home of Matt's world famous vintage camera collection
If you’re here, you already know that the Yashica Electro is one of the best picture-takers your lunch money can buy. You also know that they’re as common as they are inexpensive, and that they are as likely as not to have at least one Read More …
I’ve gotten enough requests now that I thought I’d make a page about my darkroom. It never occurred to me because it’s hardly special, just a corner of our garage I walled off, it’s no bigger than a closet, though it does have decent ventilation Read More …
If you own one I probably don’t even have to explain it, but for the uninitiated, the very common and very excellent ‘Russian’ (actually Ukranian) lenses Industar-26 and Industar-61 (found on the long-lived FED 2 and later FED cameras) are frequently found gummed-up with grease Read More …
Converting a 116 Shur Shot to Use 120 Film! [Before I get into it, let me just say that this was more of a proof-of-concept excercise than anything and that I probably would have rigged up something a little more permanent if I intended to Read More …
Introduction You’ve all seen it, the bits of black crud that are somehow both crumbly and gummy at the same time, sticking to your camera door, the film rails, maybe even your mirror bumper. Nasty stuff that when it gets on your fingers you find Read More …
First of all Get yourself some basic tools, and don’t skimp. The best source is www.micro-tools.com, kind of like the amazon.com of camera repair. They have EVERYTHING and the prices are good. Then there’s always the old standby, your local Radio Shack, where you can Read More …
I’m no expert, but I sure feel like I’ve learned a lot in my crash course of camera-buying. It’s clear to see though that ebay has revolutionized collecting. No need to spend your weekends scouring estate sales, haggling with sellers at photo swap meets, or Read More …
You’ve probably seen that there is a lot of repair info and cleaning tips on individual camera & lens pages where I’ve had to do some minor work. Here is where you’ll find general camera repair and cleaning info, and info on repairing and cleaning Read More …