Personal ramblings on photography
both eyes open – nine years with the Fujifilm TX-1 is an updated version the long term review I already mentioned last year.
The Fujfilm TX-1 (or its Swedish sibling the XPan) is still on top of my wanted camera list. The problem is more that it calls for a hefty price, which, despite being simple in operation, remains a fairly complex camera that will be hard to repair.
I still haven’t gotten a proper solution for shooting 65:24 either on film or digital.
From Soke Engineering: Knokke The New Era of Film Scanning.
The very short version: a new 35 mm film scanner with roll feed, not unlike the Pakon. But with modern parts, repairability, and open-source software to drive it. The software part is not negligible. You cannot use a Pakon without installing the software on obsolete Microsoft malware. Same for the very expensive Fujifilm Frontier, for for Nikon or any other vendor from decades ago. And without the software they are expensive bricks.
Their target price is €999 at launch, later €1599 (I do have questions). With an intent to scan a roll in 5 minutes at a resolution of 4064 dpi.
It’s still in a state of development, with a Kickstarter planned for Q1 2026, so it’s not available soon yet. But it’s good to see a renewed interest in that niche of equipment that the previous manufacturers have abandoned with their software no one can fix and that doesn’t run on modern computers.
I’ll make sure to post an update.
The Montreal Gazette is reporting that ‘A real institution’: Old Montreal camera shop Photo Service to close after 89 years:
A Montreal photography institution is closing after 89 years of operation. Photo Service in Old Montreal will slide the key under the door on Jan. 3, leaving many photo professionals and hobbyists in limbo.
Not the first time, nor the last time. Lozeau already closed a while back (I didn’t talk about it here) after they got pillaged by Henry’s.
Last time I tried to get to Photo Service it was 3PM on a Saturday and they were closed. Feels like their hobbyist customers have to come during the week. Camtec was open, on the same street, and then I could just mail order, even though I always try to patronise local stores.
[..] the film processing lab, which he says is among the best in the city. The store’s processing and archiving services will continue after the shop’s closure thanks to a partnership with Kant Photo on Stanley St., the details of which have yet to be ironed out.
Not sure what that means. Redirect the customers? Expand Kant Photo activities with their lab machines?
Another major factor, Savard says, is Sony’s refusal to recognize Photo Service as an authorized retailer, “for unexplained reasons, despite all our efforts. We’re almost the only store of this size in Canada not to be recognized.”
Never been a fan of Sony cameras, not sure why, but that looks like Sony would rather sell at Best Buy… or they really hate small family operated outlets, as it seems to be a similar situation elsewhere.
Anyway, life goes on, that mean more business for the stores that are left.
Kosmofoto reports that Kodak now offers new-look Gold 200 and Ultramax 400 alongside Kodacolor films.
In addition to Kodacolor 100 and 200, Gold 200 and Ultramax 400 are now repackaged and sold by Kodak directly instead of Kodak Alaris.
Please bring the 800 ISO that are stuck in diposable cameras.
Kodak Colour Negative Film and Colour Print Making Materials & Processes – researched by Michael Talbert — A collection of material about early Kodak film processes. We learn that Kodachrome initially cost US$3.50 a roll in 1936 (this included processing) which is US$54 in 2009… and learn how complicated its development process was. And from there many other links. A rabbit hole.
The Leica M EV1 Just Entered a Spec War It Can’t Win and Destroyed Its Own Value Proposition — The headline itself is what I thought of this camera.
Flashes and Strobes
Photo Strobe Trigger Voltages — A list of flash strobes and their trigger voltage. It’s important to match it with your camera as some might have more than 100V.
Sam’s Strobe FAQ — Notes on the Troubleshooting and Repair of Electronic Flash Units and Strobe Lights (Archived) — Tips on repairing electronic flash units.
One of the first pictures I took with the Fujfilm X-M5.
Also today were announced the new Fujifilm X-T30 III and the XC 13-33mm F3.5-6.3 OIS.
The X-T30 III is just a refresh of the X-T30 II from 2021, the entry level X-series body. Added is the new processor on top of the X-Trans IV sensor, bringing it in par with the X-M5 and X-S20, with updated auto focus and video capabilities.
From the control changes, the left dial is no longer used for drive. but instead is, like on the X-T50 and the X-M5, the film simulation dial, with support for film recipes as introduced by the X-E5. Still hoping for a firmware update doing this on the X-M5.
It also adds direct printing support to the Instax Link printers as well as the associated “crops” for the Mini, Square and Wide formats. Fujifilm, can we get a firmware update to do that on the X-M5 and X-E5 ?
This camera comes optionally with the new XC 13-33mm F3.5-6.3 OIS that replaces the XC 14-45. A bit wider, and shorter, slower at the long end, and it dropped the power zoom.
Shipping in November 2025 body only for CA$1249, or in December as a kit for CA$1449, in three different colours, Silver, Black and Graphite.
DPReview: Fujifilm X-T30 III adds fresh ingredients to familiar recipe.
Take a Leica M11, remove the rangefinder and replace it with an EVF, shave the price by 10% (it’s still unaffordable) and you have the Leica M EV-1.
At the most basic level, you can get essentially the same sensor in the Sony a7CR for considerable less money, and get a similar shooting experience by adapting your M-mount lenses to fit. It won’t be as small, be as nicely built or say Leica on the front, but in purely pragmatic terms, it’ll be comparable.
I think that removing the rangefinder is like removing the main reason to buy a Leica M camera. I don’t see where that make sense. If you want to use M lenses but don’t care for the rangefinder, the above suggestion from DPReview will be probably more adequate, and anything else, the law of diminishing returns applies. And instead of a Sony, you can also use any other full frame mirrorless like a Nikon Z or Panasonic S.
This doesn’t mean Leica is abandoning the rangefinder though, but I still wonder who this camera is for except if you want to 12K.
One day I shot two rolls of film in a Leica M7. And I loved it.
The Leica M EV-1 will cost CA$12,315 as per one of my local stores, and should be available starting 23 October 2025 (ie today).
Post scriptum:
David Imel video Why Leica shed its most iconic feature (YouTube) explains the rangefinder quite well, but I’m not convinced the reasoning make sense.
Lomography just announced the Lomo MC-A, a 35mm point and shoot camera.
Has a 32mm f/2.8 auto focus glass lens, auto exposure or manual, DX coding with override, built-in flash.
At CA$699 from Lomography, it is cheaper than the Pentax 17 and allow more control. Available around December 2025, and also in black.
Another choice for a new 35mm film camera.
SilverBridges Unveils WideluxX™ Prototype 0001
It’s a good milestone since the 2023 announcement. It shows you can have a working camera. The next big question is how much it is gonna cost? And when will it be available?