The Minolta XG-A is a relatively recent manual focus camera, produced in the early 1980's. The XG-A is a somewhat simple camera, being aperture- priority only, with no full manual exposure capability. This basic camera was oriented towards beginners and those on a budget. It does at least have a provision for exposure compensation, up to +/- 2 stops.
I also have a JC Penny branded 135mm lens. A few decades ago it wasn't uncommon for major department stores to sell photo equipment with their own name on it. I have been unable to identify who actually manufactured this lens, but at least it appears to be multi-coated based on the flash reflections on the glass. It's a solid feeling lens, metal construction and has a nice built-in lens hood.
I took the XG-A back out to Sugarcreek metro park. It's a fairly simple camera to use, although I found that the viewfinder has a low eyepoint, which made it difficult to use with my glasses, as I can't see the corners all that well, and I'd have to shift the camera around to see the shutter speed readout on the side of focus screen.
DaytonOhioSugarcreek parkbirdblack and whiteduckminolta XGAneopan acrosrodinal
The JC Penny 135mm lens appears to be a decent performer, with fairly decent bokeh. It's not a great lens, but I've used far worse. At least it's fairly compact.
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A fall leaf floating on the water. Taken with the JC Penny lens.
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The park has a number of trails going through it, including horse trails, although they understandably want to keep them separated.
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Four hundred year old tree, one of the "Three Sisters" of Sugarcreek.
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Fall 2010
Neopan Acros in Rodinal 1+50DaytonOhioSugarcreek parkbirdblack and whiteduckminolta XGAneopan acrosrodinalsign