Uncle Jonesy's Cameras – Details, episodes & analysis

The Shutter Brothers are back - and the have a special guest. Wayne and Kevin welcome Chattanooga area photographer Matt Dunmore to show #86 for a conversation about gear, subject selection, and his passion for capturing images on film. The Shutter Bros plus Matt also recap the 4th Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers and discuss plans for future events.

Finally, congratulation to Tori Fyfe and Safelight District Community Darkroom, who recently moved into a much larger and nicer space. Tori graiously allowed the Shutter Brothers to record this podcast there, and it was quite fun. Thank you Tori!

Happy Photography!

To Shutter Brothers Wayne and Kevin, photography is a hobby. We're not pros. We do it for fun and fulfillment. But as Kevin found out, a hobby can be ruined if the fun is squeezed out by other things. This show is dedicated to keeping you from ruining your photography hobby and how to repair the damage if you have. Listen to learn what Kevin is doing to put the fun back into film.

The 4th Annual Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers is just over a month away, and we have details. The date:  Saturday, October 29. The time:  8:00 am CDT. The place:  Old Stone Fort State Archaelogical Park near Manchester, Tennessee. We really hope you can attend!

The show wraps with listener email, Rock City Gardens, barns, and . . . cows!

Happy Photography!

The Shutter Brothers are back with their last show of 2024! Wayne and Kevn recap their 2024 Photowalk with the Shutter Brothers, dive into some darkroom tips, discuss some holiday photography ideas, and read some listener email. Thanks for listening, and Happy Photography!

The Shutter Brothers are in improvisation mode for this impromptu yet informative show with a full range of film photography related topics. And yes, they always have some "showing and telling" to do. Wayne begins with a discussion of his Canon Canonet QL17 G3, an excellent little compact 35mm rangfinder camera (often called "The Poor Man's Leica"). When this very capable camera is paired with the Canon Canolite D flash, it produces some of the best flash photography the Bros. have ever seen. Wayne explains how in the show.

Meanwhile, Kevin reveals what camera he bought after declaring his Wisner 4x5 would be the last camera he would ever buy? Would you believe it was a DSLR? Listen to the show to learn what and why.

As usual, our listeners contribute some excellent questions and comments on topics ranging from how a camera's depth of field preview feature works to ideas for macro photography on the cheap.

Show notes for this and all our shows can be found at www.unclejonesyscameras.blogspot.com, and we hope you will check our blog site out. And please follow us on Facebook and Instagram by searching @UJCPodcast.

Until next time, Happy Photography!

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 unclejonesyscameras@gmail.com. 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 (unclejonesyscameras@gmail.com), 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!