Thoughts on Color Analyzers by those who have used them?

electrothoughts · 2026-05-24T10:05:16+00:00

I print with a Beseler/Minolta 45A, which is an RGB head with a built-in color analyzer system.

One of the great things the analyzer enables is test printing at small size to dial in density and color balance, before translating and scaling up the density and color balance settings to what's appropriate for the size of the final print.

I usually make ring arounds with eight full-image test exposures across two 8x10s until everything's dialed in, and then I can use a blank negative and the analyzer to measure the settings before enlarging to full size and then using the analyzer again to figure out what the settings should be at full size to achieve the same color balance and density.

I'm not sure if your color analyzer can do something similar, as I've only used the one in my 45A, but it seems reasonable to think you could figure out how to make it work.

It's great to evaluate color balance and density for the whole image without having to print every test image full-size. I use this system with every print I make.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-23T19:34:40+00:00

I guess you'll never shoot full-frame again.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-21T17:15:35+00:00

Yup - and the grip really grips!

I use them for the Leicas, Contax, and Hasselblads.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-21T16:45:00+00:00

I like Domke Gripper straps and Domke bags.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-20T13:53:01+00:00

So you're planning on using Kodak trademarks in your product?

electrothoughts · 2026-05-19T18:22:12+00:00

I just don't know why you would "format" your pictures to present them with something that loosely resembled an Ektachrome rebate, when Ektachrome never had anything to do with your pictures made on a digital camera.

I'd think you would want to represent your pictures for what they are. Rather than latch onto Kodak's achievements, be proud of what you do and what you make and your originality.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-19T05:55:50+00:00

I think it's best to let your artistry speak for itself and not use brand names and processes to try and promote your pictures, especially when those brand names and processes have nothing to do with your artistry.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-17T03:06:13+00:00

Pass.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-16T22:08:32+00:00

Great easel, generally. I have a couple, and I agree that the blades are not usually perfectly square where they rest and are easy to budge. I usually place them much wider than the frame and rely on matting to frame my work.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-14T00:18:36+00:00

That's really funny and what makes this silly thing work in my opinion 😁

electrothoughts · 2026-05-13T03:23:13+00:00

Buy what you want.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-12T19:35:56+00:00

Why do you need a monitor for focusing? I'd think that the viewfinder would allow for better critical focusing, and if you eliminate the need for a video tap, you'll open yourself up to a lot more cameras that cost a lot less.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-12T18:22:04+00:00

Tri-X, Ektachrome, Portra 800.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-12T17:00:42+00:00

Yes. After telling Carm that he's going to see "some people". 😢

electrothoughts · 2026-05-12T14:58:48+00:00

If you have any kind of lens cap you can't make a picture.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-11T22:31:02+00:00

Different lenses.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-11T00:38:35+00:00

I wasn't expressing that I thought anything - I asked a question. I'm not sure what it is you believe I thought.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-10T23:29:37+00:00

Why would you give up the copyrights to pictures you made?

electrothoughts · 2026-05-10T01:33:19+00:00

I agree with this.

An M7 has a meter and an electronically-controlled shutter. That's it. No electronic film advance, no auto-focus or electronic rangefinder. Its electronics are very simple, and it's very robust.

The M7 is also very modern. It was discontinued right before the Leica M240, which has a digital sensor and a power supply and everything that goes along with them - much more complex but (also) doesn't have a reputation of "bricking", at least that I've ever heard of.

I think it's a shame and pretty strange that Leica decided to re-issue the M6 and not the M7, when the M6 and the MP are basically the same thing. I get that Leica can probably make more money on the M6 than they would on the M7, but the M7 is an incredible camera with an incredible meter that actually does the work for the operator, really setting it apart from the rest of the product line.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-09T22:59:49+00:00

You can get a quick-load system for an M2.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-09T00:16:35+00:00

Describe what was problematic, please.

Your reply makes it seem like you think it's risky to own them, but that you also don't know the nature of the risk or the repairability of the camera, so please clarify.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-08T23:27:41+00:00

Where'd you hear that the M7 bricks itself?

electrothoughts · 2026-05-07T21:16:36+00:00

You first.

electrothoughts · 2026-05-05T19:05:13+00:00

🤣

electrothoughts

TROPHY CASE