Holga 135 - first results

they came out alright - although i have to admit the resuts are not dissimilar to those from the Vilia or the Zorki...and they both have more than one shutter speed. still, the holga 135 has proven itself now as a worthwhile addition to the collection.

Also worth noting is that the bottom right corner "ghosting" that is so familiar with the Holga 120 is missing. I remember once reading why this happens with the Holga 120, but have completely forgotten what it was or where I read it. Something to do with the shutter, I think? Anyways, whatever happens to make that happen, it doesn't happen with the Holga 135. Which isn't all that important.

Latest arrivals

From ebay: 5 rolls of Svema FN 64, expired 2004. Svema were one of the major film manufacturers in the Soviet-era, however I'm lead to believe that these days the film's more than likely just re-branded Foma. Even if it's not "proper" FSU film, the boxes are worth it alone.


And to something more useful - my new Leningrad 4 light meter, direct from the Ukraine. Terribly useful, particularly considering I've recently acquired a few meter-less cameras. I checked it against the meter in the Minolta, and they seem to more or less agree, so I assume it works correctly.

Fujicolor 1600HG (expired '92)

Chalk this one up to a learning experience - if it's 17 years old 1600iso, it's probably going to have grain the size of rabbit poo.

A bit of despeckle in GIMP will tidy it up a little, but then you lose sharpness & a bit of definition. Still, passable for small prints; not worth the gamble for special occasions.

If anyone knows what the HG stands for in Fujicolour 1600HG, I'd like to know.

Expired film bonanza

A friend visited on Christmas Day & gave me a small cache of expired film from the local constabulary's fridge. As they no longer use film in their operations, I am assured it won't be missed.

1 x Kodak 400 (colour/b&w? expiry?)
2 x Kodak Plus-X Pan 125 (exp. 1992)
2 x Kodachrome 64 slide (exp. 1989)
2 x Kodak T-Max 100 (exp. 1990?)
2 x Kodak T-Max P3200 (exp. 1989)
1 x Kodak Pro Image 100 (exp. ?)
1 x Kodak Tri-x 400 (exp. ?)
2 x Fujicolor Super HR 1600 (exp. 1988, 1995)
2 x Fijucolor Super HG 1600 (exp. 1988)
4 x Ilford Delta 100 (exp 1996)

Not a bad haul. Of course, as they expired a minimum of 12 years ago, the results may "vary". I've put them all in the freezer until I can figure out what to do with them. My benefactor assures me they have been sitting in a police fridge as far back as he can remember, so I can only hope they have survived the ravages of age well.

The 3200 I'm not even sure I can use. The Minolta only meters up to 1600, so I'd be guessing the right exposure. I was thinking of trying it in the Vilia, which has a maximum f4 and shutter speeds from 1/250 to 1/30. It could work. We'll see.

He's also going to see if his department are willing to part with one of their superfluous Bronica kits for a small fee. Of course I'll have to consider whether the cost is worth it, but I have had my eye on a Bronica system for some time now, and if I can avoid having to buy from the USA, or even buy it after having actually seen the product, I'd be much happier.

Christmas is a good time of year.