Macros and More with the Olympus OM1 – Mercedes Van Study

Well what can I say about the wee Zuiko lens, this little classic which I picked up for buttons. A mere 50 euros, a bargain second hand. If you can get your hands on this tiny beauty don’t hesitate on it.

I took the OM1 and the Zuiko Macro out and about around my neighbour in Graz.  Now I must admit to you, that my first roll of film the Ilford Pan 100 did go to plan. The development got completely messed up but that’s not the story here. I re-shot a fresh roll film the Ilford PanF 50 and developed it in DDX for 8 mins and of course using my Spinmatic device again. I have a seperate video concerning that rotating wonder.

The first of on my macro journey was to the Church across the street. To photograph the wrought iron door handle from 1890.

Side note: The name Zuiko comes from a classic word ‘zuikou'(瑞光,ずいこう), means holy light or auspicious light. I think it is very suitable name for “Olympus”.

Listen to this article

Video

Everything you want to know about the Zuiko Macro Lens. This stuff packed video about all the awesome things you can do with the Olympus Zuiko 50mm f3.5 Macro Lens. This macro lens you can use on both analog and digital camera. I will cover scanning film with the zuiko macro. Shooting film on the streets of Graz both Macro photography and straight photography with this little lens. I also cover the workflow in photoshop how to convert your scanned negative to positive.

Images – Olympus OM1 with Macro Zuiko 50mm f/3.5

Buttons #2 - OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #15
Buttons #2 – OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #15
Church Door Handle - OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #42
Church Door Handle – OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #42

I moseyed on in the opposite direction, knowing about a parked green Mercedes Benz van that might make a good appearance in a image or two.

Setting up my trusty, bashed up, carbon, several times repaired tripod and with the OM1 camera’s mirror lock up – up. I made images. Images around the rusty and dusty van. Along with cobwebs and cracks. I was sure to achieve an image or two.

Mercedes Van Windows - OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #47
Mercedes Van Windows – OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #47
Mercedes Van Side Windows - OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #46
Mercedes Van Side Windows – OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #46
Mercedes Van Horn & Lamp - OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #41
Mercedes Van Horn & Lamp – OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #41
Mercedes Van Dash #1 -OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #45
Mercedes Van Dash #1 -OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #45
Mercedes Van Through the Window - OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #39
Mercedes Van Through the Window – OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #39
Mercedes Van Rear Windows - OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #40
Mercedes Van Rear Windows – OM1 Macro 50mm on PanF #40

The more I captured, the more engrossed I got. Trying to feel an story of the past that object seemed to state in its presences and its wear.  Let  know me made what you think of the images of the van, do they say something ?

 

Development

Ilford DDX for 8mins, first 10 seconds agitate continuously. Then after every 10 seconds.

Fix for 4 mins, wash, wetting agent for 1 minute. Hang to dry.

I use my Spinmatic device.

 

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