Another first result >> Balda + Balda

• aoluain

  Participant

  July 14, 2009 at 11:15 pm

  Ran a roll of Fuji NPS160 through the FIRST Balda Baldixette
  [early 50’s 6×6 folding type camera] I got.
  The film has expired since April 2002 and there seems
  to be a purplish colour cast on some of the frames.

  This Baldixette’s shutter mechanism does not seem as crisp as
  the second one I have and the optics dont seem to be as clear
  either, going to give the second one a try out next to see what
  that throws out.

  

  
  aoluain

  Participant

  July 26, 2009 at 10:15 pm

  Here is a B+W result from the second Balda Baldixette.
  These cameras although being very similar in design
  to the Holga 120 does not have as sharp a lens as the Holga
  but instead has a soft lens but even accross the frame
  and without Vignetting.

  Actually I should say the Holga being similar in design to the Baldixette !!!!

  Processing in PS:: sharpen + contrast.

  I have a roll of Colour to process later . . . and compare to
  the first Balda.

  
  MartinOC

  Participant

  July 27, 2009 at 8:23 am

  Its a soft enough lens alright. With the right subject a soft lens seems to add to the atmosphere, particularly when the subject looks oldtime.
  I like the second shot here best and the third is good, although the edge of the crate on the left would have been nice.
  The softness in the second suggests the haze of summer to me.

  Some rangefinder people value old pre-asph lens with their softness and this style of shooting, it definitely has an atmosphere to it.

  Martin
  aoluain

  Participant

  July 27, 2009 at 8:36 pm

  Thanks Martin,

  Yea I suppose the soft lens can be worked to an advantage
  with the right subject.

  I find with the Holga and these old cameras I find myself with
  that they are great for shooting subject that I would not shoot
  with the digital. Ant those subjects seem interesting when taken
  on the LO-FI gear . . . as you say they have an atmosphere !

  
  jessthespringer

  Participant

  July 27, 2009 at 9:21 pm

  I think a soft lens takes a little getting used to. My Diana has a soft lens, but these
  seem to be a little sharper or have more res, or something…
  I’d be interested to see how this camera works out for you, it does look a lovely wee thing.

  I love that last one you posted, but, I do think the blacks could be a lot stronger,
  but, maybe that’s just my taste…

  Sinead