not affect us.

If you’re making a living with film photography, you will be pleased to hear that many of the major agencies have refused to accept AI generated images. Definitely a good thing.

Finally, let me leave you to relax and hope to chat again once the hullabaloo of new year has passed!

Keep your shutters clicking!

😃

Another chance!

Hi again!

Hope everyone is ok as can be?

After spending a whole day tinkering and polishing one of my motorbikes, I am collapsed onto the sofa, with a hot tea waiting to refresh me as I type this post.

Originally, I had intended to take off downtown to spend some leisurely hours taking new photos, but then I realised I hadn’t given one of my bikes any TLC for quite awhile!

What started as a quick wipe turned into a full day’s toil with a rag and chrome polish.

Only now, at around 7pm, have I come indoors to rest my weary little legs and grab a little food and drink.

I find, and I’m sure many will agree, that as we tend to grow older ( notice I mentioned older…not old!), the hours in a day just aren’t enough?

I’m convinced that the entity we call time, is not a linear thing. If it was, then why, on some days, does time pass very slowly and the day never seems to end, but at other days, soon as you have done a few chores, the day has gone!

If time was linear and travelled at a steady pace, this would not happen.

Getting back to photography, I’ve had lots of messages from followers wanting to buy my Olympus Trip!

Alas, the one I posted earlier has been sold, but fear not, for I have another one to offer, once I have refurbished it, I’ll post it on here.

In the meantime, here’s one that has gone to a new home recently!

Here it is:

😀

Hey! Hello and howdy!

It’s been quite awhile since we chatted on here.

Life gets in the way.

Hope you’ve all been keeping well as can be?

What have I been up to? Not too good, not too bad! I picked up Covid again, for the 3rd time. I say picked up, but it could well be we are all harbouring the virus in our bodies anyway, and whenever our immunity is low, it kicks in.

Luckily it was just like bad flu, aches and pains and fever…regular Ibuprofen took care of it.

It does make you wonder what Covid really is and whether we were right to get vaxxed. I’ve read reports from medics saying that they’ve lost friends and relatives through heart attacks since both being infected by Covid and also after being vaxxed.

So the common denominator seems to be Covid, not just the vax.

So who knows! Those of us who are vaxxed and those who aren’t, both seem to be in the same boat.

Onto more pleasant things, the weather here in London is changing gradually…warmer and longer days.

That means more time to get outdoors and shoot some film!

I am thinking of starting a photo project to capture older parts of London, it’s now defunct and abandoned shops and streets. Yes it’s been done by others before, but I’ve never tried it and it should be a great one to start.

I already have the camera I will be packing on the trip, none other than my favourite, the Olympus Trip 35!

Such a delight to use, without all the techno adjustments present on more sophisticated cameras.

And I have one for sale too!

THIS CAMERA IS NOW SOLD!

As always, fully cleaned and refurbished, with brand new light seals and fabulous crocodile effect red camera coverings added too.

I’ve tested it with film, and results are as excellent as always.

Here’s some pics for you of the camera:

As I say, a beautiful camera and one to use rather than keep in a glass cabinet!

Price? A very reasonable £112 shipping included within the UK

USA/Canada. $USD145.00 shipping included

Please feel free to message me via a comment here if interested.

And now? Now, I’m going to go outside and fiddle about with my other new love…my motorcycles!

Yes, I finally succumbed to a mid life crisis and bought not one but two bikes, to satisfy my appetite! More of this later!

Take care till next time!

😀

Hello 2022 and goodbye 2022!

Hi to all my followers!

Again, I have no excuses for my absence on here….just that lige got in the way!

So much to do, so little time in which to do it. But hey, you’ve heard that before!

I missed keeping in touch with you guys, and also missed bringing you news and views about film and cameras.

I hope to start doing that again in the New Year.

Aside of that…I caught #Covid twice this past year, despite being vaccinated, and worryingly, I think it’s left symptoms in me….I get terribly tired with aches and pains almost every evening, and get puffed out just going on a walk locally, which I never used to.

Anyway, I should be thankful I’m still alive and kicking!

Hope you guys haven’t had the same.

So, as we say goodbye to ’22 and wait for ’23, let us pray for the well being of all mankind and living things on our dear little planet!

See you soon and keep your comments coming in….I promise to look in regularly to reply!

🙂

A rather odd message….

I must tell you about a message I received on my blog here from a new reader.

I do not know whether it is from a male or female person, which I will explain below.

The person, whom I will call Andrea in order to preserve privacy, has expressed an interest in my work in photography and has said they have read my posts with huge interest since I started the blog many many years ago.

Thank you very much for your following!

The person also asked what my stand on gender issues is, something which I have not discussed on here, mainly because nobody, until now, has asked.

We all realise that gender boundaries have changed drastically over the years.

What was considered relatively taboo, shall we say, has become accepted.

By that I mean gay, lesbian, transgender, gender fluid stances, as well as quite a few new ones that I never knew existed….that of course, I fully apologise for as it is obviously my own ignorance.

I need to post more notes on this hugely important subject at a later date, but for now, I will say that I am accepting of all genders, whether that is gay, lesbian, transgender and all others I have yet to learn about.

So, to any and all of my readers, new or old, I will say, welcome all…you have a friend here!

I have never prejudged anyone, regardless of who it may be, so consider me as a friend who will listen and offer a shoulder if you are in need.

There…I feel better now and I am sure Andrea does, too…..he/she has told me he was born a male but has always felt feminine inside, and so he dresses as a female at home but has not yet had the courage to to so openly. Good luck to you, Andrea!

Thank you for reading and I think this post will elicit a lot of comments! Fire away!

🙂

Hey! Hello!

Hi and a very Happy New year to all my friends here!

Let’s all hope that 2022 is better than the past few years.

For myself, things began to go downhill in January 2019, and as we know, Covid19 started rearing it’s ugly head around that time, too.

Now, as we speak, I hear that aside of Omicron, there’s now another mutation which the public may not know about as yet.

Theyre calling it #Florona , ie a mixture of flu and Corona virus melded together!

Whatever next!

Anyway, let’s see what happens…I think the public is getting fed up to the teeth with all this.

We know there is a danger fro this disease, but we are getting conflicting news from doctors, media and scientists. Some say we must be double vaxxed and boosted. Some say we need to be double vaxxed and double boosted. Some say we need to be vaxxed for this new Florona thing. And some say that the booster jabs are rendered useless after 10 weeks.

See what I mean!

Whatever happens, let’s all use common sense….wear masks in places where large numbers of people are, wash hands, keep away from crowded areas, work from home if we can, and limit the use of restaurants cafes and so on.

It looks increasingly as if our lives have changed forever. Force of circumstance.

Take care, stay safe.

I will try to post photo stuff as regularly as I can!

🙂

An artist whose work leaves you astounded!

As regular readers know, I always try to post interesting material on here besides photographic stuff

So today, I want to tell you just a little about a lady whose work I noticed when I lived in Vancouver

Her name is Laura Harris….artiste extraordinaire!

That’s all I will tell you…the rest, I want you to see when you see her work, which you can do here >>

https://www.lauraharrisartist.com/biography

“Her work rocks people’s souls a little…. it reaches out and pulls them in.”  Michelle Kirkegaard

Enjoy!

🙂

#lauraharris #lauraharrisartist #painting #victoriaBC #canada

Old-school Voigtlander Vito. Solid engineering!

Hi guys!

Just thought i’d chat about one of the best cameras I ever bought, and which allowed me to learn all about that magical and mysterious thing photographers call DOF….or Depth of Field.

Most photographers who have all-singing, all-dancing cameras with electronic focusing etc, do not need to know much about DOF…their cameras do it automatically.

But the REAL way to enjoy your photography and become more creative, is to use a manual camera like the Vito B.

I know some of the Voigtlander cameras have rangefinders fitted, which makes focus very easy but sometimes, I prefer a fully manual camera.

So, how do you focus this camera?

Easy! We use the DOF scale on the lens barrel…..come with me, I’ll show you how below:

First thing you do, is make sure your film is correctly installed in your camera..obvious really!

Then you need to decide the speed of the shutter….to make life easy, I recommend using either 1/50s or 1/100s…..if you opt for 1/50s, you will need to make sure you hold the camera as still as possible, because at any speed from about 50 down to 25 or 10 etc, you really should use a tripod to hold the camera still.

The higher the speed, the better it will handle any slight camera movement.

Ok, so once the speed has been set, then forget all those confusing numbers on the lens barrel!

You will only get yourself confused and end up putting the camera away forever!

Those numbers define DOF which the camera is capable of.

Again, easy-peasy is the name of my game….you see that RED triangle mark on the lens? All you need to do is align that mark with the smaller clear triangle next to the “12” mark as shown…..the 12 mark and the other numbers either side of it are the number of feet from you to the subject.

Once those 2 marks are aligned, then all you need to do is set the aperture on the lens…I’ll show you how.

See the pic below….this is the extreme front of the lens barrel and here you can see all the aperture settings for the camera.

This camera goes from f3.5, 4, 5.6 to f16…..see that? Ok, fine….let’s move on.

Now depending upon how close or far you are to your subject, choose one of the aperture settings…this one is set to f8….which is by far the commonest one to use by the way.

If you’re not sure what distance your subject needs to be, to remain in focus at this etting, just look at the markings in the top pic above….the red number 8 shows that all subjects from 7 feet to 20 feet, will be in focus in your photo.

Say you want to set your camera to f16 instead, then what?

Easy! Just look at the red numbers again…on the left side of the barrel, the red number 16 is near the 5 foot mark and the right side of the barrel shows the f16 mark adjacent to the infinity mark, so this means that at f16, all subjects from 5.5 feet to infinity, will all be in focus, ok?

Let me do one more example, then you can truly say you understand DOF!

Ok, so say you want to choose f3.5 ….let’s look at the lens barrel once again.

This time, the red f3.5 number is adjacent to the 9 foot mark on the left of the barrel and the right side of the barrel, the red f3.5 number is adjacent to the 12 foot mark. So what does that mean?

It means that all subjects from 9 feet to 12 feet from your camera will all be in focus.

Done? Good.

Now you can confidently say you understand DOF!

By the way, these markings are similar on other film cameras, too, not just this particular model.

So there you go. This camera allowed me to understand DOF and made my enjoyment and creativity using film cameras on manual settings that much more enjoyable!

Feel free to ask me any questions on here should you have any!

🙂