Duelling With Wax Bullets

New York 1909

New York 1909

New York 1909

New York 1909

Rollei 35 LED - The Smart Camera

The Rollei 35 series of cameras are very smart! Agent 86 would have approved.

I had great fun using a Rollei 35 LED at the seaside last week. It's fiddly and fun. Lots of things to pull and twist, settings to set and winders to wind. When everything has been adjusted, the green LED lights up in the big viewfinder and you're ready to go.

Rollei 35 LED

The quality of these cameras is very high. Finely machined alloy components that still feel tight after many years service. There's a satisfying heft as well, it's no featherweight. But it's the design that shines like a beacon. To make the smallest 35mm camera in the world (it still is), a camera the size of a cigarette packette, the designers started from scratch. Everything about these cameras is new, different and innovative. It works like a charm and I love it.

End of the Pier with a Rollei 35 LED - Tim Irving

You Should Know This

African Kitchen - Tim Irving

In East Africa, right at this moment 9 million people are suffering from a drought that has lasted 3 years. It's the worst drought in 60 years, it's a disaster. 

I've visited this part of the world and can tell you that those suffering are in general, honest and hard working people. They include mothers, fathers, the old and the young. They have a sense of humour, like music, art, eating, drinking and gossiping. In fact they're like you and me, and our neighbours.

On a personal level I feel a terrible sadness for the people suffering. I have a feeling of impotence, in that I can't do something directly useful. I've done what I can do. I've given some money via a charity and hope it helps someone. Maybe you can do the same. Type famine into Google and take your pick of the charities.

Heavenly Hollywood Portraits

Louise Brooks (1929) by Eugene Robert Richee

Glamour of the Gods is an exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, London. It is Hollywood portraiture from the industry's 'Golden Age', the period 1920 to 1960. From Greta Garbo and Clark Gable to Audrey Hepburn, James Dean and Marilyn Monroe. If I have to pick a favourite it's Louise Brooks above.

Using Old Film

Post Box, 1988 Truprint Film - Tim Irving