Port visit: L-400 TCG Anadolu

The Turkish drone carrier TCG Anadolu was anchored in the harbour of Rotterdam this weekend. This was the perfect opportunity to pay the Anadolu a visit and learn more about its aviation assets.

The flight deck of TCG Anadolu

Steadfast Dart 2026

TCG Anadolu had just returned from NATO exercise Steadfast Dart 2026 in the Baltic Sea. With Türkiye in command of NATO's Amphibious Task Force and Landing Force in 2026 and 2027 it contributed four ships to the task force. In addition to TCG Anadolu, the flag ship of the task force, frigates TCG Istanbul and TCG Orucreis and fleet replenishment ship TCG Derya were part of the Turkish contribution.

Anadolu is the biggest ship in the Turkish navy and combines amphibious assault and light carrier functions. Built as a Juan Carlos I class amphibious assault ship it was commissioned in 2023. It is the first ship built from the start to operate a fleet of unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) from its flight deck and as such brought a new element to Steadfast Dart. 

Air Wing

The air wing of the Anadolu consists of four aircraft types. It is centered around the Bayraktar TB-3 Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV), of which three operated from the Anadolu. Additional air power comes from three AH-1W Cobra helicopter gunships. Troop transport is handled by three Turkish Army AS.532UL Cougar helicopters and one S-70B Sea Hawk in support of naval operations.

AH-1W on deck

Flight line

Another AH-1W

During my visit two AH-1W Cobras and all three AS.532UL Cougars were on the flight deck. The rest of the fleet was tucked away in the hangar below deck.

A TB-3 in the ship's hangar

Another TB-3

An AH-1W below deck

The third TB-3 of the air wing

The sole S-70B Sea Hawk helicopter

TB-3 operations

The TB-3 made its operational debut during Steadfast Dart 2026. Baytar Technology, the manufacturer of the TB-3, supplied me with a couple of photos for publication. Shown is a TB-3 operating from the deck of Anadolu during Steadfast Dart on February 18th, 2026. Although not my photos, these shots are interesting enough to include them.

Click on photos to enlage.

Camera review: The Pentax 67II

It's the biggest camera in my arsenal and it still hasn't been reviewed here. What? This is where we change that!

An F-84F preserved at the former Luftwaffe base in Memmingen. The original scan of this 6x7 negative has a 55.5 megapixel count! (since sized down for this blog)

The Pentax 6x7 generations

It all started with the mother of all medium format 67 cameras in 1966. In that year the prototype Pentax 220 was introduced at the Photokina event. This was developed into the first generation Asahi Pentax 6x7 (called Honeywell Pentax 6x7 for the US market) that was released in 1969. This was basically a blown-up version of the Pentax Electro Spotmatic (ES) series with an interchangeable view prism and shooting 120/220 film instead of 135. In 1976 a second generation model called the Pentax 6x7 (MLU) was released, this featured a mirror lock-up system. This was followed in 1990 by the third generation Pentax 67. This featured some cosmetic changes. The fourth and last version was released in 1999 and this is the Pentax 67II. This is a thoroughly modernised version with introduced a hand grip on the right side of the camera body, new digital displays on the outside and in the viewfinder and a departure from the fragile light-metering system of the previous generations. Also aperture priority exposure metering was possible for the first time with the Pentax 67II.

Photo: Joeri van Veen

Specifications

Camera:                Pentax 67II

Built:                    1999-2009

Mount:                  Pentax 67

Shutter speeds:     4 seconds - 1/1.000th of a second, B manual, 30 sec. - 1/1.000th of a second, auto

Self timer:            no

Size:                     Huge! Okay, 185,5 mm wide, 151 mm high and 106 mm deep

Light metering:     yes, TTL auto exposure control

Hot shoe:              no

Battery:                2x CR123A

Photo: Joeri van Veen

Using the Pentax 67II

The Pentax 67II feels like a giant film SLR and it pretty much functions as such. If you were ascending into the world of medium format and already familiar with classic pre-AF 135 cameras like the Pentax Spotmatic or K1000 you'd have no problem operating any Pentax 67 model camera. Yes, it is huge, the mirror slaps harder than your girlfriend when she's mad at you and said mirror is probably bigger than the one in your bathroom but it is such a joy to use. The shutter sound is not too loud and actually very pleasing. 

Photo: Joeri van Veen

All Pentax 67 cameras use 120 and 220 medium format film. These days you'll likely only use 120 film as 220 film has been discontinued but if you are that lucky son of a gun that has some expired 220 film in your freezer you're good to go shooting it with this camera. Due to the way it is built - like a giant SLR - there is no option to digitize the 67II body. Personally I don't mind. With the advent of digital medium format cameras we have those options elsewhere. Of course, you can always scan your negatives and quite frankly, using a 67II like a digital camera is not what it is about. 

 

Photo: Joeri van Veen

With the Pentax 67II you are slowing your photography. With only ten photos on a roll of 120 film you become selective, considerate, almost meditative when shooting. And each time that shutter slaps you just know that it is going to be good.

Photo: Joeri van veen

In the field

As part of our Atlantikwall series Joeri van Veen and I set out for those giant bunkers once again last weekend. This time I brought the Pentax 67II with me, together with the Super-Multi-Coated-Takumar 55mm f/3.5 wide angle lens and the Super-Multi-Coated-Takumar 105mm f/2.4 standard lens. Below you'll find some images of that photo shoot.

Click on the images to enlarge

The last photo of 2025

So it's 16:28 hours on December 31st, 2025 and I have just finished my last photo of 2025. While the younglings are still pretending to be Merry and Pippin messing about with fireworks on Bilbo's birthday it seems they have lost some of their enthusiasm as it is quieter than the years before. But hey, the day is still young! 😁 I have however retired for the day and am about to enjoy my evening.

So here is that last photo, shot with my EOS 90D fitted with the new to me 35mm lens I'll be using for the FFP in 2026.

Cheers!

I want to thank you all for visiting my blog this year, may 2026 be a good year for all of you! Happy New Year!

Achtung Panzer - Breda's Polish tank

Nowadays it is unusual to see a World War Two German tank as a symbol of sacrifice and friendship, but when Polish soldiers presented the Dutch city of Breda with a captured tank in 1945 it was certainly meant as such.

The 'Polish Tank', in fact a German Pz.Kpfw.V Panther Ausf. D with hull number 534 black.

Breda was liberated by the 1st Polish Armoured Division under General Stanisław Maczek, attached to the First Canadian Army, on the 29th of October, 1944. To commemorate this, on the 29th of October, 1945 the 1st Polish Armoured Division presented the city of Breda with a captured German Panther tank. 

Known as the Poolse tank (Polish tank) in Breda this particular Panther tank was 'liberated' from the Krupp testing facility in Meppen, Germany, where it was used as a test vehicle during the war. It is quite a rare find these days, it is the only Panther Ausf. D tank in existence today. 

534 black partly hidden by the trees.

Another shot of 534 black, the only surviving Ausf. D.

This Pz.Kpfw.V Panther Ausf. D has hull number 534 black. Usually, the first digit (5) would mean the 5th company of the 2nd tank battalion (the 1st battalion of a Panzer division would have numbers 1-4, the 2nd numbers 5-8). The second digit (3) would mean the tank is from the 3rd platoon and the third digit (4) would mean the 4th tank within the platoon. But as said, this tank was captured as a test tank in Meppen. Had it seen frontline service before that? Sources differ on this matter. Its manufacturer serial number is KMY 212-583 according to one source. The D model of the Panther tank was the first production model and 842 were built between January and September 1943. 

Dit geschenk van de Polen wordt in de hoede van het publiek aanbevolen

Miastu Breda 1 Pol.Dyw.Panc 29.X.1945.R

There are two plaques on the tank and one sign in front of it. The first plaque reads Miastu Breda 1 Pol.Dyw.Panc 29.X.1945.R (City of Breda 1st Polish Armoured Division 29/10/1945) and was added by the Polish liberators. The second plaque was added by the city of Breda and reads Dit geschenk van de Polen wordt in de hoede van het publiek aanbevolen (This gift from the Poles is given in the care of the people). The same text is also written on the sign in front of the tank.

A good view of the thick frontal armor of 534 black. 

This Panther was given to Breda in full working order. Over the years several bits and bobs were removed by "private collectors" and the tank was in need of a proper restoration in the early 2000s. In exchange for the engine, gear box and the turret engine of 534 black to use in their restoration of Panther 158-134 the Wheatcroft Collection restored the Polish tank in 2003-2004.

Click on the photographs to enlarge

Frugal Film Project 2026 - I'll be back!

These are the dark days before Christmas, days in which I muse about my (film) photography plans for 2026. One of the things I'm thinking about is participating in the Frugal Film Project (FFP) next year. The Frugal Fulm Project, you know, that project that shows that you don't need fancy gear to get great photographs. Now don't get me wrong, I love fancy gear. But this project invites you to be creative with an affordable kit. The rules are simple: Get yourself a camera/lens combination under $ 75 and use affordable film, shoot one film a month and share your results at the Frugal Film Project '26 page. The group currently has 805 members.

My FFP 2026 kit.

I've been discussing this with my friends Joeri van Veen and the Old Camera Guy and after thinking it over I've decided that this will be the gear for FFP 2026:

The camera

I opted for the Canon EOS 1000N. The EOS 1000N was released in 1992 as an improved version of the EOS 1000. The EOS 1000N, known in the Americas as the EOS Rebel II, is a no-frills SLR equipped with autofocus. It has one focus point and no in-built flash. Prices are about € 10 to € 15 these days although mine was a gift.

Specifications:

Camera:                        Canon EOS 1000N/Rebel II

Built:                            1990s

Mount:                          EF

Shutter speeds:             30-1/2000 seconds, B

Self timer:                    yes

Auto DX:                       yes

Exposure modes:           Av, Tv, P, M

Film speeds                   ISO 6 - ISO 6400

Battery:                        one 2CR5

The lenses

The lenses I am planning to use are the Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM and the Canon EF 35mm f/2.0. I bought the 24-85mm for € 60 and this lens gives me a little more flexibility than the 28-80mm kit lens. The 35mm was introduced in 1990, is a newcomer to the project and was a gift. Its minimal focus distance is 0,25 meter which is a plus over the 24-85mm.

Specifications Canon EF 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5 USM:

Focal length:                        24-85mm

Minimal focus distance:        0.5 meters

Aperture:                             f/3.5-4.5 - f/22

Aperture blades:                  6

Diameter:                            67mm

Mount:                                EF

Manufacturer:                     Canon

Built:                                  1996-2009

Specifications Canon EF 35mm f/2.0:

Focal length:                        35mm

Minimal focus distance:        0.25 meters

Aperture:                             f/2.0 - f/22

Aperture blades:                  5

Diameter:                            52mm

Mount:                                EF

Manufacturer:                     Canon

Built:                                  1990s

The film

My first thought was Fomapan 100 but as I have used black and white film for the project before I might actually use color film this year. That would either be Kodak Gold 200 or Ultra 400. I need to take stock of what I actually have in the fridge and then I'll decide.

Search and rescue helicopters - an introduction

In this series I'll be exploring the world of search and rescue helicopters. As you know, I've got a passion for aviation and love to photograph aircraft wherever they are. I'll be highlighting the helicopters you might see overhead when for instance a medical doctor needs to be flown in fast in an emergency situation or someone is lost out at sea. These are dedicated rescue helicopters but I will also include military search and rescue (SAR), fire brigade and law enforcement helicopters. 

Croatian EC-135 EC-KPA, a rescue helicopter leased from Spain.

Most nations have rescue stations around the country in order to cover their entire country. Take the Netherlands for example, they have seven stations distributed in the northern, western and southern parts of the country. The eastern part is covered by German stations near the border as part of an international agreement. Five of the stations are manned by ANWB Medical Air Assistance crews operating a fleet of EC-135 and EC-145 helicopters. The EC-135's use the call sign Lifeliner and the EC-145's Medic. The other two stations are manned by the Dutch Coast Guard flying AW.189's, they use the call signs Coast Guard and Rescue.

EC-135 D-HZSH from the German Interior Ministry.

Germany is another country with a vast network of rescue stations. There are seven organisations providing rescue service: ADAC Luftrettung (35 stations), DRF Luftrettung (28 stations), the Interior Ministry (12 stations), the Bundeswehr (5 stations), Johanniter Luftrettung (4 stations), Northern Helicopter (3 stations) and Heli-Flight (1 station). Most use the call sign Christoph while the Bundeswehr uses SAR. And like Germany and the Netherlands many states and countries have their own recue network.

I'll be sharing shots in this series whenever I encounter a SAR helicopter on my travels so stay tuned!

Sometimes a SAR aircraft isn't even a helicopter! DHC-8 C-FCGE of the Dutch Coast Guard.

AW.189 9M-BOE of the Malaysian fire department.

Although not part of the organic Dutch SAR coverage the Dutch NH-90NFH's are available as additional SAR aircraft.

Click on the photographs to enlarge

Achtung Panzer - a side project

 Photo projects

A few weeks ago I paid a visit to Vliegbasis Gilze-Rijen in the south of the Netherlands. On my way back I stopped at nearby Breda to see and photograph the 'Polish tank', a local land mark. Monuments like this are not that common in the Netherlands.

The 'Polish tank', actually a German World War Two Panther tank gifted to the city of Breda by its Polish liberators.

Tanks however have always fascinated me. Not as much as aviation but generally whenever I came across a tank I would take a photo of it. I never intended to make a project out of it, but when I started my Atlantikwall project I figured this might well be a companion to that project.

An M4A1E9 Sherman tank displayed at my local military museum.

So when you hear me yell "Achtung Panzer!" you'll know that I have found another tank somewhere.

Click on the photographs to enlage.

Atlantikwall - chapter one

After a slow start this project is gaining traction. Last month Joeri and I visited the Bunker museum in IJmuiden to gain some background knowledge on the Atlantikwall, information that we could incorporate into our project. Last week we returned to that area as there is a collection of Atlantikwall bunkers half buried in the dunes there. Once part of the Vestung IJmuiden (IJmuiden citadel), these once mighty fortifications now seem to function mostly as canvas for intrepid spray can artists. 

On this part of the journey, I opted for the Fujifilm GFX 100S II fitted with the Fujinon GF 45-100mm f/4 LM OIS WR lens. Given that the day was mostly cloudy I wanted black and white images and selected the Fujifilm Acros with red filter film simulation to get that effect.

This is a Krupp built 120mm naval gun dating from 1896. Guns like these would have armed the now empty bunkers. This particular gun was placed aboard the cruiser Hr. Ms. Friesland. When Friesland was taken out of service in 1913 her 120mm cannons were removed and used for coastal defense.

Joeri in action. Check out his thoughts here.

Range finding bunker in front, gun bunker behind.

Buried in the dunes.

What's up doc?

Machine gun position.

Nature always wins.

Click on the photographs to enlarge.

Going forward I intend to add medium format film to this project. I've acquired a couple of Harman Technology rolls especially for this project and will probably use a Pentax 645 or Pentax 67 to shoot them with.