pirates on the willamette...

These "pirate ships" were an attraction at the Portland Rose Festival this year. The passengers boarding the boats in the first photo later motored upriver for an afternoon cruise.

On this day I was using an old British folding camera with a 4-element Ross Xpres lens. I find the image characteristics of the Xpres very interesting. Although the resolution on the light table may not seem especially spectacular under critical examination, the photos themselves often show pleasing depth and character, with lovely vintage qualities.

The camera itself is a bit difficult to work with. Film changes in particular can be quite painful. I think finger nails must have been made of firmer stuff 50 years ago.

Yet these old folders do still make for fun sport, and the Selfix is light and compact and easy to carry on such outings as these.

Waterfront Park, Portland, June 2006.

Ensign Selfix 12-20, Fomapan 400.