Steve, I'm running out of adjectives to describe how much I enjoy your videos - this one is perhaps one of my favorites because of the incredible video scenes (and I'm not into video much!), but just stunning. Also REALLY appreciate the emphasis on film, and the 6x9 camera/photos were a real treat. Every video I watch from you is an inspiration in one or more areas of the hobby - thank you!
@@SteveONions As basic and obvious as that sounds, I had not thought of that from your perspective - of course you would enjoy looking back to previous outings. That doesn't take away one iota from how incredible it is that you put in so much effort for us - I suspect the same pursuit of excellence in your photography is what drives you to produce such great video. Good to know it is a win-win! Cheers!
Just for once you made me laugh Steve, climbing over the stile by a wide open gate just creased me up! Seriously though, a great video and yes Cnicht is a great hill usually pretty quiet too. I like the way you mix gear, always encourages newcomers to see what can be achieved with inexpensive cameras.
Steve, In addition to the interesting comments, you add a bit of humors: taking the ladder when the gate was open, or the ugly blue skies. Thank you for sharing your videos.
I'm amazed with the pictures you manage to get out of your surroundings! The images at 9:30 and 10:30 were the ones I came back to several times. The mood, the light, and the grains in the first one worked so good together.
Even when I don't touch the camera(s) for weeks, and skipped watching Ben Hornes Redwood journey just because my mind is not too much on photography at the moment. A Steve O'Nions video is always a instant watch and the inspiration needed to maybe just climb a mountain and maybe take the smartphone out for a snapshot or two. Thanks for what you are doing, the results are spectacular this video.
Thanks, Steve. I just returned to the States from a trip to Scotland, Yorkshire and Snowdonia. The summit of Mt. Snowdon was cloud-bound and the wind was, literally, blowing a gale - with mild conditions and great views just a few hundred feet below the summit. All in all, it was much like your hike - except for a thousand or so other hikers on the Llamberis Path that late-July morning!
Another cracking Adventure Steve. I also had some fine British summer weather up on Dartmoor the other day. Had to get my thermal jacket out! Looking forward to see the follow up video.👍
Excellent video, Steve! You really captured the feeling of cold, wet and windy. Being in the clouds while they blow around is amazing. Very refreshing since I'm sweltering here in the southern US.
Great timeless images and I love the music that accompanied them. Very atmospheric. I love how nature reclaims man’s mark on the landscape. I switched to mirrorless APSC in order to travel extremely light with my gear look forward to seeing the comparisons between the 2 cameras images.
Thanks for braving the Elements for our entertainment. I’d like to see you shoot the Old Medium format 6x9 camera more if u can. Show tips and tricks please. All the Best 👍✌️
Great vlog Steve, pretty harsh conditions for Summer and therefore a good reminder to all to take care and equip ourselves fully. Awesome shots before the summit, and I really liked the shot from low down over the slate fence line looking up to the last wall standing . Thanks Del.
Another great video Steve, loved the mine building locations; glad you persevered in our lovely summer weather to take some great shots. Looking forward to the follow on videos.
Great video.. I took a nikon F75 and the same 28-100mm lens on holiday with me recently. Very light and versatile set up and the camera made things very easy! looking forward to the follow up video as I've always been curious about old folders.
You have got to love the British summer weather:) That part of Wales is easily overlooked IMHO. Have you been over to Cwm Penmachno Slate Quarry Steve? Not to far from Cnicht. A good day out. Yet another enjoyable vlog, thank you. Cheers, Diz
Steve, a suggestion if you are considering 1/2 frame for the absolute minimalist approach to 'landscape' photography. If you want to extract the best from this 'small' format use 100ISO TMax or Delta and home process in non solvent type devs., i.e. Rodinal, Ilford LC29, HC110 etc., I'm sure you will be aware that DOF is enormous at any aperture. I've used a Olympus Pen D 1/2 frame, has selenium cell which Is very accurate, just don't point it up at the sky!, fully manual with a great range of shutter/aperture choices. Doesn't quite fit in my pockets, (of the jackets I have). I have some experience of the wilder regions of the UK, a Cairngorms 'walk' in the middle of winter together with off road cycling in Wales. But is all a long time ago as I'm back in Aust., enjoying our wilderness. Thanks for your very enjoyable and professional videos. Stephen Crowfoot.
Thanks Stephen, the slower films are a must for such a small format, perhaps even one of the specialist document types such as CMS 20. I have found Rodinal and HC110 a little grainy on 35mm (although super sharp) but overall prefer ID11 or sometimes XTol. I’ll be doing a few trips later this year with a couple of small 35mm compacts to see what I can get.
Steve, on my upcoming trip to Ireland this fall, I was planning to bring an Olympus Trip 35 and a small digital camera, but this video has got me thinking, again. The digital, of course, for some stills and video shooting, and my Franka 6X6, a mid-1950s 75mm folder, for some of the scenery. It's funny how one's thinking can change. Thanks for another entertaining blog this Sunday!
Man I really love your videos. I've only recently discovered you. I gave my Pentax film equipment to my son several years ago. Ironically my two adult sons have inspired me to go at it again with film. I recently sold my Nikon D5300 as I never really warmed to it. I'm looking to pick up a couple of film cameras for a trip to Nova Scotia in a few weeks. I already have a Yashica 12 tlr and I'm looking at a vintage 35mm as well. I've always been enamored by large format and a bit unsure about it. I'm not getting any younger and really want to dive into it. I think a folder in large format may just be the ticket. Thanks for the inspiration and the lovely videos!
Thanks for commenting and if you do decide to try large format I can recommend the Intrepid thanks to the light weight and ease of operation. If you get an old folder it is worth paying for one that has been serviced and tested, 95% of what is out there is junk.
I enjoy your series immensly, this trip has potential for 'atmospheric' pics, you can go through 'open' gateways, made me chuckle when you climbed over the stile!! 😊
Mr O"Nions quite an interest vlog, thanks. Like the photos you shown, perfer te Zeiss Ikon, maybe its because I have 6x9 and 6x6.Me favorite was the last.
Great video, love the shots of the ruins, looks like a nice place to hike. I love these lightweight nikons for hiking, especially my n80 (US f80), only thing I wish they had was a mirror lockup function. I've had issues with camera shake using a lightweight 28-80 kit lens or a Tele zoom. I suspect they deliberately left that feature out to force landscape shooters to spend more on the (heavier) f100.
I know what you mean about the F80/F100 gap but I love the lighter weight which is why the F100 has to go. I also like the well damped mirror of the 80 and selectable guidelines but really really miss the lack of metering with so/ais lenses 😕. Hmmmm, another F100 .........
Great video Steve, liked the images. Was interested to see the results from the Zeiss folder, I have just purchased a Balda 6x6cm folder ( only cost £15) which I hope to take to Scotland in October. However unlike yourself whenever I shoot film I have to send it off to the lab to get processed and scanned . I have only just got back the 35mm film one that I started in May !!! I am still trying to decide if I am happy with my results :) I love the whole process of using film cameras but I find digital so much more convenient and take so many more images on digital than I do film these days ! Thank you for sharing and once again inspiring me to get some more film shot :D Teddy
Exactly ; -) I was one of those people who after learning photography on film cameras and using them for many years I was reluctant to go digital to start with. Then when I did I realised how much easier it was . But I still love film.
Now you've got me jonesing for that Ercona camera! I've gone and found one on our local auction site for under $100... so tempted! Thanks! ;-) And the footage on this video.... absolutely stunnin'!
Thanks Jon. I’ve had countless folders over the years but the only ones that have worked are the ones from dealers or knowledgeable owners. The two stand out models I’ve owned have come from Jurgen Krekel in the states (Certo 6). He restores them to full working condition and whilst not cheap they are excellent everyday shooters.
I love your blog And look forward to it every 1 or 2 weeks when they are posted, your only 1 of 2 - I watch on UA-cam. And I think blue skies are boring, sunrise and sunset are the norm for landscape photographers and the photos are always photoshopped to look dramatic. Me I like bad or extreme weather. I do like landscapes sometimes some of them are excellent like your are but love cityscapes industrial landscapes - decaying abandon buildings the drama the mood as well I like textures in the landscapes
Lovely serie of photographs, I really like the cropped version of the 6x9 at 13:34 and the shot at 14:05 taken with the Nikon, has great leading lines. I have also a Zeiss Ikon but it's 6x6, it's always fun to shoot with. I've looked for a clean Zeiss 6x9 but until now I've found only lenses with dust inside or fungus.
Just wanted to say that I've taken for a ride my Zeiss Ikon Nettar 517 during the summer holidays, the lens is still sharp as new, I got good results at the mountains with a black and white film, it was fun to shoot with the camera again, this video inspired me to use it again.
After watching this I realize I don't have enough B-roll for my first video I shot yesterday. It's definitely a learning curve, and the awkward feeling of talking into a camera 😳.
You got some awesome images despite the challenges, I think the third one (the very grainy one), I also liked the sheep as a leading line. I think my next camera is going to be a folding one, there’s just something about them but buying them can be full of pitfalls. The camera I’m doing my analogue 365 project on is a very light plastic Canon 1000nf, that way I know I can use it every day even with my plastic fantastic 50mm. It’s also my lowest quality when new. Another great video, thank you for braving the British Summer for us.
Steve, I didn't notice if you took a tripod and wondered; do you find you take most of your film shots handheld? I am looking forward to the second part of the video as I'm interested in the approach to post processing a film image. And lastly, do you have to Zone Focus your 6 X 9 and if so, do you have a trick for doing that?
I often do without the tripod with 35mm when our walking Philip but always take one for early morning shoots. In terms of focussing I do a rough estimate and allow the smaller apertures of f/11 and greater to take care of any issues. For large landscape scenes I’ll often set it to infinity.
When I knew you were going to do Cnicht in this epiosde I knew it was going to be a good one. If I had to pick one fave mountain in NW I think it would be this one - it's a special place for sure but one that I have only been up twice and one of the rare occasions I managed to record a vlog (of sorts) to put on my channel. Love the views and have to say the conditions you had were perfect for your photography - many would have been moaning about it but you came away with some corkers right through your walk. Loved the b roll showing that slither of light and then you followed it up with a fab imafe at abt 5.49 - I have sat in that very spot but ddn't take a shot - that's the photographer in you and the walker in me stopping to rest, lol. Had to laugh at the b roll of you walking over the stile rather than through the gate :) Wondered what route you were taking to do your 6 miles, I have done the same route as that but have also turned left at Llyn yr Adar and walked back that way - both routes are very boggy. The Rhosydd area is somewhere I could spend all day looking for compositions - I have wlaked that way also from down in Cwmorthin. Great advice about being prepared on the hills btw. A very enjoyable episode and I will be coming back for a another viewing in the week.
Thanks Alan, that middle section of the walk is a bit vague and not so much fun as the hike up to the peak which was great. The long walk down past the old quarries was somewhat bland but at least it was quick and easy. I’ll definitely consider one of the other routes next time as it is a lovely area and so quiet compared to the more obvious spots.
@@SteveONions I think the Moelwyns are mostly quiet but that might be due to the area being quite sodden with not many defined paths - it tends to keep people away. I have seen some cracking images from Nick Livesey fro the area and it's somewhere I think you would get great joy given the time to explore. I took the other side down on my last visit as I wanted to get to Llyn yr Arddu but spent so much off track I run out of time - I had only walked about 7 miles but it felt more like double that! :)
I also struggle when the going is very soggy as was the trip up the Arenigs a few months ago, I should have doubled back and retraced my steps to be honest. I also find myself running out of time on trips especially when trying to capture enough interesting footage.
It was both for the extra contrast and to add a bit of grain which enhanced the mood somewhat. The extra stop of speed also made handholding easier but to be honest it was light enough for ISO 400.
Wondering why you climbed the ladder when the gate was open?! Nice monochrome work. I have a Nikon N75, and the lightness of it, and it's lenses, make it so friendly to use, and take beautiful images with. Looking forward to your comparison video.
Hi Steve! Greetings from Brazil! Thank you for the videos, I'm a big fan of your work! I can ask a question? When we leave home at dawn, go to a remote place, in the middle of nowhere, and the weather is absolutely miserable, and we think "what hell am I doing here?", how do you deal with this situation? How to keep your spirits up?😅
That’s a good question Carlos. I have to say that making videos and posting them has helped me greatly in this respect. I used to feel downhearted and would even give up if conditions were poor but I now resolve to make an effort regardless and document this for others to see. It’s forced me to work in really challenging conditions and get shots I would never have seen before.
ERCONA II - yeah! The same one I was out with today (mine is the GDR Pentacon model, but technically the same camera). Still not developed the film (Kodak Ektar 100 - I do this by myself now, thanks to the CineStill C-41 chemicals). I'm curious how the lens performed. Less dramatic landscape, though (no mountains around Berlin, I have to admit, but the weather was much nicer ;-)). And no sheep (but horses, even though they decided to stay out of most of my shots today). The Ercona II is an interesting camera, being able to shoot 6x9 or 6x6 (I actually have the 6x6 mask for mine) - very simple, but at least sporting a Tessar lens; combined with an external rangefinder it can be used for landscape and other, more static subjects. A much underrated camera, I think. I've not shot with this particular camera until today, because I had to fix the bellows first (it was partially crumpled, so I had to glue in a peace of black paper to bring it back into shape).
Thanks Christian. I’ve found the tessar on this camera to be particularly sharp, as good or better than other cameras using the same design. At f/16 it is sharp into the corners and renders beautifully as do all tessars I’ve used to be honest.
@@SteveONions Thanks Steve! Most shots I did yesterday were f/11 or f/11-16, and a closer one with around f/5.6 - I'll know how it went tomorrow (I plan to do development this evening). With the Solinar of my Agfa Record III (a comparable camera, but with an integrated, uncoupled rangefinder) I found that it doesn't get sharp in the corners at f/11 or slightly above; looks as if I have to try f/22 at some point (it should be fine on a 6x9, refraction should kick in later at this format and the 105 mm focal length).
I found the 75mm Solinar on my Isolette 3 was soft into the extreme corners but it didn’t really detract from the final image. I’ve always liked that tessar designs suffered less from diffraction than more complex lenses and there is a special look to them that I really like.
@@SteveONions The 75 mm Solinar in my Super Isolette has a similar behavior, but less pronounced (f/11 looks fine in the corners) because the whole lens is moved for focusing, not only the front element (so the overall lens design differs). I think the "real" CZJ Tessar has a different optimization strategy (I found this at least the versions for 35 mm film). I'll keep you posted about my findings.
@@SteveONions It didn't work out well - focusing seems to be far off and has to be adjusted before I can try this Ercona II again. I hope that there's not a more serious problem with this lens.
Nice work, very inspirational in terms of ideas, views, equipment, walking, history and dedication. One thing I wonder as an American, I see you and others walking and going through gates and up and down stairs over walls etc. I assume this is a path/ trail across some form of private property of some kind, or is it national land that is lent out for grazing and the like? Here in the US, going across private land is not really allowed. What's the story on the land and gates in terms of access and ownership? Is it some form of park that is leased out in parts or is there some kind of pre-existing right-of-way?
Hi John. We are very lucky in the UK that many areas are designated as national parks. Even when it is private land there are lots of public footpaths and rights of way that mean we can get to many of the most beautiful locations. The coast also has extensive pathways so I rarely find myself struggling for a choice of views. There are of course places we cannot get to with some great views but overall I’m happy with the situation and it makes being a landscape photographer quite easy.
Great timing I rely on my 4x5 and Hasselblad 503 for 100% of my landscape shooting. I saw Micheal Kenna’s work in a gallery and all his prints are 8x8 inches. So I want to take a 35mm and see just how good of a print I can make in 8x12. Would be a nice light setup for hiking.
The British landscape and architectural photographer Edwin Smith used a folding 6 x 9 camera, an Ensign Autorange 820. Catching the light in Britain sometimes requires a photojournalist's reactions, a few seconds of perfection in a day of murk.
Hi steve, started using film again after a 14 year break , what lightmeter do you use, and do you find a mid grey for an average or do you spot meter the area of interest. Used a Weston euro master back in the day.
Hi David and welcome back to film 👍. I always spot meter (an old Sekonic L-508), for negative materials I read the significant shadows and place them on Zone 3. For transparency I take multiple readings and pray!
I have an Nikon 75 which I use with a Nikkor 24mm 2.8.af lens. I also have a Moskva 4 coupled rangefinder 6x9 camera with a 110 mm Industar 23 f4.5 lens. Very sharp. The camera is very robost apart from the bellows of course. That's why I use my Kiev 6c with it's excellent Vega 90 mm f2.8 lens. If I need a wider angle I use the 24mm on the F75. I like the 2 Russian cameras and the lightness of the F75 that I bought 12 years ago for £40. I use the 24mm 2.8 on my Digital Nikon D300s as it is equivalent to a 35mm. My favourite focal length.
Gone from 35 mm to MF film and my camera pack weights a ton...but i dont mind , love how the MF slow me down and how to experiment with diffrent films , filters and lenses...Thanks for your inspirational videos they help me alot...
I'm looking to get a 6x9 that can be had for less than 500 US. Is the Zeiss you shot with a good candidate versus the Fuji 6x9? or should I consider others?
Hi Randy. The Fuji will deliver the best quality but it is huge and heavy which is why I’ve never bought one. A good quality folder can be had for less than $500 but make sure you buy one from a dealer who has serviced it recently as they are quite fragile. I have bought two from Jurgen Krekel (certo6) and they have both been excellent.
None at all, even the lenses are comparable. Shooting faster B&W films like this masks any subtle differences and it would need top notch primes to make any real change (that’s something I have slated for a future video).
Steve, the photos are very beautiful but I am not sure that your argument towards small and lightweight actually holds up....in place of all that equipment you may easily carrry a full frame digital camera with a good zoom lens, probably even saving some weight......
Steve, I'm running out of adjectives to describe how much I enjoy your videos - this one is perhaps one of my favorites because of the incredible video scenes (and I'm not into video much!), but just stunning. Also REALLY appreciate the emphasis on film, and the 6x9 camera/photos were a real treat. Every video I watch from you is an inspiration in one or more areas of the hobby - thank you!
Thanks for the extremely kind words Robert, I enjoy going out and making these videos so I can enjoy the experience again in the future.
@@SteveONions As basic and obvious as that sounds, I had not thought of that from your perspective - of course you would enjoy looking back to previous outings. That doesn't take away one iota from how incredible it is that you put in so much effort for us - I suspect the same pursuit of excellence in your photography is what drives you to produce such great video. Good to know it is a win-win! Cheers!
Steve love ❤️ your choice of music and a wonderful day in the hills!!!! Thanks buddy 🙏
While pondering a good cup of coffee often makes wonderful things happen.
Just for once you made me laugh Steve, climbing over the stile by a wide open gate just creased me up! Seriously though, a great video and yes Cnicht is a great hill usually pretty quiet too. I like the way you mix gear, always encourages newcomers to see what can be achieved with inexpensive cameras.
That was one of my favorite moments as well. :)
Thanks Alan, it was a lovely walk because of the weather, something special about being out in those conditions all alone.
Steve,
In addition to the interesting comments, you add a bit of humors: taking the ladder when the gate was open, or the ugly blue skies. Thank you for sharing your videos.
I'm amazed with the pictures you manage to get out of your surroundings! The images at 9:30 and 10:30 were the ones I came back to several times. The mood, the light, and the grains in the first one worked so good together.
Thanks Ivar.
Even when I don't touch the camera(s) for weeks, and skipped watching Ben Hornes Redwood journey just because my mind is not too much on photography at the moment. A Steve O'Nions video is always a instant watch and the inspiration needed to maybe just climb a mountain and maybe take the smartphone out for a snapshot or two. Thanks for what you are doing, the results are spectacular this video.
Thank you, that’s very kind of you to say so.
All beautiful stuff again Steve. I do enjoy your work.
Thanks David.
Thanks, Steve. I just returned to the States from a trip to Scotland, Yorkshire and Snowdonia. The summit of Mt. Snowdon was cloud-bound and the wind was, literally, blowing a gale - with mild conditions and great views just a few hundred feet below the summit. All in all, it was much like your hike - except for a thousand or so other hikers on the Llamberis Path that late-July morning!
Hehe, I know what you mean about Snowdonia George which is why I always avoid the place 🙂
Another cracking Adventure Steve. I also had some fine British summer weather up on Dartmoor the other day. Had to get my thermal jacket out! Looking forward to see the follow up video.👍
Thanks Julian, can’t wait for those warmer winter days 🙂
Very pleasing and well-composed still and video shots of North Wales. Looking forward to seeing your video comparing the results of the two cameras
Excellent video, Steve! You really captured the feeling of cold, wet and windy. Being in the clouds while they blow around is amazing. Very refreshing since I'm sweltering here in the southern US.
Thanks Terry, I only feel at home in the wind and rain!
Great timeless images and I love the music that accompanied them. Very atmospheric. I love how nature reclaims man’s mark on the landscape. I switched to mirrorless APSC in order to travel extremely light with my gear look forward to seeing the comparisons between the 2 cameras images.
Thanks Simon, the video is coming out in two weeks time.
Super superb as always ! The enlargement for the 2nd 35mm picture is ? Many thanks !
It was only an 8x10 here but I’d happily go much bigger.
Another great trip out with “none of that blue skies rubbish.”
Excellent as always, Steve.
Great video Steve. I wasn't sure that you were going to get anything at first. Just goes to show that you need to stick it out when the weathers bad.
It’s fast becoming my favourite weather Robin, not much use for colour work though.
@@SteveONions I suppose we need to like the rain living in the UK. Stormy clouds are much better than the clear blue sky we had earlier in the year.
Some great shots there especially that one with the line of sheep
Cheers Matt.
Some very good photos under very difficult conditions.
Thanks for braving the Elements for our entertainment. I’d like to see you shoot the Old Medium format 6x9 camera more if u can. Show tips and tricks please.
All the Best
👍✌️
Great vlog Steve, pretty harsh conditions for Summer and therefore a good reminder to all to take care and equip ourselves fully. Awesome shots before the summit,
and I really liked the shot from low down over the slate fence line looking up to the last wall standing . Thanks Del.
Thanks Del, the conditions were perfect for black and white work.
Another great video Steve, loved the mine building locations; glad you persevered in our lovely summer weather to take some great shots. Looking forward to the follow on videos.
Thanks Chris, the follow up is coming in a couple of weeks.
Really enjoyed watching this video
Love watching your videos! Glad I discovered your channel...
Thanks Jerzy.
Thanks Steve for another lovely Welsh mountain walk. Great images and time-lapse despite the British weather.
Thanks Philip.
Great video.. I took a nikon F75 and the same 28-100mm lens on holiday with me recently. Very light and versatile set up and the camera made things very easy!
looking forward to the follow up video as I've always been curious about old folders.
Thanks Jonny, I’ll probably do a video covering folders at some point.
You make very beautiful, inspirational and informative content, Steve. Many thanks (from sunny California)!
Thanks Daryl.
You have got to love the British summer weather:) That part of Wales is easily overlooked IMHO. Have you been over to Cwm Penmachno Slate Quarry Steve? Not to far from Cnicht. A good day out. Yet another enjoyable vlog, thank you. Cheers, Diz
Thanks Diz. I was over at that quarry last year and shot it with a pinhole camera 👍
Another wonderful video. Waiting to see in details what the Ercona can do.
Steve, a suggestion if you are considering 1/2 frame for the absolute minimalist approach to 'landscape' photography. If you want to extract the best from this 'small' format use 100ISO TMax or Delta and home process in non solvent type devs., i.e. Rodinal, Ilford LC29, HC110 etc., I'm sure you will be aware that DOF is enormous at any aperture. I've used a Olympus Pen D 1/2 frame, has selenium cell which Is very accurate, just don't point it up at the sky!, fully manual with a great range of shutter/aperture choices. Doesn't quite fit in my pockets, (of the jackets I have). I have some experience of the wilder regions of the UK, a Cairngorms 'walk' in the middle of winter together with off road cycling in Wales. But is all a long time ago as I'm back in Aust., enjoying our wilderness. Thanks for your very enjoyable and professional videos. Stephen Crowfoot.
Thanks Stephen, the slower films are a must for such a small format, perhaps even one of the specialist document types such as CMS 20. I have found Rodinal and HC110 a little grainy on 35mm (although super sharp) but overall prefer ID11 or sometimes XTol. I’ll be doing a few trips later this year with a couple of small 35mm compacts to see what I can get.
Very nice watch Steve with very nice images.
Crazy how fast that weather changes. Nice Zeiss btw!
Steve, on my upcoming trip to Ireland this fall, I was planning to bring an Olympus Trip 35 and a small digital camera, but this video has got me thinking, again. The digital, of course, for some stills and video shooting, and my Franka 6X6, a mid-1950s 75mm folder, for some of the scenery. It's funny how one's thinking can change. Thanks for another entertaining blog this Sunday!
Thanks Shaun and good decision on the folder as it isn’t much bigger than the trip.
fantastic video and very good black/white images you got there!
Thanks Martin.
I enjoyed watching your video very much, you got some lovely shots. Looking forward to the follow-up. Thanks for sharing Steve.
Thanks Henk, the follow up is in a fortnight.
Man I really love your videos. I've only recently discovered you. I gave my Pentax film equipment to my son several years ago. Ironically my two adult sons have inspired me to go at it again with film. I recently sold my Nikon D5300 as I never really warmed to it. I'm looking to pick up a couple of film cameras for a trip to Nova Scotia in a few weeks. I already have a Yashica 12 tlr and I'm looking at a vintage 35mm as well. I've always been enamored by large format and a bit unsure about it. I'm not getting any younger and really want to dive into it. I think a folder in large format may just be the ticket. Thanks for the inspiration and the lovely videos!
Thanks for commenting and if you do decide to try large format I can recommend the Intrepid thanks to the light weight and ease of operation.
If you get an old folder it is worth paying for one that has been serviced and tested, 95% of what is out there is junk.
@@SteveONions You're welcome and thank you for the advice.
Stunning as always!
Some lovely shots! Keep snapping!
I enjoy your series immensly, this trip has potential for 'atmospheric' pics, you can go through 'open' gateways, made me chuckle when you climbed over the stile!! 😊
A very well made and enjoyable video, Steve and beautifully composed images.
I love folders, so portable and light. Lovely summer weather made the video! But hooking us with the denouement in another video!
Thanks Charles, the follow up is out in two weeks 😀
Steve
Wonderful video and some incredible images
Peter
Thank you Peter.
Mr O"Nions quite an interest vlog, thanks. Like the photos you shown, perfer te Zeiss Ikon, maybe its because I have 6x9 and 6x6.Me favorite was the last.
Wonderful, can’t wait until you post the processing video
Just two weeks to wait Chris 👍
Great video! Loved these shots. Nice contrast with the 35mm.
Thanks Carlin.
Enjoyed your video and the beautiful images, very evocative.
Cheers Bill.
Great video, love the shots of the ruins, looks like a nice place to hike. I love these lightweight nikons for hiking, especially my n80 (US f80), only thing I wish they had was a mirror lockup function. I've had issues with camera shake using a lightweight 28-80 kit lens or a Tele zoom. I suspect they deliberately left that feature out to force landscape shooters to spend more on the (heavier) f100.
I know what you mean about the F80/F100 gap but I love the lighter weight which is why the F100 has to go. I also like the well damped mirror of the 80 and selectable guidelines but really really miss the lack of metering with so/ais lenses 😕. Hmmmm, another F100 .........
Great video Steve, liked the images. Was interested to see the results from the Zeiss folder, I have just purchased a Balda 6x6cm folder ( only cost £15) which I hope to take to Scotland in October. However unlike yourself whenever I shoot film I have to send it off to the lab to get processed and scanned . I have only just got back the 35mm film one that I started in May !!! I am still trying to decide if I am happy with my results :) I love the whole process of using film cameras but I find digital so much more convenient and take so many more images on digital than I do film these days ! Thank you for sharing and once again inspiring me to get some more film shot :D Teddy
Thanks Teddy, I also find digital a lot more convenient but film has more of an attraction, partly because it is harder to use.
Exactly ; -) I was one of those people who after learning photography on film cameras and using them for many years I was reluctant to go digital to start with. Then when I did I realised how much easier it was . But I still love film.
Now you've got me jonesing for that Ercona camera! I've gone and found one on our local auction site for under $100... so tempted! Thanks! ;-)
And the footage on this video.... absolutely stunnin'!
Thanks Jon. I’ve had countless folders over the years but the only ones that have worked are the ones from dealers or knowledgeable owners. The two stand out models I’ve owned have come from Jurgen Krekel in the states (Certo 6). He restores them to full working condition and whilst not cheap they are excellent everyday shooters.
Another great video, thanks so much for sharing...
Thanks Philip.
Bad luck with that weather, Steve. But when you have the sun at your side, that Ansel-Adams-moment will be yours!
Another interesting film, loved the last 3, worth sticking at it, thanks.
Cheers Robin.
Nice Steve. Like the 6x9 photos a lot. Best regards..
Thanks Lars, next video release looks at the results in more detail.
I love your blog And look forward to it every 1 or 2 weeks when they are posted, your only 1 of 2 - I watch on UA-cam. And I think blue skies are boring, sunrise and sunset are the norm for landscape photographers and the photos are always photoshopped to look dramatic. Me I like bad or extreme weather. I do like landscapes sometimes some of them are excellent like your are but love cityscapes industrial landscapes - decaying abandon buildings the drama the mood as well I like textures in the landscapes
Thanks Derek. I also enjoy cityscapes and architecture but have never featured it in my vlogs, maybe I should one day?
Steve O'Nions your welcome. you should, your a very talented photographer
Some very very nice photos mate 👌
Thanks Andy.
Lovely serie of photographs, I really like the cropped version of the 6x9 at 13:34 and the shot at 14:05 taken with the Nikon, has great leading lines. I have also a Zeiss Ikon but it's 6x6, it's always fun to shoot with. I've looked for a clean Zeiss 6x9 but until now I've found only lenses with dust inside or fungus.
Hard to find a good one Fabrizio, I paid for a fully restored model and I am glad I did
@@SteveONions Yes, I think it's the best option.
Just wanted to say that I've taken for a ride my Zeiss Ikon Nettar 517 during the summer holidays, the lens is still sharp as new, I got good results at the mountains with a black and white film, it was fun to shoot with the camera again, this video inspired me to use it again.
After watching this I realize I don't have enough B-roll for my first video I shot yesterday. It's definitely a learning curve, and the awkward feeling of talking into a camera 😳.
Im a bit of a b-roll fan although it isn’t always necessary for a vlog. I use it as an opportunity to play some suitable music 🙂
Nice one Steve, ... Cnicht, our Matterhorn. Nothing better than Welsh mist either, cheers.
I love that mountain Owen, my favourite in Snowdonia.
@@SteveONions if you want company on Siabod give me a shout. Another good vantage point.
Very cool indeed! Do you process your film yourself, or send it out to a lab?
Home processed Steve, colour too if I’m feeling up to it.
You got some awesome images despite the challenges, I think the third one (the very grainy one), I also liked the sheep as a leading line.
I think my next camera is going to be a folding one, there’s just something about them but buying them can be full of pitfalls. The camera I’m doing my analogue 365 project on is a very light plastic Canon 1000nf, that way I know I can use it every day even with my plastic fantastic 50mm. It’s also my lowest quality when new.
Another great video, thank you for braving the British Summer for us.
Thanks Mark and if you get a folder make sure it is a working one as 95% of those from eBay are only fit for the bin.
I may have sprained my ankle just watching this :)
Great !!! Wonderful !!!
Steve, I didn't notice if you took a tripod and wondered; do you find you take most of your film shots handheld? I am looking forward to the second part of the video as I'm interested in the approach to post processing a film image. And lastly, do you have to Zone Focus your 6 X 9 and if so, do you have a trick for doing that?
I often do without the tripod with 35mm when our walking Philip but always take one for early morning shoots. In terms of focussing I do a rough estimate and allow the smaller apertures of f/11 and greater to take care of any issues. For large landscape scenes I’ll often set it to infinity.
When I knew you were going to do Cnicht in this epiosde I knew it was going to be a good one. If I had to pick one fave mountain in NW I think it would be this one - it's a special place for sure but one that I have only been up twice and one of the rare occasions I managed to record a vlog (of sorts) to put on my channel. Love the views and have to say the conditions you had were perfect for your photography - many would have been moaning about it but you came away with some corkers right through your walk. Loved the b roll showing that slither of light and then you followed it up with a fab imafe at abt 5.49 - I have sat in that very spot but ddn't take a shot - that's the photographer in you and the walker in me stopping to rest, lol. Had to laugh at the b roll of you walking over the stile rather than through the gate :) Wondered what route you were taking to do your 6 miles, I have done the same route as that but have also turned left at Llyn yr Adar and walked back that way - both routes are very boggy. The Rhosydd area is somewhere I could spend all day looking for compositions - I have wlaked that way also from down in Cwmorthin. Great advice about being prepared on the hills btw. A very enjoyable episode and I will be coming back for a another viewing in the week.
Thanks Alan, that middle section of the walk is a bit vague and not so much fun as the hike up to the peak which was great. The long walk down past the old quarries was somewhat bland but at least it was quick and easy. I’ll definitely consider one of the other routes next time as it is a lovely area and so quiet compared to the more obvious spots.
@@SteveONions I think the Moelwyns are mostly quiet but that might be due to the area being quite sodden with not many defined paths - it tends to keep people away. I have seen some cracking images from Nick Livesey fro the area and it's somewhere I think you would get great joy given the time to explore. I took the other side down on my last visit as I wanted to get to Llyn yr Arddu but spent so much off track I run out of time - I had only walked about 7 miles but it felt more like double that! :)
I also struggle when the going is very soggy as was the trip up the Arenigs a few months ago, I should have doubled back and retraced my steps to be honest. I also find myself running out of time on trips especially when trying to capture enough interesting footage.
Another great video Steve. If you want to go REALY light weight and minimalist then how about a 35mm Minox?
Very tempting, I’m thinking about dabbling in half frame next 👍
Interesting camera that Zeiss is. Thanks for sharing
Thanks Tony.
Enjoyable video Steve. Was the push on the HP5+ to try and draw out more contrast in the scenes or did you have another reason?
It was both for the extra contrast and to add a bit of grain which enhanced the mood somewhat. The extra stop of speed also made handholding easier but to be honest it was light enough for ISO 400.
Wondering why you climbed the ladder when the gate was open?! Nice monochrome work. I have a Nikon N75, and the lightness of it, and it's lenses, make it so friendly to use, and take beautiful images with. Looking forward to your comparison video.
😀 thanks Martin.
I was wondering the same. Shades of Blazing Saddles, maybe?
Hi Steve! Greetings from Brazil! Thank you for the videos, I'm a big fan of your work! I can ask a question? When we leave home at dawn, go to a remote place, in the middle of nowhere, and the weather is absolutely miserable, and we think "what hell am I doing here?", how do you deal with this situation? How to keep your spirits up?😅
That’s a good question Carlos. I have to say that making videos and posting them has helped me greatly in this respect. I used to feel downhearted and would even give up if conditions were poor but I now resolve to make an effort regardless and document this for others to see. It’s forced me to work in really challenging conditions and get shots I would never have seen before.
@@SteveONions Thank you so much for the reply, Steve! 👍
You are a lucky man, living in such a beautyful place..
I am indeed and only in the past few years have I started to understand this.
@@SteveONions Some things need more time...👍
ERCONA II - yeah! The same one I was out with today (mine is the GDR Pentacon model, but technically the same camera). Still not developed the film (Kodak Ektar 100 - I do this by myself now, thanks to the CineStill C-41 chemicals). I'm curious how the lens performed. Less dramatic landscape, though (no mountains around Berlin, I have to admit, but the weather was much nicer ;-)). And no sheep (but horses, even though they decided to stay out of most of my shots today). The Ercona II is an interesting camera, being able to shoot 6x9 or 6x6 (I actually have the 6x6 mask for mine) - very simple, but at least sporting a Tessar lens; combined with an external rangefinder it can be used for landscape and other, more static subjects. A much underrated camera, I think. I've not shot with this particular camera until today, because I had to fix the bellows first (it was partially crumpled, so I had to glue in a peace of black paper to bring it back into shape).
Thanks Christian. I’ve found the tessar on this camera to be particularly sharp, as good or better than other cameras using the same design. At f/16 it is sharp into the corners and renders beautifully as do all tessars I’ve used to be honest.
@@SteveONions Thanks Steve! Most shots I did yesterday were f/11 or f/11-16, and a closer one with around f/5.6 - I'll know how it went tomorrow (I plan to do development this evening). With the Solinar of my Agfa Record III (a comparable camera, but with an integrated, uncoupled rangefinder) I found that it doesn't get sharp in the corners at f/11 or slightly above; looks as if I have to try f/22 at some point (it should be fine on a 6x9, refraction should kick in later at this format and the 105 mm focal length).
I found the 75mm Solinar on my Isolette 3 was soft into the extreme corners but it didn’t really detract from the final image. I’ve always liked that tessar designs suffered less from diffraction than more complex lenses and there is a special look to them that I really like.
@@SteveONions The 75 mm Solinar in my Super Isolette has a similar behavior, but less pronounced (f/11 looks fine in the corners) because the whole lens is moved for focusing, not only the front element (so the overall lens design differs). I think the "real" CZJ Tessar has a different optimization strategy (I found this at least the versions for 35 mm film). I'll keep you posted about my findings.
@@SteveONions It didn't work out well - focusing seems to be far off and has to be adjusted before I can try this Ercona II again. I hope that there's not a more serious problem with this lens.
Nice work, very inspirational in terms of ideas, views, equipment, walking, history and dedication. One thing I wonder as an American, I see you and others walking and going through gates and up and down stairs over walls etc. I assume this is a path/ trail across some form of private property of some kind, or is it national land that is lent out for grazing and the like? Here in the US, going across private land is not really allowed. What's the story on the land and gates in terms of access and ownership? Is it some form of park that is leased out in parts or is there some kind of pre-existing right-of-way?
Hi John. We are very lucky in the UK that many areas are designated as national parks. Even when it is private land there are lots of public footpaths and rights of way that mean we can get to many of the most beautiful locations. The coast also has extensive pathways so I rarely find myself struggling for a choice of views. There are of course places we cannot get to with some great views but overall I’m happy with the situation and it makes being a landscape photographer quite easy.
At 3:53 the scene from " Blazing Saddles " came to mind.
I too always carry my Zeiss foldie when hiking as an extra camera but a Zeiss Ikon Nettar
I do like the 6x6 folders overall for their incredible compact dimensions and extra frames per roll.
Looks windy up there! What do you use for your audio ? sounds clean!
Great job dude!
It’s the basic Rode Video Micro Joe, even works well when soaking wet.
@@SteveONions sweet , I have the same mic!
Great timing I rely on my 4x5 and Hasselblad 503 for 100% of my landscape shooting. I saw Micheal Kenna’s work in a gallery and all his prints are 8x8 inches. So I want to take a 35mm and see just how good of a print I can make in 8x12. Would be a nice light setup for hiking.
You should have no trouble making good 8x8 prints from 35mm Terry. I am also a big fan of Michael Kenna’s work, including the Holga output.
Great vlog Steve and the Zeiss shot's in particular are great. Do you use a light meter, daft question maybe but I am a newby to film.
I generally use a spotmeter for all film photography Paul but on this occasion I took readings with the Nikon F65 which were very accurate.
You managed Cnicht in true stile. :)
😀
The British landscape and architectural photographer Edwin Smith used a folding 6 x 9 camera, an Ensign Autorange 820. Catching the light in Britain sometimes requires a photojournalist's reactions, a few seconds of perfection in a day of murk.
Very true, no time to setup a tripod on this outing.
Hi steve, started using film again after a 14 year break , what lightmeter do you use, and do you find a mid grey for an average or do you spot meter the area of interest. Used a Weston euro master back in the day.
Hi David and welcome back to film 👍. I always spot meter (an old Sekonic L-508), for negative materials I read the significant shadows and place them on Zone 3. For transparency I take multiple readings and pray!
I have an Nikon 75 which I use with a Nikkor 24mm 2.8.af lens.
I also have a Moskva 4 coupled rangefinder 6x9 camera with a 110 mm Industar 23 f4.5 lens.
Very sharp.
The camera is very robost apart from the bellows of course.
That's why I use my Kiev 6c with it's excellent Vega 90 mm f2.8 lens.
If I need a wider angle I use the 24mm on the F75.
I like the 2 Russian cameras and the lightness of the F75 that I bought 12 years ago for £40.
I use the 24mm 2.8 on my Digital Nikon D300s as it is equivalent to a 35mm. My favourite focal length.
Gone from 35 mm to MF film and my camera pack weights a ton...but i dont mind , love how the MF slow me down and how to experiment with diffrent films , filters and lenses...Thanks for your inspirational videos they help me alot...
Thanks Björn.
I'm looking to get a 6x9 that can be had for less than 500 US. Is the Zeiss you shot with a good candidate versus the Fuji 6x9? or should I consider others?
Hi Randy. The Fuji will deliver the best quality but it is huge and heavy which is why I’ve never bought one. A good quality folder can be had for less than $500 but make sure you buy one from a dealer who has serviced it recently as they are quite fragile. I have bought two from Jurgen Krekel (certo6) and they have both been excellent.
@@SteveONions Thanks Steve appreciate the advice.
I used a Rollei 35b when cycling, how about one of those for some ultra-light equipment? Looking forward to the second part.
Good idea Brian and I’ve already got a few more ideas for carrying even less - might even give half frame a try.
This moustache and slight beared suit you
Sadly gone now 😦
Hey, have you ever considered using Rolleiflex - ish camera? It is quite small and handy one.
I certainly have Aleksander, in an upcoming vlog (about 6 weeks from now I think) I’ve been out with the Minolta Autocord 👍
Very interesting thanks. Can you see a difference in quality between the f80 and f65 setups?
None at all, even the lenses are comparable. Shooting faster B&W films like this masks any subtle differences and it would need top notch primes to make any real change (that’s something I have slated for a future video).
Steve, the photos are very beautiful but I am not sure that your argument towards small and lightweight actually holds up....in place of all that equipment you may easily carrry a full frame digital camera with a good zoom lens, probably even saving some weight......
You are absolutely correct Paolo and logic would dictate that I take my micro 4/3 outfit but I have a real love of film and film cameras sadly.
@@SteveONions ....which is also apparent in the stunning quality of your images, but which also proves that the equipment is not so unimportant.....
Hi Steve, it's a great video...
You said you don't like the blue skies... Well, I guess you're lucky, you're british.
Very true 😀
BEWARE! A retired mountaineer is one who has spent his entire life collecting light-weight equipment, until he cannot carry all.
Thank you.
ha ha
Zeiss folders are far from "rudimentary". In their time, there was nothing better for some assignments.
Mines fairly basic Stephen, no rangefinder etc. I imagine a coupled model is very capable.
Hi Steve ! I have a Zeiss Ikon Nettar 518/2 (6×9). Can u pls recommend a cold shoe rangefinder for it ? Thank you very much !
I’m not too familiar with auxiliary rangefinders to be honest, I just use the one I got years ago.
Wow stunning ! Steve pls can you post the link here ? Thanks !
Hi. What is the link you are looking for?