What a delight to see the muted colours, touch of “proper” grain, texture and controlled softness of colour film! Sometimes we need this antidote to counteract the ridiculously oversaturated and over-sharpened images that are pedalled by some digital photographers today. Nice one, Steve!
Giving this video a thumbs up just doesn't cut it. I'm saving it. I'm sending it to people. I just can't wrap my head around how you made those beautiful photos with just basic 35mm cameras. Seriously... I cannot articulate how impressed and amazed I am....
I used to carry a Rollei 35S with me as back-up on week-long photo travel trips. I almost always ran into a situation where limiting yourself to one small camera was preferable. I tend to pair it with a monopod which doubles as a walking stick. You can have "small" and "quality" in one photo experience. At 73, I now appreciate that more than I did.
A real photographer at work. You let all of us show you do not need any super modern tools to make Lovely and beautiful compositions Steve. Would also be super if you got your F80 with the standard zoom lens with you.
I've watched a number of your videos & what I enjoy about them is that you're "low key" if you know what I am saying. The music you play is great. And, I've learned a lot from your vids. :)
You know what Steve it's not just about the contrast , grain and muted tones even though they are very important it's composition and you nail it every time , also you put yourself out to bring us these great shots for us to observe , what with the video footage and the melodic music it's a pleasure to behold . A great Ambassador for the Photography fraternity.
Great pics. We visited Wales many years ago and drove up through a section my wife dubbed White Knuckle Pass. I like to say the best camera is the one that’s most effective for my needs and budget. As you show, sometimes portability is the essential requirement.
Thanks for sharing your walk with us. When scouting for landscape images, I walked with small cameras. If I found promising locations, I would return with a medium or large format camera. In the pre-digital era, I took walks with a small Contax G1 35mm film rangefinder with 21/28/45mm lenses. In the digital age, I walk with a Canon G15 compact digital with fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens.
Beautiful images! I use cameras like this whenever I shoot analog ,I love the look of the image that such cameras produce. With cameras like this, you can clearly see that this is analog,which i love! Cheers!!
I have a little Petri that I added wide angle, telephoto, close- up filters and color correction filters to. The whole shebang weighs less than 2 lbs including the bag and 3 rolls of film! Here in Florida with the bright light I use nothing but slow films. I wish you the best in your efforts! You prove that you don't have to have a Deardorf or Linholf to produce quality images!
What to say Steve?! These is a wonderful video about a great and reliable small camera. I write about the olympus. I have it as well on the shelf and use it sometimes beside my Leicas or canonet ql when it comes to 35mm. It is wonderful to use. But as written before the shots are very atmospheric and one can see again that the camera doesn’t make the photo!! Thanks for this video. Always “good” light 👍🏼
Really wonderful conditions and textures a lot of keepers for you! My 30 day 11000 mile USA trip - time off from college in 1972 - it was a big deal to shoot fifteen rolls - expense per day about $6 film vs $5 food - but keepers galore!
I just want to take a moment to appreciate for your effort to deliver such wonderful content! I can only imagine the amount of effort needed to climb and strategically place the camera to video yourself. Your work has been an inspiration to me and hope I can shoot such beautiful images in the future! Cheers
Superb video Steve. I have a roll of film in my Canon Canonet rangefinder with a 40mm lens which I shoot a few frames every now and then alongside my digital camera. I like the restrictions of old cameras that really make me work harder to get the images I want. I also like the simplicity of this Canonet and its tactile nature. I’m about to use a Mamiya C330f TLR Camera with a Portra 400 film. It’s just to test the camera before our shop sells it on. I too shoot a lot hand held. The views in your video where stunning and the photographs you took reminded me of being in Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite. One of your best videos Steve. I will be watching this one again for sure. Compelling viewing.!!
Thanks Simon I am really pleased you liked the video as it was a wonderful days walk. I hope the C330 is working as it should and also that you get to finish the roll of film in the Canonet.
What a wonderful video, superb images as always, if anyone can get the best out of these older cameras you can with your knowledge of all types of photography, and what a lovely walk, I was quite envious of the walking alone at 69 years young and reasonably fit would have loved to have walked with you that day, wonderful, regards, Colin.
Thanks Colin. It really was a lovely walk and the photos were just a bonus for me. Before a trip I like to decide whether the photography or the walking is the most important part and on this outing it was always going to be the walk.
I shoot with a DSLR but I still find your vlogs inspiring and extremely interesting. I'm also learning a lot about the different kinds of film and the effect that has on the final image which, believe it or not, is helping me become a better photographer. Thank you.
Wow what timing! I just bought an 35 RC today. I'm a huge fan of Olympus Camera's and happy to have an RC in the collection. Looking forward to seeing more of your captures Cheers and always thanks for sharing. I always look forward to seeing your videos.
Absolutely, I spent ages chasing the sharpest lens and the best body I could afford until I saw how much my photos had changed as I developed my skills, which you can do on anything at all. Plus the film has that lovely imperfect feel somehow.
Great video Steve, I use a Canonet QL17 Giii for the same reasons, it's as sharp as the Nikkor lenses I use with my Nikon F bodies. The only thing I miss is the split prism for focusing, and the 100 percent viewfinder of the F. You took some outstanding images on this trip and I'm looking forward to seeing the next one.
It looks like you had a great day out, Steve. Love the scenery and the view from the top. You've proven, once again, that the camera is not the most important part of making a great photo!
Really impressive what many of those compacts can be brought to do in able hands! I grew up with a Canon AF non-zoom compact that really never made anything sharp or well exposed. I tried it again this fall but was underwhelmed. Also a good example of how helpful a bit of whitewater or snow is for b/w landscape, methinks.
Wonderful video again Steve. Minor correction the automatic mode of the Olympus 35-RC is actually shutter-prefered mode. It's a very capable little camera indeed.
Hi Steve, really a nice trip and beautiful images! I love the Olympus for its manual control, but I agree with you that the colours in the landscape are very pleasant. You have proved again that any camera can make great images, in a great photographer's hands!
Thanks for uploading Steve. I cant believe how stunning that part of the country is. Totally amazing, and some fantastic images as well. I also have the Olympus RC 35 and it is my go to "pocketable" general purpose compact film camera (that and the Olympus XA/XA2's that I have which are even smaller) and I find its lens is amazing - some of my best shots have been with it.
I took my Olympus XA3 out the other day and got some super photos on a walk, well those where I remembered to adjust the distance scale. Then I developed a roll from my M5 and wondered why I hadn't taken that instead...
Love this video! I shoot 35mm film time to time, but never with a compact. I've always wanted to get an Olympus RC 35. Great pictures and thanks for sharing!
Until recently I used an Olympus Trip 35 with HP5 and an XA3 with slide. Really handy little cameras when out n about with the Long suffering wife and Dogs. Alas a liberal dose of sea spray and torrential rain one outing has took its toll. Neither work correctly now. Hopefully, through your great vlog, those retired compacts might get an outing once again. Cheers Steve Diz
Great vid Steve. Until it stopped working I regularly used a Nikon lite touch, just dead handy to have in the pocket or car and got some very nice images with it.
“I’d sacrifice the technical quality every single time in favor of better composition …” - great words Steve. Thanks for saying that! I’ve never tried P&S cameras for landscape since they have so much limitation that it’s just taking a joy of photography away from you. But, a simple RF camera it’s a good choice for a light hiking/climbing. My favorite camera for a light climbing is Fujifilm GF670 (6x7 format, well, probably technical quality concern :)). I also love my Osprey Talon pack and I’m able to attach a monopod or light Gitzo Mountaineering tripod to the side of pack. Not sure if you have tried it, but it expands your film selection and creativity as you know. Anyway, this is a great and interesting video and, as usually, nice pictures.
A GF670 would be ideal Roman, the closest I have is a Zeiss Ercona 6x9 which is very nice. I need to experiment with my tripods too, the Osprey has decent bottom straps that can support a lot of weight.
Great video and great shots! I've been toying with the idea of a little Olympus RC to take with me alongside the Fuji digital and on my landscape adventures. Best of both worlds and all that. I think you've just persuaded me to go for it.
Thanks for taking us along on your hill walk Steve.I must admit back in the days of film my go to cameras while out on my hillwalks were my Olympus 35 RC and the Olympus Mju. This has made me want to put a film through my RC again sometime this year :D I liked the images you captured with both cameras . That portra film gives some lovely subtle colours, I might have to try some . Thanks again for the inspiration :D Teddy
What weather and lighting! You can almost smell the fresh air. Great pictures as always. I have the XA and 35 RD (serviced). For a mountain trip I would probably go for the XA with it's 35mm (rather than 40mm) lens, tiny bulk, aperture priority and exposure compensation. However, either my OM1 or OM2 with a 24 or 28mm lens would be my choice if I was leaning towards the photography, rather than the walking aspect of the trip. Hang on a minute, what about the even smaller metal bodied Pentax ME or MX........... You can see my dilemma.
Brilliant stuff as ever Steve, I wish I could still climb like you! I thought the pictures were as always very inspiring. I also loved the video shots which gave a fill-in of the atmosphere and ambience of the mountains and streams. I think waterfalls are best on video especially if you can capture the sound it literally adds another dimension for me! Can't wait for your next instalment.
Love the little RC! I also got mine for hiking. The meter still works "pretty good" but I'm always double checking against Sunny 16 or a handheld meter. The first roll I put through mine was overexposed by several stops. Turns out I was picking too slow a shutter speed and for whatever reason the camera was choosing large apertures. Small detail but at 14:20 auto "A" mode is shutter priority :)
Great photos, accurately illustrating the initial statement that the most important thing in photography is composition and light, not sharpness and megapixels.
I enjoy the Olympus 35 R-series cameras! I've got an RD (the one with the 40mm f/1.7 lens), and it's a joy to use when it's working. Mine is currently in pieces because I'm fighting dust on the lens elements while reassembling them. Just the shutters get a bit sticky with time, which means disassembling the whole lens assembly basically
Very inspiring, thank you. I already got meself two beauties from the 80s - Minolta's AF-Tele & Konica's C35MF (actually it's got AF, MF=Multi Function) . Much more plastic but well built, the both of them. I also remember using only a Canonet QL 17 on the week long train trip through Russia in the Brezhnev era. Have that one too. I think QL means quality, because it feels superbly made. (no - it means Quick Load).
Thank you for the video. I have some great results from my 1981 Olympus XA. I don't go larger than A3 prints and don't view with a magnifying glass. Scan on an Epson V750 pro. Some of my 38 year old slide scans are my favourites, on Kodachrome.
Excellent time lapse and photo around the 8 and a half minute mark. Also Steve can you tell me the details on the robust trekking poles you used? I could use those ridge hiking in southern California.
Thanks for commenting. The poles are made by Hama and are fairly sturdy but I have recently replaced them with a set from Leki. The Hama were good but the twist lock mechanism was starting to fail so I went for a set with clip locks instead as these can be adjusted.
I used to own the Nikon Light Touch. Amazing optics ; took some great photos of Mt Everest using it after my Canon AE1 broke down in the middle of Tibet. However the little Nikon is let down by the cheap plastic body.
Why the hell bother with ANYTHING else..! Probably one of the most inspiring vlogs I have seen from you Steve. Admittedly that's partly because you were in an area I know very well, but also because you came away with some really worthwhile images. The RC always was a great camera for hiking but having sold dozens and dozens of the compact zoom cameras back in the 80's & 90's I must admit I hated the bloody things offered by Nikon/Minolta/Canon et al. However, I am sure this video will inspire people to emulate your purchases - just watch the prices rocket on EBay!
What a cracking day in the hills you had! I've got a little Olympus PaS film camera in the garage...it's a bit like your Nikon actually...maybe I'll dust it off and take some images with it!
@@SteveONions Good shout lol. Actually any recommendations for which film and where...based on the camera that I will be using? I really don't have a clue! :-)
No problem Julian. For colour I’d go with Portra 400 initially as it is incredibly forgiving with lovely colours. In B&W I’d say HP5+ which has possibly the best tonality of any monochrome film ever made.
Hell of a climb but worth it, and Great images steve, found my old Panasonic compact film camera, taking that and my om1n to New York next summer. I've done digital there why not film
As a long time user of full frame Dslr with long lenses I find that if I want to save weight I take my Sony a6000. I am old enough to have shot film for many years and I loved being in the darkroom. However, at my age I don’t think I could hack it now. Your images are superb, though.
Love these types of cameras but would want it to at least have a +1.5 exposure comp for lanskape trips. That's usually enough for when the metering gets fooled by a bright sky. One camera I quite like for that is the Pentax PC35AF. Its hand cranked so no noisy motor that eats batteries, a nice plus in my book.
The images did all look soft and low in contrast to my eye. I don't think I could live with that soft grainy look personally. I love medium format for the crispness and dynamic range. I'll live with the weight or use a 6 x 9 folder.
The film vastly out-resolves and has better dynamics than the screen you are watching this on, or the scanner used to scan it. There is no chance you could say anything meaningful about technical quality form looking at this.
I am have a Olympus point and shoot with a really nice shape lens. I am wondering how it would work as a small camera for walks on the beach and in the woods. I think I need to load some film and g for it. Your work is always so good.
Breathtaking landscape -- I'd need to be in better shape to hike up that mountain! But beautiful views! So I understand that it can be tough to deal with bright, blue skies -- especially with automatic-exposure cameras, but isn't the illumination and bolder contrast a positive? Also -- any sign of medieval or earlier structures on these mountains? Thank you!
@@SteveONions -- can't wait for the next video! I shoot 35mm and medium format (120/620) -- I have (way too) many vintage cameras and enjoy the different features (when working) of each -- SLR, TLR (cheapo), pseudo-TLR, old "plastic fantastic" medium format, rangefinder, folding/bellows cameras, box cameras (I have some amazing shots from these), and even some 35mm point-and-shoot. And for digital I have a Panasonic Lumix G85 mirrorless (micro-four-thirds) with a handful of Panasonic lenses and adapters to use most of my vintage (again, way too many) lenses. But yes -- if I were hiking up a mountain, I'd have a tough time narrowing down what *few* cameras to bring! I'm still learning the intricacies of exposure stops over/under on these depending on the situation (and film, and camera!). But seeing you out in the real world working through these things on many different cameras (and film) is extremely encouraging and helpful!
@@SteveONions -- thank you for replying -- you must be a busy guy because you seem to get out often to shoot, and then you have to put together your videos! Yes, I think that the G85 is a good all-around digital camera, but I do love shooting film! I have some amazing outdoor shots taken with Ektar 100 in 80-year-old box cameras! Can't wait for your next video!
Stunning images Steve. Was that a timelapse in the middle with the cloud coming off the peak? Looked great. I definately feel I need to get out more this year rather than look at gear to buy......although the weather here in blightly is pretty dismal lately.
That was among the best videos I think you have done, really great National Geographic could not have done it better. Really useful and thought provoking relative to equipment, philosophy, and artistic considerations in photography -very helpful to get away from the internet and social media hype of pixels and gear and the drumbeat focused on the newest and most expensive equipment, and instead focusing on the image. I appreciate your efforts, and any guy who has to set up his camera to film him walking up the hill and then goes back to retrieve the camera and walk up the hill once more, well extra points. That was a beautiful area you shot, inspires me to drop some of my girth, and get skinny so I an get out there better. Very best wishes for your continued success! Thanks for the great video, excellent work, top notch. (And no altitude sickness unlike another poor photographer who also does great work, God bless him.)
Thanks John. At only 3000 feet I was never going to struggle too much but despite our relatively low mountains we get some amazing views. Best of all it is less than an hour and a half for me to drive there and the choice of mountains is amazing.
I have 3 cameras a mamiya 645. It is a heavy beast. An Argus c3, and a Nikon N50, im trying to get my hands on some other cameras. But I lug all 3 with me and shoot them.
Great content Steve. This was so well thought out with the b-roll and interspersion of your bits to camera. Then there were the images, all top notch and that 1st image(your fave) really was a corker - if I ever get up Pen yr Ole Wen and see that comp I have to admit I am nicking it, lol. Around 7 mins you did a bit to camera where you said the day was great for walking and then said something like but photographically... I was thinking..what ?? - then you showed some b-roll of clouds n light amongst the hills - I was thinking to myself, sorry Steve but love these conditions I would be getting the camera out right now - bugger the b-roll :) The images you came away with for me were excellent and I suppose the only downside of that Oly was the fixed focal length, but you made it work for you for sure. I hope that the next trip was a success and going on the video I have just watched I think these two have a place in your arsenal of boys toys when you get out - and yes your are right, men have got the gas thing for sure, you more than most looking at the cameras you possess, lol. Atb Al
Thanks Alan. I also look back at the videos and think ‘wow, that looks so good I wish I’d shot more on the day’. Part of it is the way video footage looks so different from the actual lighting on the day, it was so harsh I struggled to see much when it was in my eyes. That said, the light early on was fantastic and I wished I had a bigger camera with me - next time I will 😀
I love Rangefinder cameras. Olympus is a nice camera. Personaly I am not big fan of wild Angle lens. Prefer 50mm. My old, heavy Zorki RF with 2 lenses weight much less than Mamiya M645. To be honest, most of my favourites photos has Been made with basic equipment.
I can’t recall exactly that that one is unfortunately Sergey, I have so many. It definitely has a loop on the back to allow it to slide along the waist strap of the rucksack which is always helpful. Nowadays I’ve found an excellent waist pack from Osprey that holds all my essential gear and also supports my vlogging tripod when I’m walking.
What a delight to see the muted colours, touch of “proper” grain, texture and controlled softness of colour film! Sometimes we need this antidote to counteract the ridiculously oversaturated and over-sharpened images that are pedalled by some digital photographers today. Nice one, Steve!
Thank you 🙂
“You must have a great camera.” Seriously, nice job.
Always a touch of class here. Thank you. Beautiful music, quality B-roll and inspiring images.
Thank you 🙂
Giving this video a thumbs up just doesn't cut it. I'm saving it. I'm sending it to people. I just can't wrap my head around how you made those beautiful photos with just basic 35mm cameras. Seriously... I cannot articulate how impressed and amazed I am....
Thank you 😀
I used to carry a Rollei 35S with me as back-up on week-long photo travel trips. I almost always ran into a situation where limiting yourself to one small camera was preferable. I tend to pair it with a monopod which doubles as a walking stick. You can have "small" and "quality" in one photo experience. At 73, I now appreciate that more than I did.
Thanks Randall, a one camera one lens approach does make for an easier day out in the hills.
A real photographer at work. You let all of us show you do not need any super modern tools to make Lovely and beautiful compositions Steve. Would also be super if you got your F80 with the standard zoom lens with you.
Thanks Ruud and yes, I should have carried my F80 🙂
I've watched a number of your videos & what I enjoy about them is that you're "low key" if you know what I am saying. The music you play is great. And, I've learned a lot from your vids. :)
Thanks Paul, I’m glad you like the videos 🙂
You know what Steve it's not just about the contrast , grain and muted tones even though they are very important it's composition and you nail it every time , also you put yourself out to bring us these great shots for us to observe , what with the video footage and the melodic music it's a pleasure to behold . A great Ambassador for the Photography fraternity.
Thanks Klive, I am really glad you like the videos.
Great pics. We visited Wales many years ago and drove up through a section my wife dubbed White Knuckle Pass. I like to say the best camera is the one that’s most effective for my needs and budget. As you show, sometimes portability is the essential requirement.
Thanks Alfred.
Thanks for sharing your walk with us.
When scouting for landscape images, I walked with small cameras. If I found promising locations, I would return with a medium or large format camera.
In the pre-digital era, I took walks with a small Contax G1 35mm film rangefinder with 21/28/45mm lenses.
In the digital age, I walk with a Canon G15 compact digital with fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens.
I also use a G15 and live the build quality. I bought mine to convert to Infrared and it has provided me with years of service.
Hi Steve, another verry enjoyable visit to the English mountains. Thanks for taking us along with you. Looking forward to the next trip.
Beautiful images! I use cameras like this whenever I shoot analog ,I love the look of the image that such cameras produce. With cameras like this, you can clearly see that this is analog,which i love! Cheers!!
What a beautiful place you live, looks so nice and peaceful
I am very lucky Keima.
Beautiful landscape and photos. No as wild as the Pakistan Himalayas. I had a 35 mm Rollei that made beautiful photos. Thank you.
Thanks Khalid.
This video sent my eyes for vacations and joyful moment
Thank you 😊
Fabulous day for that walk. I would have taken the way up that you came down, that is a hard slog up from the bridge. My hat's off to you.
Thanks Steve. I like the steep climb as the views improve very quickly and also I get to the top as quickly as possible.
I have a little Petri that I added wide angle, telephoto, close- up filters and color correction filters to. The whole shebang weighs less than 2 lbs including the bag and 3 rolls of film! Here in Florida with the bright light I use nothing but slow films. I wish you the best in your efforts! You prove that you don't have to have a Deardorf or Linholf to produce quality images!
Thanks David, we’re rarely troubled with too much bright light over here!
Beautiful work with those cameras. I think most of us are looking ti lighten the load on hikes. Looking forward to the next part. Thanks for sharing
What to say Steve?! These is a wonderful video about a great and reliable small camera. I write about the olympus. I have it as well on the shelf and use it sometimes beside my Leicas or canonet ql when it comes to 35mm. It is wonderful to use. But as written before the shots are very atmospheric and one can see again that the camera doesn’t make the photo!! Thanks for this video. Always “good” light 👍🏼
Glad you liked it Jens 👍
Really wonderful conditions and textures a lot of keepers for you! My 30 day 11000 mile USA trip - time off from college in 1972 - it was a big deal to shoot fifteen rolls - expense per day about $6 film vs $5 food - but keepers galore!
Thanks Robert. Given current film prices I think many people will find it a push to shoot 15 rolls too.
fantastic video, and that shot of rock on mountain top with nikon is great. thanks for these videos, they are very enjoyable
Thank you. It’s interesting you mention that rock as it’s on my ‘todo’ list for this winter, probably with my Bronica 6x6 if I can get it up there.
I just want to take a moment to appreciate for your effort to deliver such wonderful content!
I can only imagine the amount of effort needed to climb and strategically place the camera to video yourself.
Your work has been an inspiration to me and hope I can shoot such beautiful images in the future! Cheers
Thanks Peter, I’m really glad you liked the video.
Great compositions and feeling
Great images, these are really portable cameras, I have an old camera like this and maybe some day I’ll give it a try....
Superb video Steve. I have a roll of film in my Canon Canonet rangefinder with a 40mm lens which I shoot a few frames every now and then alongside my digital camera. I like the restrictions of old cameras that really make me work harder to get the images I want. I also like the simplicity of this Canonet and its tactile nature. I’m about to use a Mamiya C330f TLR Camera with a Portra 400 film. It’s just to test the camera before our shop sells it on. I too shoot a lot hand held. The views in your video where stunning and the photographs you took reminded me of being in Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite. One of your best videos Steve. I will be watching this one again for sure. Compelling viewing.!!
Thanks Simon I am really pleased you liked the video as it was a wonderful days walk. I hope the C330 is working as it should and also that you get to finish the roll of film in the Canonet.
What a wonderful video, superb images as always, if anyone can get the best out of these older cameras you can with your knowledge of all types of photography, and what a lovely walk, I was quite envious of the walking alone at 69 years young and reasonably fit would have loved to have walked with you that day, wonderful, regards, Colin.
Thanks Colin. It really was a lovely walk and the photos were just a bonus for me. Before a trip I like to decide whether the photography or the walking is the most important part and on this outing it was always going to be the walk.
I shoot with a DSLR but I still find your vlogs inspiring and extremely interesting. I'm also learning a lot about the different kinds of film and the effect that has on the final image which, believe it or not, is helping me become a better photographer. Thank you.
Glad to be of help Tim, all the best.
Wow what timing! I just bought an 35 RC today. I'm a huge fan of Olympus Camera's and happy to have an RC in the collection. Looking forward to seeing more of your captures Cheers and always thanks for sharing. I always look forward to seeing your videos.
Thank you.
Lovely walk and the views were well worth the climb. Very enjoyable Steve.
Thanks Lee.
Your videos are very inspirational and you keep the topic fresh. Well done!
Thank you Dan 🙂
Your B roll footage was stunning. It shows how we don’t have to go to the ends of the earth to get stunning images.
Thanks Simon, we are so fortunate to have such a varied landscape in the UK.
Goes to demonstrate yet again, that the photographer makes images and not the camera!!!
Thanks Erich.
Absolutely, I spent ages chasing the sharpest lens and the best body I could afford until I saw how much my photos had changed as I developed my skills, which you can do on anything at all. Plus the film has that lovely imperfect feel somehow.
Great video Steve, I use a Canonet QL17 Giii for the same reasons, it's as sharp as the Nikkor lenses I use with my Nikon F bodies. The only thing I miss is the split prism for focusing, and the 100 percent viewfinder of the F. You took some outstanding images on this trip and I'm looking forward to seeing the next one.
Thanks Simon, the conditions were wonderful on the mountain and carrying less equipment made the walk a lot easier.
Nice place!!!! These mountains need a large format photos!!! Thanks!!!
They do indeed, it felt like a was using a peashooter !!
Great video and commentary. The photography is amazing. It’s all about the eye.
Thanks Elio.
It looks like you had a great day out, Steve. Love the scenery and the view from the top. You've proven, once again, that the camera is not the most important part of making a great photo!
Thanks Terry, any camera would do on a day like that.
Stunning scenery ..... makes you wonder why everyone climbs Tryfan across the valley instead ....
Indeed, the best views are usually ‘of’ the dramatic peaks, not from them.
Great video and an incredible location!
Thanks Oliver, and I always get it to myself.
Really impressive what many of those compacts can be brought to do in able hands!
I grew up with a Canon AF non-zoom compact that really never made anything sharp or well exposed. I tried it again this fall but was underwhelmed.
Also a good example of how helpful a bit of whitewater or snow is for b/w landscape, methinks.
Thanks Steffen, the snow definitely helped on this trip.
Wonderful video again Steve. Minor correction the automatic mode of the Olympus 35-RC is actually shutter-prefered mode. It's a very capable little camera indeed.
Well spotted Davy, I blame the altitude!!
Steve O'Nions Absolutely wonderful channel Steve! Love it!
Hi Steve, really a nice trip and beautiful images! I love the Olympus for its manual control, but I agree with you that the colours in the landscape are very pleasant. You have proved again that any camera can make great images, in a great photographer's hands!
Thanks Maurizio, with such lovely light I could have used any camera to be honest.
Looking forward to seeing the next one. Lovely images in this one.
Thanks for uploading Steve. I cant believe how stunning that part of the country is. Totally amazing, and some fantastic images as well. I also have the Olympus RC 35 and it is my go to "pocketable" general purpose compact film camera (that and the Olympus XA/XA2's that I have which are even smaller) and I find its lens is amazing - some of my best shots have been with it.
Thanks Marc, I’ve also had XA’s in the past but I do like the metal build of the RC.
Very nice! I really enjoy shooting the small Japanese rangefinders. My go to kit these days is a 35RC and a QL17. Thanks for this video!
Thank you.
Very peaceful and beautiful as usual! I hope your start to 2020 is going well! 🖼
Thanks Madison, all the best to you too.
I took my Olympus XA3 out the other day and got some super photos on a walk, well those where I remembered to adjust the distance scale. Then I developed a roll from my M5 and wondered why I hadn't taken that instead...
Love this video! I shoot 35mm film time to time, but never with a compact. I've always wanted to get an Olympus RC 35. Great pictures and thanks for sharing!
Thanks Rob. The 35 RC is still relatively affordable unlike some other compacts that have achieved cult status.
Until recently I used an Olympus Trip 35 with HP5 and an XA3 with slide. Really handy little cameras when out n about with the Long suffering wife and Dogs. Alas a liberal dose of sea spray and torrential rain one outing has took its toll. Neither work correctly now. Hopefully, through your great vlog, those retired compacts might get an outing once again.
Cheers Steve
Diz
Thanks Diz, shame about the little Olympus’ but I’m sure they could be coaxed back into life.
Great vid Steve. Until it stopped working I regularly used a Nikon lite touch, just dead handy to have in the pocket or car and got some very nice images with it.
Thanks Stephen, there are a lot of models still available at reasonable prices 👍
“I’d sacrifice the technical quality every single time in favor of better composition …” - great words Steve. Thanks for saying that! I’ve never tried P&S cameras for landscape since they have so much limitation that it’s just taking a joy of photography away from you. But, a simple RF camera it’s a good choice for a light hiking/climbing. My favorite camera for a light climbing is Fujifilm GF670 (6x7 format, well, probably technical quality concern :)). I also love my Osprey Talon pack and I’m able to attach a monopod or light Gitzo Mountaineering tripod to the side of pack. Not sure if you have tried it, but it expands your film selection and creativity as you know. Anyway, this is a great and interesting video and, as usually, nice pictures.
A GF670 would be ideal Roman, the closest I have is a Zeiss Ercona 6x9 which is very nice. I need to experiment with my tripods too, the Osprey has decent bottom straps that can support a lot of weight.
Great video and great shots! I've been toying with the idea of a little Olympus RC to take with me alongside the Fuji digital and on my landscape adventures. Best of both worlds and all that. I think you've just persuaded me to go for it.
Glad the video was useful 👍
Thanks for taking us along on your hill walk Steve.I must admit back in the days of film my go to cameras while out on my hillwalks were my Olympus 35 RC and the Olympus Mju. This has made me want to put a film through my RC again sometime this year :D
I liked the images you captured with both cameras . That portra film gives some lovely subtle colours, I might have to try some . Thanks again for the inspiration :D Teddy
You’re welcome Teddy and I hope you get out with the cameras this year.
Nice to see a grand day out on the hills 👍🌤
And return without burning through a load of film 😅
Thanks Stuart. I saved the rest of each roll for the next walk.
you are blessed with location, totally enjoyed this episode
What weather and lighting! You can almost smell the fresh air. Great pictures as always.
I have the XA and 35 RD (serviced). For a mountain trip I would probably go for the XA with it's 35mm (rather than 40mm) lens, tiny bulk, aperture priority and exposure compensation. However, either my OM1 or OM2 with a 24 or 28mm lens would be my choice if I was leaning towards the photography, rather than the walking aspect of the trip. Hang on a minute, what about the even smaller metal bodied Pentax ME or MX........... You can see my dilemma.
I feel your pain. I did miss having a decent wideangle lens and the RC was not ideal sadly - more in the next video.
Excellent images and as others have said, its the photographer with an eye for compositions, not the technology, that makes for great pictures.
Thanks Derek, it was so perfect my iPhone would have been adequate to be honest 👍
Brilliant stuff as ever Steve, I wish I could still climb like you! I thought the pictures were as always very inspiring. I also loved the video shots which gave a fill-in of the atmosphere and ambience of the mountains and streams. I think waterfalls are best on video especially if you can capture the sound it literally adds another dimension for me! Can't wait for your next instalment.
Thanks David, it was a lovely walk and the pictures were a bonus.
Love the little RC! I also got mine for hiking. The meter still works "pretty good" but I'm always double checking against Sunny 16 or a handheld meter. The first roll I put through mine was overexposed by several stops. Turns out I was picking too slow a shutter speed and for whatever reason the camera was choosing large apertures. Small detail but at 14:20 auto "A" mode is shutter priority :)
Thanks Clay, I realised my mistake after uploading the video and wondered if anyone would notice 🙂
Great photos, accurately illustrating the initial statement that the most important thing in photography is composition and light, not sharpness and megapixels.
Thank you 🙂
Hi Steve, a great video from you, good music and b roll. Cheers from Andrew in Ottawa Canada
Thanks Andrew.
Excellent video and excellent results from those two little cameras. I do have the RC and have had some really nice results from it.
Thanks Tom, it’s surprising how many old RC’s are still going , testimony to their construction.
I enjoy the Olympus 35 R-series cameras! I've got an RD (the one with the 40mm f/1.7 lens), and it's a joy to use when it's working. Mine is currently in pieces because I'm fighting dust on the lens elements while reassembling them. Just the shutters get a bit sticky with time, which means disassembling the whole lens assembly basically
I’d heard that the RD was a little bit fragile Marvin, the RC is pretty robust and I’ve had a couple now, so easy to work on.
Very inspiring, thank you. I already got meself two beauties from the 80s - Minolta's AF-Tele & Konica's C35MF (actually it's got AF, MF=Multi Function) . Much more plastic but well built, the both of them.
I also remember using only a Canonet QL 17 on the week long train trip through Russia in the Brezhnev era. Have that one too. I think QL means quality, because it feels superbly made. (no - it means Quick Load).
I like the build quality of old cameras Lars, even the plastic ones are often extremely tough.
Thank you for the video. I have some great results from my 1981 Olympus XA. I don't go larger than A3 prints and don't view with a magnifying glass. Scan on an Epson V750 pro. Some of my 38 year old slide scans are my favourites, on Kodachrome.
Absolutely Robert, I have also scanned a lot of my old slides and they still make excellent enlargements.
Fabulous Vlog, location and shots Steve, It makes a difference watching a good photographer, compared with someone who thinks they are.
Cheers Dave, I didn’t even get my feet wet 😀
Congratulations, very good pictures! Great eye 👁
Thank you Andrei.
Enjoyed this video. I dont do film photography but still i learned a few things about the film cameras and i like the photos too.
Thank you 🙂
Excellent time lapse and photo around the 8 and a half minute mark. Also Steve can you tell me the details on the robust trekking poles you used? I could use those ridge hiking in southern California.
Thanks for commenting. The poles are made by Hama and are fairly sturdy but I have recently replaced them with a set from Leki. The Hama were good but the twist lock mechanism was starting to fail so I went for a set with clip locks instead as these can be adjusted.
Looking forward to the 2nd installment.
I used to own the Nikon Light Touch. Amazing optics ; took some great photos of Mt Everest using it after my Canon AE1 broke down in the middle of Tibet. However the little Nikon is let down by the cheap plastic body.
Stellar video, as usual.
Thank you.
makes me want to put a roll through my stylus infinity, been a while there. great images !
Why the hell bother with ANYTHING else..! Probably one of the most inspiring vlogs I have seen from you Steve. Admittedly that's partly because you were in an area I know very well, but also because you came away with some really worthwhile images. The RC always was a great camera for hiking but having sold dozens and dozens of the compact zoom cameras back in the 80's & 90's I must admit I hated the bloody things offered by Nikon/Minolta/Canon et al. However, I am sure this video will inspire people to emulate your purchases - just watch the prices rocket on EBay!
Thanks Alan and I hope I haven’t caused a run on RC’s! I’ll need to buy up more cameras before putting the next video out 😀
Great video Steve. I had been waiting for this one to come out after you told me you had filmed it and I'm looking forward to the next.
Thanks Robin.
Looking forward to the next video! Especially considering printing performance. I'm sure it will be worthwhile!
It’s certainly changed my opinion on a few things 🙂
What a cracking day in the hills you had! I've got a little Olympus PaS film camera in the garage...it's a bit like your Nikon actually...maybe I'll dust it off and take some images with it!
Go for it Julian, just make sure you have a bank loan in place before buying any Kodak film 😀
@@SteveONions Good shout lol. Actually any recommendations for which film and where...based on the camera that I will be using? I really don't have a clue! :-)
No problem Julian. For colour I’d go with Portra 400 initially as it is incredibly forgiving with lovely colours. In B&W I’d say HP5+ which has possibly the best tonality of any monochrome film ever made.
@@SteveONions Cheers mate! I'm going to find the camera now, and stick a battery in it...hopefully it still works!
I really enjoyed this video. I take a Werra and a Olympus xa1 in my pack.
I also have a 35RC and have always thought it was a great little camera. Doesn't get used much these days though.
Give a run out John, it deserves it 🙂
Hell of a climb but worth it, and Great images steve, found my old Panasonic compact film camera, taking that and my om1n to New York next summer. I've done digital there why not film
Have a good trip David, I took my F80 to New York 10 years ago with just B&W film and got some great shots.
Steve thank you, yes mono sounds good, maybe some vintage looking classic shots
Very enjoyable - what a fantastic location!
Nice camera review. Fantastic landscape photos. Very inspiring. Subscribed! :)
Thank you
As a long time user of full frame Dslr with long lenses I find that if I want to save weight I take my Sony a6000. I am old enough to have shot film for many years and I loved being in the darkroom. However, at my age I don’t think I could hack it now. Your images are superb, though.
Thanks Peter, I too only carry lightweight equipment on long hikes these days.
Love these types of cameras but would want it to at least have a +1.5 exposure comp for lanskape trips.
That's usually enough for when the metering gets fooled by a bright sky.
One camera I quite like for that is the Pentax PC35AF.
Its hand cranked so no noisy motor that eats batteries, a nice plus in my book.
I agree and the follow up video will highlight some of the shortcomings of fully automatic cameras.
What a wonderful video, showing off those awesome locations! Would have loved to join you with my Rolleiflex! Keep up the good work!
Thanks Jonathan, I can’t wait to get back out there.
Stunning scenery and great images.
Beautiful country, nice day, couple of cameras out for a heart pumping hike, what more could you ask for?
Thanks Bradley, it was a perfect day.
@12:15 beautiful shot Steve!
Thank you Michael.
It’s all about the images, I couldn’t agree with you more.
Thanks Bill.
The images did all look soft and low in contrast to my eye. I don't think I could live with that soft grainy look personally. I love medium format for the crispness and dynamic range. I'll live with the weight or use a 6 x 9 folder.
The film vastly out-resolves and has better dynamics than the screen you are watching this on, or the scanner used to scan it.
There is no chance you could say anything meaningful about technical quality form looking at this.
I am have a Olympus point and shoot with a really nice shape lens. I am wondering how it would work as a small camera for walks on the beach and in the woods. I think I need to load some film and g for it. Your work is always so good.
Thanks Terry. I think you’ll find most Olympus point and shoots have excellent lenses, more than adequate for most scenes.
I thoroughly enjoyed that. Thank you.
Thanks John.
Breathtaking landscape -- I'd need to be in better shape to hike up that mountain! But beautiful views! So I understand that it can be tough to deal with bright, blue skies -- especially with automatic-exposure cameras, but isn't the illumination and bolder contrast a positive? Also -- any sign of medieval or earlier structures on these mountains? Thank you!
I did struggle with the automatic camera (the next video highlights this) and you’ll be glad to see some signs of dwellings in that one too 🙂
@@SteveONions -- can't wait for the next video! I shoot 35mm and medium format (120/620) -- I have (way too) many vintage cameras and enjoy the different features (when working) of each -- SLR, TLR (cheapo), pseudo-TLR, old "plastic fantastic" medium format, rangefinder, folding/bellows cameras, box cameras (I have some amazing shots from these), and even some 35mm point-and-shoot. And for digital I have a Panasonic Lumix G85 mirrorless (micro-four-thirds) with a handful of Panasonic lenses and adapters to use most of my vintage (again, way too many) lenses. But yes -- if I were hiking up a mountain, I'd have a tough time narrowing down what *few* cameras to bring! I'm still learning the intricacies of exposure stops over/under on these depending on the situation (and film, and camera!). But seeing you out in the real world working through these things on many different cameras (and film) is extremely encouraging and helpful!
Aengus MacNaughton hope you get out soo with the old film cameras. I also use a Panasonic G85 which is a superb camera for stills and video.
@@SteveONions -- thank you for replying -- you must be a busy guy because you seem to get out often to shoot, and then you have to put together your videos! Yes, I think that the G85 is a good all-around digital camera, but I do love shooting film! I have some amazing outdoor shots taken with Ektar 100 in 80-year-old box cameras! Can't wait for your next video!
Stunning images Steve. Was that a timelapse in the middle with the cloud coming off the peak? Looked great. I definately feel I need to get out more this year rather than look at gear to buy......although the weather here in blightly is pretty dismal lately.
It’s been dire since December Chris but hopefully improving this weekend 👍
That was among the best videos I think you have done, really great National Geographic could not have done it better. Really useful and thought provoking relative to equipment, philosophy, and artistic considerations in photography -very helpful to get away from the internet and social media hype of pixels and gear and the drumbeat focused on the newest and most expensive equipment, and instead focusing on the image. I appreciate your efforts, and any guy who has to set up his camera to film him walking up the hill and then goes back to retrieve the camera and walk up the hill once more, well extra points. That was a beautiful area you shot, inspires me to drop some of my girth, and get skinny so I an get out there better. Very best wishes for your continued success! Thanks for the great video, excellent work, top notch. (And no altitude sickness unlike another poor photographer who also does great work, God bless him.)
Thanks John. At only 3000 feet I was never going to struggle too much but despite our relatively low mountains we get some amazing views. Best of all it is less than an hour and a half for me to drive there and the choice of mountains is amazing.
I have 3 cameras a mamiya 645. It is a heavy beast. An Argus c3, and a Nikon N50, im trying to get my hands on some other cameras. But I lug all 3 with me and shoot them.
Too heavy for me!
Great content Steve. This was so well thought out with the b-roll and interspersion of your bits to camera. Then there were the images, all top notch and that 1st image(your fave) really was a corker - if I ever get up Pen yr Ole Wen and see that comp I have to admit I am nicking it, lol. Around 7 mins you did a bit to camera where you said the day was great for walking and then said something like but photographically... I was thinking..what ?? - then you showed some b-roll of clouds n light amongst the hills - I was thinking to myself, sorry Steve but love these conditions I would be getting the camera out right now - bugger the b-roll :) The images you came away with for me were excellent and I suppose the only downside of that Oly was the fixed focal length, but you made it work for you for sure. I hope that the next trip was a success and going on the video I have just watched I think these two have a place in your arsenal of boys toys when you get out - and yes your are right, men have got the gas thing for sure, you more than most looking at the cameras you possess, lol. Atb Al
Thanks Alan. I also look back at the videos and think ‘wow, that looks so good I wish I’d shot more on the day’. Part of it is the way video footage looks so different from the actual lighting on the day, it was so harsh I struggled to see much when it was in my eyes.
That said, the light early on was fantastic and I wished I had a bigger camera with me - next time I will 😀
Greta video! Did you use a yellow filter on the Olympus? If so, what model? Thanks! ;)
I did Alessandro, SRB Photographic make them in this odd thread size especially for old Olympus cameras.
@@SteveONions That’s great! Thanks!
Very Nice !
Thanks 🙂
I love Rangefinder cameras. Olympus is a nice camera.
Personaly I am not big fan of wild Angle lens. Prefer 50mm.
My old, heavy Zorki RF with 2 lenses weight much less than Mamiya M645.
To be honest, most of my favourites photos has Been made with basic equipment.
Please tell me which camera case do you use? ( 10:23 on the belt)
I can’t recall exactly that that one is unfortunately Sergey, I have so many. It definitely has a loop on the back to allow it to slide along the waist strap of the rucksack which is always helpful.
Nowadays I’ve found an excellent waist pack from Osprey that holds all my essential gear and also supports my vlogging tripod when I’m walking.