So, in my wrap up for 2017, I mentioned that I got a bargain on a Minolta XD-7. It just needed a little clean and replacement of the light seals. After considering all the options for the light seals, I settled on a product from my local Bunnings hardware store. I purchased a roll of window sealer; soft foam with a self adhesive backing. I cut it to size (because it was too wide and thick to begin with) an put it into the runners around the top and bottom of the door. I didn't put any along the side of the hinge. There was not a runner there and I didn't want the seal to put pressure onto the hinge which may have damaged it. However, it looks as if that is exactly what I am going to have to do because as you will see, I have a horizontal light leak along the sides of some negatives. Funny, but not all have been affected by this light leak. Still, I will add the extra seal and hopefully will have another fully working Minolta in my kit!
I alternated between 3 lenses. One (Minolta MD 28-70mm zoom f3.5-4.8 with macro feature) I had used before and so I was comfortable with that as the lens to ensure that everything on the camera appeared to be working correctly. I then used the two lenses that came with the camera - a Hanimex MC f3.5-4.5 28-80mm zoom with Macro and a Makinon MC f4.5 80-200mm zoom.
I was a little unsure about the Hanimex lens; for some reason I had always considered Hanimex a cheap brand. This lens though, appears solid and well made. It also has a macro function which I am yet to play with. I was surprised with this lens because it gave me some nice photos although I have noticed that some are focused sharp in the middle and a little out on the edges. The photo of the street and the buildings does not have this edge blurring though so, perhaps it is when the lens is wide open at 28mm that this takes place. I think a little more experimentation is required.
The other lens that came with the camera was a Makinon MC f4.5 80-200mm zoom. I used this mostly for distance photos for when the local yacht club was having some races out of Newcastle. It appears to have performed ok, a bit soft in the focus but, I will have to give it a more thorough working out in different situations before I can make a decision on it's 'usefulness'.
This roll of film gifted to me by my friend Amber. It was an expired film (guesstimate about 10 years) and I was not sure of how it had been stored. Rule of thumb for expired film; underexpose by 1 stop for every 10 years of expiration. So, this roll was shot at 200 ISO. The exposure on these photos turned out good. That is one thing about film, it has excellent latitude for exposure and is a little more forgiving for any mistakes!
These photos were developed and scanned at my lab Pro Am Colour Laboratories here in Newcastle. The only adjustment I make is a slight contrast slide in Lightroom.
The photos on this Blog Post and corresponding Google+ page are
©Life with Jordy Photography, All Rights Reserved
and may not be used without permission.
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| This is the kit I picked up for AUD$50. As you can see it also came with a Flash, Film Winder, 2 X attachment and a very nice Minolta strap. |
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| Taken with the Minolta MD using Macro. It was a really windy day so I am happy that it is in focus! |
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| Taken with the Minolta MD using Macro. It was a really windy day so I am happy that it is in focus! |
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| Taken with the Minolta MD. The light leak hasn't really affected the outcome of this photo too much. |
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| This using the Hanimex. Turned out better than my expectations! This was taken wide out at 28mm. The edges are a little blurred though. |
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| Not all exposures were affected by the light leak! The colour in this looks great! These Sunrise photos take with the Hanimex lens. |
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| This one from the Hanimex as well. |
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| From the Hanimex and no light leak! There doesn't appear to any edge blur in this. |
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| From the Hanimex lens. |
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| This and the next two from the Makinon Lens. Not sure about this lens; a zoom into the details appears to have a soft focus. I mean, that can be good considering the type of outcome you may be looking for. |
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