Bernard Ente wrote: > [snip] > > If I had been using any other DEPENDABLE camera, (and I own plenty of > them), I would have gotten the shot. Doesn't matter if the camera costs > $5 or $5000, you have to "get the shot". Will I use the Minolta XK again? > Yes, but if it's an important shot I'll set the exposure system to > "manual" instead of automatic. > > Any similar stories out there?
I share Bernie's pain. Back in around 1990 or 91, I was taking a darkroom photography course at a local community college, with my Minolta XG-1. This camera had, by then, developed a problem with is electrical system where the shutter was concerned, and I occasionally had to hit the body with my hand to get it to fire. (Anybody figure out why I switched to my current, all-manual, FM2N? <g>) One day, I went to NJ Transit's Dover station to hopefully catch the Conrail local coming through. I got lucky when I took what I'd hoped would be the first of several pictures of this train. As the train got nearer, the camera refused to work--and that despite my frantic banging on the body! Later on, I developed that roll and discovered that the one shot I *did* successfully get had the train as a tiny item in the center of the negative. In order to print anything susbstantial on the 8x10 paper, I had to raise the enlarger head to the top of the column and finely adjust the focus while looking through a grain scope, contorting myself in the process. No matter what happens, remember: Railfanning is fun! Dieter Cedar Knolls, NJ -> SPORRS: 'Serious Photographers Of Railroad Related Subjects' -> Web Site: http://www.anet-stl.com/acphotog/sporrs/ -> Message © 1998 SPORRS® - All Rights Reserved
