Olympus Pen EES

When introduced in 1962 the half frame Olympus Pen EES was the first camera with a programmable shutter. A setting of either 1/40 or 1/200 was selected based on the light readings from its selenium meter. An appropriate aperture also was automatically set. If there was not enough light or too much light a red flasher appears in the viewfinder. There is no manual option with the Pen EES. The lens is a 30mm four element D Zuiko f/2·8.  The Pen EES uses zone focusing.  You select from portrait(4ft), group(10ft), or wide open(50ft).  In actual practice the lens on the Pen EES has sufficient depth of field to achieve reasonable focus in decent light most of the time using either the group or wide open setting.

Probably the greatest obstacle to sharp images with the Pen EES would be camera shake with the slower 1/40 shutter speed.  So it is best to use the fastest film that the Pen EES can use to help have the higher 1/200 shutter speed be selected. And the fastest film the Pen EES can use is ISO 200.  To younger readers that may seem slow, however when the Pen EES was introduced 200 IS0 was considered fairly high speed.

With its selenium metering the Pen EES doesn't need a battery.  As long as the selenium meter is functioning you are in business.  The Pen EES that I have came from some film cameras that I was given which used to be used by my old high school's photo club.  While the camera definitely shows signs of use the meter still appears to work fine.  When I wanted to test the camera all I had on hand was some 400 ISO HP5.  So I set the meter to 200 and pull processed the HP5 for that speed.  I think the results turned out reasonably well. At least they showed that the Pen EES is working okay. Right now I have some Fuji 200 in the Pen EES so I can get an idea of how it functions with what probably is one of the optimal films to use with this camera. I will have a more well-developed opinion of the Pen EES when I get those pictures finished.

Alka Box Camera

Made by Vredeborch in Germany starting in 1953, the Alka Box is one of my favorite box cameras as far as looks goes.  That it uses easy to find 120 film is another point in its favor.  Also unlike many of the box cameras of its type the viewfinder on the Alka Box is fairly helpful. The Alka Box is a well-made all metal camera. Technically the camera is simple with one shutter speed, one aperture, and no flash synch.  It uses a single fixed meniscus lens.  The image format is 6x9 cm.

I was surprised to realize that I have only taken pictures with this camera once.  So I have just recently ran a roll of Ektar through it.  However I haven't sent the roll in yet.  So the only results I have today are from a roll of Arista.edu 100 that I took about a year ago.

Vivitar TEC 45

I am probably one of the few people in the world who is happy to come across a cheap Vivitar point & shoot.  Many times I have sorted through a pile of plastic cameras pulling out all the Vivitars.  Maybe someday I will figure out why I am drawn to these cameras.  However when I do I would guess that I will still be short of having an example of each camera, since the number of Vivitar camera names seem to be near infinity. The Vivitar TEC 45 is one of the more ambitious cameras from this group.  It actually has some kind of auto focus mechanism and more than one aperture/shutter speed combination.  When you push the shutter button half-way a green circle appears when the focus and exposure is set.  There is a flash that pops up if there isn't enough light.  All this is powered by one AA battery. Judging by the styling and the presence of DX encoding I guess this camera was sold in the early 1990's.  I would like to say that I have found a hidden jewel in this camera, however I don't think that I did. Still the Vivitar TEC 45 is a competent camera.  Probably very good for taking the family snapshots back in the day.

The Vivitar TEC 45 seems to be a very obscure camera.  A search on Google returned no useful information.  And a search on Flickr only gave one picture.  That is probably the least amount of info that I have been able to find for a camera that I have written about. 

Vivitar TEC 45 Gallery

Pentax Spotmatic F

The Pentax Spotmatic F is the last of the famous Spotmatic series.  It also was the first in the series to have open-aperture metering.  I found the one in the photo in an antique shop back in January for $17.  It is in great shape.  I am getting to where I am leaning toward only getting cameras that I see in person. While I have had good experiences most of the time getting cameras off places like Ebay, being able to examine the camera in person has increasing appeal for me. Also in a way it seems more fun to see what I can discover by chance rather than going online where I can find almost anything. I think that my finding of so many Pentax cameras locally in the past year has helped with this choice.

Other then the metering in usage the Spotmatic F is pretty much the same as the other Spotmatics. And to me at least the Spotmatic is one of the most pleasant cameras to handle and use.  I believe it is one of the cameras that anyone who is into photography should experience at least once.

 Details of the Pentax Spotmatic F
Pentax Spotmatic F SLR Completely Disassembled and Laid Out

Images with the SMC Takumar 1:1.8/55mm lens on HP5

Olympus OM-1

I think that the introduction of the Olympus OM-1 is one of those events for which you would have to have lived at the time to understand what a sensation it was.  I can remember that all the photography magazines had articles raving about the Olympus OM-1.  That Olympus had managed to build a quality system slr that was so compact did seem like a wonder. Still I was committed to Canon cameras at that time. And back in those days, unless you were rich, once you had started with one camera system it usually was best to put your money into expanding that system instead of trying out different cameras. Today however with many abandoning their film cameras it is affordable to try out almost any film camera that I was ever curious about.  So when I recently saw the Olympus OM-1 in the photo for $10 in an antique store I felt pretty lucky.  It is a little beat up with a dented filter ring and another dent in the upper body.  Still it works as it should for taking pictures.

Since the Olympus OM-1 is such an iconic camera I imagine must people with an interest in film photography are familiar with its basic features.  It may seem funny, however one thing that stood out for me was the film rewind.  Instead of the little button on the bottom of the camera there is a switch on the front.  If you look at the picture you can see it where the R and the red dot are.  Anyway I like this a lot better than the sometimes hard to push button on the bottom of the camera.  And overall I can see why so many people were crazy about this camera.  For me using the Olympus OM-1 was as pleasant a user experience as I have had with a camera.

If you want more info about the OM-1 I think this site covers it pretty well. 

Lastly a few images with the Zuiko 50mm f/1.8 lens.

Kalimar Precision Zoom

Kalimar got its start in the 1950's importing Aires 35 cameras from Japan for sale in the US. Eventually Kalimar would be a distributor for cameras and accessories from most of the camera making world, until it was bought out by Tiffen in 1999.  At some point Kalimar put its name on the Kalimar Precision Zoom.  The Kalimar Precision Zoom is unusual in that it is the only cheap plastic camera that I have seen with a zoom lens.  I would guess it was made in the 1990's since that is when a zoom lens became the standard lens for many cameras. Other than its zoom lens the Kalimar Precision Zoom is a standard toy camera.  It has one shutter speed and one aperture.  It doesn't need a battery unless you want to use the flash.  The Precision Zoom does seem to be more solidly built than most toy cameras.  It also fits nicely into my hands.  Below are a few sample images so you can judge the value of the camera as a picture taker for yourself. All were taken with HP5 developed in Xtol.

Prices for 35mm cameras under $100 in 1957

I found the list below in the March 1957 edition of Popular Photography. It is the most complete list in one place of prices for 35mm cameras from the 1950's that I have seen. According to the Inflation Calculator you can multiply the 1957 price by 8 to get an idea of what the camera would cost in 2012 dollars.

Suprema Mini GTG

I am not sure if it is some kind of illness, however I do have the habit of buying these cheap plastic cameras when I see one at a garage sale or thrift store.  Then I start to wonder what kind of pictures it will take and I usually end up taking a roll or two before the camera comes to rest in a box with my other plastic cameras.  Of course there are so many of these cameras that I do have to have some limitations.  One thing I look for is a wider than normal lens.  The Suprema Mini GTG made the cut with a 28mm lens.  I also look for colors other then the standard ones.  So being blue helped the Suprema.  Probably my firmest limit is that I won't pay more than $2 for one of these cameras.  And the Suprema cost $1. 

The Surprema Mini GTG has only one aperture f/8, and one shutter speed of  1/125.  It doesn't need batteries unless you want to use the flash.  The lens seems to be soft all over. 

Occasionally there are light leaks and there almost always is some vignetting. So the Surpema Mini GTG does live up to toy camera standards.

I used Kodak Max 400 which had expired in 2005 for these pictures.  Probably this image showed the most color shift.  I tend to enjoy some of the unexpected images that I get from the cheap cameras and expired film.

If you have made it this far then maybe you would like to see some more images from the Suprema Mini GTG.  If so here is the gallery

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Images from a Kodak Bullet Camera

Made: 1936 to 1942
Film Type: 127
Shutter speeds: B and 1/50
Original price: $3.00















I wrote some about this camera when I first got it last year. I liked it mostly for it looks and wasn't in a hurry to take pictures with it. Taking pictures only came to mind when I noticed that I had a couple of rolls of 127 film which I had made by re-spooling some 46mm Kodak Porta 160 to 127 backing paper. I just got the roll developed and am pleased with the images.  Probably not so much that I am in a hurry to re-spool more 127 for the Bullet camera, however as far as these experiments with cheap old cameras this one went better than most.  Here are a few of the images.

Argus Dual 35

There isn't much information out about this camera. It was made in China for whoever owned the Argus name at the time. I would guess it was made sometime in the mid to late 1980's.  The lens is 38mm f/3.5.  It is fixed focused.





With the Argus Dual 35 you could take half frame or full frame images.  You made your choice by setting a dial on the top of the camera.  Most everything else about this camera you can probably figure out just by looking at the picture.  It is a typical 1980's point and shoot made somewhat unique by the half frame option.  There was at least one other half frame made during the time by Argus.  That is the Argus HFM II that I wrote about last year. I think the the Argus HFM II is a better picture taker.  Either camera won't cost you much if you can find one.  They don't appear to be much sought after and can often be had for less than $10.   Below are a few photos from the Argus Dual 35.

If you have an interest in half frame cameras here is one of the most complete listings that I have found.
Innovative Cameras

Argus V-100

Produced: 1957-58
Type: 35mm rangefinder
Lens: 52mm f/2.8 Argus Cintar II
Shutter: Synchro-Compur leaf type
Shutter speeds: 1 to 1/500 plus B
Flash: M-X synchronization at all shutter speeds.
Exposure: Built-in uncoupled selenium meter





The Argus V-100 was made in Germany for Argus by Iloca.  It is pretty much the same camera as the Iloca Rapid IIL. The combination of the Argus name and it being a 1950's rangefinder made this a camera that I wanted since I first heard about it.  The one I got is in very good condition other than one fairly easily fixed problem.

 So far I have only done one roll of HP5 with the Argus V-100.  I do agree with the reports that I have seen about the Cintar II lens being reasonably sharp and contrasty.  The camera also handles well.

My version of the Argus V-100 does appear to need the light seals replaced.  Most of the images I got showed signs of light leaking. Fortunately that is not a difficult fix.










I do think that once I get the light seals replaced that I will have a good picture taker in the Argus V-100. 

Argus/Cosina STL 1000

Introduced: 1971
Type: 35mm
Shutter: Copal Square metal focal plane.
Shutter speeds: B, 1 to 1/1000 sec.
Viewfinder: Reflex viewfinder with fresnel screen, micro split-image focusing spot.
Exposure Meter:      Matching-needle Thru-the-Lens CdS meter. ASA range 25-1600.










I remember back in the 1970's that all-black cameras had a little more status than the chrome ones.  The all-black camera was considered to be the less conspicuous type of camera that a professional would prefer. It may seem silly now, however I remember back then many took it seriously, and were willing to pay a premium for an all-black version of their favorite camera. Now I don't think that no matter what the color, that the Argus/Cosina STL 1000 was ever popular among professionals.  It lacked features like interchangeable viewing screens and a provision for a motor drive that most professionals at the time probably valued more than color.   Still the Argus/Cosina STL 1000 is a very fine camera.  It has all the basic features you need in a very solidly made reliable camera.  It was even one of the first cameras with the excellent Copal Square shutter.

By 1971 Argus was no longer making their own cameras. However the Argus name still had value and was applied to many cameras made by others.  Quite often it is a mystery as to who the manufacturer of some of these Argus cameras was.  With this camera the name Argus/Cosina STL 1000 makes it clear that  this camera was made by Cosina.  Cosina made a lot of camera equipment under other names from the 1960's up to the 1990's.  I think that "it was made by Cosina" is the first guess that many make when they come upon a mystery camera or lens. 

I got this camera off Ebay a while back mostly because I thought it looked good and because of the Argus name.  Also of course the price was right. My actual experience with the Argus/Cosina STL 1000 leads me to include it among one of the best of the 1970's classic all-metal mechanical cameras. There isn't anything fancy about it, however it is always ready for almost any picture taking need that I have.

I like the M42 mount 50mm Cosinon f1.8 that comes with this camera. I even made a Cosinon f1.8 gallery a while back.






















The Argus/Cosina STL 1000 is another of the underrated cameras that often show up for a good price on Ebay.  Although I do think that because some people are using the standard lens for the Argus/Cosina STL 1000 on their digital cameras that the price has gone up in the last year or so.  Still if you do find one for an agreeable price I don't think that you will be disappointed.

Fodor 35

Made: 1955-57 by Nihon Kosokki Kogyo Co.,LTD.
Type: 35mm Rangefinder
Shutter: NKS-Mx leaf
Shutter Speeds: 1,1/2,1/5,1/10,1/25,1/50,1/100,1/300
Lens: Lausar 1:2.8 f=4.5 cm made by Tomioka Opt. Co.
Flash: MFX synchronized at all speeds. 






The Fodor 35 is a Taron 35 which was re-branded by the Dutch company Fodor.  It had some pretty modern features for its time like a single stroke winding lever. I think it is a handsome example of the solidly made all mechanical rangefinders that flourished in the 1950's. I couldn't find much info about this camera, however I was guess it was aimed at the serious amateur probably selling in the $80 to $100 range. My example is in good shape except for the rangefinder spot is very faded.  Which obviously is a serious shortcoming. At some point I plan on opening the top and seeing if there is anything I can do to improve things.  Otherwise the camera is pleasant to use.  I imagine that when it was new the Fodor 35 was a very satisfying camera.

 The Lausar lens while not outstanding seems like a competent lens.  I don't think that I will be the first to say that Lausar seems like an unfortunate choice of names for a lens.

Mostly my reaction when I was able to get an image in reasonable focus with this camera was "that's okay".

The Lausar lens does render color very accurately.  I was impressed by that in all the color photos that I used it for. Overall I think the Fodor/Taron 35 gets an "A" for its ease of use and handling.  Film loading is easy, the camera feels good in the hands, and while we take it for granted now the wind lever is nice for a camera of this era. The lens seems capable of good results.  The Taron 35 is much more commonly found on Ebay than the Fodor 35.  They usually sell between $10 and $30.  At that price I think it makes a nice addition to a collection.