Thinner than a communal wafer is an excellent analogy for Instax's dynamic range. It isn't very forgiving, but I find that part of the charm. Always got my Instantkon in my backpack when I go for walks or hikes.
@@BadFlashes Absolutely, plus, I don' t feel so bad when a shot doesn't go as expected. At least compared to peel apart. I'd def. encourage attempting a pano if y'all take the kit out out to the desert. I usually make a 2x2 grid or a 2x3 grid. Oh, and I found that the scratching technique used on old Polaroid film works with Instax.
That's interesting, I just got the Lomo Graflok too. When reading through one of Ansel Adams books he mentioned he liked having polaroid to do instant test shots on location and that sounded good. So coming from that angle I didn't like the Graflok. Can't test the focus since it uses the mask. The mask isn't centered. And you have to remove the Graflok just to eject or the film catches on the mirror mount. It's an interesting tool and a fun use for instax but mine's going on ebay and I'm sticking to normal film (just got a bunch of Kodak Readyload); this stella still has the groove for LF film dev.
I use this as a point and shoot-ish camera with my Graflex. I really love my unit and I dont think ill stop using it until it breaks because its just so good at what it does
As I watched another episode of Ektachrome Christmas where my thoughts of depression grew ever increasing I needed to be brought back to life and thankfully dear boy your Lomo Instax show saved the day.
There’s a place in Melbourne selling a film called Speed 400, which was used in speed cameras until recently. It’s some type of color Agfa film that looks pretty good. The place is called Walkens House of Film. Just thought you should know 😊
New business idea: swiping large format photographers’ video gear while they’re under the dark cloth! 😂 The portraits are really cool, as well as your new video camera setup! 👍
Cool seeing some large format from you again! I had a lomograflok for a couple of weeks on loan from Lomography. Loved it, it's such a cool way of shooting Instax. Me being me, I preferred Insta Monochrome. And I feel you it was surprisingly tricky to expose correctly. As always cool video, loved the fisheye angle thingy you did.
@@zetaphotography6548 For me it was two fold . First it's a narrow dynamic range, only a few stops. Not all scenes work, and often you have to decide if you want to loose highlights or shadows. Secondly, it's different than exposing for negative BnW (which is what I shoot 90 % of the time). It's more like slide, which probably isn't a surprise. Perhaps most surprising for me is how unforgiving it is considering how simple Instax cameras are. Bear in mind I only used it for a couple of weeks, put 3 packs of Instax through it, and it's my only experience with instant film. If you're curious about how I got along with the lomograflok, I also made a video about it (on my vastly smaller channel). I usually don't like to promote my own channel on others, I suppose this is the exception that confirms the rule, anyhow here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/oin1f1TRpnY/v-deo.htmlsi=MXsB9XE5TIyZcQ6-
I think that stairway shot is one of your best. The portraits are good too. 4x5 is a pain to shoot, but I think the extra care it makes you put in results in a better hit to miss ratio. Another thing to try for reflected highlights like in the stairway shot is a polarizing filter.
Great video! Did you compensate for the Bellows Extension in your photos? It may not be an ISO issue. You probably metered correctly, you just extended too far 😛.
not sure i would say 4x5 quality, but definetly fun to use! I have shot over 300 shots of instax wide on it and its fun, don't use in the cold though, it will shoot out all your instax for some reason.
You got some bangers here: the stairs and Lauren against the yellow backdrop. Now I’m curious how the Graflok compares to a Polaroid I-2 sharpness-wise. I think Instax is inherently sharper to begin with?
Recently acquired a Lomo Graflok and have shot a few packs, definitely finicky but so addictive! Mine has a couple issues where it struggles to eject the darkslide (have to help it along by starting it manually, not ideal) and it will just keep ejecting film if it is less than like 50 degrees, so you have to warm it up before ejecting shots taken in the cold. Nailing exposure is definitely tricky. Seems like the sensitivity almost changes with the particular lighting. I read somewhere that someone rated it at 400 in darker scenes and 1600 in very bright scenes... or maybe vice versa, but that didn't seem to work out for me. My current theory is that it has a "reverse reciprocity", where it has extra sensitivity at higher shutter speeds, perhaps since it is only designed for the 1/125 or so that Instax cameras use. Speaking of reciprocity, I've done a lot of indoor/lower light shots and the reciprocity is quite interesting. Found someone who worked out that it kicks in at around 1/10 or slower and is around a factor of 1.3. So a simple formula for the reciprocity is just multiple by 10, raise to 1.3 power, then divide by 10. Ex. 4 seconds becomes 12. This does definitely seem to work or at least get very close in my experience. Anyway, great video as usual! Excited to see what you do with it in the future!
May I ask how you got the fisheye/peephole look on some of the video here? I love the look but haven’t seen too many lenses that can achieve that look.
It’s little walks around the city that makes me miss LA. I used to love wandering and shooting…of course not with a 4x5😂 Great vid! I think portraits really work with instant. Unique look you can’t get otherwise, like you said. One of these days I’ll jump in to large format. These Graflocks seem to be a good way to get used to shooting 4x5 without burning through extremely expensive film!
This is pretty cool. The biggest problem with large format is total cost per exposure. Maybe ( if the quality is there ) this is the solution to the problem.
Where can I find a broken camera that uses the graflok-mechanism? I want to mount the graflok back on a polaroid Macro 5, but for that I need the mounting-mechanism first, because I want it to be able to detach from the polaroid. I cant seem to find one
Wow this came out just in time. New to 4x5 but really want to invest in a lomograflok. But need a camera first. Can anyone recommend a 4x5 camera? Which one was used in this video?
I shoot my lomo graflock mostly with older, less contrasty lenses like my old 135mm f3.5 Tessar. That helps a lot with not blowing out highlights. But I still consider it beeing more of a fun toy than a film that I take seriously. If I want that in such a small format I put a roll film back ony my cameras and throw some proper C41 film in it.
Honestly having shot a lot of instax in my graflok the ISO is strange and changes under different lighting conditions. It sucks but sometimes bracketing exposure helps. I'd also say that shooting a subject out in the world extenuates the LF depth of field. So maybe shoot some portrait outside in another video. Also instax-wide doesn't resolve (compared to it's peel apart ancestors) so you don't have to use a super fast lens. Really enjoyed your video.
The difference between a photographer and a person that takes photos... At this time in my life I don't have time to go out just to shoot, but I take my camera everywhere I go. For me then being a photographer means taking a photo purely because there is some artistic perspective of a scene that I see that I think is beautiful and want to capture to share my artistic vision with a non-descript viewer. I think then someone taking a photo who is not a photographer is someone teaching a photo to capture and share a memory. It's all relative though, I take photos of my family life that encapsulate both of those descriptions.
Man, I was still commenting on the Roman Fox video when UA-cam started the next video on my watch list, soooo ya my comment made NO SENSE on this video.
![Lomography LomoGraflok 4x5 Instant Back [Instant Review]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/f6ikxjLsb2w/mqdefault.jpg)
![Lomography LomoGraflok 4x5 Instant Back [Instant Review]](/img/tr.png)
Thinner than a communal wafer is an excellent analogy for Instax's dynamic range. It isn't very forgiving, but I find that part of the charm. Always got my Instantkon in my backpack when I go for walks or hikes.
I’m glad you liked the analogy! But I agree once you know how to control that range anything as possible or do really like the quality of the film
@@BadFlashes Absolutely, plus, I don'
t feel so bad when a shot doesn't go as expected. At least compared to peel apart. I'd def. encourage attempting a pano if y'all take the kit out out to the desert. I usually make a 2x2 grid or a 2x3 grid. Oh, and I found that the scratching technique used on old Polaroid film works with Instax.
That's interesting, I just got the Lomo Graflok too. When reading through one of Ansel Adams books he mentioned he liked having polaroid to do instant test shots on location and that sounded good. So coming from that angle I didn't like the Graflok. Can't test the focus since it uses the mask. The mask isn't centered. And you have to remove the Graflok just to eject or the film catches on the mirror mount. It's an interesting tool and a fun use for instax but mine's going on ebay and I'm sticking to normal film (just got a bunch of Kodak Readyload); this stella still has the groove for LF film dev.
At least that’s good. But yeah, for a preview tool. Not the best… it’s its own tool for creating
I use this as a point and shoot-ish camera with my Graflex. I really love my unit and I dont think ill stop using it until it breaks because its just so good at what it does
Hells yeah. That’s awesome. I agree. It’s a lovely piece of kit.
As I watched another episode of Ektachrome Christmas where my thoughts of depression grew ever increasing I needed to be brought back to life and thankfully dear boy your Lomo Instax show saved the day.
they are quite different energys lol
There’s a place in Melbourne selling a film called Speed 400, which was used in speed cameras until recently.
It’s some type of color Agfa film that looks pretty good.
The place is called Walkens House of Film.
Just thought you should know 😊
Thanks 🙏🏼 😍😍
New business idea: swiping large format photographers’ video gear while they’re under the dark cloth! 😂
The portraits are really cool, as well as your new video camera setup! 👍
Hahaha yeah I was playing around with this one for sure. :)
Cool seeing some large format from you again!
I had a lomograflok for a couple of weeks on loan from Lomography. Loved it, it's such a cool way of shooting Instax. Me being me, I preferred Insta Monochrome.
And I feel you it was surprisingly tricky to expose correctly.
As always cool video, loved the fisheye angle thingy you did.
Oh thanks!!! Trying some new stuff. And yeah. I forgot about the monochrome stuff. I need to try it. I’m glad you were able to try the graflok back :)
What was tricky about it?
@@zetaphotography6548 For me it was two fold . First it's a narrow dynamic range, only a few stops. Not all scenes work, and often you have to decide if you want to loose highlights or shadows.
Secondly, it's different than exposing for negative BnW (which is what I shoot 90 % of the time). It's more like slide, which probably isn't a surprise.
Perhaps most surprising for me is how unforgiving it is considering how simple Instax cameras are. Bear in mind I only used it for a couple of weeks, put 3 packs of Instax through it, and it's my only experience with instant film.
If you're curious about how I got along with the lomograflok, I also made a video about it (on my vastly smaller channel). I usually don't like to promote my own channel on others, I suppose this is the exception that confirms the rule, anyhow here's the link: ua-cam.com/video/oin1f1TRpnY/v-deo.htmlsi=MXsB9XE5TIyZcQ6-
I think that stairway shot is one of your best. The portraits are good too. 4x5 is a pain to shoot, but I think the extra care it makes you put in results in a better hit to miss ratio. Another thing to try for reflected highlights like in the stairway shot is a polarizing filter.
THanks for the love ... and the tip 🥰
Idk why but the photo ejecting is so dang satisfying
I think it’s cuz you know you are about to have a banger!
Great timing, spent the weekend shooting with the Graflok back, too
No way. That’s cool
Great video! Did you compensate for the Bellows Extension in your photos? It may not be an ISO issue. You probably metered correctly, you just extended too far 😛.
Yeah I can see that. Especially for the close up. But some of the others were kinda in the same boat
Those portraits are absolute fire!
Ah shit. Thanks 😊
I agree. I'm sold alone on these shots.
not sure i would say 4x5 quality, but definetly fun to use! I have shot over 300 shots of instax wide on it and its fun, don't use in the cold though, it will shoot out all your instax for some reason.
That’s a good note haha
That is really quite cool and surprisingly for a lomography product not a stupid price
decent price, dope product, killer pics
@@BadFlashes suppose I might have to buy a 4x5 camera now
love the new intro! great video!
Thanks so much!! 😻
You got some bangers here: the stairs and Lauren against the yellow backdrop. Now I’m curious how the Graflok compares to a Polaroid I-2 sharpness-wise. I think Instax is inherently sharper to begin with?
I think in stacks is sharper than Polaroid, but I think that I-2 is pretty damn sharp … so it could be a tossup
Recently acquired a Lomo Graflok and have shot a few packs, definitely finicky but so addictive! Mine has a couple issues where it struggles to eject the darkslide (have to help it along by starting it manually, not ideal) and it will just keep ejecting film if it is less than like 50 degrees, so you have to warm it up before ejecting shots taken in the cold. Nailing exposure is definitely tricky. Seems like the sensitivity almost changes with the particular lighting. I read somewhere that someone rated it at 400 in darker scenes and 1600 in very bright scenes... or maybe vice versa, but that didn't seem to work out for me. My current theory is that it has a "reverse reciprocity", where it has extra sensitivity at higher shutter speeds, perhaps since it is only designed for the 1/125 or so that Instax cameras use. Speaking of reciprocity, I've done a lot of indoor/lower light shots and the reciprocity is quite interesting. Found someone who worked out that it kicks in at around 1/10 or slower and is around a factor of 1.3. So a simple formula for the reciprocity is just multiple by 10, raise to 1.3 power, then divide by 10. Ex. 4 seconds becomes 12. This does definitely seem to work or at least get very close in my experience. Anyway, great video as usual! Excited to see what you do with it in the future!
Aw thanks.
And yeah this instax can be finicky. Maybe that’s why the cameras just blast the subject with light. Lol
May I ask how you got the fisheye/peephole look on some of the video here? I love the look but haven’t seen too many lenses that can achieve that look.
It’s a macro wide adapter that’s made for crop sensors I believe.
@@BadFlashes I figured it would be something like that, thanks so much!
No problem…. Funny enough I’ve had this adapter for nearly 15 years and only just now dusted it offf
Should I use it more?????
@@BadFlashes it seems to be a popular look at the moment, I say lean into it before it dies down again!
Haha deal
I see Jason on my feed, that means you uploaded a new video and I start yours first in a loving back to back double feature
Hahaha well you get a great double feature today :)
It’s little walks around the city that makes me miss LA. I used to love wandering and shooting…of course not with a 4x5😂
Great vid! I think portraits really work with instant. Unique look you can’t get otherwise, like you said. One of these days I’ll jump in to large format. These Graflocks seem to be a good way to get used to shooting 4x5 without burning through extremely expensive film!
totally and you can see the images right then and there ... so awesome :)
Been thinking about getting an Intrepid 4x5 for enlarging my 6x9 medium format. Now I have one more reason. Thank you.
Isn’t that the crazy thing you can use it for an enlarger too! It’s so awesome. It’s a good double bang for your buck that’s for sure.
Fantastic video, Caleb! Very dynamic. And your music choice is awesome. Way better than on that other channel, called...... grainy days, I guess?
Hahahaa doubt that last part but I’m glad you dig the music and style 😛
This is pretty cool. The biggest problem with large format is total cost per exposure. Maybe ( if the quality is there ) this is the solution to the problem.
I mean. That’s the problem with a lot of film things. Price. BUT the quality is crazy amazing haha
BTW, Did you see Brooklyn Film Camera’s shim with the built in focusing glass? Makes it a bit faster to shoot
Hummmmm no. I have no idea what that is. I have to go check it out.
I've always wanted to try and canabalize a Fuji 6x9 and add one of these backs to it.
Oh that could totally be awesome.
Ok the portraits are really rad. 🎉🎉🎉
Oh sick. Thanks 😊
Where can I find a broken camera that uses the graflok-mechanism? I want to mount the graflok back on a polaroid Macro 5, but for that I need the mounting-mechanism first, because I want it to be able to detach from the polaroid. I cant seem to find one
eBay? Used photo pro?
Purchase the Brooklyn Camera Film adapter for this setup. Saves a step and over a period of time is worth the $90
🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Wow this came out just in time. New to 4x5 but really want to invest in a lomograflok. But need a camera first. Can anyone recommend a 4x5 camera? Which one was used in this video?
I used an intrepid 4 x 5 camera. The most part they are one of the more affordable, new 4 x 5 cameras on the market today.
@@BadFlashes wow, thanks so much for the reply and information 🙏
Definitely my favourite video of yours yet!!!:))
No way. Really???? So glad :)
The style, angle, editing, music & your orange hat, as well as yourself. Basically E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G ;).
Big loves from 🏴
Very nice, what a cool piece of tech! 🎉
Awesome 🤩
I agree 🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀🚀
I shoot my lomo graflock mostly with older, less contrasty lenses like my old 135mm f3.5 Tessar.
That helps a lot with not blowing out highlights. But I still consider it beeing more of a fun toy than a film that I take seriously.
If I want that in such a small format I put a roll film back ony my cameras and throw some proper C41 film in it.
I should try less contrast lenses
Yyyaaaaaaayyy!!! It's that bad boy of phooottography!!! The Baaaaaaad flllllllaaaaashherrrrr!!! I mean, Bad Flaaaashheeezzz!!! 😅
Hahaha either is fine with me 😜
Honestly having shot a lot of instax in my graflok the ISO is strange and changes under different lighting conditions. It sucks but sometimes bracketing exposure helps. I'd also say that shooting a subject out in the world extenuates the LF depth of field. So maybe shoot some portrait outside in another video. Also instax-wide doesn't resolve (compared to it's peel apart ancestors) so you don't have to use a super fast lens. Really enjoyed your video.
Thanks glad you enjoyed it 🫡🚀🥰
to say it in David's words: Georgetown University! love the shots of Lauren
David would be proud! 🥲
She was a trooper, letting me take forever to set up lights haha
Could also be that the shutter speeds on the lens are off.
Yeah that could be for sure. I haven’t check :/
That was really cool 😊
oh bad asss... thanks!
Haven’t been paying attention but whatever happened with that film camera giveaway thing from last year?
Haha I gave them away
@@BadFlashes cool cool. Didn't see a video about so was just curious. Thanks
I announced it over IG 🙌🏼
@@BadFlashes oh nice. i'll have to follow you on there.
thanks again for putting that together.
The difference between a photographer and a person that takes photos... At this time in my life I don't have time to go out just to shoot, but I take my camera everywhere I go. For me then being a photographer means taking a photo purely because there is some artistic perspective of a scene that I see that I think is beautiful and want to capture to share my artistic vision with a non-descript viewer. I think then someone taking a photo who is not a photographer is someone teaching a photo to capture and share a memory. It's all relative though, I take photos of my family life that encapsulate both of those descriptions.
Man, I was still commenting on the Roman Fox video when UA-cam started the next video on my watch list, soooo ya my comment made NO SENSE on this video.
Hahahaha allllll good 😊
Ah man! A new Bad Flashes and grainydays video on the same day!!!! What's next, aerochrome coming back?
It better!
Lomo purple is almost as much fun as aerochrome
Looks like someone got fisheye fever from Poor Things
Hahaha better believe it!!!!!! It gave me permission:)
I’ve never seen Rebel Moon and never will, but I’m sure your opening slow motion shot was better than that entire show…
Hahaha thanks. And I’d tend to agree with you having seen that film hahaha
Your exposure is off because of bellows extension factor
yeah that makes sense
How can you talk about 4x5 quality if you can't use it through enlargement ? BTW I find the instax results rather unsharp compared to a 4x5 negative.
well yeah, it will never be true 4x5 quality. but you get the benefits of those lenses on instant film
Am I the only one who's getting some Truman Show vibes from the video footage here?
hahahaha that's a throw back!
Im just not feeling this film for walk around. Maybe studio work only
Yeah. It’s a bit of a setup. It’s lovely to have the option tho
Don't waste your time with that Instax color film, go straight for the monochrome version
OH, I didnt see any when I was at the store ... it might have been out .... I'll have to try
communion wafer. LMAO
Haha accurate!
I'm annoyed, he's getting better at photography. I stay for him, but now I stay for his photos
Hahaha I’ll take that 🥰🥰🥰
"4x5 Quality in an INSTAX Frame" No, looks more like disposable 35mm film camera quality.
Well the latitude isn’t there but the depth is