Film Photographers, UNITE!

I'm not usually one for human interaction. Part of the reason I got into photography was so that I would have something to hide behind at social gatherings. So it's not often that I meet up with other photographers. But this past Friday night, that's exactly what I found myself doing when fellow photobloggers Mark Faulkner and Mike Eckman invited me out for drinks.

For the uninitiated, Mark is the author of The GAS Haus - an unfathomably extensive list of Mark's personal collection of film cameras with descriptions of each model. I know Mark, not only from his website but because I was his wedding photographer.

Mark Faulkner's wedding by Johnny Martyr - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 90mm f2 Summicron E55 | Kodak Tri-X 400 | Kodak HC110b

Mike Eckman authors another camera review site wherein he describes not only the features but also history and context around each model in textbook quality detail. You may recall that Mike lent me several Leica copies some time ago which inspired a blog mini-series.

Mike Eckman and Johnny Martyr -smiling behind the masks!

The three of us met up at Smoketown Brewing Station in Frederick Maryland and the first round was on me.

Mark donned a plastic shopping bag of recent acquisitions from the local antique shops. I brought my Leica M6 TTL with 50mm 1.5 Summarit. Mike came empty-handed but was enthusiastic to take the Leica out from under my nose while I sipped on my Smoketown Gandy stout.

Through the din of live music and bar chatter, Mark went over his new Graphic 35 Jet, a peculiar American rangefinder from the early 60's with the coolest focusing control I've ever seen. You can read about them on Mike's page. Mark also scooped up a Mamiya Sekor TL. I thought I recognized the Mamiya because it was missing its hot shoe. I'd passed on both these cameras before picking up a Yashica A at the same antique mall a couple years back. It was good to know that even if I couldn't do anything with these cameras, Mark would find a good home for them. And I didn't yet realise how well this would be proven later.

As I talked to Mark, from the corner of my eye, I could see Eckman squinting behind the Leica's viewfinder. An M3 owner, Mike seemed very comfortable with the M6 TTL and verified that my viewfinder is brighter than his. Take that M3 die-hards.

Looks like Mike burned the very first shot on the roll of Kodak TMAX P3200 that was loaded.

*taken by Mike Eckman - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

The bartender came over and explained that her teenage daughter was interested in film photography. She asked us how to get her started with it. Mike leapt into a speech so accurately and confidently delivered that I got the impression that he visits bars all across North America to inspire new shooters. Instead of trying to paraphrase his wise words, I'll just recommend that you follow Mike's media as linked throughout my blog. He's very committed and honest in all he says and posts.

Mike Eckman by Johnny Martyr - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

After the bartender disappeared into the darkness, we started talking about the survival of film photography. Mike and Mark's websites motivate people to give vintage cameras a try. To learn to use and appreciate what's come before us. Mike pointed out that I'm unique because I actually shoot film professionally. It's not the first time he's said this and while I know that there are actually many film shooters at work, I appreciate the recognition. It's cool that we're all doing different things that inspire us and might, consequently, inspire others.

Mike talked about his recently launched podcast called Camerosity, wherein I apparently came up in conversation. Not really wanting to hear what terrible things might have been said about me, I interrupted to make it clear that one of the reasons I don't listen to many podcasts is the excessive personal banter in some. And yet here I am posting a blog nearly completely comprised of just that! But be patient, there's a cool thing about to happen and a reason that I typed this up, I swear!

Mark Faulkner by Johnny Martyr - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

And that cool thing was about to happen. I guess that an epiphany struck Mark as we were talking. He called the bartender over and pulled the Mamiya out of his bag. Mark explained that he'd like to give it to her daughter. The bartender was astounded. I couldn't help but get caught up in the moment so I pulled a roll of Tri-X from my pocket to contribute some fire to the torch that Mark was passing on.

Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

A few moments later, a very excited teenager appeared. Mark kindly showed her how to load the Mamiya and gave her a quick prepper on use. Soon her dad came over and thanked us profusely also. Photo-nerds for the win!

And guess what? I was off the hook for paying for drinks too; they were on the house as a thank-you.

So I ordered another Gandy stout. And took a photo of it.

Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

There may be all kinds of online, in-community bickering over this camera and film or that. Mike may get angry DM's about how irresponsible it was for him to exclude some faint bit of historical minutia in a review. I may be a shitty photographer. And Mark, well Mark may well just have a buying problem! We practice photography in different ways with different gear and different intentions and outcomes. But at the core of it all, we care deeply about film photography. And this little bar excursion reminded me of all the things that I love about film photography and our diverse and interesting community. Let's keep it going everyone!

Thanks for reading and happy shooting!

_Follow, Favorite, Like, Add, Insult, ContactJohnny Martyr _

#filmphotography #frederickmd #kids #kodak #leica #martyrmusings #bar #cameracollecting #camerositypodcast #chat #conversation #drinks #film #filmblogs #filmcameras #frederickmaryland #geeks #kodakhc110 #kodaktmax #kodaktmaxp3200 #kodaktrix #leicam6ttl #leitz5cm15summarit #leitzsummarit #mamiya #markfaulkner #mikeeckman #mikeeckmancom #nerds #photography #smoketownbrewing #smoketownbrewingstation #studentphotographer #talk #vintagecameras

Film Photographers, UNITE!

I'm not usually one for human interaction. Part of the reason I got into photography was so that I would have something to hide behind at social gatherings. So it's not often that I meet up with other photographers. But this past Friday night, that's exactly what I found myself doing when fellow photobloggers Mark Faulkner and Mike Eckman invited me out for drinks.

For the uninitiated, Mark is the author of The GAS Haus - an unfathomably extensive list of Mark's personal collection of film cameras with descriptions of each model. I know Mark, not only from his website but because I was his wedding photographer.

Mark Faulkner's wedding by Johnny Martyr - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 90mm f2 Summicron E55 | Kodak Tri-X 400 | Kodak HC110b

Mike Eckman authors another camera review site wherein he describes not only the features but also history and context around each model in textbook quality detail. You may recall that Mike lent me several Leica copies some time ago which inspired a blog mini-series.

Mike Eckman and Johnny Martyr -smiling behind the masks!

The three of us met up at Smoketown Brewing Station in Frederick Maryland and the first round was on me.

Mark donned a plastic shopping bag of recent acquisitions from the local antique shops. I brought my Leica M6 TTL with 50mm 1.5 Summarit. Mike came empty-handed but was enthusiastic to take the Leica out from under my nose while I sipped on my Smoketown Gandy stout.

Through the din of live music and bar chatter, Mark went over his new Graphic 35 Jet, a peculiar American rangefinder from the early 60's with the coolest focusing control I've ever seen. You can read about them on Mike's page. Mark also scooped up a Mamiya Sekor TL. I thought I recognized the Mamiya because it was missing its hot shoe. I'd passed on both these cameras before picking up a Yashica A at the same antique mall a couple years back. It was good to know that even if I couldn't do anything with these cameras, Mark would find a good home for them. And I didn't yet realise how well this would be proven later.

As I talked to Mark, from the corner of my eye, I could see Eckman squinting behind the Leica's viewfinder. An M3 owner, Mike seemed very comfortable with the M6 TTL and verified that my viewfinder is brighter than his. Take that M3 die-hards.

Looks like Mike burned the very first shot on the roll of Kodak TMAX P3200 that was loaded.

*taken by Mike Eckman - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

The bartender came over and explained that her teenage daughter was interested in film photography. She asked us how to get her started with it. Mike leapt into a speech so accurately and confidently delivered that I got the impression that he visits bars all across North America to inspire new shooters. Instead of trying to paraphrase his wise words, I'll just recommend that you follow Mike's media as linked throughout my blog. He's very committed and honest in all he says and posts.

Mike Eckman by Johnny Martyr - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

After the bartender disappeared into the darkness, we started talking about the survival of film photography. Mike and Mark's websites motivate people to give vintage cameras a try. To learn to use and appreciate what's come before us. Mike pointed out that I'm unique because I actually shoot film professionally. It's not the first time he's said this and while I know that there are actually many film shooters at work, I appreciate the recognition. It's cool that we're all doing different things that inspire us and might, consequently, inspire others.

Mike talked about his recently launched podcast called Camerosity, wherein I apparently came up in conversation. Not really wanting to hear what terrible things might have been said about me, I interrupted to make it clear that one of the reasons I don't listen to many podcasts is the excessive personal banter in some. And yet here I am posting a blog nearly completely comprised of just that! But be patient, there's a cool thing about to happen and a reason that I typed this up, I swear!

Mark Faulkner by Johnny Martyr - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

And that cool thing was about to happen. I guess that an epiphany struck Mark as we were talking. He called the bartender over and pulled the Mamiya out of his bag. Mark explained that he'd like to give it to her daughter. The bartender was astounded. I couldn't help but get caught up in the moment so I pulled a roll of Tri-X from my pocket to contribute some fire to the torch that Mark was passing on.

Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

A few moments later, a very excited teenager appeared. Mark kindly showed her how to load the Mamiya and gave her a quick prepper on use. Soon her dad came over and thanked us profusely also. Photo-nerds for the win!

And guess what? I was off the hook for paying for drinks too; they were on the house as a thank-you.

So I ordered another Gandy stout. And took a photo of it.

Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

There may be all kinds of online, in-community bickering over this camera and film or that. Mike may get angry DM's about how irresponsible it was for him to exclude some faint bit of historical minutia in a review. I may be a shitty photographer. And Mark, well Mark may well just have a buying problem! We practice photography in different ways with different gear and different intentions and outcomes. But at the core of it all, we care deeply about film photography. And this little bar excursion reminded me of all the things that I love about film photography and our diverse and interesting community. Let's keep it going everyone!

Thanks for reading and happy shooting!

_Follow, Favorite, Like, Add, Insult, ContactJohnny Martyr _

#filmphotography #frederickmd #kids #kodak #leica #martyrmusings #bar #cameracollecting #camerositypodcast #chat #conversation #drinks #film #filmblogs #filmcameras #frederickmaryland #geeks #kodakhc110 #kodaktmax #kodaktmaxp3200 #kodaktrix #leicam6ttl #leitz5cm15summarit #leitzsummarit #mamiya #markfaulkner #mikeeckman #mikeeckmancom #nerds #photography #smoketownbrewing #smoketownbrewingstation #studentphotographer #talk #vintagecameras

Canon 1200mm f/5.6 Sells for $580,000, Most Ever for a Lens

A Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6 lens was the focus of a bidding war at the Wetzlar Camera Auctions (WCA) last week that saw it climb to a final value of 500,000 euros (about $580,000), the highest ever value for a camera lens.

In July, the WCA announced that it was set to offer for sale a lens that it billed as exceedingly rare: a Canon EF 1200mm f/5.6. The lens was originally manufactured in the 1990s in limited quantities and by special order only. Because the lens was so difficult to make and production was so limited, it took more than a year to build each lens. Much of that time was spent growing the massive fluorite crystals required for the gigantic elements.

According to Canon, the EF 1200mm f/5.6 is constructed of 13 elements in 10 groups and has a close focusing distance of 45.9 feet (14 meters). It has an inner ultrasonic motor and supports a 48mm drop-in filter.

Originally it was thought that less than 100 of the lenses were ever made, but more recent approximations put the actual number closer to 20. The original list price for the lens was $90,000 and the company could supposedly only make two of them a year.

These lenses rarely come up for sale given their extreme scarcity, but there are a few limited cases. In 2009 and in 2015, B&H listed the lens for sale for $120,000 and $180,000 respectively. In 2014, MPB Photographic had one available for about $165,000. Outside of these three circumstances, however, there have been few -- if any -- other opportunities to buy the lens since Canon discontinued production of the optic.

That scarcity and the long wait between opportunities to purchase the lens likely led to the bidding war that saw the lens available through the WCA climb to a whopping 500,000 euro -- about $580,000. The bidding took place primarily between two parties who were connected by telephone. The WCA says that this is the highest price ever achieved at auction for a camera lens.

The Canon lens stole the show, but the WCA saw a few other items see notable auction values. A prototype of a Leica III from 1932 was sold for a hefty 375,000 euro (about 435,000). It was only expected to sell for at most 100,000 euros (about $116,000).

A Leica M4 from the former inventory of the German Federal Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) in NATO with olive green paint finish from 1968 sold for 450,000 euros (about 521,000).

A prototype of the first Leitz Summilux 35mm (engraved “Summarit 1:1.4/35”) from 1959 went for four times the estimated price at 187,500 euros (about $217,000).

The also Soviet GOI camera rifle from the World War II period found a new owner for 250,000 euros (about 290,000).

The next Wetzlar Camera Auction will take place on October 8, 2022.

#equipment #news #auction #cameracollecting #canon #canon1200mm #canon1200mmf56l #collectible #highestever #leica #leicacameras #mostever #rare #rarelens #supertelephoto #wetzlarcameraauctions

Film Photographers, UNITE!

I'm not usually one for human interaction. Part of the reason I got into photography was so that I would have something to hide behind at social gatherings. So it's not often that I meet up with other photographers. But this past Friday night, that's exactly what I found myself doing when fellow photobloggers Mark Faulkner and Mike Eckman invited me out for drinks.

For the uninitiated, Mark is the author of The GAS Haus - an unfathomably extensive list of Mark's personal collection of film cameras with descriptions of each model. I know Mark, not only from his website but because I was his wedding photographer.

Mark Faulkner's wedding by Johnny Martyr - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 90mm f2 Summicron E55 | Kodak Tri-X 400 | Kodak HC110b

Mike Eckman authors another camera review site wherein he describes not only the features but also history and context around each model in textbook quality detail. You may recall that Mike lent me several Leica copies some time ago which inspired a blog mini-series.

Mike Eckman and Johnny Martyr -smiling behind the masks!

The three of us met up at Smoketown Brewing Station in Frederick Maryland and the first round was on me.

Mark donned a plastic shopping bag of recent acquisitions from the local antique shops. I brought my Leica M6 TTL with 50mm 1.5 Summarit. Mike came empty-handed but was enthusiastic to take the Leica out from under my nose while I sipped on my Smoketown Gandy stout.

Through the din of live music and bar chatter, Mark went over his new Graphic 35 Jet, a peculiar American rangefinder from the early 60's with the coolest focusing control I've ever seen. You can read about them on Mike's page. Mark also scooped up a Mamiya Sekor TL. I thought I recognized the Mamiya because it was missing its hot shoe. I'd passed on both these cameras before picking up a Yashica A at the same antique mall a couple years back. It was good to know that even if I couldn't do anything with these cameras, Mark would find a good home for them. And I didn't yet realise how well this would be proven later.

As I talked to Mark, from the corner of my eye, I could see Eckman squinting behind the Leica's viewfinder. An M3 owner, Mike seemed very comfortable with the M6 TTL and verified that my viewfinder is brighter than his. Take that M3 die-hards.

Looks like Mike burned the very first shot on the roll of Kodak TMAX P3200 that was loaded.

*taken by Mike Eckman - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

The bartender came over and explained that her teenage daughter was interested in film photography. She asked us how to get her started with it. Mike leapt into a speech so accurately and confidently delivered that I got the impression that he visits bars all across North America to inspire new shooters. Instead of trying to paraphrase his wise words, I'll just recommend that you follow Mike's media as linked throughout my blog. He's very committed and honest in all he says and posts.

Mike Eckman by Johnny Martyr - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

After the bartender disappeared into the darkness, we started talking about the survival of film photography. Mike and Mark's websites motivate people to give vintage cameras a try. To learn to use and appreciate what's come before us. Mike pointed out that I'm unique because I actually shoot film professionally. It's not the first time he's said this and while I know that there are actually many film shooters at work, I appreciate the recognition. It's cool that we're all doing different things that inspire us and might, consequently, inspire others.

Mike talked about his recently launched podcast called Camerosity, wherein I apparently came up in conversation. Not really wanting to hear what terrible things might have been said about me, I interrupted to make it clear that one of the reasons I don't listen to many podcasts is the excessive personal banter in some. And yet here I am posting a blog nearly completely comprised of just that! But be patient, there's a cool thing about to happen and a reason that I typed this up, I swear!

Mark Faulkner by Johnny Martyr - Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

And that cool thing was about to happen. I guess that an epiphany struck Mark as we were talking. He called the bartender over and pulled the Mamiya out of his bag. Mark explained that he'd like to give it to her daughter. The bartender was astounded. I couldn't help but get caught up in the moment so I pulled a roll of Tri-X from my pocket to contribute some fire to the torch that Mark was passing on.

Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

A few moments later, a very excited teenager appeared. Mark kindly showed her how to load the Mamiya and gave her a quick prepper on use. Soon her dad came over and thanked us profusely also. Photo-nerds for the win!

And guess what? I was off the hook for paying for drinks too; they were on the house as a thank-you.

So I ordered another Gandy stout. And took a photo of it.

Leica M6 TTL 0.85 | Leitz 50mm 1.5 Summarit | Kodak TMAX P3200 @ 6400 | Kodak HC110b

There may be all kinds of online, in-community bickering over this camera and film or that. Mike may get angry DM's about how irresponsible it was for him to exclude some faint bit of historical minutia in a review. I may be a shitty photographer. And Mark, well Mark may well just have a buying problem! We practice photography in different ways with different gear and different intentions and outcomes. But at the core of it all, we care deeply about film photography. And this little bar excursion reminded me of all the things that I love about film photography and our diverse and interesting community. Let's keep it going everyone!

Thanks for reading and happy shooting!

_Follow, Favorite, Like, Add, Insult, ContactJohnny Martyr _

#filmphotography #frederickmd #kids #kodak #leica #martyrmusings #bar #cameracollecting #camerositypodcast #chat #conversation #drinks #film #filmblogs #filmcameras #frederickmaryland #geeks #kodakhc110 #kodaktmax #kodaktmaxp3200 #kodaktrix #leicam6ttl #leitz5cm15summarit #leitzsummarit #mamiya #markfaulkner #mikeeckman #mikeeckmancom #nerds #photography #smoketownbrewing #smoketownbrewingstation #studentphotographer #talk #vintagecameras

Someone Bought a Leica for $24,000 in 2019 and Sold for $480,000 in 2021

Talk about the ultimate camera flip: it has come to light that some savvy camera collector (or investor) won a rare Leica camera at auction in 2019 for $24,000 before turning around two years later and re-selling it at auction for a staggering $480,000.

Leica Rumors reports that one of its readers (who wishes not to be named) won the black-painted Leica IIIg camera at Dominic Winter Auctioneers in April 2019 for a final price of £17,500 (~$24,000).

"Produced from 1957-1960, the Leica IIIg was the last screw-mount model produced," the auction listing's description stated. "Most were produced in chrome, but 125 black versions were produced for the Swedish army. Other than these, which are all engraved with three crowns, the Leica IIIg being offered for sale here is the only other black paint version known to exist and predates the Swedish versions."

The camera came with a letter of authentication from Leica itself (which stated the camera was "produced by a Leitz technician as a final test project"), a black Leicavit base plate with integral rapid winder, a Leitz Summarit 50mm f/1.5 lens, a Summarit lens hood, a Leitz Elmarit 90mm f/2.8 black lens, and an embossed brown leather hard case.

A photo from the original Dominic Winter Auctioneers listing showing the camera, two lenses, and proof of authentication from Leica. Photo: Dominic Winter Auctioneers. The 2019 auction listing showing the sale price of £17,500.

Two years later, the new owner put the same camera (serial number 909908) up for sale at the 38th Leitz Photographica Auction in Vienna in June 2021.

Although the pre-sale estimate pegged the value at €24,000 to €26,000 (~$28,000 to $30,500), the camera somehow ended up selling with a hammer price (including buyer's premium) of €408,000 (~$479,200).

The 2021 auction showing the sale price of €408,000. Photo: Leitz Photographica Auction.

In other words, the anonymous person behind this unbelievable "flip" enjoyed a nearly 1,900% return on investment in two short years.

As one commenter at Leica Rumors puts it: "Buy a camera for the price of used car; sell it for the price of a new house."

Hopefully the previous owner isn't kicking themselves too hard for not holding out for a higher price…

Image credits: Header photograph via Dominic Winter Auctioneers

#culture #equipment #news #auction #camera #cameracollecting #dominicwinterauctioneers #investing #leica #leicaiiig #leitzphotographicaauction #rare #sold

Autopsy of the Nikon F6

This time last year, photographer Thomas Eisl and I set out to dispel myths and to remind the world that we could still buy the world's last newly made 35mm SLR, the Nikon F6, brand new.

Sadly, nearly exactly one year later, Nikon has officially announced that this important camera is being discontinued after a bold 16 year run.

Thomas and I battled claims and statements throughout the comments sections on Petapixel, WordPress, Facebook and Twitter that the F6 cost was unwarranted and that it was no better than [provide example here] used cameras.

We heard that our little article may have actually caused a small uptick in new Nikon F6 sales. But in retrospect, I can't help but wonder if the arguments against the ideology of buying new film cameras from the film community itself, influenced Nikon's decision to halt production of our last 35mm SLR.

Admittedly, I probably come off as a bit of a cheerleader at times; encouraging people to buy $2,600 35mm SLR's and new lenses and accessories from Nikon instead of used versions from eBay. But look, I don't think that film photographers get it. We are a niche market. Each of us have the potential to be big fish in a little pond. What we say on social media and what we choose to spend our money on makes a difference. Manufacturers are watching and listening and basing decisions on what resources they are able and willing to provide for us from what we say and do.

And if you think I'm just an elitist blogger who gets kick-backs from retailers and is out of touch with real-world expenses, I just want to share with you that I have made exactly $15.74 in ad revenue from this blog this year. I myself do not have enough money in my checking account at this moment to buy a Nikon FM from eBay much less a Nikon F6 from B&H. So I get it. Lack of money is a hard line.

Please don't think I'm talking down to anyone when I say that we need to consider the bigger picture when we post discouraging remarks about the few manufacturers who provide our finite resources. Consider that if we cannot contribute money to our cause, we can contribute verbal support or, at the very least, withhold influential counterproductive comments.

Today, you may own twenty Nikon 35mm SLR's that work fine and you might not see one scrap of reason to buy a new F6, or new anything, that costs as much as those cameras combined. But I encourage you to think about what condition your camera collection will be in twenty years from now. And I encourage you to think about why you cannot buy a new 35mm camera of reasonable quality construction for anywhere near the cost of antique ones.

How many decades will pass before film photography is reduced to hundreds of dusty cameras sitting behind glass as abstract history decorations whose brand names, much less instructions for use, are recalled only by aged nerds?

And I for one, will forestall this sad future with every frame I shoot. How about you?

We can coast along with crossed fingers, riding on pure hope that our vintage mechanics and electronics last as long as our ambitions. Or we can actively progress, maintain and even fortify our and our community's pool of resources to ensure that film photography doesn't die as a result of our own lack of foresight and care.

Because it's not Nikon's fault that they had to kill the F6. It's ours.

We may be able to glean some wisdom from the death of the Nikon F6, perform an autopsy if you will.

The death of the F6 appears to tell us that the average film photographer cannot afford or does not want to pay $2600 for a professional camera. Maybe it tells us that the average film photographer does not place a high value on automation. Maybe it tells us that there no more professional film photographers.

But let's bring in the autopsy of the second to last 35mm SLR, for context. Up until just three years ago, the Nikon FM10 was also available new, for about $300 with lens, at it's peak cost. So that seems to rule out opposition of automation and professional cameras. The bipolar opposite to the F6 didn't sell either!

So let's bring in the only competition to the last of the 35mm SLR's; 35mm rangefinders.

Cosina (who were quietly building the FM10 for Nikon) discontinued the Voigtlander Bessa series five years ago. And Leica. Leica, for all intents and purposes invented the 35mm camera and are now the last to still build them new. They sell two in fact. The MP and M-A. These last new 35mm cameras cost an eye-watering $5,000+ dollars each. Without a lens.

From all this, we might deduce that film photographers don't use SLR's anymore, only rangefinders, and that they prefer Leica and fully manual cameras over any cheaper options, automated or manual. This doesn't seem accurate. You like SLR's, right? I certainly do. And I also certainly appreciate brands other than Leica. In fact, in many forums, film photographers will berate Leica shooters as rich idiots with no common sense. Yet their budget brands aren't there to support film photographers anymore.

Because this is what we've told the market.

We've told the market that we don't want anything new. Lomo only makes toys and Nikon and Leica charge too much for the quality that we demand. We're content with cameras as cheap as we can get them on eBay and if there's anything wrong with them, we can just tinker around with them, potentially endangering photo shoots with them until we get them to work well enough for our temporary purposes. We're telling the market that we don't need new cameras or professional service and warranties. We're telling the market that we don't need development of film camera technology. We're telling the market that film photography is just a nostalgic, gear-head tinkerer hobby, not the occupation of serious artists and storytellers who require reliable equipment, or care if the next generation has access to it.

We're telling the market that we care about collecting antiques more than taking pictures.

It makes you wonder who besides Nikon is listening to us. What critical film resource will be the next to die because a products own demographic won't support its manufacture? And what critical film resources will be left in the clumsy, incapable hands of an ad hoc used market?

It's as if we've voted, with our wallets, against Nikon and for eBay. Do you think that the next new 35mm camera will be made by eBay?

EBay doesn't care about film photography. Yet we've given eBay our money and withheld it from the people who gave us the Nikon F.

I have not included any photos in this blog to represent the lack of film photography that we ourselves are pushing the world towards.

Thanks for reading, happy shooting.

_Follow, Favorite, Like, Add, Insult, ContactJohnny Martyr _

#filmphotography #martyrmusings #news #nikon #35mmcameras #35mmfilm #35mmphotography #35mmslr #brandnew #buy #buynew #buyingcamerasoffebay #buyingfilmcamerasoffebay #cameracollecting #cameracollection #cameratechnology #cosina #deathof35mm #deathof35mmfilm #deathoffilm #deathoffilmphotography #ebay #film #filmcameras #filmproducts #filmresources #futureoffilm #leica #manufacturer #manufacturers #new #new35mmcamera #newfilmcamera #newfilmfilmresources #newfilmproducts #newnikonfilm #newslr #newtechnology #nikkor #nikon35mm #nikonf3 #nikonf4 #nikonf5 #nikonf6 #nikonfilm #nikonfm10 #sell #shoot #shootfilm #technology #trade #voigtlander #wheretobuycameras #wheretobuyfilmcameras

Autopsy of the Nikon F6

This time last year, photographer Thomas Eisl and I set out to dispel myths and to remind the world that we could still buy the world's last newly made 35mm SLR, the Nikon F6, brand new.

Sadly, nearly exactly one year later, Nikon has officially announced that this important camera is being discontinued after a bold 16 year run.

Thomas and I battled claims and statements throughout the comments sections on Petapixel, WordPress, Facebook and Twitter that the F6 cost was unwarranted and that it was no better than [provide example here] used cameras.

We heard that our little article may have actually caused a small uptick in new Nikon F6 sales. But in retrospect, I can't help but wonder if the arguments against the ideology of buying new film cameras from the film community itself, influenced Nikon's decision to halt production of our last 35mm SLR.

Admittedly, I probably come off as a bit of a cheerleader at times; encouraging people to buy $2,600 35mm SLR's and new lenses and accessories from Nikon instead of used versions from eBay. But look, I don't think that film photographers get it. We are a niche market. Each of us have the potential to be big fish in a little pond. What we say on social media and what we choose to spend our money on makes a difference. Manufacturers are watching and listening and basing decisions on what resources they are able and willing to provide for us from what we say and do.

And if you think I'm just an elitist blogger who gets kick-backs from retailers and is out of touch with real-world expenses, I just want to share with you that I have made exactly $15.74 in ad revenue from this blog this year. I myself do not have enough money in my checking account at this moment to buy a Nikon FM from eBay much less a Nikon F6 from B&H. So I get it. Lack of money is a hard line.

Please don't think I'm talking down to anyone when I say that we need to consider the bigger picture when we post discouraging remarks about the few manufacturers who provide our finite resources. Consider that if we cannot contribute money to our cause, we can contribute verbal support or, at the very least, withhold influential counterproductive comments.

Today, you may own twenty Nikon 35mm SLR's that work fine and you might not see one scrap of reason to buy a new F6, or new anything, that costs as much as those cameras combined. But I encourage you to think about what condition your camera collection will be in twenty years from now. And I encourage you to think about why you cannot buy a new 35mm camera of reasonable quality construction for anywhere near the cost of antique ones.

How many decades will pass before film photography is reduced to hundreds of dusty cameras sitting behind glass as abstract history decorations whose brand names, much less instructions for use, are recalled only by aged nerds?

And I for one, will forestall this sad future with every frame I shoot. How about you?

We can coast along with crossed fingers, riding on pure hope that our vintage mechanics and electronics last as long as our ambitions. Or we can actively progress, maintain and even fortify our and our community's pool of resources to ensure that film photography doesn't die as a result of our own lack of foresight and care.

Because it's not Nikon's fault that they had to kill the F6. It's ours.

We may be able to glean some wisdom from the death of the Nikon F6, perform an autopsy if you will.

The death of the F6 appears to tell us that the average film photographer cannot afford or does not want to pay $2600 for a professional camera. Maybe it tells us that the average film photographer does not place a high value on automation. Maybe it tells us that there no more professional film photographers.

But let's bring in the autopsy of the second to last 35mm SLR, for context. Up until just three years ago, the Nikon FM10 was also available new, for about $300 with lens, at it's peak cost. So that seems to rule out opposition of automation and professional cameras. The bipolar opposite to the F6 didn't sell either!

So let's bring in the only competition to the last of the 35mm SLR's; 35mm rangefinders.

Cosina (who were quietly building the FM10 for Nikon) discontinued the Voigtlander Bessa series five years ago. And Leica. Leica, for all intents and purposes invented the 35mm camera and are now the last to still build them new. They sell two in fact. The MP and M-A. These last new 35mm cameras cost an eye-watering $5,000+ dollars each. Without a lens.

From all this, we might deduce that film photographers don't use SLR's anymore, only rangefinders, and that they prefer Leica and fully manual cameras over any cheaper options, automated or manual. This doesn't seem accurate. You like SLR's, right? I certainly do. And I also certainly appreciate brands other than Leica. In fact, in many forums, film photographers will berate Leica shooters as rich idiots with no common sense. Yet their budget brands aren't there to support film photographers anymore.

Because this is what we've told the market.

We've told the market that we don't want anything new. Lomo only makes toys and Nikon and Leica charge too much for the quality that we demand. We're content with cameras as cheap as we can get them on eBay and if there's anything wrong with them, we can just tinker around with them, potentially endangering photo shoots with them until we get them to work well enough for our temporary purposes. We're telling the market that we don't need new cameras or professional service and warranties. We're telling the market that we don't need development of film camera technology. We're telling the market that film photography is just a nostalgic, gear-head tinkerer hobby, not the occupation of serious artists and storytellers who require reliable equipment, or care if the next generation has access to it.

We're telling the market that we care about collecting antiques more than taking pictures.

It makes you wonder who besides Nikon is listening to us. What critical film resource will be the next to die because a products own demographic won't support its manufacture? And what critical film resources will be left in the clumsy, incapable hands of an ad hoc used market?

It's as if we've voted, with our wallets, against Nikon and for eBay. Do you think that the next new 35mm camera will be made by eBay?

EBay doesn't care about film photography. Yet we've given eBay our money and withheld it from the people who gave us the Nikon F.

I have not included any photos in this blog to represent the lack of film photography that we ourselves are pushing the world towards.

Thanks for reading, happy shooting.

_Follow, Favorite, Like, Add, Insult, ContactJohnny Martyr _

#filmphotography #martyrmusings #news #nikon #35mmcameras #35mmfilm #35mmphotography #35mmslr #brandnew #buy #buynew #buyingcamerasoffebay #buyingfilmcamerasoffebay #cameracollecting #cameracollection #cameratechnology #cosina #deathof35mm #deathof35mmfilm #deathoffilm #deathoffilmphotography #ebay #film #filmcameras #filmproducts #filmresources #futureoffilm #leica #manufacturer #manufacturers #new #new35mmcamera #newfilmcamera #newfilmfilmresources #newfilmproducts #newnikonfilm #newslr #newtechnology #nikkor #nikon35mm #nikonf3 #nikonf4 #nikonf5 #nikonf6 #nikonfilm #nikonfm10 #sell #shoot #shootfilm #technology #trade #voigtlander #wheretobuycameras #wheretobuyfilmcameras

Autopsy of the Nikon F6

This time last year, photographer Thomas Eisl and I set out to dispel myths and to remind the world that we could still buy the world's last newly made 35mm SLR, the Nikon F6, brand new.

Sadly, nearly exactly one year later, Nikon has officially announced that this important camera is being discontinued after a bold 16 year run.

Thomas and I battled claims and statements throughout the comments sections on Petapixel, WordPress, Facebook and Twitter that the F6 cost was unwarranted and that it was no better than [provide example here] used cameras.

We heard that our little article may have actually caused a small uptick in new Nikon F6 sales. But in retrospect, I can't help but wonder if the arguments against the ideology of buying new film cameras from the film community itself, influenced Nikon's decision to halt production of our last 35mm SLR.

Admittedly, I probably come off as a bit of a cheerleader at times; encouraging people to buy $2,600 35mm SLR's and new lenses and accessories from Nikon instead of used versions from eBay. But look, I don't think that film photographers get it. We are a niche market. Each of us have the potential to be big fish in a little pond. What we say on social media and what we choose to spend our money on makes a difference. Manufacturers are watching and listening and basing decisions on what resources they are able and willing to provide for us from what we say and do.

And if you think I'm just an elitist blogger who gets kick-backs from retailers and is out of touch with real-world expenses, I just want to share with you that I have made exactly $15.74 in ad revenue from this blog this year. I myself do not have enough money in my checking account at this moment to buy a Nikon FM from eBay much less a Nikon F6 from B&H. So I get it. Lack of money is a hard line.

Please don't think I'm talking down to anyone when I say that we need to consider the bigger picture when we post discouraging remarks about the few manufacturers who provide our finite resources. Consider that if we cannot contribute money to our cause, we can contribute verbal support or, at the very least, withhold influential counterproductive comments.

Today, you may own twenty Nikon 35mm SLR's that work fine and you might not see one scrap of reason to buy a new F6, or new anything, that costs as much as those cameras combined. But I encourage you to think about what condition your camera collection will be in twenty years from now. And I encourage you to think about why you cannot buy a new 35mm camera of reasonable quality construction for anywhere near the cost of antique ones.

How many decades will pass before film photography is reduced to hundreds of dusty cameras sitting behind glass as abstract history decorations whose brand names, much less instructions for use, are recalled only by aged nerds?

And I for one, will forestall this sad future with every frame I shoot. How about you?

We can coast along with crossed fingers, riding on pure hope that our vintage mechanics and electronics last as long as our ambitions. Or we can actively progress, maintain and even fortify our and our community's pool of resources to ensure that film photography doesn't die as a result of our own lack of foresight and care.

Because it's not Nikon's fault that they had to kill the F6. It's ours.

We may be able to glean some wisdom from the death of the Nikon F6, perform an autopsy if you will.

The death of the F6 appears to tell us that the average film photographer cannot afford or does not want to pay $2600 for a professional camera. Maybe it tells us that the average film photographer does not place a high value on automation. Maybe it tells us that there no more professional film photographers.

But let's bring in the autopsy of the second to last 35mm SLR, for context. Up until just three years ago, the Nikon FM10 was also available new, for about $300 with lens, at it's peak cost. So that seems to rule out opposition of automation and professional cameras. The bipolar opposite to the F6 didn't sell either!

So let's bring in the only competition to the last of the 35mm SLR's; 35mm rangefinders.

Cosina (who were quietly building the FM10 for Nikon) discontinued the Voigtlander Bessa series five years ago. And Leica. Leica, for all intents and purposes invented the 35mm camera and are now the last to still build them new. They sell two in fact. The MP and M-A. These last new 35mm cameras cost an eye-watering $5,000+ dollars each. Without a lens.

From all this, we might deduce that film photographers don't use SLR's anymore, only rangefinders, and that they prefer Leica and fully manual cameras over any cheaper options, automated or manual. This doesn't seem accurate. You like SLR's, right? I certainly do. And I also certainly appreciate brands other than Leica. In fact, in many forums, film photographers will berate Leica shooters as rich idiots with no common sense. Yet their budget brands aren't there to support film photographers anymore.

Because this is what we've told the market.

We've told the market that we don't want anything new. Lomo only makes toys and Nikon and Leica charge too much for the quality that we demand. We're content with cameras as cheap as we can get them on eBay and if there's anything wrong with them, we can just tinker around with them, potentially endangering photo shoots with them until we get them to work well enough for our temporary purposes. We're telling the market that we don't need new cameras or professional service and warranties. We're telling the market that we don't need development of film camera technology. We're telling the market that film photography is just a nostalgic, gear-head tinkerer hobby, not the occupation of serious artists and storytellers who require reliable equipment, or care if the next generation has access to it.

We're telling the market that we care about collecting antiques more than taking pictures.

It makes you wonder who besides Nikon is listening to us. What critical film resource will be the next to die because a products own demographic won't support its manufacture? And what critical film resources will be left in the clumsy, incapable hands of an ad hoc used market?

It's as if we've voted, with our wallets, against Nikon and for eBay. Do you think that the next new 35mm camera will be made by eBay?

EBay doesn't care about film photography. Yet we've given eBay our money and withheld it from the people who gave us the Nikon F.

I have not included any photos in this blog to represent the lack of film photography that we ourselves are pushing the world towards.

Thanks for reading, happy shooting.

_Follow, Favorite, Like, Add, Insult, ContactJohnny Martyr _

#filmphotography #martyrmusings #news #nikon #35mmcameras #35mmfilm #35mmphotography #35mmslr #brandnew #buy #buynew #buyingcamerasoffebay #buyingfilmcamerasoffebay #cameracollecting #cameracollection #cameratechnology #cosina #deathof35mm #deathof35mmfilm #deathoffilm #deathoffilmphotography #ebay #film #filmcameras #filmproducts #filmresources #futureoffilm #leica #manufacturer #manufacturers #new #new35mmcamera #newfilmcamera #newfilmfilmresources #newfilmproducts #newnikonfilm #newslr #newtechnology #nikkor #nikon35mm #nikonf3 #nikonf4 #nikonf5 #nikonf6 #nikonfilm #nikonfm10 #sell #shoot #shootfilm #technology #trade #voigtlander #wheretobuycameras #wheretobuyfilmcameras