The Ektramax does have a very sharp lens. The problem with the camera is everything feels very cr@ppy to use. It is just a cheap, plasticky thing. The film advance action is just so meh, the shutter release is a nasty sproingy feeling thing, the soft plastic battery cover latch for the flash wears out so it no longer stays closed, you can still accidentally take a pic with the lens slider cover closed - I would have thought closing the lens cover would lock out the shutter like it does on my other 110 cameras.
But worst of all, it is a very large camera for a very small format. Compare here to a Konica C35 - plus the Konica is a delight to use in comparison:
If the end result is all that matters, then this Kodak delivers. But when we have a huge selection of cameras, then pick one that is a delight to use and gives an excellent result. Those do exist in the 110 world!
First try at star trails. 5hr exposure on a moonless night, light painted by happenstance (maybe a car?). I had to crop a bit because I tried to compose without a decent light and it was way off level.
First try at star trails. 5hr exposure on a moonless night, light painted by happenstance (maybe a car?). I had to crop a bit because I tried to compose without a decent light and it was way off level.
Super nice! My strategy for star trails now is to frame up the composition while it's still light out, and lock everything on the tripod into place. Then I'll return when it's dark, re-mount the camera, thread the cable release, set to bulb mode, and start the exposure. I'll return after a few hours (sometimes I set an alarm and take a nap) and end the exposure.
Each spring in Québec City a bunch of traditional singers get together and do a "12 hours of singing" day, with 12 hours of nonstop songs; everyone gets to lead a song but the rule is that you can't sing any song that has already been sung that day. I couldn't go this year, but here are a few of my faves from last year, shot with my Mamiya C330, HP5+.
