When I first got the camera, I was a bit appalled by its low contrast, however, there is a trick to getting round old lenses that could possibly be in shite condition.įirstly, be careful where you point it (this also applies to hosepipes, guns and the male member).ĭirect light sources are just going to emphasise everything, so try and avoid if at all possible. Well, if you check the first part of this article here, you'll see that the lens on the Minolta is in terrible condition - a result of decades of cleaning abuse. Home-made fixer, cheaply made from Sodium Thiosulphate and Sodium Sulphite. Wait a minute - who the hell seriously uses Polymax, and aren't you supposed to use mixed chemicals within a short space of time? Kodak Polymax developer, mixed and stored in a plastic bottle for 3 months and gone brown.

Old paper - basically fibre-based photographic paper from stock produced prior to 2007.Ī lens from a widely laughed at manufacturer's enlarger lens range (Vivitar) which actually compares favourably with a Rodenstock Rodagon and actually could well be one of the sharpest enlarging lenses I own. ĭespite being scruffy and for a long time unloved and rejected by society, the Minolta does however work like a dream, with a film advance smoother than my Rollei and a Seikosha shutter that is really something else. Well, I do, but they're works of craft produced for me - they aren't being exhibited at the V&A. Sorry that makes me sound like I hold my prints with some regard, like they are high art or something. In other words a pretty old and 'junky' camera infiltrating, like a tramp at a Prom, the lands of 'mint' and 'minty', where true art can only be produced by the best gear money can buy. well, that is a far-reaching and pompous statement, however whilst not exactly 'junk' the prints below were produced with things that the photographic trade would prefer you not to use so you can spend your hard-earned pennies on something shiny and new!Ī 1958 Minolta Autocord - it has no leather and a highly scratched lens.

Well folks, last time (and if you haven't read it here, you should as it is pointless carrying on otherwise) I said I could show you how 'junk' photographic equipment could help you produce good results if it was used with care.

I, Herman Sheephouse, being of dodgy mind, and sound body, do hereby declare that from now on, I be known, formally, as Herman Sheephouse.

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