CameraCollectors.com

A friend asked my opinion of the Fuji F200 EXR.  I am not an expert in digital photography, but my opinion follows:

I don’t know much about this camera, but they seem to be trying to address one of the main complaints about digital vs. analog formats.  Film, since it is at least three photosensitive layers in a matrix, is able to capture a level of detail that most digital cameras cannot duplicate.  In other words, each “pixel” of film captures three pieces of color information.  Even very high resolution cameras lack a “depth” to the image, because each pixel can only capture a single bit of information ( and each pixel is larger than a silver halide crystal).  If I read correctly, this camera has two sets of photo diodes, which can be combined in different ways to enhance resolution, light sensitivity, or contrast range.  I think that is a very interesting step toward replicating film characteristics.

You may have seen this page already, where they compare images using the different exposure modes:
http://dc.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/review/2009/02/05/10144.html
It seems like quite the improvement in low light settings.

A question posed today: “Is it possible to disassemble to clean and restore an old Voigtlander & Son large format lens? It is full of loose flakes and particals, but it is an awesome lens, and the glass is clear.”

My answer:

It may be possible - partly depending on the construction of the lens. Many lenses have elements that are held in place with threads or retaining rings; some older lenses had the brass barrel rolled over the edge of the element, which makes disassembly much more difficult.

I can recommend John at Focal Point:
http://www.focalpointlens.com/

He worked on an old Gold Rim Dagor that I shoot with my Deardorff. He disassembled and recoated the lens, replacing the old soft coating with a modern multi-coating. I am always pleased with his work - and he will tell you frankly if the cost of the repair is higher than the worth of the lens. Sometimes one repairs anyway - just because the lens is a classic.

I have been trying to authenticate delivery information for a military Leica. Leica Wetzlar kept immaculate factory production records, but I was informed this last week they will not be available for an indefinite period of time. The good news is that Leica will make these records available on-line in the future.

New this week are a Nikon F5 and several very nice Nikon AF lenses. These lenses are in very nice condition, but if you hold the lens to a strong angular light (a trick used by collectors) you will see a slight bit of haze. Nothing that will affect your images - these lenses were used professionally.

Also, we have dropped the price on several pieces, including some Nikon rangefinder lenses. All our catalog items may be found here.