ALT-TOY and VINTAGE cameras

New film from Kodak.

2007-10-11T01:33:00.001-07:00

Film is not dead:

Read about Kodak's new TMax 400 film here.

Defend the darkroom

2007-09-19T00:59:00.000-07:00

Ilford have launched a campaign to defend darkrooms and analogue photography.

Read about it here.

Leica article in the New Yorker

2007-09-18T01:12:00.000-07:00

An interesting article about the joys if owning a Leica camera is here

Rating 35/40mm rangefinder lenses - a trial of a statistical approach

2007-07-04T08:54:00.000-07:00

The useful Leica M-mount group on Flickr is a great resource for those looking to pick a new rangefinder lens. You can look at the tags on various images and in theory see which 'look' different lenses have in terms of contrast, bokeh and so on. However, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions sometimes. There are several reasons for this including:

1. The people who upload images probably only upload the very best of their images so the impression of image quality given may be skewed upwards.

2. Certain photographers upload proportionately more images than others and this depends on the lenses they own. If a photographer who dominates one lens pool is particularly good (or bad) then this will give a false impression of the lens image quality in general.

3. The quality of the images uploaded is not necessarily a good guide to the quality of the original image that was taken with the lens. Uploaded images may be badly scanned if they are from film cameras. Also people do not always calibrate their monitors or scanners and so the image they see when they upload and the image you see when viewed on a different monitor are not necessarily the same.

4. With film (especially black and white) the processing and the skills of the developer play an important role in the look of the image. Many photographers do not mention the processing they did or even the type of film they used (although this is less common).

I use statistics a lot in my regular job so I was curious to see what a statistical analysis of different lenses using images and data from this Flickr group would look like. For example, how much difference does it make to ones impression of a lens if a pool is dominated by a small number of prolific photographers rather than a general mix? Does it give a false impression? Indeed can any lenses really be differentiated reasonably objectively at all using this resource?

As an initial experiment I created a database of some 35mm and 40mm lenses that I am interested in. This is not a complete listing yet as I haven't decided whether to pursue this line of enquiry - it is quite labour intensive. However, my initial results may be of interest and at least start a discussion.

At present I have gone through the monochrome images on the Flickr group made using the following lenses:

Cosina Voigtlander -
Nokton 40mm single coated
Nokton 40mm multi-coated
Nokton 35mm/1.2 aspherical
Colour Skopar 35mm/2.5

Leica -
40mm Summicron-C
35mm Summilux
35mm Summilux aspherical
35mm summicron version IV

Zeiss -
35mm Biogon

I went through all the monochrome images in the respective lens pools and recorded the following data:

Username of member
Film used
Developer used
Film speed
Digital RF used (RD1 or M8)

Then I appended my own subjective evaluation of the image:
1=very poor (no images actually received this score)
2=Less than optimal
3=fine
4=very nice
5=knockout

To try and keep the data balanced I stopped recording data for a lens after around 90 images had been included. Some lenses have very many more images than others and this might introduce bias.

If I was unsure between 2 scores I would give half marks (so if I was hovering between a score of 3 and 4 I just gave 3.5). I didn't dwell very long over the evaluation. Things I took into account were the overall look, bokeh, contrast, and detail. I also recorded whether there was a noticeable 'glow' to the image (a highly subjective term) or whether there was any flaring (but I have not used this data yet). Of course this is where subjectivity comes in. However, using statistics allows us to see whether there are any real differences, evaluate variation and test which factors may or may not contribute to a subjective evaluation of a lens besides the lens itself.

The table below shows the average scores for each lens, the number of images in the database so far and the standard deviation for each lens (a measure of how much the scores varied - a higher S.D. means more variation).

The overall average scores

Lens	Average score	Number in database	S.D.
Nokton 40mm single coated	3.34	28	.53
Nokton 40mm multi-coated	3.22	77	.54
Nokton 35mm/1.2 aspherical	3.76	55	.67
Colour Skopar 35mm/2.5	3.13	90	.49
Leica 40mm Summicron-C	3.52	72	.79
35mm Summilux	3.22	46	.53
35mm Summilux aspherical	3.64	59	.63
35mm summicron version IV	3.23	89	.51
35mm Biogon	3.13	26	.54
Total	3.35	542	.63

Actually several things become apparent looking at this table.

First, one definitely is able to distinguish between preferences. There are significant differences in the scores (in a statistical sense). If differences in the image quality produced by different lenses could not be discerned in the group, then the average scores would have all been similar (as would the S.D. figures).

Second, none of the lenses was actually bad. All the lenses on average score more than 3 which is fine. So picking any of these lenses would give some satisfaction.

Third, there was a fair amount of variation and more variation in the scores of some lenses than others. For example, the 40mm Summicron-C and the 35mm Nokton had the highest standard deviations (more than the overall S.D. of 0.63). That means that there was more variation in the quality of these images (to my eyes) than those produced with the other lenses. The least variation was with the CV Colour Skopar. There could be various reasons for this. The Summicron-C is a relatively old lens and might give more varied results. Or the Skopar may have had less variation because many of the images were taken by one person of very similar subjects. We just don't know, but it reveals that the data available does reveal differences in perception.

Fourth, there is probably not enough data to evaluate some of the lenses accurately. For example, the 35mm Biogon scored rather low at 3.13, but there were only 26 images in the pool to look at so this score is unreliable as there need to be more images.

Fifth, there do appear to be some lenses that I would prefer rather than others. For example, the Nokton aspherical scored highest, the 40mm Summicron-C did surprisingly well, and perhaps not so surprisingly the 35mm Summilux ASPH. All these were above the sample average of 3.35.

But there is a problem with image data of this kind. As mentioned above some of the lens pools in the group are dominated by certain photographers. It would be better if there were a good mix of users uploading images, but this is not always the case. Plus the group is fairly new and is still developing. This problem means that the cases in the database are not truly independent. That is in a statistical sense it is not entirely valid to just compare average scores without taking into account other factors (such as the photographer's skill, or the developer and the film). If a great photographer (or a photographer whose images you particularly like) uploads 90% of the images for a particular lens it might give a biased view of what another user could achieve with the same materials. This issue can be addressed with statistical techniques.

For example, the Summilux ASPH had 59 monochromatic images from 6 photographers in the pool when I collected the data. One of these photographers contributed 34 of the images (more than half). In statistical terms we can apply a 'control' for this photographer and recalculate the score of the lens assuming that the score due to the ability of this photographer can be separated out from score due to the quality of the lens alone. When we do this the score drops from 3.64 to 3.36 which is only just above the sample average. So there does indeed appear to be an effect caused by the domination of a photographer in a pool.

However, this example is not strictly accurate either. Some of this photographer's images should be included along with everyone else's or we should control for every single photographer in the database (which is impossible to do in a simple way). The reality is probably somewhere in between. That is the Summilux ASPH lens's real score is somewhere between 3.36 and 3.64, but the raw data is biased.

Help is at hand. There are several statistical procedures that can accommodate this issue. I chose to use a procedure known as a random effects model which allows us to take into account the fact that the images are not really independent of each other (i.e. they were not all taken randomly by unique photographers). When this model is applied to the data the adjusted scores for the lenses come out as follows:

Lens	Adjusted score
Nokton 40mm single coated	3.29
Nokton 40mm multi-coated	3.32
Nokton 35mm/1.2 aspherical	3.84
Colour Skopar 35mm/2.5	3.27
Leica 40mm Summicron-C	3.70
35mm Summilux	3.17
35mm Summilux aspherical	3.58
35mm summicron version IV	3.32
35mm Biogon	3.16
Adjusted Total	3.42

Now the results are slightly different. The 40mm Summicron-C looks even better relative to the overall average, while the Summilux ASPH is still very good, but not as good as the unadjusted figures suggested. The Nokton 35mm/1.2 ASPH also looks like a real bargain.

Conclusions

This rather long-winded approach has demonstrated some key things. First, that the Flickr M-Mount group is well worth using and can differentiate between the image quality of lenses, depending on the look one requires, so long as the viewer bears in mind that they can easily be swayed by the sample of contributing photographers in each lens pool. Second, as the number of contributions gets larger and more photographers join, the quality and reliability of the resource will just get better and better.

One problem remaining is the influence of film/developer combination. As I was going through the images I became aware that this also had a discernible influence on my scores. I particularly noted the effect of Agfa APX 100 and 400 on my preferences (films I have never used and are no longer available as far as I know). The next stage of this analysis will be to incorporate film and developer data into the statistical models to see whether it makes a significant difference to the lens scores. It would be great if users of M-Mount started to include the film, speed and processing data into the tags when they upload an image. Most photographers upload the film used, but many omit the speed and developer. Another option will be to incorporate the type of image (I have different criteria for evaluation when I look at a portrait than when I look at a landscape, say). This could be incorporated into the database.

I will also probably complete my database of 35mms and re-analyse the data, and then move onto other lenses if time permits.

For me at least the bargain Summicron-C looks like my next purchase based on this data analysis. A lens I would not have considered too seriously before doing this. And remember that this analysis is based on my preferences. Someone else may well come to different conclusions.

Experiments with Lensbaby 2.0

2007-06-28T09:25:00.000-07:00

I recently acquired a Lensbaby 2.0 and have been trying it on my old Canon EOS650 film camera and my Canon 5D. Not strictly toy camera material, but it produces very nice 'toyish' images. Here are a few examples:

Information on these lenses can be found here.

Issue 6 of Lightleaks magazine now available

2007-05-18T10:04:00.000-07:00

Issue 6 is now available for sale online at: http://www.lightleaks.org/current_issue.html

You can check out a preview here: http://www.lightleaks.org/ll6_preview.pdf

Let's hear it for 35mm film rangefinders

2007-01-20T02:54:00.000-08:00

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

2007-01-10T03:58:00.000-08:00

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

2007-01-03T04:58:00.000-08:00

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.

Interviews with toy camera users

2006-11-16T02:44:00.000-08:00

There is an interesting article today and set of interviews about using toy cameras over on Mike Johnston's blog. Check it out.

Taking Holga images using the 'bulb' setting

2006-11-04T06:39:00.000-08:00

I have recently tried using the bulb setting to take images with the Holga. By this I mean setting the camera on bulb, but then just snapping away as if the camera were set on normal. I just press the shutter button as I normally would. I am not holding it down for any length of time, although this also sometimes gives pleasing outcomes.

The results are sometimes interesting. Although they are often severely overexposed. As I process the images digitally I can still extract some detail from severely overexposed negatives. These would probably be impossible to print using traditional darkroom methods.

Here are some examples.

Hauling in the nets, Govalam, India

Fisherman carrying basket, Govalam, India

Waiting for the catch, Govalam, India

These were all taken using Ilford XP2 and scanned on an Epson 3200 flatbed scanner using the Epson software.

New Balda resources

2006-10-18T02:29:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a collection of Balda camera resources courtesy of SteveMPhoto on Flickr.

There is now also a Balda group on Flickr here.

I have been playing with my Balda Baldix with wide open apertures and it produces quite dreamy images with nice Bokeh and vignetting reminiscent of toy cameras, but with more control over shutter speed etc. Of course stopping down the lens gives quite good quality images too.

Here are some examples wide open:

Get ready for World Toy Camera Day next month

2006-09-30T04:40:00.000-07:00

It's World Toy Camera Day next month. October 21st.

Details can be found here.

Pictures taken on the day can be sent in to a competition.

Experimenting with Holga panoramics

2006-09-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Been trying to do some Holga panoramic shots today. Here is one of my first efforts. A portrait of my daughter:

It's quite difficult to get the hang of it and then it is also difficult to scan the negatives which invariably need stitching together. My scanner (a lowly Epson 3200) will only scan a 6x9 negative so any panorama longer than a frame and a half across is impossible to scan in one sweep.

This shot was taken on Ilford Delta 3200 on a modified Holga N from Holgamods and developed in Diafine. Delta 3200 is supposed to behave as a 2000 ISO film with this developer.

Holga Show - Call for entries

2006-09-15T02:16:00.000-07:00

There is a Holga show coming up at the Photomedia Centre.

Call for entries is here.

Deadline is November 11th 2006. Electronic submission of up to 8 entries.

My Balda Baldix

2006-09-08T12:10:00.000-07:00

This is my Balda Baldix 6x6 camera.

It has a Pronto shutter with speeds from 1/25 to 1/200 + B, flash sync, self timer and fitted with Baltar f4.5 C 75mm lens. I believe the C stands for 'colour' meaning the lens is specially corrected to cope with colour film. The camera is in perfect working order.

This camera has the cheaper lens (but it is still good when stopped down). The more expensive Enna-Werk Ennagon lens is better quality. There was also a model with a Baltar f2.9 lens in Prontor SV shutter. This was probably the most expensive version of the camera.

The company Balda Kamera Werk was based in west Germany and made good quality cameras. At the end of WWII the company became part of VEB Pentacon group. They stopped making cameras in 1985.

Manual:
http://www.butkus.org/chinon/baldix_6x6/baldix_6x6.htm

References:
http://www.marriottcameras.co.uk/advertising/balda/2baldas.htm
http://www.mattdentonphoto.com/cameras/balda_baldix.html

Should mint classic cameras be used?

2006-09-08T02:06:00.000-07:00

There is a really interesting thread on photo.net here discussing whether vintage cameras in mint condition should ever be used.

I only just got into the vintage camera game, but something about getting hold of a 1940s folding camera that hasn't been used for decades (because it's been hidden away in someone's attic or whatever) and actually using it gives me a buzz. It's as if you are breathing new life into it.

On the other hand if you have an absolutely mint copy of a rare camera, maybe it belongs in a museum...

The Franka Rolfix II

2006-09-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

This is my Franka Rolfix II camera.

I like this German made camera. Franka Werke was a firm based in Bavaria that made low to mid-range quality cameras. It takes 6x9 sized pictures on 120 film and should have an insert to convert to 6x6 (but this is missing). This one has a coated Rodenstock Trinar 105mm f3.5 lens (3 element) with a Synchro-Compur shutter and flash sync. Shutter speeds go from 1s to 1/500th + bulb. Cost £17 on ebay and is in perfect working order.

From what I can gather this camera was made around 1951-57. This one is marked as being made in the US occupied zone of Germany. The shutter suggests it is a later model. I have seen other Rolfix II's that look slightly different in the way the body is constructed (e.g., the accessory shoe is in a different place and the nameplate on the top of the camera is different).

Franka Werke was taken over by Wirgin in 1961 and became Edixa gmbH (1968) under new ownership. Edixa closed in 1971. Edixa was a brand name of Wirgin Kamerawerk.

References:

http://medfmt.8k.com/mf/rolfix.html
http://kotisivu.dnainternet.net/lauro/franka.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edixa
http://www.ukcamera.com/classic_cameras/Kamerahersteller/wirgin.htm

My current toy cameras

2006-09-06T09:38:00.000-07:00

My current toy camera consist of a Holga GN (with a glass lens rather than the usual plastic one) and a Diana. I have a modified Holga from Holgamods on the way.

Here is the Holga:

Here is the Diana:

I just ran my first test film through the Diana today.

Hello

2006-09-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

This blog is a companion to my other blog alt-digital. I decided to start this blog which is based around my use of toy and old cameras rather than mix this up with my digital blog.

Over the coming days I will post some information on my cameras and equipment. I will also periodically post pictures.

Also check out my flickr site. This has some images taken with vintage folding cameras and my Holga.