In The Realm of The Dynax
Exploring another plastic-(almost)-fantastic camera.
That slight sinking feeling you get when you’ve dropped your van off at the garage for remedial work and it ends up being for a couple of days rather than just a couple of hours. Add to this the challenge of getting home again in between times because a) you live 'out in the sticks', b) there are no taxis available and c) the buses only partly go your way..
This was my luck a couple of months ago. Luckily, I had my new-to-me Minolta Dynax 404Si with me.
I walked two or three miles around town during that first two hours.
Going back a couple of years, a good friend had very kindly given me a Dynax 303Si with several lenses. Although the main kit was ultimately given to a family member interested in shooting film, I still had the 35-80mm kit zoom left over which was effectively orphaned. A trip round the ‘Bay and six pounds sterling later I had the Dynax 404Si body to attach to the lens and have a play.
Alas the poor van needed more time, so I had to make my way home as best as I could. Bus the first half, on foot the second. Fortunately the fine, if cold, weather made the long walk home on the remainder of the route a relatively pleasant experience. It also allowed me the opportunity to take some more photos...
Both the camera body and the 35-80mm lens are very light in weight due to their mostly plastic construction, making it very easy to carry for long periods. Although it's a little clunky in operation, it is nonetheless quite capable of yielding well focussed, well exposed negatives, really all you need from a camera for general use. For what it cost, I can't (or shouldn't) really criticise too much. The results are surprisingly good for it's budget price. My only tiny niggle is a faint border of sorts that appears just in from the edge of the frame on the b+w Kentmere film I used*. This is kind of nit-picking as this is minor and can be cropped out of the frame if necessary. If it is what I think it is, it’s only really noticeable on black and white film. No big deal considering the outlay.
Despite this it was fun to use and will see a trip out again sometime, probably with one of the old expired colour rolls I have kicking around in my fridge. Well, 'til next time..
(Photos taken on Kentmere 400 and developed in my usual caffenol mix)
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These are stunning, Ralph!!!! This is why I always have a camera on me! You never know. Sounds like you had quite the walk, but experienced so much beauty while on it.
These look amazing! Felt like I was taking the journey with you through these photos. Would be curious to hear your Caffenol recipe.