Sears TLS Single Lens Reflex Camera

When I got this Sears TLS, it had a black Dymo label over the Sears logo that read "Ricoh". I guess the originally owner was embarrassed to carry around a Sears branded camera. Sears camera line was a series of rebranded cameras made by all of the top-of-the-line makers. This one is a rebranded Ricoh Singlex TLS.

I decided to stick with one M42 screw mount lens for this month. I used the Sears len pictured above. It's a 55mm lens that stops down to 1.4. The ASA dial is located on the front face of the camera. It's set by lifting the face and rotating it to the correct setting. The same dial is used to set the shutter speed. The TTL light meter switch is located next to the lens and you push it up to turn it on. Unlike the GAF L-17 I used a few months ago, the meter does not shut off after each use. So I ended up killing the battery pretty quickly since I left it on by accident. I'm a slow and deliberate picture taker so, for me, the auto shutoff of the GAF suits by style more than this design.

As I go through this project, I have started to figure out my true preferences when it comes to cameras. I think SLR cameras are fine but they're not my favorite to lug around. The picture quality and control over focus and aperture are top-notch but I'm less inclined to tote one of these SLR's around.

Another thing I've learned about myself--every time I shoot color film, I wish that I had shot black and white. Then when I shoot black and white I think that I better shoot some color film so I'm not just shooting black and white. It's a conundrum!

Personal preferences aside, the Sears TLS camera is a fine camera that produces excellent results.

Film: Fujicolor 200 (barely expired)
Developer: Unicolor C41 Kit
Scanner: Epson V550













Next month's camera: Vivitar 35ES Rangefinder

Ricoh 500G

The Ricoh 500G is an excellent compact rangefinder. I would put it in the same class as the Olympus XA in terms of being able to produce consistently great quality images with the sharp Rikenon lens (40mm/f2.8). The camera is capable of shooting 25-800 ISO film with shutters speeds of 8/15/30/60/125/250/500 plus Bulb.

Inside the viewfinder, the rangefinder patch is about adequate and the aperture scale is situated vertically on the right side in the viewer. You can run this camera manually or in auto mode. In auto mode, the camera operates as a shutter priority camera. I've found that the camera does a great job of determining correct exposure (even with a modern battery) so I ran it in auto mode for most of my pictures this month. The light meter eye is located in the lens ring so you can use filters without having to compensate for them.

I found this camera on eBay and got it for $20. It was local so I didn't have to pay for shipping.

As I go through this blog project, I've been taking mental notes on which ones I can't wait to focus on when I get back to using any camera I choose. The Ricoh 500G will definitely be one I reach for when I want a compact camera that's capable of capturing impressive images.

Film: fresh Kodak Tri-X 400
Developer: R5 Monobath Developer
Scanner: Epson V550




















Next month's camera: Sears TLS

Petri 1948 Folding Camera

The Petri 1948 Folding Camera is the quirkiest camera I've used for this blog. It has a pop-up viewfinder, an uncoupled rangefinder (I think maybe it works but I didn't use it), a hard-to-get-to aperture adjustment, a waist-level viewfinder, and a left-handed shutter release button. In spite of all of that, I really want to like this camera. But I just don't. On top of that, the focus doesn't seem to be working so it's easy to not love it at all.


I do like that the eveready case looks like a well-loved catcher's mitt.


I guess I don't really have a lot to say about this camera. And since I have two other folders that outperform this camera--those being the Ansco Titan and the Franka Solida III--I'm inclined to set this one free.


I wish I had more pics to share but most were unusable.


Here's the one that turned out okay.



Here's an example of the focus not doing anything. I had this focused on the lawn flamingo at 3'.



After this month's bust of a camera, I'm looking forward to using the Ricoh 500G in July.

Film: Fresh Kodak Tri-X 400
Developer: R5 Monobath
Scanner: Epson V550

Next month's camera: Ricoh 500G

The Olympus XA!

Before I stumbled upon this camera at Goodwill two and a half years ago, I had never heard of it. It wasn't on my radar so I had to do a quick Google search to learn more about it. It is a very compact rangefinder with a clever clam shell cover system. This is one of the few cameras that will fit in your pocket with no issues. For $3.99 (with the attached A11 flash) I couldn't pass it up.

This camera is an aperture priority camera which is a rarity. You select the aperture and the camera will determine the correct shutter speed. There's a shutter speed display in the viewfinder but I didn't know that until recently. (Besides, I'm not sure the reading is accurate in the viewfinder.) The shutter speeds run from 1/500 to about 10 seconds in low light. This is truly an amazing camera that is capable of handling just about any situation you can throw at it.

As with a lot of old cameras, the rangefinder patch is pretty faint on my example. But it's still usable without being frustrating. The focus lever has a very short throw so it's quick and easy to get your focus dialed in.

I have used this camera quite a bit over the past few years because of its size, convenience, and performance. If you have the opportunity to pick one up, you definitely should.

Film: Expired Kodak BW400 (C41 processed black and white film)
Developer: Unicolor C41 Kit
Scanner: Epson V550


Next month's camera: Petri 1948 Folding Camera (120 Film)

Konica Autorex SLR Camera

The Konica Autorex is an interesting SLR camera that shoots both full and half frame picutres. I bought two of these--each one had various issues. I sent this one off to be repaired along with a couple of lenses I picked up. The repairs fixed the film advance issue, the light meter connectivity, and the repair guy added in the resistor so I can use modern batteries for the metering.

The Autorex is a well-built SLR and I really like the half or full frame option. There's also a nifty "aperture preview" button near the bottom of the lens. One of the drawbacks of this camera is that the light meter is housed inside the shutter speed dial on the front of the camera so there is no TTL (through the lens) metering. This will only really be an issue if you're using filters.

There are instructions printed on the bottom of the ever ready case for switching between half and full frame. For full to half frame, wind the film them flip the lever. For half to full frame, flip the lever then wind the film. It's nice to have the instructions on the camera so you don't have to remember that.

I used several lenses this month. Unfortunately, I didn't write down which lens I used for which pictures. I used a Konica Hexanon 52mm/1.8, a Konica Hexanon AR 40mm/1.8, a Rexagon Auto MC 28mm/2.8, and a Super Takumar 135mm/3.5 (M42 mount used with a lens adapter).

As you can see, the expired film I used (Fujicolor 200 Super HGII) suffered from color shift. In spite of that, some of the shots turned out okay.

Film: Fujicolor 200 Super HGii (expired)
Developer: Unicolor C41 Kit
Scanner: Epson V550





















Next month's camera: Olympus XA