Let's hear it for 35mm film rangefinders

An interesting article singing the praises of film based 35mm rangefinders has appeared at Popular Photography. The article compares 3 cameras. The Leica M7, Voigtlander Bessa R2a and Zeiss Ikon.

Here is the article.

Last year according to this article Leica and Voigtlander sold around 20,000 rangefinder cameras. So there is still hope for film users in an increasingly digital dominated world.

I have a Bessa R and a few lenses (Color Skopar 35mm/f2.5, Nokton 50mm/f1.5 and Jupiter-8 50mm/f2) and I am very pleased with it.

Lightleaks Magazine Issue 5 out soon

From the Lightleaks team:

"Issue 5 production is under way and will hopefully be shipping by the end of January, or the first week of February.

"We have a great selection of photos and articles lined up for this first issue of 2007. Our feature article "Pinhole Vision" An Interview with Martha Casanave" is an insightful look into the work of this master pinholer'. We have showcase work by Scott Hammond, and A. Saska Mutic, our DIY section offers a unique method of running 2 rolls of 35mm film through you Holga, and our Plastic Darkroom explores the world of tintypes! All these plus our reader gallery, and regular commentary round out a great kick-off to 2007 with Light Leaks magazine!"

Issue 4 apparently has almost sold out.

See www.lightleaks.org for details.

Book Review

Ctein has posted a thoughtful review of a new book on toy cameras over at the online photographer. Here's the link.

The book is called 'Plastic Cameras: Toying With Creativity' by Michelle Bates.