photo from week 123 - Agfa Optima 535

pilgrimage, a photo by pho-Tony on Flickr.

I wanted to test the fully automatic exposure system in a variety of lighting conditions, in the dimly lit turbine hall at Tate Modern, I rested the camera on a parapet to keep it still. I wasn't sure how long the expousre would be, it seems to have been around 1/4 second.

Week 123 - Agfa Optima 535 Sensor

Agfa Optima 535 Sensor, a photo by pho-Tony on Flickr.

The Optima Sensor range was in production from the 1960s to the 1970s, they were increasingly sophisticated as time went on, this one has an electronic shutter with a fully automatic exposure system giving speeds between 15 seconds and 1/500th second. The f2.8 40mm lens has zone focussing symbols on the top, and a scale underneath.
I loaded it with a roll of Fuji Superia X-tra ISO 400 colour negative film.

photos from week 122 - Bencini Comet III

foam padding and gas cylinders, a photo by pho-Tony on Flickr.

The last two frames from the roll of Macolor, it was a very overcast day, and the cylinders were in a shady corner, so the results aren't too bad considering...

photo from week 122 - Bencini Comet III

horse chestnut and highland cattle, a photo by pho-Tony on Flickr.

Another regular subject, but this time with added cows!

photo from week 122 - Bencini Comet III

reflected self-portrait with Bencini Comet III and polystyrene hat, a photo by pho-Tony on Flickr.

Although this is a very basic camera, it does have a "B" setting and a cable release socket, so I was able to put it on a tripod for this indoor shot, the exposure was around 2 seconds.

Amateur Photographer column about the Brownie 127

A Collector's Life For Me, a photo by pho-Tony on Flickr.

This week's AP magazine carries my article about the Brownie 127.

Week 122 - Bencini Comet III

Bencini Comet III, a photo by pho-Tony on Flickr.

This is another 127 camera, it takes 16 exposures on a roll, there is a single shutter speed and aperture, and focussing is possible.
The Bencini Comets came in a range of styles, this is one of the more unusual "vertical" designs, which at first glance looks more like a cine camera.
I've loaded it with my last but one roll of Macocolor negative film.