photo from week 232 - Ricoh Super 44

I tried to keep the aperture fairly small to improve depth of field at this close range, there is a little camera shake from the resulting slowish shutter speed.

photo from week 232 - Ricoh Super 44

One advantage of using a waist level camera is that it is easier to use slower shutter speeds without getting camera shake by bracing the camera using the strap. I can't remember what speed I used here, but I think it was probably 1/15th sec.

Week 232 - Ricoh Super 44

Back to the 127 format this week with a twin lens reflex. The Ricoh Super 44 has a full range of shutter speeds and f3.5 lens. Although smaller than a 120 TLR, it is quite a bit bigger than the Baby Rollei that I used in week 23.

photo from week 231 - Zeiss Ikon Taxona

This close range photos is probably reasonably in focus due to the aperture being very small on this bright sunny day. It's a shame to Taxona has so many problems, as I like using square format cameras, but I think this one is destined for display rather than use.

photo from week 231 - Zeiss Ikon Taxona

Despite using a tape measure, this one, along with any other close range shots, was very out of focus, so I suspect a previous owner may have removed the front element (which is used for focusing) and replaced it without properly adjusting it.

photo from week 231 - Zeiss Ikon Taxona

This wasn't a very successful week! The camera seized up after a few frames, and seemed to be winding on without cocking the shutter sometimes. This is one of the few pictures I got.

Week 231 - Zeiss Ikon Taxona

The Taxona is unusual in that it takes square negatives on normal 35mm film. It is a later version of the Tenax I that I used in week 48. The square format is not the only unusual feature, it also has a single lever which both winds on the film and cocks the shutter, then acts as the shutter release.
Although everything works perfectly without a film, once loaded it becomes very stiff, and sometimes the film winds on without the shutter being set. I suspect there may be problems this week...