Photographers, cars and
models
Photo by Costantino Florio |
8th PENTAX DAY
(PART
II)
On Sunday
By Alberto Dubini
When hanging the 8th Pentax Day red key ring on my
camera bag I realized I was really there, too; member No. 421 Alberto
Dubini, registered and present!
First I want to thank Dario and Ermanno for asking me
to write the report of the Pentax Day 2003 together with Stefano Sagna,
and many thanks to Dino for convincing my wife to come with me to Salice
Terme. For me, it was the first time, so I was walking uncertain among
many people with cameras hanging from their necks or, more discreetly,
from their shoulders. With a strong desire to know better the likes of me,
I observed them. Sharing looks, exchanging "good morning" while
glancing to the hung tool, and then a warm hello with Dario, Ermanno, Dino
and Massimo, whom I’ve known for some time.
So Sunday began to flow at Salice Terme early in the
morning in the main hall of the conference center, where members’
pictures were already on show, Dario was placing the best of Asahi Pentax
production from 1952 to 1980 in chronological sequence, with the help of
Dino and Arnaldo. I heard that the mythical Takumar optics were given
particular attention this time; lenses no longer manufactured and
therefore so very rare.
You could write down a comprehensive list of the
historical equipment on show, up to the LX GOLD, without forgetting the
6x7 with plenty of accessories and 100mm diameter filters, but maybe it is
better you just observe the photos accompanying this article. I will only
say that I saw a screw mount Super-Multi-Coated Takumar 85/1.9 that I
thought did not exist; collectors are sometimes unbelievable.
In the warm hall you could see the Manfrotto, Il
Fotografo, Protege and Ferrania stands. Unfailing and very helpful, the
Pentax check-up by Tecno 2000 tested members’ cameras and lenses all the
day (including my SP II). Well positioned alongside the display cases of
the historical equipment, I found our club table, with everything
necessary for a good managing of the event.
After registration, I could hardly decide among the
available choices: carefully looking at the photo exhibition exchanging
opinions about pictures, visiting exhibitors and especially Protege, which
was giving current Pentax equipment for trying it on field (the tiny Optio
S is a true delight), using my faithful SP II and most of all talking with
members and visitors, since I felt more and more part of a single organism
magically put together by passion. At the beginning I observed in solitary
attention the Pentax historical section, appreciating above all the
beautiful structural harmony of S and SP bodies with their mythical
Takumar eyes that I consider optical-mechanical jewels, to use as soon as
you "wear" them. Time passed quickly in the hall upstairs, among
the photos on display, the exhibitors and members passing at registration
desk. At that point, the two models (selected by Ermanno) and some sport
cars (the red Carletto Lenti’s Ferrari was shining in the sun) were
ready for the shooting session, to great delight of us amateur
photographers.
It was time to go down in order to completely dip in
the Day ritual, fully respecting the uses and the customs of the tribe of
AOHC members and Pentax Day visitors, which at this point I realized I
belonged to. I also got a 12 exposure Ferrania color film roll in order to
enter the small photo competition of the day. There was so much to do to
fully enjoying the day, therefore I hurried hoping of being able to see,
to know, and to do, everything.
In the park there was cool shade under the trees. I
found again myself among some thirty of "colleagues" who were
shooting the girls, the blonde in the sun and the brunette in penumbra,
changing background and supports for their beautiful bodies; tree or
Ferrari, brunette or blonde? My 36 exposure slide roll generously accepted
pictures of both them, while the diaphragm of my Takumar medium telephoto
closed and opened between the sun and the penumbra following the meter
indications. Mr. Lenti and Ermanno were taking care to give the girls
directions for good posing; the scene was nice and I amused myself
photographing the models and everything happening around them. (continued)
|
Photographers, cars and
models
Photo by Alberto Dubini |
