Search ImagingPixel for Images by Camera or Lens

Monday, February 5, 2024

Konica II B, Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400, A Belated Update

Konica II B, Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400 (Expired)
Analog Diary: Film photography favorites, image making with a Konica II B, and an expired roll of Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400.
<< Click on images for enlarged Lightbox display >>

Took these images a while back, a real while back, almost a year ago, on a roll of expired Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400 which I did not have the chance to take to the lab for processing until only recently. While these images from the expired film images were marvelous, this first outing with the Konica II B was a real test of resilience as I was still a complete novice with fully manual exposures.

The shoot, though enjoyable, was a real hit-or-miss session where I ended with more under and over-exposed, and a couple that are out of focus, image frames.

Konica II B, Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400 (Expired)
Konica II B, Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400 (Expired)

The Konica II B, a model from a well-built series of fixed-lens, leaf-shuttered Konica 35mm rangefinder cameras built from 1950 to 1959, with its extremely acknowledged super bright viewfinder, was a joy to use. Its exquisite ornate body shape with a curvaceous body panel design that mimics the outline of the hands when the camera is held to the eye.

Konica II B, Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400 (Expired)
Konica II B, Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400 (Expired)

The camera's body weight is a hefty 681 grams without film and it does not come with shoulder strap lugs either. Carrying it around is best in its own leather case, or in a makeshift condition, a container pouch of your own.

Konica II B, Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400 (Expired)
Konica II B, Fujifilm Superia X-tra 400 (Expired)

While I still do relish the moments I spent with a good or an excellent film camera, the ever-increasing cost of film for film photography, and the timeline of its associated services, is the lament that is pushing me more towards the alternative of a new genre to look into.

Konica II B
Konica II B

Digital cameras with CCD sensors that come with no recurring costs or development charges are readily available, with prices for the asking, and may, as some are saying, resurrect themselves as the new film.


Vintage Camera Marketplace by ImagingPixel

Malaysia's Online Marketplace for Vintage Film and Digital Cameras, Lenses,
and Camera Accessories.
Follow ImagingPixel on Facebook, Pinterest, and X.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Popular on ImagingPixel