Film Cameras: Minolta XE-7

Back in 2016 we did a blog post entitled ‘Shot with film’.  Looking at our blog stats, I was surprised to find that this is the most visited post by far.  I mentioned back then that I would dig up some of my well used film cameras and share them with you.  Here is the first one.

This is my all time favorite SLR camera. Now before you photographers get all bent out of shape, this is my favorite, not yours.

Having owned and used what I consider many of the great ones (Nikon F2, F3, F4, Canon F1, EF, Minolta XM, X-700, X-570, Leica R3, R4, R6, Leica M4, M6, Cl), the Minolta XE-7 easily stands out.

The Minolta XE-7 (the XE in Japan, and XE-1 in Europe) was built in collaboration with Leitz, using an electronic Copal focal plane shutter.  The release of which, is so smooth and effortless that mirror lock-up was deemed unnecessary by the engineers that designed the camera.  This shutter was also used in the somewhat smaller Minolta XD-7.  The Lecia R3, is based on the Minolta XE-7, with the R4-R6 camera series based on the Minolta XD-7 camera.

I bought this one tattered, dirty and well used.  After sending it out for a CLA, it has become my favorite.  I have since purchased a few NOS Minolta XE-7s, which I use from time to time, but this one has had countless rolls of film run through it, doing duties at weddings, shooting models and rock bands, product photography, studio work and architectural.  In our blog post 'Think of Something Pleasant', all of the film shots are with this camera.  At this time it is loaded with a roll of Tri-X 100 and I take it with me just to do grab shots of locations that I’ve been and interesting sites I see.   

If anyone ever asks me to recommend a film camera, this is the first one that comes to mind.  It is extremely well made and finished and has never failed to fire or let me down.  Not ever.  In fact that is something I can say with every Minolta camera I own.  They don’t seem to break, even under extremely hard use.

There will probably be a dozen or so film cameras considered and I will try hard not to take three years to get to the next one.  Stay tuned.

Shot on Film: Incognito

One cold winter day in December 2001 when studio work was all finished, I grabbed my favorite Minolta XE-7, loaded up my Bronco with Samson (our studio dog) and drove off to a remote park for a walk. 

Here among the bare wet trees was a turn-of-the-century streetlight.  I would have completely missed it, if it weren’t for Samson walking over to take a look.

We were well off the beaten path and it was obvious that this lamp hadn’t been used in decades.  Further investigation revealed no purpose for it being there.

Upon returning to the main area of the park, I located an old map from the information center.  The lamp is apparently a lone survivor in what used to be a series lighting a paved path for moonlit walks through the park to a lodge and cabins that were torn down in the late twenties.  Long out of use with no other recognizable markers of its existence. 

I liked the fact that this old artifact of a time long forgotten stands alone in silence and well disguised among the trees, incognito.

Shot on Tri-X 100 using a Minolta XE-7 and a Rokkor 1.8 35mm lens.  Film was scanned full frame using a Minolta DiMage 5400 Elite film scanner without retouch or adjustment.

Random 002 : Michael Miller

This condo is one of my favorites.  Photographed in 2013, interior design by Michael Miller, every aspect of it is so artistic.  Tasteful well-placed art, fine custom furniture and a beautiful cityscape to look over while enjoying your favorite cocktail. 

For those curious, this was shot on a Sony A100 (honestly) using a Carl Zeiss designed 11mm lens. 

Shot on Film: Random....

Many photographers have a section in their blog where they will pull a random picture and post it.  I think that is a great idea.  Since we have a catalog of well over 100,000 images this might be fun.

Today I pulled a random (not really… I actually looked for it) photo of a young boy that I have always liked.  The little guy was part of a wedding that we were photographing and he kept following me around as I was photographing the groomsmen. 

I turned around and he was sitting on my camera flight case.  I just kneeled down to take his photo.  Makes me wonder if he ever became a photographer?

For those who are curious, this was shot with a minolta XE-7 (little ‘m’), using a Rokkor 50mm 1.4 lens on Fuji G-100 film.  Full scan with no retouch or adjustments needed.

I also used a Vivitar 285 on a Vivitar flash bracket, which added just the needed ‘pop’ for the image.

This was kind of fun; might do more than one a week, if time allows.  

Creative Spotlight: KEY INTERIORS, INC - Dana Tatge - Senior Designer

Back in June, we got a look of some of the awesome projects headed up by Key Interiors’ Director of Design, Debby Hill.  Key Interiors has managed to assemble a very talented team and today we are going to highlight Dana Tatge, Senior Designer.

I have had the opportunity to work with Dana on a few projects and, as you will see from the images below, her work is stellar! 

In commercial settings, specifically involving healthcare, one can quickly understand how a warm, soothing environment would be practical and comforting to those receiving treatment.  Here is where Dana’s talents really stand out.  Her designs offer relaxing, calming spaces that make a trip to the healthcare office a little less stressful and a lot more inviting. 

Dana of course works closely with the entire Key Interiors design team, and the results - like all of their projects - demonstrate why they are among the top commercial interior design firms here in the Chicago area.

Here a some of my favorite photographs that highlight Dana’s amazing work.

 

 

 

  

Do Your Images Look Like This?

Creative Spotlight: KEY INTERIORS, INC. Debby Hill, Director of Design

 I absolutely love my job!  One specific thing that makes it so enjoyable is working with others in creative fields who are truly skilled in their craft.

During the past few years, I have had the privilege of working with one of my favorite interior designers, Debby Hill.  She is Director of Design at Key Interiors, Chicago-lands premier commercial interior design firm.

Debby is one of those rare professionals who successfully incorporate form, function and aesthetic into all of her projects.  She, along with her team, creates beautiful spaces that inspire, yet are comfortable and practical for the everyday work experience.   Working in such an artistic and pleasant atmosphere can really take the edge off of the long hours frequented by the office professional.   Additionally, her spaces are inviting place for office clientele to visit during the course of business.   One would be hard pressed to find a better design team.

Team is the operative word when describing Key Interiors. Their entire staff works together seamlessly and the results are always fantastic.  Our next Creative Spotlight will feature Dana Tatge, Senior Designer at Key Interiors.

Below are a few of my favorite images from one of Debby’s many projects.