Blue Moon Camera and Machine

We’re still obsessed with this combo 😛 The M7’s Auto mode makes the most of this MS Optics 17mm f4.5 Perar-R pancake lens for street photography. These handmade lenses have a unique feel that is made possible by Miyazaki san’s artisanal, low-volume production. This particular lens is serial # 008 and is currently available in our shop and online — surely this is the perfect setup for one of your summer adventures!
All samples shot with this lens and Ilford Delta 3200 😄

The Nikon 35Ti feels like an appropriate cocktail hour camera — the sleek titanium design and analog dials give it a sophisticated presence. This clean example will be out for sale soon after we finish filming testing :)

Rolleiflex 2.8E and Tele Rollei - TTLR! We have some beautiful Rolleiflex cameras working their way through our queue, you’ll see them hit our shelves in a few weeks. In the meantime, we are carefully film testing these classic machines to ensure they are in perfect working order for their next lucky owners. What’s your favorite Rolleiflex?

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Which is your favorite Leica M camera? The M7 was somewhat unloved in its day (these cameras were available new through 2018) but has all the qualities of a future classic. It’s the only Leica M with an aperture-priority Auto mode, and it has DX coding, making it a great choice for travel photography. And yes, we have a clean M7 currently in stock for your summer adventures 🌞

Happy Film Friday people!

Today's Film Friday is extra special. Not only are we featuring every 120 film that Kodak is currently producing but we have an extra incentive on top of the usual Film Friday discount! For every five rolls of Kodak 120 film you buy today we will be including a bonus roll of Kodak Gold 200 (in 120 of course) when we fill your order. You can buy a solid pro-pack of one film or mix and match five different kinds (there are nine Kodak 120 films to choose from by the way). And this incentive is not limited to one free roll either. Buy 10 or 15 or 50 rolls of 120 Kodak today and you will get that bonus roll of Gold 200 for each multiple of 5.

Kodak is working to incentivize greater 120 sales. They reduced the price on many of their 120 films late last year, then opted to not include those films in their annual price increase. Now they are allotting batches of Gold 200 in 120 for shops like us to bonus out to photographers like you.

The stable of Kodak 120 films is such a great lineup of emulsions that we don't have the space here to go over them all. Tri-X is a classic of course. TMax 100 and 400 are arguably the finest grained, sharpest and highest resolving films on the market in their speeds. The Portras are pretty much the perfect color films for every situation. Ektar 100 is a wonderful landscape film with lots of punch and is our go-to film for pinhole cameras. Gold 200 is the newest 120 film from Kodak and has really grown on us, offering a different palette than Portra and great bang-for-the-buck. And E100 is a great all-around slide film and looks amazing in medium format (120 slides are soooo cool).

So stock up on some Kodak 120 film today, save 15% and earn yourself a free roll to boot! Hit our site, the films will be already priced down for you! (FYI - We'll be handling the free Gold 200 rolls on the backend, so don't worry about adding those to your cart on your end).

Sample images in order: Portra 160, TMax 100, Portra 400, TMax 400, Portra 800, Tri-X, Ektar 100, Gold 200 and E100.

Big boi alert 🚨 We love the Pentax 6x7, especially with the wooden grip! This grip appears to be a modern replica, first one we have seen.

This camera and lens combo is currently available in our shop, and these kits never last long. The 90mm f2.8 LS is an interesting lens, as it has its own leaf shutter (similar to Hasselblad lenses) that allows flash sync up to 1/500th. What’s your favorite 6x7 camera?

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Which one are you taking - Pentax K1000 custom repainted in olive green or reskinned with green leather? Both of these lovely machines are in stock, just back from a full service by the talented Michael Knight.

So, have you been looking at all the bright colors of spring blossoms and thinking “Tone it down a bit will ya?” If this unlikely scenario is the case, then this week’s Film Friday will be a perfect match!⁠
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Lomochrome Metropolis is the third entry in Lomography’s Lomochrome series of films. All these color films work quite a bit differently than standard color emulsions. In the case of Metropolis, the film presents muted, drab colors with deep shadows. It has a bit of a faded and grungy look to it that some have described as “film noir in color”. You could also think of it as a bit steampunkish if that works for you.⁠
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Metropolis is an odd but interesting film and it is one we are still working on getting familiar with. It seems to fit urban and industrial scenes really well and we have had some fun with it with nighttime cityscapes, especially where color neon lighting is involved. In that sense, if you commonly shoot urban night stuff with Cinestill 800T then Metropolis may also work really well for you.⁠
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The spirit of Film Friday is always about trying new films and getting out of our ruts. It is why we rotate through our film inventory. Here is a chance to try a quirky color film that a lot of you probably have not experimented with yet. As extra incentive you will find Metropolis discounted automatically by the 15% Film Friday discount all day today. Hit the link in our bio or head straight to our website. We have Metropolis in 35mm, 120 and even 110.

Can you guess the camera? (Spoiler next slide 😛)

The Exakta 66 “Vertical” is an interesting camera. Built by Exakta in Germany starting in 1953, it eschewed the traditional horizontal film transport layout, instead using vertically-traveling interchangeable film backs. This design gives the camera its “tall” appearance, which is somewhat similar to the later (and unrelated) Kowa 66 cameras.

The Exakta 66 was an advanced SLR system camera for its day, with shutter speeds to 1/1000th and a lengthened, split mirror design to provide a bright image on the domed focusing screen. Unfortunately, reliability issues were prevalent from the start, and lack of commercial success lead to infighting between Exakta’s engineers and sales department. While the camera was still available for sale new in 1958, no more than a few thousand Exakta 66 “Vertical” models ever left the factory.

Today it is very uncommon to see one of these rare beasts, especially in working condition. Does anyone know of a repair technician who services the Exakta 66? Let us know! 💙

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What’s your favorite adapted-lens setup? This striking Kodak 178mm f2.5 “Aero Ektar” was originally a military aerial reconnaissance lens and arrived at our store in a custom Hasselblad 1000f mount. Shot wide open at f2.5 the Aero Ektar displays incredible circular bokeh, an ephemeral glow in the highlights, and beautiful plasticity (the transition between focus zones). This combination makes it a highly sought-after lens for portrait work, which is somewhat ironic given its original application as a military optic.

Look at what walked into the shop yesterday! Which kit are you taking — Leica M4 with 2.8cm f5.6 Summaron or 50mm f2 Summicron v5?

We enjoyed seeing these two distinguished gents out for a morning photo walk. Oh, and it was nice to see Jim and Arno as well 😝

We’re going to be featuring more customer camera kits on this page — come in to the shop and show us what you’re using :)

Which camera do you trust with your most precious memories? For staff member Gabriel, it’s his Leica M4 black chrome with 35mm f1.4 Summilux “Pre-ASPH.”

“This was the last walk I took through the family almond orchard, planted in the same year of my birth. The trees no longer produce enough to be profitable, so they were ripped out this year and replaced with tomato plants. I will miss this grove and the space it gave me to imagine and play as a child. Many of my first photographs were taken here.”

Leica cameras are investments in a lifetime of careful seeing. Blue Moon Camera is pleased to offer a diverse stock of Leica bodies, lenses, and accessories — all tested and ready to go. Stop by our store and we can help get you set up with the perfect outfit 💙

Does a crystal Hasselblad supply Blue Moon Camera with power? We can neither confirm or deny these rumors 😛

What we can confirm is our excellent stock of clean, film tested, warrantied Hasselblad gear. From 500C/M kits to EL models, film backs, lenses, and accessories, we can get you set up with the finest in Swedish photo engineering. Spring is here - what are you waiting for? 🇸🇪

Our second Argus C3 “Blue Moon Special” has just hit inventory :) In case you missed the last one, this C3 has been lovingly restored and covered in beautiful Moroccan Blue leather by our technician Michael Knight. Head to our site or come see this bright blue brick in person 💙

Do you have a favorite camera setup for hiking? This Leica IIIg custom repainted in stunning “bumper car” grey metallic powder coat by our technician Michael Knight is one of our picks. The Light Lens Lab 35mm f2 collapsible helps to keep the kit compact while maintaining high resolution.

If you’re interested in the custom repaint cameras we offer, search “custom” or “repaint” on our site. Or come try one out in person in our store 😊

The Canon J-II may be appear at first glance to be an unassuming “Leica copy,” but it is in fact one of the rarest Canon cameras ever made. Just 525 Canon J-II cameras were built in the immediate postwar period, assembled from leftover parts from the wartime Canon S. Intended as a cut-to-basics civilian model, the J-II has no rangefinder or slow shutter speed dial, and even used pressed black cardboard rather than leather for the body covering to cut costs.

Unlike the many Canon LTM cameras to follow it, the J-II does not use the standard M39 “screw mount,” instead utilizing a unique 39mm “J Mount” with different thread pitch. This means that Leica and even Canon M39 lenses cannot be mounted to the J-II. This J-II is equipped with its original Nippon-Kogaku 5cm f3.5 Nikkor lens — that’s right, a Canon camera that shipped new with a Nikon lens. Even more scarce are the original Bakelite “Canon Seiki” lens hood and case also seen here.

This amazing Canon J-II set is a fascinating piece of history and is now available on our site. Or come check it out in person in our shop!

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Tonight! Join us from 6-8pm at BMC to celebrate the opening of Jon Pleasant’s show Istanbul. These silver gelatin prints were handmade by Jon in the darkroom over the last decade during frequent visits to the Turkish metropolis. Come see this new artwork gracing our walls, mingle with fellow film folks, and meet the artist! We would love to see you all.

6-8pm @ Blue Moon Camera & Machine
8417 N Lombard St
Light snacks and refreshments provided :)

If you know, you know. Two rare twins getting some exercise in the nicer weather earlier this week. We have some great 4x4 “baby” TLR content coming soon, stay tuned. Have you ever shot with 127 film?

What’s your favorite go-everywhere, do-anything camera? Ours might be the Yashica T4. The Zeiss 35mm f3.5 Tessar (built under license by Kyocera) delivers stellar results and the rounded shape slides easily into pocket. Prices on T4s have risen steadily, but few other cameras can boast the same combination of image quality and convenience. Which compact camera is in your bag?

Blue Moon Camera is pleased to present the Argus C3 “Blue Moon Special.” This camera has been fully overhauled by our technician Mike Knight and re-covered in this brilliant blue leather special for us ☺️

It’s incredible how much more usable the iconic Argus “Brick” is after a proper service: smooth focus and bright rangefinders are not usually associated with the C3, but this camera boasts both. This very first BMC C3 Special is already out for sale in our store, and there will be more to come!

We have a fun (and free) event coming up for those of you wanting to get a bit quirky with your analog photography and to try something new. In collaboration with we are holding a Diana F+ workshop/walkabout! Lomography USA is generously providing both loaner Diana F+ cameras along with their unique Lomochrome films. ⁠
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The event will kick off with an overview of the Diana camera and how to load and use it. Then we’ll take a stroll around the St. Johns neighborhood making photos. We’ll return to Blue Moon Camera to break for lunch while we get participants film developed and then after we all get back from lunch we will take a shot at scanning your newly processed film using the Lomography DigitaLIZA. You will get to take your home negatives, some quick film scans and the memories of a fun Sunday spent with others!⁠
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Space is limited though and capped at 15 participants to make sure we have enough cameras for everyone. Please call us at the shop, e-mail or DM us to RSVP!⁠
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Diana F+ & Lomochrome Workshop⁠
Sunday, March 24th, 9:30am - 3:00pm⁠
Meet at Blue Moon Camera and Machine

The Contax G2 always stands out wrapped in its beautiful titanium finish. Of course, this camera’s advanced capabilities (such as a maximum shutter speed of 1/6000th) match its lustrous exterior. It’s amazing that the G system is 30 years old (the G1 came out in 1994) — these cameras still feel so high tech! Have you shot with the G2? We have a lovely kit in stock if you’re looking 😇

Do you have a favorite camera bag? 💼 The way we carry our equipment can have a huge effect on our photography, especially when it comes to film gear. Do you use one bag for everything, or different cases for specific uses? We’d love to see your current carry setups, send a pic and we’ll feature on our story!

👀 Custom white and gloss black Pentax K1000s 👀
Repainted by our technician Michael Knight and available soon 😎

Best pocket camera for snowshoeing to a frozen alpine lake? The Olympus Pen EES-2 is a cute, lightweight choice that makes 72 “half frame” images on 36-exposure roll. The Zuiko 30mm f2.8 lens is surprisingly sharp, and full-time auto exposure provided by the selenium cell (no batteries) makes it a true point-and-shoot. Which small cameras do you like to hike with?

We just got some sample film from Mr. Negative all the way from Australia! Based in Melbourne, Mr. Negative offers a growing lineup of cinema films with unique, eye-catching packaging. We’re checking out the 700S first, a familiar tungsten-balanced, 800 ISO film that Mr. Negative recommends we shoot at ISO 400 in daylight. We’ll share our results here soon with you all :)

We love the Widelux, but this camera has one of the most convoluted film paths in the game. Is there another roll film camera that is as hard to load? 😅The unusual design makes the rotating drum possible and the Widelux produces stunning, otherworldly images. It really is one of the most entertaining cameras to challenge yourself with.It does have some quirks, film loading demo coming soon. And yes this F7 will be available shortly ✨

Is the Widelux the hardest roll film camera to load?

Lots of people are familiar with the Hassleblad V-Series cameras — the iconic 500C and 500C/M - but fewer folks know about the focal plane Hasseblads that preceded them, the 1600F and 1000F. These cameras marked Hassleblad’s arrival on the world stage and defined the design of Victor Hasseblad’s revolutionary new modular cameras. While reliability issues with the razor-thin stainless steel shutter curtain mean few of these cameras are shooting today, there is a trove of vintage Zeiss and Kodak glass that makes using these rare machines a joy. Have you ever shot with a 1000F?

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Today, F is for Film and Friday and Ferrania!⁠
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It is all about Ferrania P30 today! And this will be the first Film Friday for P30 in 120 format as well!⁠
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Ferrania P30 has a distinctively moody look to it, with strong contrast, silvery midtones and very fine grain. You might think its 80 ISO speed a bit of a hindrance in these winter months but if you have a fast enough lens, a good tripod, or stick to the midday hours we have made a number of P30 images during the winter months that we have quite enjoyed. The film’s natural contrast blends well with the moodiness of these dark days. Then again, it is a perfectly fine film to stay tucked into the warm studio with making dramatic portraits.⁠
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We are offering our usual Film Friday incentive today and have Ferrania P30 in both 35mm and 120 on discount for you. Hit the link in our bio, or head directly to our website, or come say hi at the shop and get some of this stuff. It is a lot of fun.

We have an update: the opening for Per Bjesse’s new show The Swim Cure at Blue Moon Camera will be next Saturday, Jan. 27th! We’re excited to celebrate this work with you all in better weather next weekend. As always drinks and snacks will be provided, and this is a great opportunity to meet other members of our lovely film community. See you there!