The Hasselblad Project - Part 1.

Recently I have been thinking about getting more in medium format photography, so I decided I would invest in a Hasselblad.  As the Hasselblad was one of the first system cameras available, rather than purchasing an entire camera, I thought I would purchase the individual components and then put then together myself.  I also thought that this might turn out to be a cheaper option.  I decided to go for the Hasselblad 500 C/M as they are relatively cheap these days and there are plenty available on the second hand market.  The first parts I acquired were the 500 C/M body, along with a A-12 film back that takes 120 film rolls.

The body included a winder and the ground glass viewing screen, and the A-12 back had matching serial numbers for the housing and insert, and also had the dark slide present.  The parts were purchased online, and the owner noted that the auxiliary shutter did not fully close after the shutter had been fired.  I have tested the shutter many times and I have not noticed this problem, so it might only be an intermittent issue.

Cosmetically, both parts are in excellent condition, with some slight surface rust on the locking mechanism on the film back being the only thing that stands out.  Hopefully I can find the rest of the parts to complete the camera soon.

- harajuku32

P-Sharan STD-35e Pinhole Camera

Recently I wanted a pinhole camera to use at school demonstration about light, and after a quick internet search I decided upon the P-Sharan STD-35e kit.  Made in Japan, the STD-35e is constructed of heavy gauge, black cardboard, and the kit comes in a convenient flat-pack format. Assembling the camera takes about one hour and requires no cutting or gluing - simply press the pieces out of their frames, fold in the appropriate places and use the included double sided tape to stick down the folds as as outlined in the instructions.  After assembling the camera, you simply load a 35 mm film and you are ready to shoot.

The above image was taken on Kodak Utramax 400, at an exposure time of approximately one second in the full midday sun.  Not the sharpest image, with a lot of shadow in the foreground. This image was taken while hand holding the STD-35e, but the cameras base plate comes with a standard thread for mounting the camera on a tripod.  This would help in a achieving a sharper image, and essential for taking long exposures at night.  The pinhole is 0.16 mm in diameter, with a 20 mm focal length at F/130.  Being so simple to use, and requiring no batteries for operation, I plan to take the STD-35e out again for a more in depth evaluation.  If you are curious about pinhole photography and don't mid a bit of paper folding, this could be the camera for you.  The P-Sharan STD-35e can be had for around $35.00 and you can visit the Sharan website for more information.

- harajuku32

Yashica-A tlr Camera - First Outing

I recently acquired a Yashica-A twin lens reflex (tlr) camera after deciding to get back into shooting film.  I think I shot my last roll of film in 1999 on a Minolta slr, and since then it has been all digital.  I was intrigued by the medium format film size and also by the twin lens system - one for focus and the other for image capture.  The Yashica-A is fully manual with basic mechanical controls for aperture, shutter speed and focusing.  The shutter release mechanism must be cocked before taking a picture and the manual film advance lacks an automatic stop, requiring one to look for the advancing number through the red window on the rear of the camera.
I took the camera out for a test run, loading it with a roll of Ilford XP2 Super 400 film.  The Yashica-A has no light light meter, and because I do not own one, I had to guess the exposure based on the ambient light conditions.

I was pleased with the results from the Yashica-A. WIth a maximum shutter speed of 1/300, I expected the images to be quite over exposed with the ISO 400 Ilford film, however careful aperture selection can help to minimise this. The sample images are straight out of the camera with no editing.  

 With only twelve frames available on the film, it was refreshing to think about a shot before committing, unlike digital where it is all too easy to fire off successive frames without thinking too much subject matter and composition.  I also like the Yashica-A's top down viewfinder, which provides a big, bright viewing area for composing your shot.

 Throughout the day the Yashica-A attracted several curious stares, and even a couple of comments from people on the street who saw the camera hanging off my shoulder.

I thoroughly enjoyed shooting with the Yashica-A and I'm looking forward to taking it out with me again.  I would highly recommend the Yashica-A, or any other tlr camera to anyone who is interested in medium format photography, and looking at getting into shooting film.  There are many other brands of tlr cameras around, they are often available for a low price, and the fact that they are (mostly) all mechanical and require no battery, means that all you need pack for your day are the camera and a few rolls of film, and perhaps a light meter if you own one. Furthermore, when you are not using your tlr camera it will make an attractive ornament in your home

- harajuku32

金閣寺 (kinaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion)

A beautiful Spring morning at kinaku-ji, Kyoto, 2009.


- harajuku32

一力茶屋 (ichiriki chaya)

I have been missing Kyoto lately, so perhaps I should think about going back there.  This is a picture of the ichiriki chaya, an historic and exclusive tea house, taken back in July 2010.  The ichiriki is over 300 years old, and is only accessible to those who have a long standing family connection to the tea house.  To all others, good luck getting past the noren curtain.
If you take a stroll past the ichiriki of an evening you may catch a glimpse of a Geiko entering the establishment for her evening appointment.  A magical experience.


- harajuku32

Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne

“The cornerstone of good cooking is to source the finest produce.” - Neil Perry.

Dining is as much about the experience as it is the food, and Rockpool Bar & Grill delivers on both. With over twenty years managing his seafood restaurant Rockpool in Sydney, Neil has taken the concept of fresh locally sourced produce and applied it to his grill restaurants.

Upon entering the restaurant, quality furnishings and low light ambience already give the impression of a high end establishment, even before we are shown to our table by one of the smartly dressed waiting staff. We were fortunate enough to be seated in a secluded nook by the window that looked out over the Yarra river.

After being seated we were promptly offered the wine list - or book – as it was tome of over fifty pages. Having already drank a few Asahi's upstairs at the Conservatory, and with the car down in the basement carpark, I decided to start with a locally produced light beer from Otway Estate.

The menu contained an extensive array of both hot and cold starters, along with a good selection of main course dishes, including a selection of pasta and rice dishes and salads. However it was clear that beef is the speciality at Rockpool, and a quick glance at the selection from the wood fired grill allows a choice of David Blackmore wagyu beef, Cape Grim grass fed beef or Rangers Valley grain fed beef.

Deciding on the crudo of hiramasa kingfish, ocean trout and yellow fin tuna for a starter, what arrived at the table was basically sashimi of the aforementioned with a light oil infused with horseradish, coriander, lemon and lime. I've eaten a lot of sashimi and it was unusual to experience a flavour other than the dab of wasabi I normally apply, but the dressing was light and unobtrusive, and did not over power the delicate fish in any way.

Despite the extensive menu, I decided that my Rockpool dining experience would be somewhat lacking if I didn't try something from the wood fired grill. With that in mind I ordered the Rangers Valley 300 day dry aged fillet. For those who enjoy there steak well done don't bother, you wouldn't like the restaurant chefs definition of well done anyway. Taking advice from the menu I asked for the fillet to be cooked medium rare. What arrived at the table was well seared and rested fillet steak, sliced in thirds across the grain. A smoky crust gave way to a tender moist centre with not a single drop of juice escaping. Upon serving the mains the waiter returned to offer a selection of condiments for the steak. I went of a little horseradish cream, which gave a refreshing bite to the succulent fillet. Bear in mind that if you order a steak that's all you will be served, so I would recommend ordering one or more of the side dishes for the table to share. We ordered the celeriac, fennel and cheese gratin, and the pink-eye butter potatoes with rosemary to share. With only a small selection on wines available by the glass, I ordered the 2005 Craiglee Shiraz to compliment the steak.

I must say that the food and the overall dining experience at Rockpool was first class, and after our mains, we were satisfied to the point of not even looking at the dessert menu. However this level of dining does come at a price, and I would advise you to ensure your plastic is paid up and ready to take a beating. The total for this Monday night dinner for four people came to $468.22 plus a tip. If we weren't all driving and had opted for a couple of bottles of wine on the table the bill would have been substantially more. Not for everyday dining, but definitely worth a visit.

- harajuku32

Rockpool Bar & Grill, 20^th June 2011

What we ordered:

1x Crudo of Hiramasa Kingfish, Ocean Trout and Yellow Fin tuna, with Horesradish, Coriander, Lime and Lemon flavoured oil

1 x Spiced Yellow Fin Tuna Tartare Sandwich

3 x Rangers Valley Grain fed 300 day dry-aged fillet steak 250g

1 x David Blackmore Wagyu Rib-Eye 200g

1 x Celeriac, Fennel and Cheese Gratin

1 x Pink-Eye Butter Potatoes with Rosemary

1 x 2005 Craiglee Shiraz

1 x 2010 Ocean Eight Pino Gris

2 x Otway Estate light beer

1 x Lemon, Lime & Bitters

Total: $468.22 (plus tip)

めしや (Meshiya)

Meshiya is a Japanese cafe style restaurant I have been dining at on and off for about seven years now.  Conveniently located outside the QV centre in Melbourne, it has often been the place to grab a quick bite to eat before heading home from a day in town.  

sashimi

Over the years there was been some small menu changes, an expansion of the drinks list, and the teppanyaki grill has been removed to provide more seating in an already cramped dining space.  The food at Meshiya is generally good, and below is a quick run down of yesterdays lunch.

ika no karaage

My fiancee and I started off by sharing as serve of ika no karaage and a small plate of mixed sashimi.  Ika no karaage is squid that has been lightly battered and deep fried, and this particluar serve had a light crunchy exterior, giving way to the tender squid.  The dish was well drained and not oily.


The sashimi was a mixture of tuna, salmon and snapper.  The morsels were small however they were well chilled and didn't have that "fishy" smell that always raises the alarm bells when I'm about to eat raw seafood.

ume bento, sakura bento

For mains we each ordered from the selection of bento on offer.  I enjoy bento as there is usually a range of small portions that leave you feeling satisfied, and not like you've over eaten.


I find a cold beer always goes well with Japanese food, and I was pleased to find Yebisu was now available at Meshiya.  Yebisu is a genuine import from Japan and often difficult to find in Melbourne, so you are usually left to decide if you would rather drink Asahi from Thailand or Sapporo from Canada.

All in all the food at Meshiya is good value and I have never had a bad experience there.
So if you are heading back to the QV carpark after a big day shopping and you are feeling a little peckish, I suggest you give Meshiya a try.

- harajuku32.