losing friends

This is one of the things I hate most in life. I mean, I value friendships..anybody who knows me well enough can attest to this. My natural phsychological weakness is that I'm a patholigical "pleaser". So when somebody stops regarding me as a friend, it hurts me deeply. Especially living here in Europe where I would practically do ANYTHING to make friends, much less maintain them. Sigh...


Later

Later!

Kobena and GAF

The GAF 102 A and the Kobena 321 are with me already.My first "boxed" cameras. Yey




















The GAF was at first extremely disappointing. Unboxing revealed that the flimsy film compartment latch was coming off. Also, the viewfinder was blurry. Worst of all, after putting fresh batteries in, the motor wasn't powering on.





It turned out that a small circular lens became detached from the viewfinder. This, along with the latch problem, could be remedied with some super glue. And with further trying, the film transport motor powered on. I immediately put in the Revue cartridge I found on the Kobena and started exposing (why, do you ask, did I not expose it on the camera I found it on?...read on).








I paid more than I think I should have for this, but I think that its worth it since I really fell in love with its unusual design.

As for the afformentioned Kobena, well the battery compartment was extremely corodded. Let's just say I'm still in the process of cleaning and reviving her. Updates soon






Later!

Collection Update

I thought about bringing out my collection, you know, just to see what I have at the moment. I now have 20 cameras, 17 of which I laid on the living room table. The 3 left out were at hand, but I just didn't get around to including them. Anyway, here they are..

In this section, we have my prized 10 euro Leicina RT-1, the two Russians, a Sankyo, and two that are unfortunately not functioning (yet!). Its the Eumig and the Agfa.

The next section has my current fave, the Bolex, a Nizo, 2 Bauers, and what's looking to be my straight8 camera, the Yashica.

Finally, here we have 3 Revues, a Lancia, and my 2 Canon 514 xl's.

The whole Super 8 thing (filming, collecting) keeps me sane these days..

Later!

Bolex 155 and Tri-x possibilities

COMMONPLACE from MSL on Vimeo.

Bolex 155 Vintage Ad

Post presents

Well not really presents because they're all paid for. But still, it was great to receive them. The first one was the book "The Ultimate Filmmaker's Guide to Short Films". I hope this helps me think of a concept for the Straight8 thing.

The next two are these packages (which turned out to be HUGE) that were delivered to tita Erma's place in Trier. I usually have packages that originate in Germany sent to her address (genius right?).

One is the Revue Direct sound 8 that came in an even bigger leather case. The camera seemed to be ok, and sure enough the film transport still works when I tested it. The only problem is the lens, it looks like its scratched or with Fungus or something. Further testing and inspection to follow. Did I mention this thing was damn heavy?

The other was my much-awaited Bolex 155 macrozoom. Yes, my first Swiss. i popped in 4 batteries and at first it looked like it wasn't functional. But after some persistence, it turned out to be a working piece. It's simply a thing of beauty. Stats and reviews for both cameras soon.

Later!

Sushi!

Ok this is a day or two overdue, but I just really wanted to show this on here. The sushi resto that I am working at (nicest people you'll ever see), keeps giving me what else..sushi! Well maki to be precise. And a lot of em!

later!