Astlog

I realise that my tumblog has become a boring blog about nothing but camera gear. I can’t help it is my favorite hobby to the point where I could almost call it an obsession.

I’ve been thinking about all the money I’ve spent on computers and other stuff that I don’t really need and can’t help but think of the kit I could have if I had put it into lenses and stuff for my cameras.

I think I’ll be selling some of my Nikon gear including my D90 and see if I can’t pick up some more modern Leica lenses.

More lenses to add to my collection eventually:
Cosina Voigtlander 28mm f/3.5 Color Skopar
Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2
Some sort of 90mm lens. Hopefully a Leica Elmarit 90mm f/2.8 for cheap.
Leica Summaron 35mm f/2.8.
Maybe a fast 35mm lens too.

New Gear

Got my new camera and new lenses today.

The Zorki is beautiful. Not a scratch on it and everything seems to work good. The Jupiter 8 looks good and and everything seems to be smooth. The aperture ring is pretty loose but it isn’t bad. Here is a picture:

I also received my Leica Elmar 5cm f/2.8 M mount today. It is in really good shape except some cleaning marks on the lens and a tiny spot in the coating. The collapsible lens is very cool and absolutely tiny when collapsed into the body.

And here are a couple more pics of my M2:

This one is now my desktop picture.

Here is the ISO selector on the back of the M2:

Yet more gear to add to the ever expanding collection: a Zorki 6 camera with Jupiter 8 lens. The Zorki is a former Soviet Union made camera that is based off the Leica II and III thread mount camera. The Jupiter 8 is a 50mm f/2 lens based off of the Zeiss Planar 50mm f/2. I’m eager to get the camera and lens to see how different the feel of an FSU camera will be.

Also took the M2 to the Patriot II Transatlantic hot air balloon site and then to Aroostook State Park for some photos. That damn trail at the park damn near killed me again. I’m going to hike the whole trail by the end of this summer even if it really does kill me!

Ordered some more lenses tonight.

Leica Elmar 5cm f/2.8 - A classic Leica lens for the M mount. I found the collapsible lens too tempting to not buy. This’ll be my only Leica made lens for my camera.

Jupiter 12 35mm f/2.8 - This is a classic Russian made Leica thread mount lens. I got this on eBay from a seller in Russia after being recommended by jym on Ars Technica. I had to buy a 35/135 Leica Thread Mount to M Adapter.

The Plan Part 2

The plan went into effect and I am now the proud owner of a Leica M2 built August 6th, 1958. There really is nothing like shooting a Leica. I own 9 other cameras and this is worlds apart. I’ve dropped my first roll off at Walmart and I can’t wait to see what I got with it. I’m eager to get out and shoot with it but the damn weather up here won’t cooperate.

The Cosina Voigtlander 50mm is a pretty nice lens. I’ve got a roll in the Leica that will be its test roll and will hopefully get it finished up tomorrow because the weather is supposed to improve.

Here is the beauty with the CV 35mm f/2.5 and Voigtlander VC II meter:

Here is the top of it:

Much like the shamwow it is made in Germany and so it must be good.

The Plan

As I’ve mentioned before I have what they call Gear Acquisition Syndrome when it comes to cameras. Well I’ve decided to buy the camera that may put and end to that - a Leica. I can’t afford a new Leica of any sort but I can get a used one for fairly cheap. So that is what I am going to do. I’ve found a good deal on a Leica M2 and I’ll be ordering tomorrow. I’ll also be adding a Voigtlander 50mm f/2.5 lens to my collection for it as well.

I was also considering a screwmount Leica like the IIIf but decided that a camera that old might be a bit of work to use. I’ll probably end up getting one someday.

I got my Rollei 35 S from Koh’s Camera today. It is in excellent condition and came with the lens cap, case, and wrist strap. It even came with the manual.

I also received my film that I ordered from B&H a few days back. I got some more Ilford HP5+ 35mm film and I also got my Efke KB50 35mm rolls. I’m interested in how the Efke shoots since it is a very fine grain 50 iso film.

The other big news is that I started an inventory database in Bento for all my film to keep track of quantity and such. I’m hoping it can help me remember which film I used and sent out to get developed as well.