Testing out the F4’s matrix metering in what would normally be relatively challenging conditions. This is a road I drive tours on, though the tour got cancelled that day and I decided to drive in my own truck.
As you can see the F4 passed with flying colors. So to speak.
Hot off the press, this is a sneak-peek shot from my newly-developed first rolls of the brand-new Cinestill 400D.
Could also double as a fall fashion photo I suppose, but it’s hard when you have to do all the shot setup and be the model, don’t know if I’d do too many of these! Maybe if I get a pretty girl to take the pictures for me…
Still alive. The 2nd time getting COVID it wasn’t nearly as bad, in fact I originally thought (or just hoped) that I had a cold, there was much runny nose and a bit of a sore throat/loss of voice. But once that fever starts it’s best to isolate. I was off of work for a week but that week had me rethink my plans to travel to my semiannual Ohio State get-together.
COVID Diaries 1
COVID Diaries 2
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These were from early 2022, I was just trying to unload the rest of my stock.
Even shooting at ASA100 I was definitely seeing the grain, maybe I should have given the film an extra stop but I didn’t. When it’s good it’s really good and it’s really a shame Kodak discontinued this stock; I hope they bring it back but I don’t think I’ll be shooting any more of the expired stuff.
Part One.
Or about as modern as I’m ever likely to get. Behold, the Nikon F4:
Ain’t she purty?
Of course perhaps you prefer the F4S?
I don’t but I do have both setups and it’s good to have the option if I ever need it. What I did want are the features on the spec sheet:
-full matrix metering with all AI/AI-s lenses (unlike newer professional bodies)
-easily-manipulable knobs and dials, no stupid menus to wheel through
–possibly weather-sealed (at least according to this) though I have my doubts reading further into it
-1/8000 second top shutter speed
-motor drive
-easy-to-find AA batteries instead of something esoteric and expensive
-a reasonable price
So far I’ve put 5 rolls of Tri-X through this camera using primarily the aperture-priority function and so far I’ve fooled it maybe a couple times. It just works and I don’t have to worry about it or overthink it. I picked up an AI-s Nikkor 35mm f/2 lens at the same time to make sure I had the most up-to-date manual focus lens I could use for the maximum feature set. Here are the results below:
Another thing that frustrates me with electronic cameras is the lag time when you turn it on, getting it to wake up, whatever. I’ve found with the F4 that I can leave it on all day and it’s always ready to go whenever I press the shutter button. For what it is and the purpose it serves I can’t think of anything being better.
The Resurrected Camera 