Author Archives: Jonathan

Focal lengths on different formats

Consumer photographic lenses are almost always sold by their focal length when used on a 35mm camera (or full-frame professional DSLR). It’s already confusing enough to work out what their effective focal length is when used on an APS-C sensor (most consumer DSLRs), but since I’ve been getting into medium-format photography it’s even more confusingContinue reading “Focal lengths on different formats”

KMZ Zorki 4

Released 1956 This is my first rangefinder camera. It’s also my first compact camera that has interchangeable lenses. It has some pretty unusual quirks, but it’s fun. There is some excellent glass available in M39 mount so this is a high-quality photographic tool, and a good alternative to an SLR. See all photos taken withContinue reading “KMZ Zorki 4”

Kodak Brownie Model I

Released 1957 This is another “dumb” box camera with no manual controls, like the Conway. It’s in mint condition and with its original case. I like it because its shutter is more reliable than the Conway. See all photos taken with the Brownie I. At a glance Lens Fixed 100mm f/14 Film 620 (6×9) FocusContinue reading “Kodak Brownie Model I”

Halina Paulette Electric

Released 1967 This is a simple viewfinder camera with an uncoupled selenium light meter. It’s reasonable, and OK to use. What the light meter adds in usability over fully manual cameras, the lack of any kind of focussing aid takes away. See all photos taken with the Paulette. At a glance Lens Fixed 45mm f/2.8Continue reading “Halina Paulette Electric”

LOMO Lubitel 166 Universal

Released 1980 This is my first TLR. I saw it at a car boot sale and snapped it up for a bargain price. At the time of writing, this is my only medium format camera with the ability to focus, and with control over the aperture and shutter. It’s much more rewarding to work withContinue reading “LOMO Lubitel 166 Universal”

Braun Paxette Electromatic II

Released 1959 The Paxette is quite a nice compact, with a fixed shutter speed at 1/40, but variable aperture and focus. The basic selenium meter doesn’t work but that’s OK. It’s still perfectly usable as a manual camera. See all photos taken with the Paxette. At a glance Lens Fixed 40mm f/2.8 Film 135 FocusContinue reading “Braun Paxette Electromatic II”

Olympus OM101

Released 1988 This is yet another not-very-interesting SLR. The most noteworthy point is that it has “power focus”. This is manual focus, but adjusted using a thumbwheel and an electric motor, rather than by twisting the lens barrel. Unusually for an SLR, exposure is fully automatic unless you buy the additional “manual control unit” whichContinue reading “Olympus OM101”