Photography!

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by Ninjinsky

Just had a lot of my 35mm gear stolen by burglars along with my power tools
Grrr

Anyway
Luckily I still have a couple of cameras with lens sets (Olympus OM10 and a couple of Minoltas) that were elsewhere and it has spurred me to try a bit of monochrome work.

Do you reckon it is better to shoot color and photoshop down to monochrome or to go for black and white film. Would using B&W film give notably better results?

Bummer about your equipment.

As far as color vs B&W film, I would check the cost of processing each. It may be expensive to process B&W film at this point.

Back in the day, B&W film would have given you better results, but it's hard to say if that's still the case.

[ruxpin76]

Didn't read the whole thread, but I assume this is for hobbyist photogs? I enjoy playing with my 15MP Canon and 300mm zoom. Wish I had a macro lens...

I've found that some placement in frame helps, but like real estate, it's about being in the right place at the right time...

Here's a shot I just got lucky on:

[ruxpin76]

I like shooting racing, when I'm not driving. Haven't had the chance to try bikes yet... I caught the local airshow and love planes too...

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by ruxpin76

Here's a shot I just got lucky on...

Cool pics! Thanks for sharing them with us!

[Mountain Dew]

Originally Posted by jkv45

Bummer about your equipment.

As far as color vs B&W film, I would check the cost of processing each. It may be expensive to process B&W film at this point.

Back in the day, B&W film would have given you better results, but it's hard to say if that's still the case.

Just like with digital, you have more control over the final results if you shoot color and convert to b/&w.

[ruxpin76]

Last shot for me....until I take some new ones. I will say that I don't retouch my photos. I may start, just to try to get around the limitations of spectrum of the camera vs. the eye, but we'll see. More learning required.

For BW, I think I remember reading that the BW film allowed for better contrast than color film that was desaturated, etc.

[Apex]

Go with whatever is cheaper! haha

Color I think would be best. If you digitally post process, then you can control the individual colors and the luminance of each.


I have a maternity shoot this weekend. Part 1 of 2. Part 1 is in the studio, part 2 will most likely be the following weekend on the beach (weather permitting).

[spooph]

Originally Posted by Ninjinsky

Do you reckon it is better to shoot color and photoshop down to monochrome or to go for black and white film. Would using B&W film give notably better results?

Sorry to hear about the gear! That really sucks!

Concerning film: upsides and downsides to both. The best color and grain you'll get is with color slide film. Seeing the color on a slide is a special thing. It is possible to develop by yourself, but B&W is really easy to develop by yourself. I've never developed negative film. If you choose slide film, make sure the processor knows that. I had to convert slide processed as negative before, and it's a serious pain in the ass.

Definitely do not go for the cheapest film... Film is how you use to select WB, light sensitivity, saturation, contrast and all that. The difference in the photo reactive chemicals on the films is what set all of that. So, you have to pick the film for the application you are looking to shoot.

This is why DSLR's are so awesome, and along the same lines, takes so much of the knowledge, skill and art out of photography.

[Apex]

Originally Posted by spooph

This is why DSLR's are so awesome, and along the same lines, takes so much of the knowledge, skill and art out of photography.

True about this, to an extent. Back in the day it was all about composition and film choices (for the most part). Now it is about composition and post processing choices. Same thing, except now is WAY more time consuming.




I have a fun photoshoot this weekend with a great model. Right now I am 1 of 2 people signed up for the workshop. First nude model shoot for me, but second shoot with her. She is a seasoned pro and a total riot to work with, so I am looking forward to it.

Here is an image I took previously of her:

[Apex]

One of the g-rated images from today:

[Sliceit]

Some awesome pics here guys! Guess it's time to get out the old camera myself.

[Apex]

I may post up a couple of work safe (modified) images, but in links just to be safe. I dunno if NSFW would be allowed in here. I'm still digging through them all. I think I have tackled 10 out of 1260 images.

[spooph]

Won the Coyote Buttes North Lottery a few months back and went to the Wave in AZ/UT. Took this photo on Sat and just leveled it.

Edit: attached a photo of me in all my ridiculousness...

[Ninjinsky]

The Compass miniature camera made between 1937 and 1941 by the Swiss of course.
Sounds a PITA to use but an engineers dream nevertheless.

http://collectiblend.com/Cameras/Com...s/Compass.html


pic credit: Earlyphotography.co.uk

[windingroads]

Toughest part of being a photographer, I imagine, is that anyone who's ever held a camera figures they could do it ...

[Apex]

Originally Posted by windingroads

Toughest part of being a photographer, I imagine, is that anyone who's ever held a camera figures they could do it ...

That is the problem with cell phones. Everyone has a camera, so they all think they can do it.

Here is a couple from a recent session:


I kinda overcooked this one, but she liked it.


Last one for now:

[NDspd]

Some top pics from this year:

[Apex]

I've done some on location shoots, but nothing in the studio lately.

I just got hardwood floors installed. Now I am working on building a big enclosed unit to hold my gear, books, and even my guitars. This will be fully enclosed and keep the studio looking clean.

I just built the frame Wednesday. I hope to work on it more this weekend and next week. I need the inside done by mid-next week so I can start putting things away in it. It won't be finished until I can decide just how I want the outside to look and how I want the doors to close. I'm thinking just some small gauge plywood, small hinges, and magnets to close everything up. I'll figure it out soon enough. I will need to paint it...just not sure on the color yet.

[Apex]

Just snagged a used Nikon FM10 for $90. A little beat up, but is in great working order.

Waiting for it to get here. Should be here in a week and a half.

I have a 50mm 1.8 ready to go on it as well. This will be awesome to use for studio (just for a different feel) and outside. I'm eager to have a nice film camera on hand with a good lens. I'm not slamming my old Pentax, but it got really old trying to locate the batteries required to operate it. I'm eager to get my hands on this.

[Apex]

I also snagged a mint condition Nikon FG. Today. Will be here in a week. I have a few rolls of Fujifilm and Kodak Porta on its way (as well as a few B&W). Can't wait!

[Mountain Dew]

I need to start shooting again. I haven't touched my gear since I got back from the Big Island. That was like... 6 months ago maybe? Even more?

[Finesse]

got a new lens soooo

[Apex]

I'll be working with this young lady again later this month.

[Rifleman]

These are not mine, a friend took them on a trip out west, but i thought they were good

[Apex]

I did a headshot session today. It was fun. I definitely snagged some keepers.

Tomorrow is the fun day. Working on a pinup shoot. I'm really looking forward to that.

[Rifleman]

Originally Posted by Apex

I did a headshot session today. It was fun. I definitely snagged some keepers.

Tomorrow is the fun day. Working on a pinup shoot. I'm really looking forward to that.

Dear Penthouse forum...

[Apex]

I did the pinup-style shoot. The model didn't really know how to pose, and I got several lame shots. I did manage to get some keepers:



The session coming up next weekend was cancelled. It was with a model I love working with, but something came up and she could not make it. So now that is delayed until April most likely. I have my new 85mm f/1.8 for my D750, and I love using it. I also have a custom 85mm lens that is amazing as well. Here is an image where I used the lens. You can really see its characteristics in the bokeh.





On a side note, I am rather happy. I saved up a bit of cash and I'm getting a new camera to carry every day. The DSLR is a bit bulky and well, DSLR-ish. Because of its size and big lens, it kind of stands out.

So I decided to jump on the FujiFilm wagon and snagged an X30. It is an older sensor layout (12MP X-Trans CMOS II), but I love the size of the camera itself. My D7000 is said to be 780g, just the body and the battery. Throw my 24-70 f/2.8 on there, and that is another 825g (1605g / 3.5lbs total). I typically carry light on trips using something like my 50mm f/1.8, that is only an additional 155g to the 7000 (935g / 2.1lbs total). The X30 is rated at 429g / 0.95lbs with battery. SO MUCH LIGHTER!!!!! I mean, I could carry that around all day with zero issues. Not to mention that the X30 comes with a Fujinon 28-112mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.0-2.8 lens. Still a quite useful piece of glass.

I also really like how I can transfer images to my phone without a computer. That will be great when I snap a good image. I can just sync my phone and camera, transfer the image, and then I can just post it right to Instagram, or whatever. It came in a bundle with a bag, spare battery, cleaning kit, software, 32GB SD card, mini-tripod, SD card wallet, and rear LCD anti-glare cover. That ran me $519. I was wanting the camera to be right around $500, and the camera by itself was $499. It is easy to want a bit more camera, jump a model here, add a lens there, and boom, I'm at a grand. NOPE.

I also got a leather neck strap and charging unit. I had to get a charger because Fuji designed the camera to charge the battery. I want to be able to have spare batteries and charge one while I'm using the other, so the charger will help with that.

I just didn't want to risk damaging my APS-C DSLR, the D7000. I need that for a backup camera and my real estate photo shoots. For every day use and traveling, I required a camera that was smaller, lighter, and didn't need other lenses. My travel bag will be super light next trip out of the country.

FujiFilm X30 wrapped in black - Click the image to see the specs



I am stoked about this. Especially the ability to bracket film simulation types. So I can bracket up to three film simulations: Classic Chrome, Velvia, Astia, B&W, Provia, etc. I'm eager to see what results work best. At least when I bracket, it will throw one JPEG of each simulation on the card. I don't really have plans to edit the photos, but I'll still shoot RAW just in case I need to tweak an image or two. It will be here Wednesday.


I know this is crazy long, but I have another new camera. It is a Holga 120n.

Holga 120n medium format "toy" camera.

Sure it is a toy, but it will be fun as well. Plus, it is more of an artsy camera and gives a very unique look. I hope to throw a roll through this during each model shoot I do. The hotshoe will be great for studio use or fill flash outside. I'm sure I'll be looked at weird for shooting with a big hunk of plastic with a plastic lens. I like simplicity, and you don't get anymore simplistic than this.

I have two or three rolls of 35mm that need developing, but I'm going to hold off for a couple more weeks. The 120n will be getting some film this week, so I hope to throw a roll in that and mark down the lighting readings on my light meter so I can start to figure out my range of operation. I plan on shooting inside, outside, full sun, overcast, morning, night, etc. Figuring out its limitations and being creative to adapt the camera to situations will be fun.


My old Nikon D50 is being sold. That helped fund the X30. I will also be selling my Nikon Coolpix S600. It is in mint condition and works flawlessly. Hopefully I can get 80-100 for that one. It won't be used anymore, so why hold on to it? The D50 was just going to collect dust on my camera shelf, but why bother when a young lady can use it to help learn photography? It is going to my niece, so I may see it again in the future. You never know.

Okay, I'm done with my novel for now.

[Ninjinsky]

The small camera thing will generate a lot more material. I have a couple of old samsung i6s

That I always carry.
6 or 7 meg is enough for non studio and the lenses are surprisingly good.
Of course you lose the depth of field control and I miss the circular polariser which is my favorite accessory.
But you do catch those spontaneous events and in good detail.
Like the old David Bailey Olympus trip ads

Link to original page on YouTube.

[Apex]

Yeah, I expect this to be my workhorse outside of the studio. I think the only pain the butt part will be setting up my Q-menu. The quick access menu. The cool thing about the X30 is it has manual zoom control, but I can also control my aperture as well (f/2.0/2.8 to f/11). Max shutter of 1/4000. The only downfall is its ISO performance. Anything over 3200 is pretty much useless. 3200 is a noticeable difference from 1600, but still usable.

I'm just glad to get a carry/travel camera that I can finally shoot in manual, shutter priority, or aperture priority. I'm also stoked about it being able to shoot in RAW. My old Coolpix S600 was literally just a point and shoot, zero control and zero RAW capability.

This is a serious upgrade from that old camera. It worked, and served me well, but it is time I upgraded cameras.

[CaliGrrl]

Very nice! I think I'm going to like this thread.

I'm a hobby photographer, and theme parks are a thing I love to shoot. Well, I shoot everything, but I have a particular fascination for theme parks. I recently got a D610, and I also use a CoolPix AW110 (waterproof, drop-proof, etc). It is a little frustrating that there is so little control over the image on the P&S, but it's little, so it's still useful a lot of the time. I like the big camera, but like you say, it's huge. And heavy. I will say that I love my 50mm/f1.4, which surprised me because until I started using it, I would have said I don't like primes, having only used a zoom lens.

[Ninjinsky]

Originally Posted by CaliGrrl

Very nice! I think I'm going to like this thread.

I'm a hobby photographer, and theme parks are a thing I love to shoot. Well, I shoot everything, but I have a particular fascination for theme parks. I recently got a D610, and I also use a CoolPix AW110 (waterproof, drop-proof, etc). It is a little frustrating that there is so little control over the image on the P&S, but it's little, so it's still useful a lot of the time. I like the big camera, but like you say, it's huge. And heavy. I will say that I love my 50mm/f1.4, which surprised me because until I started using it, I would have said I don't like primes, having only used a zoom lens.

A prime I think you will love once you start using it it a 135mm. What is great about it is that it enables you to capture a part of a scene very effectively, It changes the way you look at what is in front of you and gets you thinking compositionally.
It is also a good portrait lens
Rob here has just picked up a Helios same as mine and tries it for the first time in the article he loves it too
http://www.robnunnphoto.com/posts/20...nual-lens.html

[Apex]

I always shopped for zooms in the past. My 85mm prime is by far my favorite lens to use now. The sharpness and ease of use, as well as reduced weight, all make it an easy choice. I have three primes for my Nikon's: 35mm f/1.8G, 50mm f/1.8D, and 85mm f/1.8G. All affordable and all are great glass.

My last trip to San Antonio was shot with my D7000 and my 35mm prime. I wanted to shoot the 35mm because with the multiplier, I was actually at around 50mm on the D7000. It worked well. Having a bit of zoom control would have been very nice. But honestly, I was constantly worrying about the camera, being overly cautious. Here are some from that trip with that setup:

[Apex]

Sweet! My Tri-X 400 120 film just came in today. Now I have 5 rolls on hand. I have some color coming as well: a few 400 rolls and some 100. I'm excited to try this out.

[CaliGrrl]

Nice B&W work!

I think a 35mm f/1.8 will be on my purchase list at some point. I love my 50mm, but sometimes I'd like to pull back more, which can be challenging in a cramped location.

[SLOWn60]

Try and find a used1.4.
We have a great used camera department (Kerisdale Cameras) here in Vancouver but I'm sure you will have something closer to home or on CL
It gives so much more flexibility than a 1.8

[CaliGrrl]

Yeah, my 50mm is f/1.4 and I love it. I have to look at prices and see what I can find. I'm close to Los Angeles, so I should be able to find something once I start looking.

[Apex]

But for over 3x the price of the 1.8 (using the cost of a Nikon 85mm 1.4 vs 1.8 as reference), unless you are a serious pro that needs that extra 2/3 stop of light, it is a waste of money.

There are times in the studio I'd really love an extra 2/3 of aperture, but honestly, I can get it pretty good with the 1.8.

Now if I was making bank and I had money just to blow on some good glass, then I may change my tune. However, I am not there and won't be for ages.
Or, if a friend was selling a 1.4 for a great deal, then I may consider.

[SLOWn60]

Thus my suggestion for used. Also; for amateurs; there is way more great used glass in the Cannon line. I LOVE Nikkor but then I love Hasselblad too!
Cannon gets you far better used deals because of the shear market size they dominate.
Going pro: go Nikon!
Pentax was great for hobbyists too but no where near the glass selection of Cannon.
My favourite was a 105 for portraiture. You can make anyone look good!
Well...except me!

[Apex]

I'm sure I'd break the lens myself.

I almost got an old Nikon 105mm macro with an aperture ring for dirt cheap. I decided to pass it up because, well, I wasn't sure what I wanted for portrait work. Now I think a nice 100-135 macro is in my future.

[Apex]

There was a little hiccup in my order for the Fuji. Apparently the AC/DC charger was clicked twice. I had two in my cart. I emailed the retailer to let them know of my mistake. Unfortunately, they didn't have an edit like some places. I have done a whoops before at other retailers, and I could go in and edit the order, as long as someone did not start filling it.

Well, it ended up putting my order on hold for about 24 hours. In the end, the cleared it up and adjusted the total order amount. I just didn't want to have to return a second charger, since it was around $50 for each unit.

So as of now, I should have the X30 in my hands by Thursday. In total I spent about $680 on the whole thing. That is for the camera and bundle, charger, neck strap, and lens kit (hood and filters). Not too shabby. I'm just eager to get my hands on it and to start figuring out the new (to me) menu system.

Anyone else have a Fuji digital? What are you favorite film simulators to use for your images?