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I have an idea...

PostPosted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:18 pm
by Reschsmooth
I have an FE which I use from time to time and a simple 35mm 2.8 lens. I am thinking of rolling up 36 exposures of Tri-X (that's film, Geoff :D ), loading it into the camera, taking a shot, and then mailing the camera and lens onto someone else (from this forum), who takes one shot, and then posts the camera off to someone else (from this forum). At the end, the camera, lens and film are sent back to me, I develop the film and have it scanned before loading the photos up onto our Smugmug gallery site, posting the link onto here (mods/admin permitting, I could post small thumbnail links, bearing in mind we are talking up to 36 shots).

Whilst the FE is not worth a hell of a lot of money, it still is worth a little bit, so there is a huge element of trust involved. Accordingly, I would impose the following rules:

1. Only forum members who have been on here for a year or have a minimum of 500 posts can participate (sorry, but with only 36 shots, I can afford to be picky).
2. Posting can only be within Australia (which shouldn't be a problem).
3. Only Express or Registered post can be used, and the person shipping the camera each time pays for postage (if you don't want to pay, that's fine, you just can't participate).
4. One shot per person.
5. Each person involved must post on here (this thread or a new one) that they received the camera, the shot number when they receive the camera, to whom they wish to post it, and that they have posted it.
6. Each person must pass on the camera within 2 business days.
7. If you decide that you are going to bugger off with the camera/lens, then it has cost me over $100 to work out you are a wan....

This would just be an exercise in fun - to see what single shot a person would take.

Please indicate if you wish to participate here - if no interest, that's perfectly fine.

Ok, here is the current list of people who have expressed interest who are 'eligible' according to my criteria:

1. Reschsmooth
2. aim54x
3. Pa
4. Firsty
5. radar
6. Ant (member for 3 years)
7. PiroStitch?
8. ATJ
9. dviv
10. foonji
11. colin_12
12. Antsl
13. Critter (member for 2 years)
14. Paul
15. Geoff
16. CraigVTR
17. Mr Darcy?
18. Oneputt
19. Oz_Beachside?
20. rflower
21. Wendell

Gary, I wasn't sure if you were actually interested in participating or not?

There are a couple of people who, I'm afraid, didn't meet the criteria who I have had to exclude - I apologise if it seems unfair, but I have had to impose some limits.

Those on the list with question marks didn't express explicit interest, but I implied it - let me know if I am wrong?

cheers

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:42 pm
by aim54x
it is a great idea.... I am interested. Keep me posted as to how this goes.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:01 am
by Pa
Hi Pat

And a good one...I will be interested to check out the images from this.

If this happens after the Christmas period. will you add me to the list.

Thanks Pat

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 8:53 am
by firsty
Having never shot with a film SLR I have no idea what I would come up with but I'm in
Tri-X ? is that B&W and what speed/iso is it to give me a start point so I don't end up with a black frame for my trouble

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:01 am
by aim54x
firsty wrote:Having never shot with a film DSLR I have no idea what I would come up with but I'm in
Tri-X ? is that B&W and what speed/iso is it to give me a start point so I don't end up with a black frame for my trouble


Correct, 400 ISO Tri-X is a B&W film described as "fine grain, wide exposure latitude,high sharpness, high resolving power" by Kodak.

I have never used Tri-X but it will be interesting. Dont worry too much, listen to the meter on the FE (also a camera that I have not used before) and you will produce something that can be printed, keep in mind that negative film is a lot more forgiving than digital.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:06 am
by radar
Pat,

I was worried when I saw the title and you as the poster :wink: :wink:

However, after reading the post, I think it's a great idea :up:

Put my name down.

Cheers,

André

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:19 am
by Reschsmooth
Yep, Tri-X is a 400 speed film, although could be rated at about 320.

The metering on the FE is really simple - I believe it is matrix metering and operates on an aperture priority basis. Adjust the aperture using the aperture ring on the lens, and it will indicate the recommended shutter speed.

Even a DSLRUser could us....... :D

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 10:49 am
by Ant
Not enough posts to participate, but I would love to see the results of this.

Ant.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:19 am
by PiroStitch
Let's hope resulting pics don't involve the lens or camera being inside erm...pants.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:24 am
by ATJ
PiroStitch wrote:Let's hope resulting pics don't involve the lens or camera being inside erm...pants.

Um, what's more scary is that you even thought of that.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:25 am
by ATJ
Patrick,

I am certainly interested, but I wouldn't want to take the spot of someone more creative. i.e. count me in if you don't get 36 people.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 12:00 pm
by tommyg
I'm happy to give it a go ... only problem would be when the camera arrives I would be so tempted to get the film developed to se what has been shot so far :twisted:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 12:08 pm
by dviv
I'm keen :up:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 12:18 pm
by foonji
I'd be interested.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 12:45 pm
by biggerry
inside erm...pants.


he he...that was my first thought - imagine the look on your face when you got them back :shock: takes me back to the school days with peoples cameras at parties.... :twisted:

whilst I do not have the required post count, and would probably bugger up my only shot (never used film) I would be interested in seeing the results...even the pants shots *cringes*

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 12:47 pm
by aim54x
biggerry wrote:
inside erm...pants.


he he...that was my first thought - imagine the look on your face when you got them back :shock: takes me back to the school days with peoples cameras at parties.... :twisted:

whilst I do not have the required post count, and would probably bugger up my only shot (never used film) I would be interested in seeing the results...even the pants shots *cringes*


Gerry you have some fine film lenses so if you want I can lend you my FM2n and you can get some practice!

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 12:59 pm
by biggerry
lend you my FM2n and you can get some practice!


i'm gonna take you up on that offer 8)

and yes, I have some fine old lenses that would work a treat :)

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 1:38 pm
by Reschsmooth
PiroStitch wrote:Let's hope resulting pics don't involve the lens or camera being inside erm...pants.


The lens isn't a macro lens! :D

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 2:40 pm
by colin_12
I would like to be in on this as well please Pat.
Been to long since I shot any real film.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 6:45 pm
by gstark
Reschsmooth wrote:The metering on the FE is really simple - I believe it is matrix metering and operates on an aperture priority basis. Adjust the aperture using the aperture ring on the lens, and it will indicate the recommended shutter speed.


Centre weighted, IIRC. 8 degrees, aperture priority. My recollection is that matrix metering didn't exist till the advent of the FA, maybe 1988? I'll check later to confirm.

Metering is dead easy: set the camera to A. Set the aperture as desired, and check in the LH edge of the finder: The black needle shows you the metered shutter speed; the green one shows you what your selection is, and that should be "A".

If we want to have a training session with one of these before we start, I have an FE2 here as well, and we can also rope in any members' FM series bodies, which are essentially the same, except that they're fully manual.

Oh yes ... great idea, Patrick.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:00 pm
by Antsl
Fantastic idea ... count me in if the camera is coming through Melbourne. :cheers:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:02 pm
by Reschsmooth
Antsl wrote:Fantastic idea ... count me in if the camera is coming through Melbourne. :cheers:


The camera will be like new!

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:26 pm
by Critter
what a great idea, I am not in the running, but it will be great to see what everyone else comes up with once it is done!

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 7:56 pm
by radar
As a totally optional step in this great idea, it would be interesting to see those that participate to also take a DSLR photo at the same settings and then to do a b&w conversion, same composition as close as possible. So for the DX crowd, they would take a photo with a 20mm or 24mm lens or at 24mm on a zoom and the FX crowd would do it at 35mm. Participants would wait till Patrick has posted the developed TRI-X version to post their version.

Just a thought, feel free to "shoot" me down :wink:

André

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 9:08 pm
by Paul
Count me in :up:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Tue Dec 16, 2008 11:49 pm
by Geoff
Count me in too please Patrick!
Fantastic idea!

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:15 am
by aim54x
gstark wrote:If we want to have a training session with one of these before we start, I have an FE2 here as well, and we can also rope in any members' FM series bodies, which are essentially the same, except that they're fully manual.


I'm organising to lend Gerry my FM2n but if there is to be a mini meet where you want FM's and FE's then I can bring mine along if I can make it.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:18 am
by ATJ
I have an FE2, too (Effie tutu?), which hopefully still works.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:43 am
by Reschsmooth
I will aim to get a list of those expressing interest up shortly.


As a reminder about eligibility, it is restricted to those who have been members for at least a year (amended to also require 100+ posts in that time) OR 500+ posts, thereby accomodating professional posters such as Cameron :D :D .

This is an exercise in trust.


I am deciding about whether to kick this off before or after the start of the Sydney Test.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:30 am
by aim54x
Reschsmooth wrote:As a reminder about eligibility, it is restricted to those who have been members for at least a year (amended to also require 100+ posts in that time) OR 500+ posts, thereby accomodating professional posters such as Cameron :D :D .


Thanks Patrick. I was about to say that I am not eligible.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:35 am
by gstark
Reschsmooth wrote:This is an exercise in trust.


And as such, I recognise and support any measures that Patrick deems appropriate in this exercise.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 11:58 am
by gstark
gstark wrote:
Reschsmooth wrote:The metering on the FE is really simple - I believe it is matrix metering and operates on an aperture priority basis. Adjust the aperture using the aperture ring on the lens, and it will indicate the recommended shutter speed.


Centre weighted, IIRC. 8 degrees, aperture priority. My recollection is that matrix metering didn't exist till the advent of the FA, maybe 1988? I'll check later to confirm.


Ok, I now have a PDF of the FE manual.

Metering is CW, favours "the central 12mm diameter area" (focus screen).

Matrix metering ... the forerunner of Matrix was what Nikon called Automatic Multi-Pattern Metering. This was in the FA, but I'm still researching if this was its first appearance. I should have more details on this later today, or sometime tomorrow.

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 1:39 pm
by CraigVTR
Would love to participate. My old Ricoh died many years ago and I have not shot on film since. :)

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 2:14 pm
by PiroStitch
Can I make a suggestion (don't worry it's legitimate)?

After you take a pic, post what the counter is up to that way you can track who took what photo and where the camera currently is?

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 2:17 pm
by Mr Darcy
What about bending the rules for newbies who are related to established members ( I can think of a few :D)

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 3:01 pm
by gstark
PiroStitch wrote:After you take a pic, post what the counter is up to that way you can track who took what photo and where the camera currently is?


Wayne, sort of like what was in point 5 of Patrick's suggestion in his original post in this thread?

Reschsmooth wrote:5. Each person involved must post on here (this thread or a new one) that they received the camera, the shot number when they receive the camera, to whom they wish to post it, and that they have posted it.


:twisted:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 3:44 pm
by Reschsmooth
gstark wrote:Wayne, sort of like what was in point 5 of Patrick's suggestion in his original post in this thread?


Gary, take it easy on Wayne:

Wayne's profile wrote:Location: Sth Suburbs, Melbourne


:twisted: :twisted:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 4:31 pm
by Oneputt
I would like to participate in this :D

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 4:43 pm
by gstark
Reschsmooth wrote:
gstark wrote:Wayne, sort of like what was in point 5 of Patrick's suggestion in his original post in this thread?


Gary, take it easy on Wayne:

Wayne's profile wrote:Location: Sth Suburbs, Melbourne



Patrick,

I thought that I was. But you know, it could be worse ...

Someone else's profile wrote:Location: Stuck in traffic Maroochydore.


:twisted: :twisted:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 4:58 pm
by PiroStitch
Lol sorry :)

Don't worry about it :) I understand Gary's sense of humour :mrgreen: All is good :cheers:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 5:33 pm
by Oz_Beachside
what a great idea. very interested to see the results! (it would be a welcome challenge to get just one frame off). :cheers:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 10:26 pm
by rflower
I would be interested ... I think I am (almost) elligible

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:51 am
by wendellt
hi
this is a fantastic dea i want to join

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:20 am
by Reschsmooth
wendellt wrote:hi
this is a fantastic dea i want to join


I forgot to mention to mention that, to be eligible, you can't have lost or broken any camera gear in the last month. :twisted: :twisted:

Of course you're in, Wendell. :D

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:23 am
by CraigVTR
Reschsmooth wrote:
wendellt wrote:hi
this is a fantastic dea i want to join


I forgot to mention to mention that, to be eligible, you can't have lost or broken any camera gear in the last month. :twisted: :twisted:

Of course you're in, Wendell. :D

Just make Wendellt the last shooter. :lol: :wink:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:25 am
by Reschsmooth
CraigVTR wrote:
Reschsmooth wrote:
wendellt wrote:hi
this is a fantastic dea i want to join


I forgot to mention to mention that, to be eligible, you can't have lost or broken any camera gear in the last month. :twisted: :twisted:

Of course you're in, Wendell. :D

Just make Wendellt the last shooter. :lol: :wink:


Logically, you would make him the first shooter :lol:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:37 am
by wendellt
ha ha funny people

ive only lost my own stuff to record anything i borrow is never lost and in returned in the ame condition with a bottle of the finest vintage red

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 10:48 am
by CraigVTR
wendellt wrote:ha ha funny people

ive only lost my own stuff to record anything i borrow is never lost and in returned in the ame condition with a bottle of the finest vintage red


All the people I know will allways treat a friends belongings much better than they would do so if they were there own. I know I would hate to break something that was lent to me. You are obviously in that category as well. :up:

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:31 am
by Reschsmooth
wendellt wrote:ha ha funny people

ive only lost my own stuff to record anything i borrow is never lost and in returned in the ame condition with a bottle of the finest vintage red

You have my complete faith, Wendell. :D

Re: I have an idea...

PostPosted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 1:10 pm
by PiroStitch
wendellt wrote:ha ha funny people

ive only lost my own stuff to record anything i borrow is never lost and in returned in the ame condition with a bottle of the finest vintage red


to vouch for wendell...he didnt break my house :)