Friday, October 23, 2015

My Konica IIIa Back from the Shop... and it Works!


Konica IIIa


I was terribly excited when I first took reception of my vintage Konica IIIa a few months ago. However, as you may or may not have previously read, I discovered, after my first test roll of film, that the range finder was off and therefore, I was unable to focus accurately as attested by the sample photos below. 

One of the great things about living in South Korea, as a photographer, is the abundance of reputable and reasonably-priced camera repair shops. So I wasted no time in taking my Konica IIIa in for some tender loving care.


As you can see, the range finder is off considerably...


Thank goodness for the awesome repair shops here in Seoul!


Below, photos from my test roll AFTER the Konica IIIa came back from the shop. Nice!


As you can see, they did a great job. The camera is now functioning "like new" and the range finder is dead on! Such a relief. Now I can go out and start taking some nice shots with the confidence that the photos will be in focus! Thanks camera repair guy!



Sunday, October 11, 2015

The Changing Colors of Mount Soyosan

Even though I've lived literally right next door for more than two years, this past Friday was my first visit to Mount Soyosan, South Korea. The summit overlooks my barracks room at Camp Casey and I've been meaning to visit since I first arrived. With my time running short I made it a point to make my first visit with a new photography friend, Brian Harris, a military veteran who was once stationed in Korea and now makes his home here with his beautiful wife Jumi.

Brian had mentioned (on Facebook) his desire to photograph some of the changing colors as fall has started to set in, so I sent him a friendly invite to Mount Soyosan.

According to the locals, we go a bit of a late start to make a complete ascent to the summit, nonetheless, we enjoy a vigorous hike and snapped a handful of nice photos...

Thanks for coming to visit Brian and Jumi and I'll see you again soon.

Photos shot with Sony A99 and Sony RX100 IV.


Unfortunately, there wasn't much water on the mountain. I plan on going back after a good rain.


Fall is coming!






I also shot with one of my 35mm film cameras. Olympus OM10. I had loaded it with black and white film before I knew I was going to Mount Soyosan. Ugh. Stay tuned for photos.






Brian Harris

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Baekjae Culture, Music and Craft Beer Festival

Gongju, South Korea played host to the Baekjae Culture, Music and Craft Beer Festival last weekend complete with live music, DJs, great food and of course, delicious craft beers.

South Korea, in fact, has a thriving micro-brew industry and they need it too because most mainstream Korean beers are awful. So bad that I prefer to mix and drink most Korean beers with a little soju, a concoction called "Somec".

I really enjoy event photography. I guess it's because everyone is always having a good time at evetns and I like to capture people smiling and laughing.

These images were captured with a Sony A6000, Fujifilm X20 and DJI Phantom 2 Vision Plus Drone.

The weather was perfect for a festival such as this. Enjoy the photos!

A big thank you and shout out to Michael from Good Times ROK as well as all the bands, DJs and sponsors!