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Fujica ST705 - another manual camera
Submitted by keithloh on Thu, 2009-06-11 23:30.
Fujica ST705 with 55mm Fujinon f/1.8
After shooting lots with the Pentax K1000 the one thing that irked me a bit about that setup was that changing lenses with the screwmount thread was a bit more awkward than what I am used to. In the Canon EOS world, you press down on the release and the lens just comes off. With the K-mount with M42 adapter setup I made myself, you need to unscrew unscrew unscrew and then screw screw screw and by then the opportunity is gone and your wrist is a bit sore.
As the K1000 was so cheap I decided to pick up a second manual camera to share between my M42 lenses. I picked up a Fujica ST705, that like the K1000 is a pretty simple camera except for a couple additional features and one very annoying one quirk that I discovered in using it today.
Fujica ST705 with 55mm Fujinon f/1.8
Tight metal body with some modern features
The Fujica has a tight metal body, built like a nice solid tool really. I wouldn't worry about dropping it or kicking it unlike any of my digital cameras. It has a satisfying crlunCH when you release the shutter. As compared to the K1000's clk-CLANG. (The Fujica has a cloth shutter).
Unlike the K1000 it has a Depth of Field preview button; I've never used those really. I like to imagine dreamy DOF and then hope for the best. It also has a timer lever. You snap it back and then run for your position and its arm winds down and takes the photo.
Getting the light meter to work for non-Fujinon lenses
The annoying quirk that has made me grumble a bit is that with non-Fujinon lenses (that is to say, with all of my M42 lenses)*, the light meter will not work until you:
1) Hold down the DOF preview button and then:
2) Half-click on the shutter release button.
You can't do it out of sequence, either. Like-wow.
I can live with half-clicking on the shutter release; as that would save on draining the battery that powers the light meter (I just replaced the battery for the K1000 today). I just can't deal with having to also press a second button too. It would mean metering a shot would use up three fingers, two hands, and my patience. So yuck!
I suspect that I will just guesstimate the metering when using this camera.
*I should mention that the camera did come with a mint 55mm f/1.8 lens which I have yet to test. At this moment I would then have three 50mm or thereabout lenses and I don't see the need to evaluate more.
Links
In investigating this camera I received a lot of help from Lewis Collard. Check out his pictures and ST705 page here.
Posted in Gear Submitted by keithloh on Thu, 2009-06-11 23:30.
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There are many manufacturers of 35mm film. It will be along time before they all go. First we'll see the larger formats go before we see 35mm entirely go away.
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Keith Loh
The Fujica ST705 may be the most talked about camera ! I had to buy two of them , just to make one good one ! the light meter did not work on the first body.
I own two of the Fujica st705 cameras. Its a camera every photographer has to have ! The simplicity and the stunning clear pictures can only be from this camera ! The ST705 is mentioned around my group as a sacred camera when a picture that needs to be clear is worth thousands ! the split image makes that happen ! Donatillo Arteaga , Olivehurst, Ca.
Get yourself Asahi Pentax Spotmatic, Praktica MTL, etc....
Those are M42 bodies with TTL metering and it works with old M42 lenses with aperture release pin (small pistil near M42 thread).
If camera press this pin, choosen aperture will click on (camera press this pin only when metering light or when taking picture).
If you need a hint with M42 system, maybe I can help.
Thanks for the recommendation. I've heard some good things already on the Spotmatic. In fact maybe they are too popular?
I should update my post, though, as I've since come to really like the Fujica. I guess my fingers have gotten used to the multiple buttons to press to get the picture. I love the cloth shutter.
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Keith Loh
The most important thing is to feel comfortable with your camera, so enjoy Fujica and have a good light :o)
I use also Pentacon six with TTL prism and I use the same complicated technique to take pictures. Focus the lens, set the aperture, press DOF button, measure the light, set time on camera, refocus and take a picture - it sounds complicated, but its not so hard and after few shots, you dont take it as a dissadvantage.
Back to M42s. I have 3 cameras, but every single one have some issues. Praktica doesnt show number of taken shots, Spotmatic have a random problem with cloth shutter, Russian Zenith TTL is without battery. Repairs are more expensive then the cameras itself, so I"v decided to purchase Olympus OM system...Now i have OM10 with 2 lens and Im satisfied with results. Olymps should be reliable.
BUT results arent so charmy as M42. M42 lenses are with something extra. They have "personality". I use old CZJ lenses, Meyer, Helios, Jupiter... They are not perfect, but they are sharp enough and make some magic things with bokeh and lights. I use them with DSLR too ... enjoying just the fun of ancient manual lens on modern camera.
Tomas N.
That would be a solution however I really don't want to add more lenses and I already have a wealth of them ;)
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Keith Loh
Syndicate
I was just told , the 35MM world of film will no longer be sold in stores ! Donatilloarteaga@yahoo.com