John Shuster
TECHNICAL INFO
John Shuster
TECHNICAL INFO
FORMAT
I use 35mm, Pentax 6X7, Rollei 6X6, and 4 x 5.
Multiple formats to keep photographic life versatile and
interestingly complicated.
CAMERAS AND LENSES
Nikon: F2 and FM10 and a collection of used AI and non-AI Nikkor lenses.
The F2 is still cruising along after 27 years of
use. I had to send it into the shop in 2000 to have the light seal foam
and foam mirror bounce pad replaced.
Canon: Now that my eyes are changing, I can really appreciate an autofocus SLR. I use the Elan IIe with 28-105 USM and 80-200 USM lenses.
Pentax: Pentax 928 This is a point-and-shoot with a 28 to 90mm zoom. The lens is tack sharp and the autofocus isn't easily fooled. The Starrett Mansion photo was taken with this camera. I also use the Pentax ME and the more automated Pentax ZX-M with an assortment of tack sharp manual focus Pentax lenses always available at low cost on eBay. The 28mm and 35mm M lenses, both f 3.5, are so sharp they're dangerous.
Olympus: Stylus Epic Another point-and-shoot with an excellent 35mm 2.8 lens. It has an aspherical element for good wide open performance. This $89 wonder is smaller than two audio cassette tapes. I carry it with me at all times. The Portland Head Lighthouse photos were taken with this camera.
Yashica: T*(1980's vintage) One of the original point-and-shoot cameras. It has an excellent 35mm Tessar 2.8 lens. Tessar lenses are classic performers and have a personality all their own. The latest T4 model is a good $150 camera. I picked up my T* at a used camera shop for $29. Like me, it shows mileage, but still works well.
Canon: Sure Shot When I bought this camera back in the 80's and discovered its plastic rear element, I felt cheated. I paid good money for a plastic lens element! Since I was stuck with it, I did some test photos on a tripod. Wow, what a sharp lens! I've since learned that high grade plastics can equal and sometimes out-perform optical glass in certain lens applications. It also keeps companies profitable so they can make affordable cameras for us. As you can tell, I'm impressed with the quality of point and shoot cameras and what they can accomplish with today's improved emulsions. The Abbotsford, Scotland picture was taken with this camera.
Pentax 6 X 7: This is a great medium format system that is quite affordable. Everything I bought for this camera was used. I have one body with 55, 105, and 200mm lenses. Agfapan 25 specially developed in Rodinal delivers near 4 x 5 quality. Fuji Superia color print film produces stunning 11 X 14 prints.
Rolleiflex T: Ever since I first saw Irving Penn's "Worlds In A Small Room", I came to really appreciate the power of the "normal" lens and a camera simple approach to life. The old Rollei T has a 4 element Tessar that is still producing tack-sharp images as it approaches its 50th birthday. An old friend, also picked up used over 25 years ago.
Cambo 4 X 5: I have always wanted a view camera. Now I have one with a 210/5.6 Caltar (Rodenstock) lens. Photography becomes a contemplative experience in large format. Nothing is automatic and you have to take care of things like making sure that bugs don't fly into the camera's bellows via the air holes near the ground glass and decide to land on the film. 4 X 5 (or 5 x 4, as they say in the UK) negative image quality is something to behold in the final exhibition print.
Crown Graphic: This is my original field camera. The Optar 135mm lens is uncoated and provides a low contrast image, which can be very helpful at times.
Shen Hao: This is a folding field camera made by a small shop in China. The quality of this camera, made of teak wood, is a delightful surprise. Lots of movements and well finished. I'm using my Caltar /Rodenstock 150mm 5.6 lens and 210/5.6 Caltar /Rodenstock lenses. I shoot Arista/Ilford sheet films from Freestyle Photo in L.A. in 125 and 400 ISO and soup in Rodinal 1:25.
John