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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
01-26-2018, 02:12 PM
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This is great advice. I just ordered my grey card. I need to get over the pain of spending $3-4 per scene via bracketing. I do wish I would have been more careful with the color slide film because I won't be back to that particular scene in at least a year.
I've not yet started experimenting with pushing and pulling. I'm still trying to hammer out the basics of shooting with film at proper exposures. But when I do, I will take your advice. There's a lot to learn and no one I shoot with who has a better grasp on it than I do. So I'm teaching myself pretty much everything. Thank you to everyone here for helping me learn the ropes!
Street, I'm really glad you like those images! Yes, I am going for Hitchcock/Stephen King with a splash of Michael Kenna minimalism. I'm nowhere close to where I want to be. There seems to be an ocean between the images I'm producing now and what I hope to be able to print (and sell).
I forgot to add these photos to the collection. Please bear in mind that these are all rips from Facebook so the resolution is murdered compared to the original scan.
---------- Post added 01-26-18 at 03:13 PM ----------
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
01-26-2018, 08:29 AM
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Thank you for the tremendous responses, everyone!
I think its possible that a number of things occurred, based off of your feedback:
1) The conditions quickly darkened and I didn't appropriately re-meter
2) I didn't accurately meter for 18% grey, and since I've mostly been shooting black and white, I've gotten away with poor exposure calculations thus far
3) The meter is wonky
Questions:
1) How do I test my meter and fix it if need be?
2) Computing the appropriate exposure in darkness clearly challenged me. Do you know of any resources that provide advanced instructions for metering in challenging conditions?
3) When you bracket, do you under or over expose, or both? This time I shot twice. Once at the exposure I thought was right, and once a stop underexposed. I've found there's not a tremendous difference in the scans, except the underexposed shot is naturally more contrasty.
The good news is that I'm not particularly interested in low light color slide photography. I'm sold on Black and White landscapes. But it would be nice to learn how to use slide better. I may be taking my kit to Arizona in May and will certainly want to be shooting lots of color.
---------- Post added 01-26-18 at 09:41 AM ----------
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This is what the negative scan looked like before I restored it. Creve Coeur Camera really mucked it up.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
01-25-2018, 12:49 PM
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Hi, Team,
I'm still enjoying my Pentax 67 kit and beginning to experiment more boldly. Over the holidays I visited my folks in Michigan and took some landscapes mostly in black and white. I shot several scenes in the snow around dusk. There was some very beautiful orange in the cloudy sky that I tried to capture with a roll of Provia. I was trying to go for a Michael Kenna-esque long exposure, minimalist, look.
To my dismay, all of the color shots were dramatically underexposed, providing me with unusable negatives, except for one, which was taken in normal light conditions. I can therefore rule out processing failure. All of the black and white negatives turned out beautifully (except for the roll that the camera store destroyed!).
I'm wondering why the color negs turned out so dark, even though my exposure calculations appear accurate based on my Fuji Acros 100 (black and white) negatives. I metered using a Zone 6 Modified light meter.
I was shooting 15 second exposures at about f/16 or f/22. Did I dramatically underestimate my exposure values? Was I the victim of reciprocity failure? Should I never try to use color slide film in very low light conditions? Is my light meter inappropriate for metering color images?
Also of note, several of my daylight shots using Provia seem dim. Should I crank up the exposure for this film a stop based on what my Zone 6 is telling me?
Thanks in advance!
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
11-16-2017, 02:29 PM
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Thanks for the suggestions, everyone. I wonder where the best place to find these old, robust, camera bags is? Ones where the foam hasn't turned to dust?
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
11-14-2017, 03:21 PM
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Thanks for the advice, all, and thanks Tuco for telling me about that Fuji. Quit triggering my GAS! How would you compare the Fuji GSW690III to a Mamiya 7?
The Tamrac bags look like a great option, particularly since those old camcorder bags are still pricey! Maybe an estate sale will turn one up soon.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
11-14-2017, 01:08 PM
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Hi, Team,
I'm having an absolute ball with my P67 kit. But I'm wondering about the best way to tote all this gear is!
What strap to you use? I started using a BlackRapid over the shoulder strap but its not a good match. The body is simply too big and fragile to have knocking around my thigh. I need a comfortable neck strap so I can use the waist finder. Any suggestions?
My traditional camera backpack isn't great either. The top compartment is not shaped properly for the asymmetrical P67 body/handle. Here's my kit:
- P67 with wooden handle
- A 55mm f/4
- A 75mm F/4.5
- A 105mm F/2.4
- A 150mm or 165mm F/2.8 (one or the other)
- A 200mm F/4
- A steel manfrotto tripod
- Three varieties of viewfinders
But in all likelihood I will never take all of these lenses out at once. Probably no more than three at any given time.
Do you use hard cases with foam cut outs? Seems like an appealing option to keep things very safe from shock as well as avoid the back pain of lugging probably 30 lbs of gear. Or do you use backbacks? Or an option I've not listed? Can you link to some products you appreciate?
Thanks for your help!
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
10-09-2017, 02:08 PM
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Thanks, both for your input.
I'd really like a solution that can handle three or four negatives at once since my style of scanning is to get all the settings correct, start the batch scan, and go do something else (like develop film!). Then I return in some time after they are all done and keep going.
Thanks, Smigol, for showing me the Digitaliza. That is an interesting possibility. I like that you don't necessarily have to cut the film down too much. Do you use it with an Epson flatbed scanner?
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Forum: Film Processing, Scanning, and Darkroom
10-09-2017, 08:10 AM
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Hi, Team,
I'm into the swing of things with my Epson 800. I got it factory refurbished for $600 or so. I was very uneasy about paying this price, since it was more expensive than my actual Pentax 67 was, but now that I rely on it for quick and quality processing of my home-souped black and white negatives, I'm glad I bought it. And I'm also happily using the Silverfast Studio, which I upgraded from the version that came with the scanner.
The only thing I am not happy with (surprise, surprise) are the 120 negative holders.
They are annoying to use, and only two 6x7 negatives fit in them at once. Drag!
I've heard a bit of chatter about which holders to get to replace them:
1) Ones from BetterScanning
Which one fits the Epson 800, if any? Unfortunately these only hold two 6x7 negatives as well. And should I get the glass insert if I go this route?
2) The Epson film holder replacement without glass (Epson medium format film holder for V700/V750/V800/V850, replacement film holder without glass - ScanDig GmbH)
Looks like it will fit four 6x7 negatives which would be a dramatic improvement for me. No glass though - which may or may not be an improvement
3) The Epson film holder with glass (Epson medium format film holder for V800/V850/V700/V750, replacement film holder with glass - ScanDig GmbH)
4) Just tape the negatives to my scanner bed and/or place anti-newtonian ring glass over it
5) Some other option I'm not aware of.
Which have you used? Which do you like? Which do you think have the best value? Which do you theorize would be best?
Thanks for the help!
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-09-2017, 07:15 AM
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If you follow the link in my original post, the film stock is noted in the description of each image. Thanks for the interest! I was very pleasantly surprised about Ultrafine 400. So impressed that I just ordered 20 rolls.
Jakob, I need to be better about noting my exposure settings and lighting conditions of each shot. I'm thankful that my camera behaves the way it should - my Zone IV Modified light meter paired with BW film creates these beautiful cinematic shots. I really want to recreate the feel of the portraits of the smoking man, the man with his baby, and the woman in the striped dress. They were all taken on the 150mm, so maybe it has something to do with the lens itself.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-09-2017, 07:10 AM
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Oh yeah, Angry Photographer is an annoying crackpot. A few of his videos are pretty informative - however he just repeats the same information over for 8 minutes. Now I just tune into the videos where he feuds with Tony and Chelsea Northrup, who in my opinion, are the best photography vloggers around. I adore their content.
For information about film photography, of course, I go to the Film Photography Podcast.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-06-2017, 06:45 AM
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Right now the camera sits about right at my belly. I can jack it up several inches to see if its easier to confirm focus.
I should be practicing my focus - thats a great tip. The Angry Photographer has a good method which is similar to yours. He quickly focuses just past the object, just before, and then splits the difference and shoots.
I like your fourth suggestion. I can picture in my head neat photos of cityscape elements, like fire hydrants or street signs with blurry people walking all around.
Thanks for the tips!
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-06-2017, 06:35 AM
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Thank you, everyone!
Yes, the way that this system renders black and white tones is nothing short of magical. And the swirling bokeh achieved by the 150mm (and I think the 105 as well?) provides an additional compositional element which draws the eye into the center of the frame. It also gives the image a fairy tale feel.
I'll keep sharing more as I scan the keepers in!
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-05-2017, 12:04 PM
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-05-2017, 12:03 PM
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-05-2017, 11:56 AM
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Hi, Team,
I know we have a whole thread devoted to this topic, so let me know if I should delete this one and simply contribute above (I tried and could not figure out how to embed the images).
Several of you have asked to see my work as I've progressed, so here's a sample of some of my strongest images from the first half year of owning my P67 kit.
Niles Zee | Flickr
I've also figured out how to post them directly to the thread below. Much to my dismay I can't furnish you with the fill 140MP file sizes :)
Let me know what you think!
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-04-2017, 07:33 AM
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Thanks for the examples and continued advice!
I finally got around to making a Flickr account. While scanning and processing my negatives from my trip to Seattle in early summer has taken a long time, I'm slowly getting through the film. Check out a few examples of my work! All but the last two were taken on my Pentax 67.
Niles Zee | Flickr |
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-03-2017, 01:56 PM
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Yes, I've definitely been trying to envision my hyperfocal distances/focus zones. It is going to take a good amount of practice since I've grown up in the world of amazing AF.
Wow - I guess I didn't realize the 67ii has aperture priority. Drool. Maybe I should trade my two P67 bodies in and buy a 67ii.
I like your idea of the focus traps. I'll try this technique too.
What apertures do you usually find yourself using when you have ISO 400 in and its a sunny day? I'm trying to balance camera shake with DOF. I could shoot at 1/1000 and f/8 or 1/250 and f/16... Until I get a strong feel for how the negs turn out I don't have much guidance about which will be best. My sense at this point is to shoot at 1/500 and minimize the aperture/maximize DOF. I can be almost certain I will see no camera shake at 1/500 as long as I am steady. At least the difference between 1/500 an 1/1000 should be negligible. And this way I get an additional stop of DOF. Would 1/250 be pretty safe?
Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-03-2017, 01:01 PM
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I am hoping that I can eke out extra sharpness on 8x10 prints than a 35mm even if things go badly. But my hope is to get good enough I can capture very sharp images of well-composed street shots.
I can't go 30 minutes without someone asking me about my camera. People usually say "thats a really nice camera!" but when further probed they know nothing about it or photography. What they mean is "thats a BIG camera." I'll take it - it starts a conversation. And yes, people seeing me shoot buildings and wide scenes makes them feel more comfortable with me being around. St. Louis is small enough for people to begin to recognize me as "the camera guy."
What do you think about my technique of shooting on faster film to be able to close down more? At some point almost everything will be adequately in focus. Definitely not at f/4, maybe close enough at f/8, and probably so a f/11 or f/16.
Thanks for the feedback!
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
10-03-2017, 09:59 AM
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Hi Team,
I just took my updated kit out for a spin on the streets of St. Louis.
I'm using a Pentax 67 with a waist level viewfinder and a 105mm f/2.4. But I have a variety of lenses and finders at my disposal (namely the 55 and 75mm lenses).
I thought that using the waist finder would be a great method for me. Bringing the hulking SLR up to my eye is not inconspicuous. Usually people immediately realize they are being photographed. With the SLR style and the waist finder, most people have no idea they are appearing in my viewing screen. And this way I can get that Vivian Meyer perspective, where everyone looks like a towering statue.
However I am hesitating quite a bit before I take the shot. It is hard for me to confirm sharp focus with the finder near my waist. My eyes aren't perfect and I'm still getting used to manual focusing. And the major advantage of shooting medium format is the detail - which could easily be lost with poor focus.
I'm wondering if you have any tips about nailing the shot sharply and quickly.
Here is my new strategy, and tell me if it makes sense to you:
1) Put my contacts in and wear a brimmed hat! I should ensure that when I go out my eyes are as sharp as can be and the sun is out of my eyes/finder
2) Frequently meter the scene and set the camera settings so I all I need to do is focus and snap
3) Use faster film, even in broad daylight (ISO 400) so I can get shots at 1/1000 of a second into the f/8 f/11 range, or higher. The reason I think this may help is that even if I miss focus slightly, at a higher f-stop, my depth of field will be wide enough where it won't matter. Sure I won't get quite the same level of subject to background separation, but at least I will have the shot in focus.
4) Just shoot when I have the opportunity. I've missed shots waiting to long for better composition. I'd rather have the shot without magazine quality composition/focus than not at all. I need to stop being such a miser with my film. The point is to get out there and shoot!
I'd love to hear if you think my new strategy will work, and if you have any other tips.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
09-28-2017, 02:33 PM
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Team,
I just noticed that the lens barrel of the 105 I purchase has a bit of wobble to it. Its not snug like the other lenses are. Is this a critical issue I need to be concerned about?
Thanks!
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
09-27-2017, 08:26 AM
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I think my last move would be to sell my 55 f/4 and 75 f/4.5 and buy the 55-100mm zoom. That would make my kit much more versatile and Landscape competent. I think I remember seeing Desertscape say they use that lens for a lot of their work.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
09-26-2017, 09:18 AM
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I just nabbed a 165 for a bargain. I'll keep my 150 because it was so cheap, but I think my kit for most situations will look like:
- 55mm for landscapes/street
-105 for street/portraits
-165 f/2.8 for portraits (larger FL separation from the 105 than the 150)
-200 vanilla for landscapes
With the 75mm and 150mm on deck in case the situation calls for it.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
09-25-2017, 01:03 PM
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Well, I do hope to sell some silver gelatin or inkjet prints. Currently working on generating my portfolio body, then will be trying to sell some of the bangers.
I'm preparing for my first show currently.
FYI I've got the lens sandwiched between the Jansjo lamp and a sheet of aluminum foil. I'm already seeing some improvement!
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
09-22-2017, 12:25 PM
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Thanks for your perspective. I'm new to buying vintage camera gear on Ebay that I intend to depend on. My 67 kit has yet to make me any money, so I've essentially spent $1000 on a hobby kit and on R and D. Therefore I can't justify spending $500 on a pristine 105 copy.
Your value assessment is comforting. Its a great price, its a minor blemish, and everyone is saying the images will turn out just fine.
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Forum: Pentax Medium Format
09-22-2017, 11:15 AM
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I'm lucky to have an Ikea in town and will be starting my Jansjo treatment as soon as I decide to keep the lens.
Thanks for the thoughts, everyone. I will run my nail over it to see if its noticeable and decide from there.
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