Taking the wrong camera for the job.
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- Wanting to get a different take on a particularly photogenic mountain peak I decide to carry an unusual camera, not one immediately associated with landscape photography. How will this work out and will I regret my decision?
Equipment Used
Minolta Autocord
Ilford XP2 Super
Preview App
Mark II Artists Viewfinder (App Store)
Vlogging Equipment
GoPro Hero 7 Black
Tascam DR05 and Rode Smart Lav
Incidental Music
Soaring Liberation 5 (Epidemic Sound)
Etsy Shop
steveonionspho...
Contact Details
Email: steveonions1@gmail.com Twitter: Steve_ONions / steve_onions Instagram: steveonions1 / steveonions1
For being the 'wrong' camera, the square format worked perfectly. Great images.
I think the point you make in many videos is that the pictures won't come to you, you have to go out and get them, no matter the weather.
Very true Harry, great images are just a 4hr hike away 😀
I started photography in 1960, back when Rollei was king and the Autocord was the poor man's Rollei. over the years I wore out two Autocords, but I still have two working ones. Some of my best photographs were shot on Autocord plus my Weston Master light meter (far better than the built-in meter.) As you point out - that Rokkor lens is brilliant. It was always our best kept secret back in the day, that our Rokkor wide open was sharper than the Rollei (although by f5.6 the Rollei had caught up and was probably sharper at f8 and f11)
One difference - even though I shot a lot of 6x6, I always hated square format and always had 645 horizontal and vertical lines in the focus screen, and always thought in 645, composed in 645 and thought that the 6x6 advantage was never the square format, but that you could mentally change from horizontal 645 to vertical without rotating the camera. The downside was of course the parallax close up. As much as I never liked 6x6, I did love the handling of the Autocord, and the bottom focus lever - that was so much better than the Rollei focus mechanism. Of course Rollei always had an advantage of being better built, it was difficult to wear out Rollei internals, but I proved that the Autocord internals could definitely wear out. Even so, I would choose an Autocord over a Rollei all day long. Now, just like then, the price differential still makes them the poor man's Rollei.
Your photographs demonstrate that the old Autocord can still deliver the money-shots just like it did with fashion and portrait back in the 60's and through to the 90's.
I typically don’t crop my 6x6 shots and prefer the square format in general, it’s just a personal thing. I do like 645 though which is one of the reasons I prefer micro 43 cameras over full frame. I wish there had been more 645 cameras as it’s such a great format.
I had some initial regret about having bought my Autocord but have actually come to thoroughly enjoy shooting with it. I use it for landscapes as well. The images you captured are truly stunning and I would be entirely satisfied were they my own. Thank you for taking the Autocord out and documenting your day with it!
Glad you enjoyed the day out Callie and I hope the Autocord keeps delivering the goods for many years to come 🙂
Glad to see the Autocord in action. Have only shot a testroll with mine but really looking forward to get it out.
The square format on those shots of the rocks and sky were terrific.
Thanks Jack.
Thank you Steve for taking us on this trek, for the Ordnance Survey graphic, and for your unconventional approach with regard to equipment for this shoot. Highly enjoyable. I was particularly taken by the wild ponies, which I've encountered on the Long Mynd in Shropshire. And for those interested, I found this about the ones you filmed: "the Carneddau Mountain range in the Snowdonia National Park is home to a small population of around 300 semi-feral Carneddau ponies whose history stretches back several hundred years. Although they are not designated as a rare breed, they are genetically distinct from the Welsh Mountain pony and carry genes specifically related to hardiness and waterproofing".
Those ponies are one of the main attractions up there. I was surprised by how many were grazing at the bottom of the hill, they move very quietly and providing you keep moving they don’t mind the company.
I used to carry a Mamiya 330 with me when hiking in Yosemite. I found a much lighter, folding Zeiss Ikon 6x6, it folds into pocket size. These are very well made. Some are zone focused and some have a rangefinder.
I’ve got a few folders Richard and they are better for use on the move.
The photo you got when the clouds lifted was just gorgeous.
Thanks Thomas.
I really like the shot at 7:13 where the triangular shape of the rock complements the triangular shape of the mountain right behind it.
Thanks Kory, I’d spotted the composition on an earlier trip and made a beeline for it!
WOW what a breathtaking destination to shoot!!
Glad to see you brought proper clothing for the high ground. Many tourists here in Norway are fooled by the warm conditions down at sea level and have to be rescued from the mountains.
Great video. Thanks for sharing your trip.
I always wear the right gear even for short walks, proper boots are a must and I carry waterproofs even on fair weather days.
I recently acquired a cheap old TLR (CiroFlex), and while I learned on film, it was with SLRs (Minolta). I have enjoyed learning, and really appreciate the added composition work to get a good shot with a non metered TLR. Great shots there.
Thanks James.
I have a ciroflex and the quality of the photos was very good. Just finished another strip down of an autocord and cleaned and rebuilt it. I strip the shutter right down for a full clean. Looking forward to getting out and using it soon..the last one I rebuilt I got amazing sharp photos. The rokkor lenses are very good.
I loved how the foreground rocks mimicked the mountain tops. You are to commended for your perseverance in such challenging conditions. I also appreciated the map view of your route.
Glad you enjoyed the walk Bob, it is one of my favourites.
Love the square format in 120mm . My rolleiflex sl66 is a prize. You can even do Marco with it by reversing the lenses in the camera without an adapter.
Happy memories with the Minolta Autocord in the late 60s just the job for those 20x16 mono prints that I used to do! Thanks for the reminder....
You’re welcome Des.
Beautiful shot of the rocks (first non misty photo with mountains in the background), superb contrast. It is true it is harder to shoot, it forces one to take their time and think through a scene. Of course a handheld light/spot meter is a plus.
Thanks Joey. Once lined up for a shot the Autocord is capable of excellent results. The hard part is reacting quickly to changing light.
You’re lucky I usually end up in the right place without a camera. A phone is not the same at all it has no soul.
Thanks for the video.
Thanks Mike.
Every time I look through the viewfinder of my tlr, I’m blown away. It has a magical quality imo, and the photos are proof positive that you took the right camera!
Hi Steve, I am in amazement of your videos what a climber you are, WOW, i am right now watching your, Right place, Wrong camera, beautiful images, i love them, Thanks...
Thanks Mario.
Clearest explanation for the choice of a square format I’ve heard. I don’t think I have ever encountered more austere conditions even in my native New Hampshire except climbing above the timberline on Mt Washington. I have never found a medium format camera I was comfortable using. The old eye level Praktika which one held like a 35mm might have worked for me, but I never owned one. Still getting that higher image quality from the larger format is always a big factor. Really engaging video. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful. I also find most 120 cameras cumbersome and slow but when time and conditions allow they are perfect for landscape work.
Sweet video of the horses
Again a very nice video. Thanks!
Try a good monopod!! I never used one until I had too because of age related tremors. It saved my efforts and allows me to continue
my work. Mine is light and has an excellent
ball head. I never go anywhere without it! I love your efforts and study your work to improve my efforts. Thank you for the guidance and stimulation.
I’ve tried monopods David and they definitely add stability. Sadly they won’t do much for the clunky handling of the Autocord 🙁
I adore the 6x6. I have the Mamiya C3 and an Agfa Isolette II. You can guess which one I would take hiking ;)
You got some great shots Steve and I marvel every time you do one of these long hikes with your gear. A sacrifice for your art.
Thanks Morris, I should have taken one of my Perkeo folders!
Awesome photos.
Amazing images Steve. Well worth the work👌
Thanks Carlin.
I think the shots were great! Testament to your skill and patients with the weather and camera!
Many thanks 😊
Bonjour Steve. When I go out with my Yashica D, I take a monopod. Quite light and handy.
Love these square-format images on film! This video shows that the best camera is the one you have with you, even when it might not be the ideal one. It was good to see close-up video panning over the images to appreciate some of the detail.
Glad you liked the pictures.
Well done ... thanks for sharing.
always a pleasure to watch
Beautiful images, congrats ! I also love 120 square format :)
Thanks Eric.
Some of the best shots I've ever seen on youtube, truly a magical location and well worth the effort.
Thanks Piero 🙂
Worth the effort for the shots you showed.
Beautiful images 😍😍😍
Great pictures! Tlrs can be a tad limiting at times, but like all cameras they have trade offs. I learned to shoot on an old Yashica 127
Tlr and it was great... For slides especially!
Thanks for putting together these great videos! You are a treasure 📸
Thanks Joel. If there were a few more affordable 127 film options I’d get a Yashica or Baby Rollei.
Great photos Steve. Expecting a snow storm Saturday and you’ve inspired me to dust off my TLR and try to make some images. Maybe make a snow angel too!!!
Have fun in the snow Dan, none here this year 🙁
Beautiful images, certainly some of the best I have seen on your channel and well worth the effort
Thanks Cameron.
Very enjoyable, thanks for sharing these super shots, those ponies were a little bit wow.
Thanks Andy.
Cracking photographic experience every time, your pod casts are very different each one, your narrative is spot on easy listening with the knowledge you have gained through your own experience 👍 thank you
Thanks Paul 🙂
Great pictures and it brought back many happy memories of half a century ago when I owned an Autocord. As you say a great lens as good as the Planar on my later Rollei and with only one weak spot which is the focusing lever which was all too easy to over strain- use slowly!
I’m ever so gentle with the focus lever Gareth. One of the reasons I felt uncomfortable with the Autocord in the mountains was the possibility of damaging that lever.
These are truly brilliant images. I am envious to say the least. Thank you.
Thank you 👍
Me too! Need to keep shooting hone the skills! I really love Steve’s photos and channel content. Very inspiring!
Always been a fan of B&W emulsion. Your vids are therapeutic, btw. Thanks
Thanks Izzy.
I did take a 4x5 camera to a wild and windy moorland here in Cornwall just before Christmas. But, to be honest the biggest problem I had was getting acceptable sound quality in the video.! Mind you, the walk wasn't as long as yours. Excellent images as ever Steve.
I’m really tempted to take the Intrepid 4x5 up a mountain but I’d need to be certain it wasn’t going to be blowing a gale when I got to the top 😀
Fantastic Friday my friend
Another brilliant video. The shots you got were stunning. The square format was right. So great call that was Steve. I would call that day a winner. Well done
Thank you 🙂
The work you showed is wonderful.
Thanks Larry 🙂
great video, and nice photos, you have reminded me to get my mamiya 645 out again ,haven't used it for a while....
You can always send it to me if it needs a run out Michael 😀
Great pictures, I love photographing rocks, tree stumps, old buildings etc. things with that rough, weathered look and texture. They look great in B&W. My first medium format camera (I have several now, having decided medium format is my "thing", the optimal middle road between the ease and convenience of 35mm and image quality of 4x5 large format) is a Meopta Flexaret V TLR, a really nice camera but unfortunately mine developed a shutter problem a couple of months ago. I should find the time to take it apart and see if I could fix it as it is a reasonably light and easy to carry (compared to my latest acquisition, a Mamiya RB67, for example) camera and takes very good pictures.
Hope the TLR recovers soon, the Mamiya is quite a beast.
Yes it is, makes even my Kiev 88 seem light and small in comparison but I still like it so far. The Flexaret is handy enough that I had it with me (along with my Pentax ME Super) on a trip to Croatia in the autumn. The security control at Helsinki airport must have thought my cameras were some kind of time bombs, they were very suspicious and wanted to swab them for explosives and X-ray them separately. Fortunately my films were not harmed by the radiation. The Croatian security personnel didn't show any interest, maybe they had seen mechanical cameras before.
By the way, the waist level finder on the Flexaret is ingenious, it's the only one I have seen so far that can be collapsed simply by pushing on the top lid, without pushing on any of the sides at the same time. Maybe there are similar ones on some other TLR:s? Obviously couldn't be done on any camera as the sides of the hood go inside the mirror chamber when pushed down but very simple and easy to use.
Square format for those times when neither horizontal not vertical 35mm quite does the job.
I now have an Autocord once more.
I think you mentioned before: Travelling lighter we don't feel so tired and we see more photo-opportunities. Being gear limited also prevent us a bit of taking some of those opportunities. But looks that your walk was enjoyable and you took nice photos. A route that you might walk again with different gear... or maybe same gear, who cares, the goal is to enjoy. Thank you for sharing your video.
Definitely a walk I’ll repeat - I did the same route twice last year 🙂
Bravo - again very enjoyable images.
Thanks Jörg.
Nicely done Steve. Some good images there. I like squares, too. Hwyl
Thanks Hwyl.
@@SteveONions Ha! Steve 0 "hwyl" is just Welsh for "fun" - or can also mean "cheers".
Hi Steve, great video and images. Thank you for sharing the route also as I love watching your videos just for the walks too as we’re not far from North Wales.
Glad you liked it Paul.
The tonal qualities in your printing Steve are incredible. The square format is always great compositionally. Oh yes those horses on that hill with a telephoto would have been amazing prints. Maybe next time. A real pleasure watching your videos. Your videos flow smoothly and keep me engaged the whole way through and I always feel like I’ve been on the adventure with you.
Thanks Simon, I make the videos so that I’ll enjoy watching them in the future.
Many landscape photographers on UA-cam tend to waffle on a bit for my liking between each shot they take. They film the back of the camera and go through every detail to the point I get a bit bored and the videos seem disjointed. I guess it’s more for those who are learning about settings. Your videos flow nicely and you’ve got the balance just right. Oh and too many adverts and sponsors. I’m beginning to tire of being sold too. UA-cam for many has become more of a business I suppose. I’ve unsubscribed from so many now and watch UA-cam less and less these days. Shame really, but I remember when it was a freer platform and people did it just for fun. I guess when Google gets its hands on something like everything it touches it ruins it. Not a fan of the search engine as you can tell. I never use it. I’m more a 20th century man who likes the simple things in life.
Great video, Steve. I sure wish I had your energy, to climb mountains, but I have my bike. Yes, square format is my favorite . My Super Fujica 6, is my medium format P&S. I may start carrying that camera in a bike bag this year. KB
Thanks Ken, it was a great walk. I will not be going with the Minolta next time though, something small and folding would be ideal 🙂
Excellent photos. 👍 Think I'll have to do some square format as well as it gives a different feel to the images.
Go for it 👍
Well worth the effort, time and the six mile hike. Beautiful images Steve. I have over the last couple of weeks purchased a Mamiya Six Automat, I'm sure you know it's a 120, so I won't go into detail about it. THE good news for me is, it fits into my lowepro bumbag along with my Weston V meter, film and some 36mm slip on filters. Just the job for clambering around on those wet rock's, or hiking with the missus. HP5 rated at 800 developed in DDX for 8.5 minutes. On the crappy overcast (but loved by me) days I find it a great film and dev combination with hardly any grain in my 9x9 darkroom prints.
Keep me coming mate.
That’s a good combination Kit, I’ve considered the Pearl III or Perkeo II, both with clever wind on mechanisms and they share the same filters too.
@@SteveONions there's a couple of Perkeo II's on eBay at the moment.The Pearl is a real nice camera but comes at a price. I like the way the Automat handle's, the focus wheel and shutter release are both right there, very natural. The viewfinder is Chrystal clear and focus is very quick bright and snappy. Easy to load and the frame spacing is spot on.Very happy with my Japan purchase.
Have you looked at the Fujica Super Six?
Beautiful images. Great examples of square format.
Thanks Alfred.
Loved the images. You must be in fantastic physical shape to do an arduous walk like that. And that Mamiya looks heavy. My TLR cameras look about half that size (Rolleiflex and Ikoflex). I must say that the images were fabulous and dramatic. Too bad about missing the horse images, but a lightweight 35mm camera has other compromises. We need to invent an equipment teleporter machine. Then we'll be ready for anything. But perhaps reducing the challenge of it would also reduce the enjoyment. I think that the Mamiya has interchangeable lenses. Or am I thinking of another camera?
Thanks Dann. The Minolta has a fixed 80mm lens and isn’t too heavy at around 1kg. What slows it down is the awkward handling and lack of metering, not too bad in gentle settings but not ideal up a mountain.
Yes the Mamiya’s do. I have a Mamiyaflex and want more than just the 80mm. Big and a bit heavy but beautiful.
The first one you got when the light came is excellent in every way👌. Those rocks are spectacular aren’t they. Love square format. I too have an autocord which I don’t use nearly enough. I need to practice more with the back to front waste level view finder 🥴 but the camera is really not to heavy to carry compared with other medium formats. What a great hike you had Steve.
It’s was a lovely walk and I was very lucky that the clouds blew away eventually. For an hour or so it was really poor but I’m glad I waited.
Thank you Steve for what you do for us! Great shots and video. Have yet to find a bad video from you yet!
I too love the square format and waist-level finders (Mamiyaflex). I even have a WLF for my Nikon F if I ever get around to getting the thing running.
What are some square format 135 cameras out there? Maybe some with square format large enough to shoot with the holes too? Know if anyone has ever modified some for that?
Thanks again for all the work to make this awesome Channel!
I believe there was a square format camera that shot on 35mm film Michael but can’t recall the name of it. If they made more 127 film I’d like to shoot that too but it’s quite niche sadly.
A clumsy difficult camera appeals to me right now. I haven’t mastered photography by any means, but at least with the digital I can with some regularity finagle out a WOW image but it tends to be just as same-y as everyone else’s WOW image. Right before the world wobbled, I came into a C330 and c220 with 80 and 55mm lenses. Hopefully new seals will go in soon and I can get back out again and enjoy some good old-fashioned photographic aggravation like I remember 😁
If nothing else it’ll be a good workout lugging them around!
I use a Rolleiflex Automat and it's really not easy to use.. When i was a pro and studio, It was Mamiya C-series needed for lenses. Outdoors a catastrophe! Heavy! BIG! Heavy. :-) Your images superb. I love 6x6 for creamy prints but my printer, a great guy, passed some years ago. The BW of rocks very Ansel! Congrats. I find 12 exp rolls more than long enough... Again best regards.Bravo!
Thanks Jason, I also like having only 12 shots per roll as I typically shoot no more than 20 images a day.
Fantastic picture at 0:51 👍
Thank you very much .
Jan. 27th 2022 Wed. 23:33
from Yokohama City Japan
You’re welcome 😊
Too bad about the weather Steve but you got some beautiful shots. I appreciate the effort!
Thank you.
You need yourself a 6x6 Folder! Beautiful video.
I’ve got too many Kim! 😀
A couple of years back I picked up an eye-level finder for my Rollei, it had a bit of balsam separation at one point and cost 25 pounds. It really makes a TLR into a different camera, and adds a different perspective when you are looking through the VF. Unfortunately the Rollei then becomes a bit top heavy but I can live with that for those occasional moments when it is useful.
I’ve tried a few options Phil but ultimately it’s the focus and aperture/shutter speed that slow it down, I’d be better off zone focussing too.
Although you didn't feel comfortable with the handling of the camera your pictures are just gorgeous. Great video and shots!
Thank you 😊
VERY nice! Thanks for your effort and for sharing the results. -- Totally agree with what you said about the focal lengths in mountains! Simply cannot understand why people use wide angle lenses, which make great mountains look like molehills. -- Keep up the good work with 6x6.
Same here - I’d rather carry a long lens any day.
Great camera, recently got that very same model myself, the images you got look great, must use mine more.
It’s a top class lens Jonathan.
Great video Steve, made even more special by having my print of Carnedd Gwenllian nearby (purchased from you). Magnificent landscape. I like 1:1 or 6x6 format and could use your recommendation for a camera using 120 film that is not (yet) ridiculous in cost. I have historically had Rolleis, (now too expensive) and recently sold my Autocord. Keep hiking!
Thanks Nolan and I’m so glad you enjoyed the print from the earlier trip.
I’m terms of affordable 120 cameras it has to come down to a folder (providing toy can get one in good shape). The Zeiss Ikon range stand up well over time as does the Voigtlander Perkeo, a truly pocket 6x6.
Beautiful pictures! The square format is beautiful perfect, as is all Euclid's geometry. Of course, every camera has its limitations, but for you these camera limitations result in great photos.
I have only one TLR, that is Start-B produced in Poland in the 1960s. The optics of this camera are very imperfect, and mine has only one flawless shutter speed of 1/250 sec. Despite this, I like to use my TLR because it gives characteristic, though imperfect opically images - it brings them closer to picorialism.
Best regards
Oh I love the pictorialist look Robert, my plastic lenses on toy cameras produce dreamy images.
@@SteveONions I often "incorrectly" direct this lens, without good anti-reflective coatings, towards the sun so that additional flares appear, but the very softness of the image is already interesting. This is a bit like the effects from Holgas. You can see it on my UA-cam channel.
Best regards
I very much like the shot at 8:12 with the contrast between the jagged rocks and apparent smooth hills in the distance which have a lovely light on them. Youre gonna have to get some Welsh pronounciation lessons though, you spend enough time over here!! Great video and lessons learned here as I am determined this year to try my Yash-D that Ive never used.
I know Rob, the pronunciation is bad and oddly my surname is actually Welsh!
Great shots really inspiring! Which film stock were load in the tlr?
It was XP2 super on this trip.
I do know what you mean, I have a Mamiya C330 which has all the disadvantages of your Autocord but weighs about the same as the average washing machine. However, I personally find the waist level finder a great help for low level shots with lots of foreground. As I get older I find the ground is further down than it used to be, and getting my eye near enough the ground to get those shots with a "look through" viewfinder is tricky. Having said all that, if I'm going on a long walk I'll take the new Mamiya 6 or even the Nettar, I'm not a body-builder! I really love the shots you got on this trip though, superb work.
I had a Mamiya C220, so I can relate to your experience. I liked the images I got, but the thing was a brick to carry, plus a bit of a pain to load. I got a Mamiya 6 about 6 months ago and like that much better, which is good, because it’s a pricy bit of kit.
I’m also a big fan of looking down to compose Rupert, there’s a video on this subject coming soo.
Beautiful work under adverse conditions..
Thanks Don.
The right camera and nice pictures.
Have a ugly Rolleicord I Model 1 "Art Deco Rollei". Think I should load it up an shoot som pictures with. Maybe it makes som stunning art pictures, who knows, haven't tried it, but it is ugly. Can't be on the fireplace.
Great video. I’ve been pricing the Autocord but have yet to pull the trigger. Say, what software are you using for the 3D simulation of your hike? I’m a professional 3D artist and always interested in what people are using for 3D visualization.
The Autocord is very good value when you compare it to a similar Rollei.
The mapping software comes from Ordnance survey, their desktop and mobile app have improved a lot in recent years.
I think you nailed it with that camera, maybe except the horses. Great video as always.
Thank you (and stop reminding me of those horses!!) 😀
The Autocord is an incredible camera and my primary medium format camera.
It is, I’m just ashamed that mine doesn’t get more use.
Excellent 3rd image 👏
Glad the slog was rewarded, certainly a nice place. Intrepid next time ? 😂
Thanks Stuart. I have considered the 4x5 for this location, no point shooting most of the route, just concentrate on those rocks (and it would allow for plenty of front tilt too) 🙂
If the conditions were ideal that would be memorable 👌 if exhausting 😅
@@stuartbaines2843 maybe he could rig up a helium/hydrogen balloon to minimize the weight!
I really liked the images and thought the black and white format was eminently suited to the subject. I do wonder why you wouldn't carry one of your lighter 35mm Nikons or smaller M43rds cameras and not lose shots. Having committed to the long walk it seems a shame to perhaps miss out on a possible once in a lifetime photographic opp. GX9 + 12-60mm = 735g
I rarely carry two formats Andrew as the images don’t sit so well together. The best choice is the 35mm with a single zoom which is what I’d normally carry.
My G9 is an excellent camera but I’d still opt for the G80 and 14-140 if I were to take a digital camera.
The XP2 appeared to handle the situation very well indeed, tricky rough terrain, the horses would have needed to come into just the right place, maybe against the skyline and would probably take days to follow and photograph satisfactorily, but what a reward that would be for such perseverance. Funnily enough I can hear a couple of horses clip clopping past the house as I write these comments.
Annoyingly the horses did line up perfectly at one point and practically posed for me 😢
@@SteveONions Ho what a shame, oh well we have both no doubt missed many perfect photos, such is life. On the subject of TLR's, I have found using one of those springy foam Op-Tech straps from America, considerably reduces neck fatigue and makes carrying one ready to use quite practical.
These are great shots after all. Either you are fishing for compliments or don’t see the advantages that the limitations that you felt brought to your photography. At least as it can be judged in the instagram format. The quality, the point of view and perspective as well as the square format and your way of development support those images definitely. Forget about 35mm and a long or other lenses, you grow with the challenge of that limitation! Here less IS more for sure. Period.
Thanks Jens. I was pleased with the images but it’s hard for the video to convey just how much I struggled to get them and I missed a few fleeting moments of amazing light too. 35mm has its technical limitations but I would have managed a few additional shots on the day had I carried my usual 28-200 on an autofocus body.
I do like the resulting images from this trip though 😊
TLRs are worth the hassle. Your shots are lovely.
Thanks Stephen.
I love my two 6x6 cameras but they are better used on a tripod, at least for me. My Yashica Mat-124 G is a great walking around camera though because it is so light but I still tend to use it on the tripod. Lovely images and yes I’d go back again for those horses with a 35 and a 200mm lens
I cursed myself for missing the horse shot Sophie, they posed perfectly for about 15 seconds too 🙁
Thanks again for a lovely video, Steve! That was quite the trek you did there. I was wondering, I see you use XP2 in a lot of your BW shoots. As somebody who does predominantly BW photography and develops at home, I find that an odd choice (yields great results though). Do you develop C-41 yourself too? To me the temp sensitivity and short time the chemicals keep prevents me from doing C-41 development. Or do you send XP2 out do get developed for you? Cheers
I do my own C-41 David in a basic Jobo CPE-2. The temperature is easy enough to stabilise and I’ve also run the chemicals at 25 degrees which allows much slower dev times of around 14 mins.
@@SteveONions thanks for the reply, that makes sense. I'll stick to regular BW films for the moment, but I'll see if my local photo club has a Jobo processor I could use if I want to try shooting XP2
I can't help but think that had you brought a 35mm and shot the wild horses that you might not have got the shots that you did get with the twin lens. The shots of the rocks are beautiful, and I believe that the main thing is that you got out in the less than perfect weather and that you made a great day of it.
I think a combination of both would work well as I’d hate to have missed out on the rocks in the 6x6 format too.
Very nice! I’ve been mulling over the various TLR models and I do like the autocord. Besides the Rolleiflex, are there any others that you’d recommend that won’t break the bank?
I’d always recommend the Yashicamat 124 Alex, great lens and nice handling, plenty to choose from too.
@@SteveONions thanks Steve!
@@SteveONions Update: I ended up buying a Mamiya C33 with the 80mm 2.8 lens in mint condition. The interchangeable lens feature tilted me in Mamiya’s favor and getting a 2.8 lens on any TLR is a big bonus. Not that I’m planning on changing lenses but I’ve always thought it a shame that most TLRs are irreparable if the lens is bad so the ability to pop in a good lens if something happens to the one currently on it is a big plus for me.
Those shots are better than most that lay claim to landscape photography on UA-cam. They look like photographs, not a graphic design montage.
Thank you 🙂
I agree, a TLR (no matter how good) is heavy and clunky to use for this kind of "walk a lot, photograph a little" venue. I find I use mine (Kodak Reflex II, which will feed from trimmed 120 spools but needs a 620 to take up) less now that I have the even heavier RB67 (which works a treat with a Graflex 22 6x6 roll film back), simply because the tradeoff for the weight is versatility. Your Bronica has that advantage over the Autocord, and unlike my RB67, probably doesn't weigh much if any more than the Autocord (with just the 80 mm lens and waist level viewfinder, anyway) -- and does give the option of mounting a different lens, if that great "I need a longer lens" shot will hold long enough to change the setup. I'm still working on finding an affordable backpack to carry my RB67, a couple lenses, and a couple backs. Then I can start to try to figure out how to shave ten pounds off my tripod...
Beautiful images from that peak, at least, most definitely worth the trip.
I think a 120 folder would be a good option for these hikes, just have the problem of actuate composition with those awful little finder windows.
@@SteveONions My Mamiya Six folder has an accessory shoe -- which would allow mounting a parallax compensating viewfinder which could be masked to accurate framing (though it would put you back to focus, then frame, on a camera that was built with a single-window viewfinder/rangefinder). The eyepiece is big enough I have no trouble framing with my glasses, and I don't find a large issue with viewfinder coverage vs. actual negative contents. The lens is, IMO, very nice, and since it focuses by moving the film plane with a thumb wheel, it's quick and doesn't compromise the lens formula.
Mine is a dual-format version (6x6 and 6x4.5 with captive mask leaves) with red window advance, but the last couple versions had auto frame counters. An Ensign Commando is virtually the same, slightly older, and British made, but much less common. Either model of Suzuki Press Van would be a reasonable alternate, but they're a lot harder to find and generally much more expensive (due to rarity).
I've had a few times feeling similarly between the film or the digital. My digital has a quicker and easier time adapting it to different lighting, which is the most obvious. With the film, I have to change out the entire film for higher ISO, or just take pictures of really still things from a tripod. Doesn't work too well when I'm mostly photographing dogs. =D
But the thing I miss most in having the wrong camera on me at any time, is just getting that whole vibe that one can give me over the other. I could take the exact same image with both, and they would both make me feel differently, looking at them.
I feel completely different just taking the photo, too. Film really pushes me to slow way down in a way that digital just doesn't have the power to. I have practically unlimited shots, and missing focus on one, I might get it on another. On film, if I don't get that focus, it's often a wasted shot. A physical part of the film made useless, and not just 1s and 0s dissolved into the ether to be forgotten.
Luckily, they are both of same frame size, and I have adapted the digital to use the same lenses. So they are able to have a lot of similarities to keep my workflow consistent, too.
It’s good if you can adapt older lenses to modern bodies, I have this with the D700 which allows me to get a similar experience when out shooting.
@@SteveONions Would love to see some future vids with the D700 and adapted lenses. You may already have some in the backlog, too. UA-cam will be sure to suggest one to me at some point, if so. It keeps suggesting your vids to me recently. and I keep binging. Fuelling the cycle. =D
10:54 Those two horses really are a perfect shot. I like it as it is. Guess the video resolution is not good enough? Maybe enlarge it with one of those special tools to increase resolution?
I did pull out a few frames and they look OK but not good enough for a print sadly. I’m still kicking myself 😢
Depending on the age and state of the camera cold weather can really hinder you!
For example my rolleicord III from the 1950s that is in general in good shape had its oils freeze on me on a cold and windy march day so i couldn't shoot the last frame!
I am sure that if I used a hand warmer or some kind of device to warm up the camera between shots i would have been able to continue to shoot!
I think it was me that seized on on this occasion Sina 🙂
I love my Yashica D TLR for landscapes but not in the hills - it's just too heavy and bulky. You are after all effectively carrying 2 cameras in one! Having said that, I used to have a Mamiya C220 with interchangeable lenses, now that really was heavy! Built like a tank though. I loved your images of the rocks and sky. That's typical of the kind of thing I use my Yashica for.
Each camera has its place Alan so the Autocord won’t be going up any more mountains, I doubt mine has ever seen so much as a small hill before 🙂
These are all kind of cinematic looking. Like they could be on some movie set in the mountains. I think it's the rocks. They almost don't look real.
You’re right Andrew, they look like they could be made of polystyrene!
After I watched the video, I thought the same. You missed your calling as a cinematographer, Steve!
I realized after carrying my Swedish 6x6 camera with a full set of 50 mm, 80 mm, 160 mm and 250 mm a lot, that 80% of the images were shot with the 80 mm. Maybe even more. I also realized that I could have done without the other 20%.
After this I decided to take my ancient Rolleiflex 3.5E out more often for landscape photography. The 5 mm difference between the 75 mm of the Rollei and the 80 mm of the Hasselblad are negligible. The quality is just the same. Did I miss a shot now and then because I did not have the perfect focal length? Maybe. But on the other hand I had to carry much less stuff, walked longer distances and got to more locations.
And I could often shoot without a tripod, because if you have a TLR hanging around your neck and pull it down, you can get away with 1/30 s. AND I can shoot even IR by hand, because I do not have to look through the taking lens with the filter.
Yes, a 6x6 SLR like the HB or Bronica SQ-A is more flexible and in some situations it is the better camera. But I really like hiking with my Rolleiflex (or any other TLR, I assume that there are no really bad TLR cameras).
I also shoot predominantly with the 80mm with only about 30% of images coming from the short tele and wideangle. I do like the choice though and find my TLR a bit limiting at times. I’ve had good results from using just the 65mm and 150mm on the Bronica, a balanced outfit and not too heavy.
Lovely images. I personally think the autocord played well in that situation. Nice compositions and the tonality and sharpness of that lens is wonderful. I have one and I tested it next to a Rolleiflex and I thought it held up just fine
Thanks Christopher. I’m happy with the results but it was a very trying experience at times and I had to setup for some images and just accept that there would be compromises at times.
As I was watching the video at the 2:47 mark I thought to myself “Oh please let this be one of your images”. I have an old Yashica A tlr that I bought for about $7:00 and I know it sounds silly but for some reason I have a higher success rate with that camera than any other. 🤷♂️
Sometimes we just click with certain cameras, I’ve always done well with Holga’s and certainly body/lens combinations.