P3D Poor Mr Smith

[John Toeppen <toeppen@xxxxxxxx>]

Mr. Smith's amusement - the Realist - is an awkward and robust piece of
fine hardware.  Like the PC, a love hate relationship is possible. 
Early in the relationship all of the difficulties become apparent.  Mr
Smith has not moved past this level.  It is generally worthwhile to
learn how to use instruments with finess.  If we are not technically
adept we can't control results - a well composed and poorly exposed shot
is generally worthless but still costs.  Art is not possible without
control - it's just luck that it looks like art.

Smith slams the lenses of the Realsist:
"Lenses.  These are of glass construction with a maximum aperture
>of f/3.5.  At this aperture they display all the optical qualities
>of the bottom of a Co-op milk bottle."

I have a collection of resolution charts, maps, and the rooftop of
"Wisconsin Sound" where the Realist was developed.  The Realist lenses
are better than any film that we put behind them (Tech Pan may be the
only exception at 500lp/mm).  Depth of field is very limited at f3.5 and
we can blame nature and light itself for that fault.

I have enjoyed Kodaks, TDCs, Reveres, and many other pieces of
equipment.  These and my Nikons stayed home when I carried only one
camera to shoot at the Experimental Aircraft fly-in in Oskosh WI.  I
carried my Realist brick with me for three days and a dozen rolls. Why?
I knew the camera and what it can produce.  I was not disappointed with
the results. See some examples at:

http://members.home.net/toeppen/index2.htm

and a few more images at:

http://members.home.com/holographics/eaa/eaaa/


One has to remember to advance the film after each shot.  I keep my
camera at "point and shoot" settings so I am ready to photo an avalanch
or coyote (ISO 100; f/13, 1/100, focus 20 ft, ISO 50; f9.5 1/100 or f/13
at 1/50th).  If I want to shoot a flower I will only have to adjust
focus and not exposure - I reset to the nominals after each shot.  This
has paid off many times.

John Toeppen