Mudan MD-1 Camera: Peony Prince for my Diana Princess :)
written by breakphreak
on January 13th, 2009
, 6 comments
(4 votes)
Look for the closest Chinese photography equipment market (Shanghai this time) and see
which surprises you can get your hands on :) “Mudan” means “Peony” in Chinese, and here we stop the part of historical background. Sorry. Simply because there is a very few
info over the Internet and I’ve tried some google translations from both Chinese and
Japanese. Could get only two fact: the camera “Mudan MD-1” had been manufactured in the northern Chinese town, called “Dandong”. Also, the seller said that the camera is about
30 years old (like me more or less :) I would be happy to know more.
Now, about the camera. Tech specs: shutter speeds from 1 sec to 1/300 (“B” included),
aperture from 3.5 to 22. Mechanical self-timer is available. Multiple exposure is
possible. Release shutter can be attached. Flash cable can be connected. The multi-
coated lens states 75 focal distance and 3.5 the native aperture. Both 120 and 220
films are supported. Both 6×6 and 6×4.5 formats are supported. The viewfinder is enriched with the magnifying glass. From the personal experience the
seen picture is still a bit dull, especially in the corners, so the glass helps a lot.
Well, I must admit: this is the first time I’ve tried the TLR with “serious” intentions
:) The picture is crystal clear and sharp (assuming I’ve got enough time to set a
proper distance). Thanks to the depth of field, it like ripping out the main elements
from the reality. The viewfinder allows to observe the future pic to improve the
composition even better. The point-just-shoot-don’t-think paradigm is also trickier
here, since much more effort needs to be put for the sharp focus. The shutter speed is
adjustable, which simply means a greater films diversity (even slow films can result
with a decent pics for indoor shooting).
Still getting used to the new gear, enjoying both the functionality and the look (30
y.o. vintage brown leather case – just like whiskey :) Some images are attached, more
will follow. Boost!
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