Intro The Gossen Sixtomat is a compact, battery-free light meter produced in West Germany in the early to mid 1950s. I found an ivory-bodied example (serial J226903) at an antique market and was surprised to see that its selenium cell still responds to light. Even with its simplicity, this meter represents a meaningful moment in photographic history (kind of wild that it says “WEST Germany”!). This overview explains what it is, how it works, and […]
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What are Stereoscopes & Stereoview Cards: A Brief History of 19th Century 3D Photography
Introduction: The Original 3D “Virtual Reality” Over the weekend, I came across an 1890s stereoscope viewer and a small stack of stereoview cards at an antique store. It immediately stood out—not just for its age, but because it represents the 19th-century version of 3D viewing, long before VR headsets or television existed. If you’ve ever used a View-Master or tried a modern VR headset, you’ve experienced the same principle at work. In the late 1800s, […]
Read MoreArgus Cosina 706 Super 8 Vintage Camera Review: Test Footage + First Impressions
Introduction: Why I’m Falling in Love with Super 8 You know that feeling when you stumble across something at just the right time? That’s exactly how I felt when I found the Argus Cosina Model 706 Super 8. It was a spontaneous consignment shop discovery in San Diego—unassuming, a little dusty, and totally irresistible. I didn’t have a Super 8 camera in my collection yet, and this one looked like a fun fixer-upper with some […]
Read MoreFrom Digital Ease to Manual Mastery: Tips & Tricks for Mamiya RZ67 Beginners
Hey there, shutterbugs! I’m excited to share my latest adventures in the world of film photography with you. For years, I’ve been a dedicated Sony Alpha A7riii user, reveling in the convenience of automatic settings and instant digital feedback. But recently, I leaped medium format film photography with the incredible Mamiya RZ67. Today, I’m excited to share my experiences, tips, and tricks for those of you who are considering or just starting to explore the […]
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