Andrew Carstensen  


Cylindrical Recordings by Andrew Carstensen

October 2021 - Cylindrical Recordings

October 2021 - Andrew Carstensen

Original

About the Image(s)

Information:

Camera: Fujifilm X-E3
Lens: 45mm
Shutter Speed: 1/17
Exposure Settings: F 16
Editing Software: Luminar AI
Focus: Manual focus
Tripod: Yes


Here’s a shot converted to monochrome of an old music box. I’m using the Fujifilm X-E3, a borrowed camera, and a tripod in place of my Canon G5. This box can play eight different songs, the cylinder will slightly shift to the right after a song which lines up the whiskers for the next tune.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
8 comments posted




Jessica Manelis   Jessica Manelis
Very nice image. I also love shooting old stuff...tools, sinks, etc. I agree that monochrome was the way to go. I am wondering if you added a little clarity/sharpening if that would make some of the texture come out a little more? Give it a more vintage feel.   Posted: 10/11/2021 12:31:46



Cindy Lynch   Cindy Lynch
What an interesting subject. Your faocus and details are spot-on and your crop/composition is very good. My only suggestion is to add a vignette to keep the viewer's eye in the frame.   Posted: 10/11/2021 21:27:18



 
I like all the lines, shapes and repetition of your image and your choice to convert it to monochrome which usually shows more texture. I would suggest bringing the black point down a little more and increasing the contrast if you want to bring up even more of the texture. It would give it a more vintage look as Jessica suggested.   Posted: 10/13/2021 15:26:00



Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
Good choice to frame just the central working parts. Was this a motor drive or manual? Was this a museum object? If so, please tell a little about the museum. Your explanation of how eight songs are coded on one cylinder is fascinating.   Posted: 10/15/2021 18:02:57
Andrew Carstensen   Andrew Carstensen
Hello,
This music box is spring powered with a manual crank. Originally on a slot machine I heard. My grandfather was a salesman for Texaco and picked it up in Telluride, CO. My parents placed it in the Telluride Museum where it stayed for some time. To me, it's a craftsman's work of art.   Posted: 10/18/2021 18:06:30



Nelson Charette   Nelson Charette
Very nice, and interesting image. I like all the texture and lines. Maybe bring up the clarity or texture a bit.   Posted: 10/26/2021 09:21:46



Mary Hinsen   Mary Hinsen
Hi Andrew - this is a very interesting image with its lines and textures, and I love seeing the workings of the music box in detail. I agree with the above suggestions and think a little selective sharpening would enhance the vintage feel.   Posted: 10/26/2021 20:10:34



Bob Crocker   Bob Crocker
Nice image Andrew and I appreciate the Telluride history as well. I luv shooting these old mechanical things, it really does make you appreciate the craftsmanship that went into it. Others have mentioned sharpening clarity adjustments that I agree would improve the shot, esp. I wish that large gear on the left were sharper, it's such a prominent feature.   Posted: 10/28/2021 12:29:30