I'm so proud everytime someone shoots Fomapan. I'm from Czech republic where this film is made and I always thought only photographers here use it. It's cheap for us here, I would say...hmm...basic? Something like Astra blades. But I love Fomapan film. Shot tons of rolls and never let me down.
I've bought Fomapan in the US from Freestyle Photographic. It's on the less expensive end here as well. Used it mostly for my Holga or box cameras, but never had a problem with the film. And I love their logo!
I shoot a lot of Fomapan 100 and 400 in 4x5, 9cmx12cm , 6x6, 6X7 and even 35mm with bulk rolls... I love this film, because it's not like the new emulsions (Tmax for example) it remind me the "old photography look" and it's very affordable in France ( a third of the price of Ilford or Kodak film in large format) The only bad things of Fomapan is reciprocity failure which is so high than it's not manageable for very long exposures but Foma did a great job producing fillm, i hope it will last for long
I buy it 100' at a time. I prefer Fomapan 400 because isn't overpriced but still perfectly good quality, and is made by white people in a white country.
Your channel and videos are very inspiring. I like what you are doing. After a long day of work, I always feel relaxed watching your videos. Thank you for all that you do for your RUclips audience.
Thanks for sharing this great video! I really enjoy how the entire process was handled with such fidelity. This video encouraged me to try large format photography in the future. Cheers to more analog photography and videos!
The quality of your videos including sound track is absolutely impressive. A pleasure to watch even when there are technical issues with the equipment. Keep it at please. You are inspiring.
I like the continuity in the footage you take and the creation of the clip. I think Hollywood could learn a thing or two from you and others who post here. I loved the content as well. I have a 4x5 camera and don't use it often enough.
The beauty of the Toyo Field is the available binocular viewer which eliminates the need for a dark cloth. It is easily the best and easiest to use 45 camera.
Even though the shutter ruined it, it's great to be out in the field and do some landscape photography. I find it very therapeutic, specially in the winter when it's completely silent out there. The lake picture reminded me of a trip I had a couple years ago to Tyrol in Austria; breathtaking scenery. Great video nonetheless, I'd love it if you could do more landscape photography in the future. Thank you for sharing.
As you know, I’m an avid fan of your channel. I confess, I watch each episode thrice, just so I don’t miss any details. Both of you are super talented and appreciate the effort, thought that goes into the making. Look forward to more, keep clicking keep inspiring be well x ta
Thank you sooooo much for your kind comment! Jules and I both really appreciate it. And it makes me happy to hear that the episodes can be watched up to three times. :)
Thanks for this amazing video. I love the way your videos shows how you shot. I also like large format a lot ! So please keep on shooting an producing such interesting and relaxing videos !! Not only you came down during the shooting, but also I came down from a stressful day !! And the issue with your lens, not funny, but to be honest ... it's part of your analog film pashion !! :-)
First off, great video - thanks so much for sharing your outings, they are really interesting and have a great atmosphere/mood to them. You might already know that these old shutters can be serviced. I have some from the 30s and 40s that I've sent to the US to get cleaned and tuned up and they work great now. It cost a few bucks but was worth it in the long run for me.
Thanks for your comment and pointing this out. That's exactly my intention with this particular shutter of the Symmar lens. I'll have it serviced soon (and probably should have mentioned that). :)
Loved every aspect of this video! You covered the equipment, the process, and the adventure. Great video composition and shooting, calm and complementary music, and your narration is clear and smooth. Looking forward to more.
Great video! Sorry about the shutter not cooperating, seem like when you need something the most, that’s when it decides not to work! Looking forward to the next episode!
Thanks for your comment and empathy. But on the good side, it means we need to do at least one more video in this direction with a freshly serviced lens. :)
Don't feel too bad. Years ago my wife gave me an old 4x5 camera she found at an antique store. I was so intimidated by it that it was months before I even bought film to try it out. When I did the ground glass focusing screen fell out and shattered on the floor.
Ground glass is easy to replace. You can even buy it online. I bought two early 1900's cameras, a Montauk 4x5 and a Conley 5x7 and develped the glass plates that came with these cameras. After over 100 years the film still developed nicely in D-76 and showed pictures of a Victorian lady in Connecticut and a farm family in the midwest. www.flickr.com/photos/116856615@N07/ I only get intimidated by high end digital cameras. They feel more like computers than cameras.
I live in Canada and it is very cold here in the wintertime, I have experienced some shutter problem with my two analog cameras (Pentax K 1000 and a LTR Yashica) in the cold, now when the temperature drops below 0 o Celsius, I just do not take these two outdoor. I use my Nikon D750 then, more reliable in the cold except for the batteries that loose the power faster. I guess the mechanical parts of those old cameras were built thougher but there is a conterpart to that, smaller tolerance to colder temperature
The camera I would use on Mt McKinley (sub zero weather) would be a Nikon FM2n. For large format, Compur shutters work great in cold weather if they have been CLA'd.
Have been into large format photography for too many years to mention and wondered why you didn’t extend the tripod legs in order to raise up the camera to eye level height? The controls would then be so much easier to make and looking through the groundglass would be easier as well. I started with Gitzo aluminum then switched over to Gitzo carbon fiber when they came out. Still use the Gitzo CF to this day as it supports the camera (Wista SP) well at eye-level height.
The first photo seems to suffer from what was called 'converging verticals',rectified by having the camera back parallel to the main plane of the structure being photographed.Unless ,of course, that was the effect sought.Others were quite lovely. A good outing nonetheless.
Hi Guys.. Over the last two weeks I've basically watched all your videos.. Quite an interesting evolution from your earlier ones, including the more informal dress code in earlier days :-) What I've come to realise is that you fill a gap in the photography world left by Michael Reichmann, who started "The Luminous Landscape". I find your videos are both informative as well as beautiful, with the images you shoot displayed along with the video showing your setup, a technique that he pioneered in his video journals, still viewable on the site now run by his son. You also get into the intricacies and details, much like our fallen photographer friend, Michael. Obviously you have your own style, slow and considered, nowhere near the more recent wizz-bang videos from across the Atlantic! Keep up the good work. And if I might offer a word of advice.. or rather a request.. It would be interesting to revisit older lenses reviewed by you, compared to newer models or other brands. While the lenses viewed in isolation is interesting, it makes them difficult to compare. For example you review both the Canon 50 LTM as well as the Leica Summilux.. A head to head challenge.. (lets call it a comparison) would be most interesting. Why not throw in the 8 element Takumar 50? And a Noctilux compared to it's older brother, the Canon Dream lens (yes, older!), would also be most welcome. Different eras and different beasts, not necessarily to see which is better, but understanding their differences. For example my anecdotal evidence points to the fact that the older lenses suffer a lot from chromatic aberrations, but these actually enhance B&W shots. So something along those lines would be much appreciated. I know you have your hands full, and your video's are really very well produced, but if you have a chance.. Thank you
Love this! Those Fomapan shots look wonderful. The last scene shot was my favorite. And Max I experienced the exact same thing with my old Zeiss lens the last time I went out shooting 4x5. The shutter stuck more often than not, and killed my negs. 😫 I feel your pain. Looking forward to more large format episodes from you guys.
Nick Exposed Thanks so much for your comment and dropping by, Nick. And yes, it appears to be quite a common problem and I should have actively checked it in advance. :/
Thanks for the nice video! What strikes me was that I shot large format always completely different. What I usually did was first level the camera perfectly horizontally - no matter which framing I wanted to use later. Next thing I did was rotate the camera to make it point in the right direction to choose the horizontal framing. For vertical framing I shifted the front lens up and down. And afterwards I was using some swing or tilt to get everything in focus. Afterwards I took the shot. You guys don't seem to use the rise/fall/swing/shift adjustments of the camera at all and simply point the camera in the direction you'd like to shoot just like with any "normal" camera that doesn't allow lens movements.
I just picked up a 6x9 roll film adapter for my Toyo Field so I can do more practicing without sacrificing sheet film. For Jules’ first shot why didn’t he use the tilt and shift movements of the camera? It seemed like the perfect opportunity to correct for the distortion. There are a couple of apps for verifying shutter speeds on an old lens by timing the sound.
Beautiful video. My only comment is that for better contrast in black and white photography the use of a lens hood and yellow or orange filter really helps.
Nice channel, always good to see how other people go about their photography. A tip from this old hand: get yourself a designated 'dark cloth' for your view camera, not that expensive and extremely useful, in my opinion a must-have accessory to a view camera, just as important as, say, a tripod. Not only essential for focussing but also useful when taking the actual picture: when you removed the slide, drape the cloth over the back, covering the cassette. That way you will never have light leaks, not uncommon with casettes.
Interessant, der Copal 0 der Toyo scheint da aber noch problemlos zu funktionieren.. :/ Eventuell ist der Verschluss der Linhof mittlerweile allgemein ueberholungsbeduerftig.. ? (Und die "Schmierung" des Verschlusses etwas zaeh geworden.. )
Thank you Max and Jules. for another very enjoyable video. Hopefully your camera will be back to full health very soon! I am just starting to have an interest in large format photography as I haven't gone larger than 6 x 6 medium format with my Bronica SQ-A and Yashica Mat 124G. What camera would you advise for trying out large format?
Thanks for your comment and kind words. I'll have the lens CLA'd soon and then it should be fine again. For me, it is difficult to recommend a large format camera to start out/try first. The basic functionality of these view cameras is the same but you might want to take a look at whether you prefer starting with a monorail, field camera (like the ones shown in the video) or a press/technical camera. Hope this helps a little. :)
I would not recommend leaving Fomapan film anywhere near the sun. I love the price / performance of this film stock, but it's only a simple box with a pouch inside, so be careful. Anyways, whenever I ruin film (happens more often than I'd like) I remind myself that I would probably be sitting on the sofa at home but instead I had a little adventure, went out in nature, experienced a beautiful scene. If anything i've found a subject to come back to, which might be even more interesting a different time of day / year.
Oh sry, die Einblendung habe ich echt übersehen. Sry für die doofe Frage dann. Der See ist ja nur 3 Stunden von mir entfernt. Da werde ich bestimmt auch mal knipsen gehen. Vielen Dank für die Antwort. :)
What's up Max how are you? Refreshing landscape episode. I may go out to the Wilderness myself today to take some shots. I have a question though. Why do you think your lens suffered from the cold while Jules didn't?
Thanks for your comment. Because I could actually see it at the last location that my lens was running way too slow and had trouble with the resin inside the lens. My lens is pretty old and desperately needs service while Jules' is fairly new in comparison. That's why. :)
A lot of lenses can function under normal circumstances but in colder weather the resin stiffens. If your shutter is slow on longer shutter speeds normally it's likely it will get stuck all together in the cold.
I have that exact same Linhof camera it’s my favorite but you were not utilizing it to its full potential with the tilt shift capabilities of large format that’s what makes it so useful
As my Father would say: "The only way never to make a mistake, is to do nothing." I had three 4" x 5" cameras which I used to pay the bills. A Graflex Crown Graphic press camera, a Omega 45C (Toyo made) and a Linhoff Technika. They were all great for their specific uses. I only used the large format when the client required it and had to explain that the job would not go as fast as with small or medium format cameras. It is a different world when using sheet film cameras.
Thanks for sharing videos, can you please make videos about film roll basically I don't know about very to get negative film roll I really want to work with large format camera. Now days working with 35mm please let know about. Thank you
great experience with large format camera (I'm actually looking for a 8x10")... Btw, why didn't you tested any of the tilt-shift-pan-swing features of the camera? that would makes a real difference from a medium format camera... cheers
I seldom make comments on youtube videos but this time I have to say that I like the nice view along the trip and the excellent background music in the video. By the way, how many people are there in your crew?
And that‘s what you call an epic fail? Pah. I‘ll tell you, what an epic fail is: When I shot large format for the very first time in 2013 or 2014 I think, I bought a pack of Velvia 50 (back then expensive, but not sell-me-your-kidney-expensive). And I had learned before, that the notched side belongs in the upper right corner. Now of course I did not question the orientation, because from small format family shots I still was accustomed to the landscape orientation to be the ‚standard‘ of photographies. So of course that meant: You must hold the film holder in landscape orientation, load the film with your right hand with the notch in the upper right corner. Which of course becomes the upper left corner, when you rotate it to portait orientation. I did not develop my film myself but brought it to a special film lab in Aachen. The technician rang me the following day and told me that all 10 shots were ruined, because I obviously had the film loaded backwards. Now THAT was an epic fail.
You can buy antique Conley, Seneca and Rochester 4x5 or 5x7 cameras on *bay and get the lens/shutter assembly CLA'd. Make sure the bellows have no holes. Another option is the Crown Graphic 4x5. Many go for less than $200.
Die Verschlusszeit bei Zentralverschluessen kann man grob ueberpruefen, in dem man den Verschluss mehrmals ausloest (mindestens) 6 mal und kurz darauf bei mindestens einer einzelnen Ausloesung den dabei entstehenden Ton mit einem Mikrofon digital aufnimmt. Wenn man diese Aufnahme in einem Programm fuer digitale Tonbearbeitung anhoert, kann man grob die Genauigkeit der Verschlusszeit pruefen. In dem man von der Dauer des Ausloesevorganges (Verschluss auf bis Verschluss wieder zu) den Kehrwert nimmt. (Bei Zeiten kuerzer als 1ne Sekunde). Bei Zeiten laenger als eine Sekunde kann man eventuell auch eine Stoppuhr nehmen (so die Kamera / der Verschluss solche langen Zeiten ueberhaupt bietet, natuerlich). Diese Pruefung ist zwar nicht ganz genau, sollte der Verschluss bei einer eingestellen festen Zeit aber Zeiten ausloesen die doppelt oder halb so lange dauern, stimmt wohl etwas nicht und der Verschluss gehoert dann eventuell ueberholt.. Das heisst, man kann mit dieser Methode auch nur pruefen, ob der Verschluss noch so halbwegs im Rahmen ist.. Die laengsten Zeiten des Verschlusses sind uebrigens oft die kritischsten, da darauf die kuerzeren Zeiten "aufbauen".. Beim Schlitzverschluss geht eine solche Pruefung (nach Verschlussgeraeusch) nur von der laengsten verfuegbaren Zeit, bis zu Blitzsynchronisationszeit. Da nur bis dort der Verschluss noch ganz offen ist.. Ab da wandert nur noch ein Schlitz ueber das Bildfenster und der Verschluss oeffnet nicht mehr vollstaendig.. (Daher auch der Begriff Schlitzverschluss.. :D ). Beim Zentralverschluss oeffnet sich der Verschluss normalerweise immer ganz. Daher kann beim Zentralverschluss auch mit jeder verfuegbaren Zeit geblitzt werden.. )
Schneider lenses. Where would we be without them. The 75mm Super Angulon is the one I always wanted. Synchro Compur shutters get slow without cleaning and lubrication.. I prefer the Japanese shutters. More accurate.
Yes, I am sorry about that this time. All my three shots had the same issue unfortunately. Jules also overexposed one of his shots accidentally so we were down to only three shots to show in the end. :)
I wouldn't call the trip an 'epic' fail. I've done worse. :-). Large format forces you to think more about the process, though. For example, both of those lenses were quite old. The shutters are entirely mechanical; they wear over time and require periodic maintenance. You can get away with assuming that a digital cameras mechanisms will most likely function reason ably well, for example. Few of them are more than 20 years old and most are much newer. Your two lenses are at least 60 years old, those old fashioned shutter speeds were last in use in the 1950s (and frankly, Schneider's quality control back then wasn't exactly world class, either.) When was the last time they were serviced? We call that service a 'CLA' in English, standing for 'Clean, Lubricate and Adjust'. Your lens was cold and accumulated dirt made it malfunction. It needs cleaning, as any 60 year old mechanism might. The other thing that tremendously helps with large format photography is practice. Taking a photo with large format is a process, not an event, and the more frequently you practice each of the steps in the process the more familiar you are with all of it and the less chance you'll be surprised by things like balky shutters. You would have noticed a problem when it started to get cold, last autumn. Love the photo you got, though, and even though your shutter didn't give you the results you wanted it was still at least a partial success. Get the shutter CLA'd and go back for a re-shoot. I think there's potential there. Thanks for posting these videos, I enjoy watching.
Thanks for your elaborate comment. Yes, I am aware of the lenses age, what a CLA is and will send this lens off to one soon. ;) And yes, I mostly used the camera in my bedroom (s. other video) to shoot some portraits and get used to it. So I didn't do any outing in autumn and couldn't notice the problem earlier.
I also have my old shutters CLA'd before using. The Compur shutters are quite accurate after being serviced and have great bokeh due to their 12 plus aperture blades. The trouble with electronic shutters is that they don't have multiple lives like the old purely mechanical shutters. I have some air piston Unicum shutters over 100 years old that are spot on after a CLA.
I have a Leica. It’s my daily companion. I hardly ever leave home without it. Along with that, my Olympus with a multitude of lenses. Wide angel, primes, long focal lengths, PRO stuff... But no matter how good those cameras are, and they are fantastic cameras, I feel that there is something missing. Something... tactile. The art of actually taking ”a picture”. I have come to realize that what I miss is the art of photography, to take the time to slow down and see. To spend time with the scenery, the subject and then carefully formulate what it is I want to present it as... I now realize; I have to start using this kind of camera. This way of shooting. I have to slow down.
Und bei Kameras mit mechanischen Verschluessen, moeglichst den Verschluss / die Kamera in ungespanntem Zustand lagern.. Macht man das nicht, ist das nicht gerade besonders gut fuer den Verschluss..
Pepe Guitarra Well, thank you if this still counts as a compliment. 😅 I used to be a singer and received some professional training. I also did quite a few voice-over recordings for corporate videos a while ago. Maybe that’s what you’re hearing.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Your voice is so soothing immediately my heart rate went down
I'm so proud everytime someone shoots Fomapan. I'm from Czech republic where this film is made and I always thought only photographers here use it. It's cheap for us here, I would say...hmm...basic? Something like Astra blades. But I love Fomapan film. Shot tons of rolls and never let me down.
I've bought Fomapan in the US from Freestyle Photographic. It's on the less expensive end here as well. Used it mostly for my Holga or box cameras, but never had a problem with the film. And I love their logo!
I shoot a lot of Fomapan 100 and 400 in 4x5, 9cmx12cm , 6x6, 6X7 and even 35mm with bulk rolls... I love this film, because it's not like the new emulsions (Tmax for example) it remind me the "old photography look" and it's very affordable in France ( a third of the price of Ilford or Kodak film in large format) The only bad things of Fomapan is reciprocity failure which is so high than it's not manageable for very long exposures but Foma did a great job producing fillm, i hope it will last for long
Thank goodness for Fomapan as they provide European sizes like 9x12 cm and others.
I buy it 100' at a time. I prefer Fomapan 400 because isn't overpriced but still perfectly good quality, and is made by white people in a white country.
@@jamesthigpen9330 Yet it comes out black and white. Glad the paper is color blind. Though I like wine made by wine people in wine country.
Your channel and videos are very inspiring. I like what you are doing. After a long day of work, I always feel relaxed watching your videos. Thank you for all that you do for your RUclips audience.
Thanks for sharing this great video! I really enjoy how the entire process was handled with such fidelity. This video encouraged me to try large format photography in the future. Cheers to more analog photography and videos!
The quality of your videos including sound track is absolutely impressive. A pleasure to watch even when there are technical issues with the equipment. Keep it at please. You are inspiring.
Oh wow! Thank you so much. I really appreciate your kind feedback. Means a lot to me. :)
I loved it. It encourages me to get out and use my 5x4 cameras again. Thank you so much.
ghlyall Glad to hear that and thanks for your positive feedback. 🙏🏻
Keep up the great videos. Always excited to get the notification for this channel :)
Thanks so much! Makes me happy to read that. :)
Music, Scenery, and Attitude. Everything match well with the concept of video itself!
Thanks so much for your kind words. We really, really appreciate it! :)
Excellent Video, Keep up the good work!
Yay! Another episode. Really great work, thank you guys. This just means you have to go out and try shooting again, but with another shutter 😁
Thanks for your comment. We'll do exactly that. :) More episodes to come.
Really enjoyed this. Fantastic scenery.
I have been thinking about going large format. Decison made. Toyo. Thank you!
Go for it. :)
I like the continuity in the footage you take and the creation of the clip. I think Hollywood could learn a thing or two from you and others who post here. I loved the content as well. I have a 4x5 camera and don't use it often enough.
Great stuff..keep up the good work!!
Great video! Photographs with excellent composition!
The beauty of the Toyo Field is the available binocular viewer which eliminates the need for a dark cloth. It is easily the best and easiest to use 45 camera.
Even though the shutter ruined it, it's great to be out in the field and do some landscape photography. I find it very therapeutic, specially in the winter when it's completely silent out there. The lake picture reminded me of a trip I had a couple years ago to Tyrol in Austria; breathtaking scenery. Great video nonetheless, I'd love it if you could do more landscape photography in the future. Thank you for sharing.
As you know, I’m an avid fan of your channel. I confess, I watch each episode thrice, just so I don’t miss any details. Both of you are super talented and appreciate the effort, thought that goes into the making. Look forward to more, keep clicking keep inspiring be well x ta
Thank you sooooo much for your kind comment! Jules and I both really appreciate it. And it makes me happy to hear that the episodes can be watched up to three times. :)
Thanks for this amazing video. I love the way your videos shows how you shot. I also like large format a lot !
So please keep on shooting an producing such interesting and relaxing videos !!
Not only you came down during the shooting, but also I came down from a stressful day !!
And the issue with your lens, not funny, but to be honest ... it's part of your analog film pashion !! :-)
First off, great video - thanks so much for sharing your outings, they are really interesting and have a great atmosphere/mood to them.
You might already know that these old shutters can be serviced. I have some from the 30s and 40s that I've sent to the US to get cleaned and tuned up and they work great now. It cost a few bucks but was worth it in the long run for me.
Thanks for your comment and pointing this out. That's exactly my intention with this particular shutter of the Symmar lens. I'll have it serviced soon (and probably should have mentioned that). :)
Loved every aspect of this video! You covered the equipment, the process, and the adventure. Great video composition and shooting, calm and complementary music, and your narration is clear and smooth. Looking forward to more.
The Toyo camera is so beautiful...
3:23. You need to swing the lensboard to minimize the convergence of the verticals.
Great video! Sorry about the shutter not cooperating, seem like when you need something the most, that’s when it decides not to work! Looking forward to the next episode!
Thanks for your comment and empathy. But on the good side, it means we need to do at least one more video in this direction with a freshly serviced lens. :)
Don't feel too bad. Years ago my wife gave me an old 4x5 camera she found at an antique store. I was so intimidated by it that it was months before I even bought film to try it out. When I did the ground glass focusing screen fell out and shattered on the floor.
Ground glass is easy to replace. You can even buy it online. I bought two early 1900's cameras, a Montauk 4x5 and a Conley 5x7 and develped the glass plates that came with these cameras. After over 100 years the film still developed nicely in D-76 and showed pictures of a Victorian lady in Connecticut and a farm family in the midwest. www.flickr.com/photos/116856615@N07/
I only get intimidated by high end digital cameras. They feel more like computers than cameras.
I live in Canada and it is very cold here in the wintertime, I have experienced some shutter problem with my two analog cameras (Pentax K 1000 and a LTR Yashica) in the cold, now when the temperature drops below 0 o Celsius, I just do not take these two outdoor. I use my Nikon D750 then, more reliable in the cold except for the batteries that loose the power faster. I guess the mechanical parts of those old cameras were built thougher but there is a conterpart to that, smaller tolerance to colder temperature
Thanks for your comment. Yes, that is true. In my particular case, the lens just needs to be serviced and should run smoothly again afterwards. :)
The camera I would use on Mt McKinley (sub zero weather) would be a Nikon FM2n. For large format, Compur shutters work great in cold weather if they have been CLA'd.
Have been into large format photography for too many years to mention and wondered why you didn’t extend the tripod legs in order to raise up the camera to eye level height? The controls would then be so much easier to make and looking through the groundglass would be easier as well. I started with Gitzo aluminum then switched over to Gitzo carbon fiber when they came out. Still use the Gitzo CF to this day as it supports the camera (Wista SP) well at eye-level height.
The first photo seems to suffer from what was called 'converging verticals',rectified by having the camera back parallel to the main plane of the structure being photographed.Unless ,of course, that was the effect sought.Others were quite lovely. A good outing nonetheless.
Totally agree - using the camera movements would have addressed what to me was a very annoying image
@@peterrlee100 G'day Peter. I did wonder the same.
Hi Guys.. Over the last two weeks I've basically watched all your videos.. Quite an interesting evolution from your earlier ones, including the more informal dress code in earlier days :-) What I've come to realise is that you fill a gap in the photography world left by Michael Reichmann, who started "The Luminous Landscape". I find your videos are both informative as well as beautiful, with the images you shoot displayed along with the video showing your setup, a technique that he pioneered in his video journals, still viewable on the site now run by his son. You also get into the intricacies and details, much like our fallen photographer friend, Michael. Obviously you have your own style, slow and considered, nowhere near the more recent wizz-bang videos from across the Atlantic! Keep up the good work. And if I might offer a word of advice.. or rather a request.. It would be interesting to revisit older lenses reviewed by you, compared to newer models or other brands. While the lenses viewed in isolation is interesting, it makes them difficult to compare. For example you review both the Canon 50 LTM as well as the Leica Summilux.. A head to head challenge.. (lets call it a comparison) would be most interesting. Why not throw in the 8 element Takumar 50? And a Noctilux compared to it's older brother, the Canon Dream lens (yes, older!), would also be most welcome. Different eras and different beasts, not necessarily to see which is better, but understanding their differences. For example my anecdotal evidence points to the fact that the older lenses suffer a lot from chromatic aberrations, but these actually enhance B&W shots. So something along those lines would be much appreciated. I know you have your hands full, and your video's are really very well produced, but if you have a chance..
Thank you
Love this! Those Fomapan shots look wonderful. The last scene shot was my favorite. And Max I experienced the exact same thing with my old Zeiss lens the last time I went out shooting 4x5. The shutter stuck more often than not, and killed my negs. 😫 I feel your pain. Looking forward to more large format episodes from you guys.
Nick Exposed Thanks so much for your comment and dropping by, Nick. And yes, it appears to be quite a common problem and I should have actively checked it in advance. :/
What development did Jules use for the Fomapan 400? Coal shutters are More reliable!
Thanks for the nice video! What strikes me was that I shot large format always completely different. What I usually did was first level the camera perfectly horizontally - no matter which framing I wanted to use later. Next thing I did was rotate the camera to make it point in the right direction to choose the horizontal framing. For vertical framing I shifted the front lens up and down. And afterwards I was using some swing or tilt to get everything in focus. Afterwards I took the shot. You guys don't seem to use the rise/fall/swing/shift adjustments of the camera at all and simply point the camera in the direction you'd like to shoot just like with any "normal" camera that doesn't allow lens movements.
I just picked up a 6x9 roll film adapter for my Toyo Field so I can do more practicing without sacrificing sheet film. For Jules’ first shot why didn’t he use the tilt and shift movements of the camera? It seemed like the perfect opportunity to correct for the distortion. There are a couple of apps for verifying shutter speeds on an old lens by timing the sound.
Great video. Photography as meditation 🙏
Thanks! :)
Beautiful video. My only comment is that for better contrast in black and white photography the use of a lens hood and yellow or orange filter really helps.
Dear Max, nice review. Well done. Question, how many ratio is you magnifying glass that you using?
3:24 Why the falling vertical? Use Rise. Geeez, that's the whole point.
Ikr. He didn't even need much rise for that subject, just extend the tripod legs.
Because he wanted the distorted look
Because art is subjective and not everyone likes doing everything by the (your) rules.
Jules to the rescue! Nice video.
Yes! Thank god he is such a good photographer and saves me in cases like this (and many others). ;)
Nice channel, always good to see how other people go about their photography. A tip from this old hand: get yourself a designated 'dark cloth' for your view camera, not that expensive and extremely useful, in my opinion a must-have accessory to a view camera, just as important as, say, a tripod. Not only essential for focussing but also useful when taking the actual picture: when you removed the slide, drape the cloth over the back, covering the cassette. That way you will never have light leaks, not uncommon with casettes.
There's nothing like really cold weather to remind one that old lenses need servicing, and I mean complete CLA.
Interessant, der Copal 0 der Toyo scheint da aber noch problemlos zu funktionieren.. :/ Eventuell ist der Verschluss der Linhof mittlerweile allgemein ueberholungsbeduerftig.. ? (Und die "Schmierung" des Verschlusses etwas zaeh geworden.. )
Thank you Max and Jules. for another very enjoyable video. Hopefully your camera will be back to full health very soon! I am just starting to have an interest in large format photography as I haven't gone larger than 6 x 6 medium format with my Bronica SQ-A and Yashica Mat 124G. What camera would you advise for trying out large format?
Thanks for your comment and kind words. I'll have the lens CLA'd soon and then it should be fine again.
For me, it is difficult to recommend a large format camera to start out/try first. The basic functionality of these view cameras is the same but you might want to take a look at whether you prefer starting with a monorail, field camera (like the ones shown in the video) or a press/technical camera. Hope this helps a little. :)
i have an intrepid mk.4 with a 150mm f5.6 and 3 film holders coming from ebay so this video really hit the spot for me
Awesome video!
Thanks so much! :)
Great photo at 06:48. Like that Schneider 75mm
I would not recommend leaving Fomapan film anywhere near the sun. I love the price / performance of this film stock, but it's only a simple box with a pouch inside, so be careful.
Anyways, whenever I ruin film (happens more often than I'd like) I remind myself that I would probably be sitting on the sofa at home but instead I had a little adventure, went out in nature, experienced a beautiful scene. If anything i've found a subject to come back to, which might be even more interesting a different time of day / year.
Schöner Film. Wo waret ihr denn?
Dankeschön! Gegen Ende am Walchensee (s. Einblendung im Video), davor irgendwo im Nirgendwo auf dem Weg dorthin. :)
Oh sry, die Einblendung habe ich echt übersehen. Sry für die doofe Frage dann. Der See ist ja nur 3 Stunden von mir entfernt. Da werde ich bestimmt auch mal knipsen gehen. Vielen Dank für die Antwort. :)
What's up Max how are you? Refreshing landscape episode. I may go out to the Wilderness myself today to take some shots. I have a question though. Why do you think your lens suffered from the cold while Jules didn't?
Thanks for your comment. Because I could actually see it at the last location that my lens was running way too slow and had trouble with the resin inside the lens. My lens is pretty old and desperately needs service while Jules' is fairly new in comparison. That's why. :)
A lot of lenses can function under normal circumstances but in colder weather the resin stiffens. If your shutter is slow on longer shutter speeds normally it's likely it will get stuck all together in the cold.
Daniel Fjäll yeah man, I have a rolleiflex that I had to get a CLA so I am familiar with that old resin problem.
Daniel Fjäll Yes, that’s exactly the problem. :)
It is old oil that gets sticky over time. The shutter needs TLC. There are many small repair shops who can fix that. Happend to mine and got it fixed.
I have that exact same Linhof camera it’s my favorite but you were not utilizing it to its full potential with the tilt shift capabilities of large format that’s what makes it so useful
Which type of backpack is it?
So calming
As my Father would say: "The only way never to make a mistake, is to do nothing." I had three 4" x 5" cameras which I used to pay the bills. A Graflex Crown Graphic press camera, a Omega 45C (Toyo made) and a Linhoff Technika. They were all great for their specific uses. I only used the large format when the client required it and had to explain that the job would not go as fast as with small or medium format cameras. It is a different world when using sheet film cameras.
Excellent video, as I also like the music... it's not so intrusive and suits the slow workflow of large format photography.
Thanks for sharing videos, can you please make videos about film roll basically I don't know about very to get negative film roll I really want to work with large format camera. Now days working with 35mm please let know about. Thank you
great experience with large format camera (I'm actually looking for a 8x10")... Btw, why didn't you tested any of the tilt-shift-pan-swing features of the camera? that would makes a real difference from a medium format camera... cheers
I seldom make comments on youtube videos but this time I have to say that I like the nice view along the trip and the excellent background music in the video. By the way, how many people are there in your crew?
Thank you. I am now thinking Linhof or nothing.
That's great thinking. :) But Jules won't like hearing that... ;)
And that‘s what you call an epic fail? Pah. I‘ll tell you, what an epic fail is:
When I shot large format for the very first time in 2013 or 2014 I think, I bought a pack of Velvia 50 (back then expensive, but not sell-me-your-kidney-expensive). And I had learned before, that the notched side belongs in the upper right corner. Now of course I did not question the orientation, because from small format family shots I still was accustomed to the landscape orientation to be the ‚standard‘ of photographies. So of course that meant: You must hold the film holder in landscape orientation, load the film with your right hand with the notch in the upper right corner. Which of course becomes the upper left corner, when you rotate it to portait orientation.
I did not develop my film myself but brought it to a special film lab in Aachen. The technician rang me the following day and told me that all 10 shots were ruined, because I obviously had the film loaded backwards.
Now THAT was an epic fail.
Really nice channel 😍. Where can I buy these cameras? Thanks
Epic failure? Hardly nice day out photographing with friends call the photos abstract and smile.
Word. :)
i would love to try large format photography but somehow i am scared to try :$
ACID SNOW You should give it a try. Ideally under some guidance. It really brings you down to the essentials of photography. :)
You can buy antique Conley, Seneca and Rochester 4x5 or 5x7 cameras on *bay and get the lens/shutter assembly CLA'd. Make sure the bellows have no holes. Another option is the Crown Graphic 4x5. Many go for less than $200.
There is also the Intrepid.
Die Verschlusszeit bei Zentralverschluessen kann man grob ueberpruefen, in dem man den Verschluss mehrmals ausloest (mindestens) 6 mal und kurz darauf bei mindestens einer einzelnen Ausloesung den dabei entstehenden Ton mit einem Mikrofon digital aufnimmt. Wenn man diese Aufnahme in einem Programm fuer digitale Tonbearbeitung anhoert, kann man grob die Genauigkeit der Verschlusszeit pruefen. In dem man von der Dauer des Ausloesevorganges (Verschluss auf bis Verschluss wieder zu) den Kehrwert nimmt. (Bei Zeiten kuerzer als 1ne Sekunde). Bei Zeiten laenger als eine Sekunde kann man eventuell auch eine Stoppuhr nehmen (so die Kamera / der Verschluss solche langen Zeiten ueberhaupt bietet, natuerlich). Diese Pruefung ist zwar nicht ganz genau, sollte der Verschluss bei einer eingestellen festen Zeit aber Zeiten ausloesen die doppelt oder halb so lange dauern, stimmt wohl etwas nicht und der Verschluss gehoert dann eventuell ueberholt.. Das heisst, man kann mit dieser Methode auch nur pruefen, ob der Verschluss noch so halbwegs im Rahmen ist.. Die laengsten Zeiten des Verschlusses sind uebrigens oft die kritischsten, da darauf die kuerzeren Zeiten "aufbauen"..
Beim Schlitzverschluss geht eine solche Pruefung (nach Verschlussgeraeusch) nur von der laengsten verfuegbaren Zeit, bis zu Blitzsynchronisationszeit. Da nur bis dort der Verschluss noch ganz offen ist.. Ab da wandert nur noch ein Schlitz ueber das Bildfenster und der Verschluss oeffnet nicht mehr vollstaendig.. (Daher auch der Begriff Schlitzverschluss.. :D ). Beim Zentralverschluss oeffnet sich der Verschluss normalerweise immer ganz. Daher kann beim Zentralverschluss auch mit jeder verfuegbaren Zeit geblitzt werden.. )
Looks like Inter Laken, Switzerland
I enjoyed you and your video. If you need any thing repaired when you are in LA, CA. I am at your service - Ross Yerkes Camera Repair
Schneider lenses. Where would we be without them. The 75mm Super Angulon is the one I always wanted.
Synchro Compur shutters get slow without cleaning and lubrication..
I prefer the Japanese shutters. More accurate.
Having Linhof Lust...
I believe large format photography is well suited to my approach to making images….but not my budget.
Maybe tri-x would have been a better choice for those conditions
I like early morning sunlight for better contrast. Hazy days are not my favorite for landscapes but great for portraits.
Oh thats painful...so much work and you never know what you're gonna get. I'm new ti film..Mamiya7 II.
you guys should really use tilt and shift...
Sure would have been nice to see more images.
Yes, I am sorry about that this time. All my three shots had the same issue unfortunately. Jules also overexposed one of his shots accidentally so we were down to only three shots to show in the end. :)
nice photo
I wouldn't call the trip an 'epic' fail. I've done worse. :-). Large format forces you to think more about the process, though. For example, both of those lenses were quite old. The shutters are entirely mechanical; they wear over time and require periodic maintenance. You can get away with assuming that a digital cameras mechanisms will most likely function reason ably well, for example. Few of them are more than 20 years old and most are much newer. Your two lenses are at least 60 years old, those old fashioned shutter speeds were last in use in the 1950s (and frankly, Schneider's quality control back then wasn't exactly world class, either.) When was the last time they were serviced? We call that service a 'CLA' in English, standing for 'Clean, Lubricate and Adjust'. Your lens was cold and accumulated dirt made it malfunction. It needs cleaning, as any 60 year old mechanism might.
The other thing that tremendously helps with large format photography is practice. Taking a photo with large format is a process, not an event, and the more frequently you practice each of the steps in the process the more familiar you are with all of it and the less chance you'll be surprised by things like balky shutters. You would have noticed a problem when it started to get cold, last autumn.
Love the photo you got, though, and even though your shutter didn't give you the results you wanted it was still at least a partial success. Get the shutter CLA'd and go back for a re-shoot. I think there's potential there. Thanks for posting these videos, I enjoy watching.
Thanks for your elaborate comment. Yes, I am aware of the lenses age, what a CLA is and will send this lens off to one soon. ;) And yes, I mostly used the camera in my bedroom (s. other video) to shoot some portraits and get used to it. So I didn't do any outing in autumn and couldn't notice the problem earlier.
I also have my old shutters CLA'd before using. The Compur shutters are quite accurate after being serviced and have great bokeh due to their 12 plus aperture blades. The trouble with electronic shutters is that they don't have multiple lives like the old purely mechanical shutters. I have some air piston Unicum shutters over 100 years old that are spot on after a CLA.
Это уже интересно :)
Thanks! :)
I have a Leica. It’s my daily companion. I hardly ever leave home without it. Along with that, my Olympus with a multitude of lenses. Wide angel, primes, long focal lengths, PRO stuff... But no matter how good those cameras are, and they are fantastic cameras, I feel that there is something missing. Something... tactile. The art of actually taking ”a picture”.
I have come to realize that what I miss is the art of photography, to take the time to slow down and see. To spend time with the scenery, the subject and then carefully formulate what it is I want to present it as...
I now realize; I have to start using this kind of camera. This way of shooting. I have to slow down.
Nice story
Und bei Kameras mit mechanischen Verschluessen, moeglichst den Verschluss / die Kamera in ungespanntem Zustand lagern.. Macht man das nicht, ist das nicht gerade besonders gut fuer den Verschluss..
You can bleach your over-exposed negatives.
Это уже серьёзный аппарат. Отлично!
Thanks! :)
Nice voice, you should do radio, not videos. The voice does not match the looks.
Pepe Guitarra Well, thank you if this still counts as a compliment. 😅
I used to be a singer and received some professional training. I also did quite a few voice-over recordings for corporate videos a while ago. Maybe that’s what you’re hearing.