a new (old) camera

When Tom sent me a message about giving me one of his father's cameras--a Voigtländer Prominent--I was ecstatic. I had first thought he was looking for someone to sell it, but I'm glad he cleared it up because I wouldn't know how to properly appraise something of that quality. I've never handled anything like it before. I mean, look:

A stunning Fifties-era rangefinder camera in awesome condition. Online sources say it's the first rangefinder featuring a leaf shutter and interchangeable lenses. 

Focusing is done by turning this knob. It takes some getting used to, especially when you're used to focusing using the lens.

Tom would like the camera to be in creative hands, and suggested it be used by our photo group. I thought it was a great idea, so as soon as I got it I posted a message on our group's Facebook wall. I'm happy to say we've got quite a queue lining up to use the camera next!

Halfway through my test roll the self-timer lever stuck (I think I did not push it far enough, so it didn't 'take'), so I took it to a trusted camera maintenance guy to have it repaired and make sure there won't be any more shutter problems while it's in use.

I used a Fuji Superia 100 to test the camera with. I've used it for testing another camera so the first shot's a double exposure. Here are a few shots from the test roll:

A rooftop birthday party. Voigtländer Prominent on bulb setting, 8 secs.

Laundry, hanging out to dry.

Metal candle holders.

My cat Raki in the laundry basket. She also likes paper and canvas bags.

Also, see how sharp the images are? Gotta thank that Ultron lens!

I call this kitchen windowsill kitty "Ingay" but everyone else calls him (yes, him) "Regine"--after the female singer.

Indoor shot. Sunday breakfast. My niece spreading butter on her chocolate pancake.

Barnaby chilling with the laundry.

Batman and Ampon.

Bilog II, looking at me disapprovingly: "Stop taking photos of my family!"

Following the Sunny 16 rule on one of our trees.

The Prominent doesn't have a built-in meter so I have to rely on my knowledge of exposure. This camera makes me want to practice more, as I have been using cameras with built-in meters to shoot with. I'm now on my second roll, and I'm going to take it out of the house for a change. After this roll the camera goes to another member of our group.

I really want to thank Tom for the camera. He made a lot of shutterbugs happy!