Canon EOS 50D – finally an affordable 15-megapixel DSLR

November 10, 2021November 10, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I get a big kick out of collecting these late 2000’s DSLRs from makers like Canon and Nikon. Prices for gently used models are quite reasonable and the supply is literally endless. Of course, you want to look for cameras with a relatively low shutter count but since these were semi-pro models they could take some rough use and still enjoy a long life due to their robust build.

Yep, expect old-fashioned CF cards in these beasts. Wow, 128MB!

How many cameras look exactly like this? Looks normal doesn’t it?

I managed to get this many images before disaster!

Then this screen appeared after the mirror failed to return to its proper position which is down. Yep, the locked up and then this. I kind of knew this model was prone to this but I bought this camera from a local client who had purchased it new. It has about 16K shutter accusations (young for this model). When I was testing it this hadn’t appeared yet so I bought it along with a nice (I hope) flock of Canon EF lenses.

In order to get the mirror back into its shooting position (down) I have to turn off the camera, remove the lens, turn it back on and fire the shutter. The mirror then resets itself for the next failure which will be right after the next shot… then repeat over and over again. There may be a way to reset the camera’s brain but I haven’t discovered it yet. I’ve tried four different EF lenses (3 Canons and 1 Sigma) with no change. The last firmware update was in 2012 or so and no help from that update either.

Lesson learned – none really as I know that as these older (2008) digital cameras age all sorts of glitches can happen no matter how well designed. I still enjoy collecting from this period and one “bad” experience won’t turn me off. Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful day! – Chris

Comments are always welcomed as I’ve learned quite a bit from reader feedback. As always, thanks for stopping by and while you’re at it, feel free to visit my camera shop at http://www.ccstudio2380.com (CC Design Studios hosted by Etsy). – Chris Whelan

Please respect that all content, including photos and text, is this blog’s property and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris.

Sears Camera Catalog – 1952

September 14, 2021September 14, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Thanks for stopping by and have a beautiful day!

Please respect that all content, including photos and text, are the property of this blog and its owner, Yashica Pentamatic Fanatic, Yashica Sailor Boy, Yashica Chris, Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris.

New items in my Camera Shop for September

September 13, 2021September 13, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Hello and thanks for stopping by! I’ve added some really unique and rare items in my online Camera Shop which is hosted by Etsy at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Lots more to see at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

The Minolta 35, a Leica re-imagined

September 9, 2021September 9, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I know that the camera brand Minolta conjures up many different images depending on which decade you experienced your first encounter with this popular brand. My good friend and fellow Yashica collector (sorry, we’re researchers) Paul Sokk from Australia has written one of the most comprehensive articles you’ll ever read about the early days of Minolta. I highly recommend you pop on over and give his latest post a good read. While you’re at it, be sure to check out his articles about Yashica, Nicca, and Leotax. Paul’s latest can be enjoyed at http://www.yashicatlr.com/Minolta35.html

Just a small sample from Paul’s site. Thanks for stopping by and have a great evening!

Well worn traveler – Weston Master II

September 6, 2021September 6, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Weston Master II Universal Exposure Meter – 1945 to 1953, Model 735

Going strong although a little beat up and the finish is a bit rough.

Selenium cells still putting out power after all these years. The flap can be closed to cut down on the amount of light reaching the cells.

This wonderful meter was hiding out in a dark corner of an old leather camera bag that I was gifted recently by a neighbor. The cameras, lenses, and this meter all belonged to her father. I gave it a good cleaning (Q-tips dipped in a mixture of Windex and alcohol) and it looks like new (a stretch). It’s got plenty of character.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great evening!

Yashica Auto Focus Motor 5 Star – 1981

August 19, 2021August 19, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The Yashica ‘Sailor Boy’ advertising figurine was brought back for the launch of this nifty point and shoot compact. The figurine made its first appearance in 1962 and has cycled through a few retirements since his introduction. He’s holding that camera in this version of the ‘Sailor Boy’.

I’m not sure when Yashica started using the term ‘5 Star’ with this model as the only place I see it mentioned is on the original presentation box.

Leica-like 35mm Cameras by Paul Sokk

August 15, 2021August 15, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

My good friend Paul Sokk in Australia has one of the best camera sites you’ll ever come across. Paul covers in great detail cameras from Yashica, Nicca, and Leotax to name just a few. Here’s the link to a rather new section that Paul added just recently. http://www.yashicatlr.com/LeicaCopies.html

Paul’s knowledge of Yashica cameras, especially the twin-lens models, is second to none (shameless plug). http://www.yashicatlr.com/index.html

If you decide to give his site a read be sure to let him know what you liked specifically and please share anything of interest as Paul is always seeking out new information and ideas to share with his readers.

Canon Model 7 Instruction Booklet – 1968

August 13, 2021August 13, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

I was rather surprised to find such a late date booklet for the original Canon 7 35mm rangefinder camera (August 1968) since the camera went out of production in 1964. The Canon Model 7s was in full production during this period (it followed the Model 7 with only slight improvements).

A scan of the front cover and inside back cover from the booklet. Canon didn’t feature their 50mm f/0.95 lens in this edition.

A scan of the back cover – take note of the 08/68 date code (bottom center). Again the f/1.4 lens is featured.

I haven’t had the opportunity to use my Model 7 yet as I’ve been super busy with a refresh of my kitchen (paint, new floors, and new cabinets) but I hope to soon. Here in Florida COVID-19 the Delta variant is running rampant so the thought of a walkabout with the camera is on hold for now. I’m vaccinated but apparently not many of my fellow Floridians and tourists are (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view). What a shame as the local hospitals are nearly full with sick unvaccinated people.

Thanks for stopping by and be safe.

Fujifilm and Fernandina Beach

July 13, 2021July 13, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

The Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 does a respectable job under bright sunshine and blue skies. Here’s a few images from a walkabout in the Historic District of downtown Fernandina Beach (Amelia Island), Florida.

I think Fujifilm’s Instax color film is an excellent film as it appears to handle high contrast scenes well. With the limitations of the camera’s lens just don’t expect sharp pics even when focused at infinity.

New Arrivals

June 15, 2021June 15, 2021Chris and Carol Leave a comment

Hi all… thanks for stopping by! Just in time for Father’s Day I’m offering a nice 10% discount on almost everything in my shop – CC Design Studios at http://www.ccstudio2380.com

Lots of unique items from our vast collection of photo gear and other collectibles from our travels over the years. Here’s a small sample…

We also have a bunch of gear and cameras that haven’t been listed yet. If there’s a particular item you’ve been searching for lets us know as we just might have it. Contact us here or at ccphotographyai@gmail.com

Chasing Classic Cameras with Chris

Yashica cameras and so much more!

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