Uncle Jonesy's Cameras

The 3rd Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers is just around the corner, and both Kevin and Wayne are getting ready for a fantastic day of photography and fun. It all happens on Saturday, October 26 at Fort Southwest Point in Kingston, Tennessee. Hundreds of late 18th centery military and civilian reenactors will converge for Kingston's Living History Reenactment Weekend to celebrate the city's 225th birthday, providing a unique photographic opportunity. All the details are in the podcast, including what cameras Kevin and Wayne will be using.

And speakig of choices, Kevin must decide which of three 50mm lenses to use for the photowalk. Is one better than the other? Of course, Wayne has some great advice for testing lenses. 

Meanwhile, Kevin has been learning how to make better scans of his color negatives. Listen to find out what software he's been using.

Finally, Kevin and Wayne read some great listener email. You can always contribute to the show by sending your input to [email protected]. And check out our show notes at www.unclejonesyscameras.blogspot.com.

See you at the photowalk, and Happy Photography!

The Shutter Brothers are in the studio - and so is Wayne's new camera! And what a camera it is! The Canon VI-L is as impressive a 35mm meter-less mechanical shutter rangefinder camera we've ever seen. Could it be better than a Leica? Listen and find out.

Meanwhile, Kevin is back from his amazing Alaskan cruise with six and a half rolls of exposed film. Listen for a report on how his two SLR cameras and three lenses performed on the 2000 mile journey.

Next, the Shutter Bros read some listener questions about focus loupes and stand development, the latter of which serves as a chance to discuss Wayne's updated Caffenol CL formula. Both Wayne and Kevin have used it with 4x5 sheet film with excellent results, but would it work with roll film?

Wayne's Leica-busting Canon VI-L isn't the only camera Wayne had been testing out lately. The Goerz Minicord is one of the most unique cameras we've ever seen. It's a subminiature twin lens reflex camera that uses double perforated 16mm film. Was it intended to be used as a spy camera? We've got opinions, as usual.

Fiinally, Wayne and Kevin preview our 3rd Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers, which is going to happen on Saturday, October 26, at Fort Southwest Point near Kingston, Tennessee. The city of Kingston will be celebrating its 225th birthday with period military reenactments, and the photography opportunities will be numberous and rich.  No matter what kind of camera you bring, you will have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to make interesting photographs, as well as connect with other photographers. We hope to see you there.

As always, our show notes can be found at www.unclejonesyscameras.logspot.com.

Happy Photography!

If you have a camera with an automatic exposure mode (such as aperture or shutter priority), you may have wondered about that dial on your camera with +1 +2 and -1 -2? That dial is the way you access your camera's exposure compensation, and knowing how to use it will make you a better photographer. Shutter Brothers Wayne and Kevin do a deep dive into how exposure comensation works and when you should use it.

Meanwhile, Kevin shares his thoughts about his opportunity to use his 'dream' camera. Was it a positive experience? Will Kevin be shelling out some big bucks? Or, is there a greater lesson to be learned here? Listen to find out.

Next, Wayne and Kevin get philisophical again and share some of the deep 'dark' thoughts they have been having lately with "Thoughts from the Dark(room)." If you've been having some deep thoughts about your photography lately, you can share them with us by email ([email protected]), Instagram (@UJCPodcast) or Facebook (also @UJCPodcast). We'e love to hear from you!

Happy Photography!

We all love taking pictures, but what happens next? Is there life after a screen goes black? There is if you get your photography on the wall. In this show, the Shutter Brothers discuss matting, framing, and displaying your photography. From buying premade mats and frames to making your own, Kevin and Wayne break it down for you.

Once again, the US is experiencing record heat, so let's talk about 'hot photography in the summertime!' Wayne has some tips on how to protect your film and gear from the heat.

Our third segment is listener feedback, and we have some great questions from listeners Chris, Sam, and Jake.

In our final segment, Snapshots, the Shutter Brothers do quick takes on a brand new photography newspaper (yes, we said newspaper!) Also, Kevin may have purchased his last camera. And finally, our 3rd Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers is less than four months away!

Thanks for listening, and Happy Photography!

After a fun morning of photography, the Shutter Brothers are back to the podcast table - and Kevin has questions! Lately, he's been in the darkroom trying out fiber based paper for the first time, and he has much to learn about the differences between resin coated and fiber based paper when it comes to exposing, developing, fixing, washing, and drying processes. Fortunately, Wayne has been printing on FB paper for decades, so get ready to learn, everybody! The look and feel of FB paper makes mastering the learning curve worth it.

Kevin also reviews a fine photo book, New York Changing:  Revisiting Berenice Abbott's New York by Douglas Levere. Berenice Abbott had a long and very successful photography career and is well known for her documentary photography of 1930's New York City. Levere attempts to rephotograph Abbott's subjects to demonstrate the changes time has brought about, and the book contains many side by side comparisons of both Abbott's and Levere's photography. Anyone who has interest in urban large format photgraphy will enjoy it very much!

Next, Wayne leads a discussion about Edward Weston's quote, "To photograph a rock, have it look like a rock, but be more than a rock." Exactly how does a developing phoographer begin to make images that express feelings or tell stories? Wayne has some practical and useful tips.

Don't forget about our 3rd Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers, which will happen on Saturday, October 26, at Fort Southwest Point in Kingston, Tennessee. If you've ever thought about photographing a military reenactment, this is your chance. There will be hundreds of reenactors patroling the reconstructed Fort Southwest Point providing ample photographic opportunities. Mark your calendar!

Our show notes can be found at https://unclejonesyscameras.blogspot.com.

Happy Photography!

The Shutter Brothers have a take on camera shake, so ready steady go! Our listener email offers some advice on how to avoid camera shake and get sharp images with handheld camera. Also, the Bros. have some advice to a listener who is ready to develop fim for the first time. Next, Wayne and Kevin read some listener-submitted messages on postcard sized darkroom prints. And one of those prints came with a special gift for Kevin:  a Minolta Maxxum XTsi camera body for Kevin to use on his Alaskan cruise in September. Our listeners are truly the best!

Happy Photography!

The two Shutter Brothers are talking twos! First, Kevin gets a breakdown from Wayne regarding the pros and cons of various camera pairs for his forthcoming Alaskan cruise in September. Why two? Because Kevin wants to shoot two films, color and b&w on this trip. But Kevin likes to travel light, so the gear has to be right (Hey, we Shutter Bros can rhyme too!)

Next, dueces run wild with twin lens reflex cameras. Two viewing lenses, two taking lenses, etc. Kevin has been using his Rolleicord Va a lot lately, but there a problem:  camera shake! Kevin gets fuzzy shots when handholding the camera (but not when it's  on a tripod). Could the design and location of the Rolleicord's shutter release be the culprit? To investigate, Wayne gathers his quartet of TLRs for comparison (and he has some cool ones!) and makes a suggestion for a solution. 

Do you like slide shows? Want to double your fun? Wayne has something for you:  a Stereo Vivid 3D slide projector with screen, extra bulbs, and a collection of 3D viewing glasses. It could be yours!

Finally, we're already making plans for our 3rd Annual Photowalk with The Shutter Brothers on October 26, 2024. Mark you calendars!

Happy Photography!

Most people find a lot of junk in their closet, but not Shutter Brother Wayne. He's been doing some spring cleaning lately, and what he found definitely is not junk. How about a Stereo Realist? And a stereo projector? Some stereo card mounts? A viewer? Imagine the cool slides shows at the Setser house 

Wayne has been using handheld cameras a lot lately, especially his Noblex panoramic camera. Since the Noblex doesn't have a strap and must be held with both hands, Wayne could use a third hand to hold his handheld light meter. Or, he could find a meter that fits one his hand. And he did! The Reveni Labs Incident Meter straps on the the back of Wayne's hand stays there. Also, just a flip of a switch and a turn of the hand, and it becomes a reflective meter. Very handy!

Next, our faithful and clever listeners take over with some great questions, comments, and tips. And one of those questions leads us into a light meter deep dive. Reflective? Incident? Spot? No meter? We've got it covered.

We finish with more talk of our Third Annual Photowalk with Wayne and Kevin, which will happen in October. 

Happy Photography!

Brand new year - Brand new show! And the Shutter Brothers are ready for it!! First, we have some great listener input about film testing and negative storage. Next, a listener asks us what happens when our photography inspiration goes "Poof!" Both Wayne and Kevin share their advice on how to get your photography mojo back.

Both Wayne and Kevin are going on cruises this year, so we ask our listeners the question, "What camera would be best for a vacation cruise?" If you've got suggestions, please email us ([email protected]) or leave a comment on our Facebook page (@ujcpodcast). 

Finally, we've got ideas regarding our 2024 Photowalk. It's going to be fun!

Happy Photography!

The Shutters Brothers wish you the happiest of holidays and the happiest of holiday photography, and to that end, Wayne and Kevin share their tips on how to best capture the spirit of the season on film (or sensor!) And since many of us use flash to make things merry and bright, Wayne does a deep dive on flash guide numbers and how to make them work for you. 

The Bros. also answer some listener email, discuss the Platypus, a cool 4x5 sheet film drying rack from Simon Forster, and look forward some photographic goals for 2024. 

The show ends with Kevin's brand new holiday single, "Christmas Home."

Happy Holidays from the Shutter Brothers!