Have you tried using filters? I always found a yellow filter made Acros pop just right. It also depends largely on the lenses you're using too, When I was using a Mamiya 7II for medium format, I found I had to stop using Acros and Neopan 400 for 120 shooting because it was giving me way too much contrast (way more than I wanted). Where the same film stocks look (to me) great on my Hasselblad system with my CF Zeiss lenses.
Delta 100 is definitely a punchy high contrast film (I use it sometimes, in fact I have some loaded in my MP right now) but FP4 is something entirely different. It's incredibly smooth in its tonal range, but I found it to have less contrast (typically) than Acros does.
I appreciate your response, we all have different tastes, which is what defines us as individual photographers!
As an aside: With Fuji's increase in their film prices, I'll be sticking to Ilford going forward anyways. Giving my old standby (Tri-X) a break for a while.
I actually opted for orange filter with Delta, though I predominantly used it for city shooting in Stockholm's old town. Gave me interesting effect with orange-yellow plaster facades with sun just feathered off the rooftops and clear sky.
Haven't used it for landscape yet as I am predominantly shooting colour with Velvia 50/100.
Cameras I am using are Mamiya RZ67 and Fujis GW690 and GX680, with latter being kept in a storage for the time being on account of it being a tank.
Delta is definitely punchy. I like its mid/high separation, which I never could get with Acros, hence perhaps the dislike.
FP4 is punchy if used in high contrast situations as mid-day or afternoon direct, harsh sunlight, which I generally prefer as a shooting condition. Delta will take that contrast even further and is delivering better contrast in feathered, soft light conditions when you walk into side alleys.
I haven't had a chance to seriously test Tri-X yet (I have a 5 pack in the fridge that will expire in few months). There is something about it holding me back...
Thanks, Tom, much appreciated. I find it harder and harder to do these wildflowers justice. BTW, I still have that Shenhao 4X5 if you want to try your hand.
Kenny,
Love the Bluebonnets as well. I see they are a type of Lupine.
We have little patches of Lupine out west.
But in typical Texas style, the Bluebonnet spreads are huge
Well, they do like the soil here, Dan, but it also helps that they are the state flower. Which means that TxDOT--the highway folks--help them out by broadcasting seed when and where they can.
Part of the ongoing process of revisiting old projects, I came across images of Armand Hammer. These were shot in August 1990 in his office in the same building as the Hammer Museum in L.A. I had a job photographing specific donors to the Los Angeles Archdiocesan Education Foundation. The second image is of Mr. Hammer giving me a piece of jade from one of his jade mines, which, of course, I still have. A much younger, much thinner me...First image Fuji RFP. Second Kodachrome 64.
Peter, it's not even throw back Thursday!
Nice work. That 2nd shot sure must take you back.
Youth & good looks, wasted on the young...
That is interesting that he gave you a gift. "just" the photographer.
Seems like a generous, decent man..
Dan - I almost don't even recognize that guy. I think I was 33 then. I had color in my hair and I could tuck in my shirt. Ha. I think he gave away lots of those little jade good luck charms - a way to leave a lasting impression on many of the people he met over the years.
Here are some test shots from the Mamiya 7 with the Panoramic adapter for 35mm
Now some/many ask why not just crop from 120 roll shots, in post.
Well, #1, I picked up the adapter cheap, as-in $40 brand new.
This was an adapter for the Mamiya 6, but only the mask is different.
Second, I can play with some film types not available in 120, yet or forever.
In particular, I'm getting some CineStill 50D rolls,
Since I don't have the proper mask, I had to leave it out.
I was concerned about film flatness but didn't see any issues with that here.
I'm going to have to learn the framing/crop as it's a 24mm strip in a 56mm window.
This was shot on Kodak T400CN (C-41) B&W. A bit grainy for my tastes.
I used the camera's metering so it was a little "under" on a few shots.
Some photos of my granddaughter. She was just officially adopted yesterday (though she has been in my stepdaughter and son in law's custody since birth). So now I can post her pics to forums and social media Hope I don't where you all out with too many. Here are two from a recent roll developed of velvia 100, 24-105L, canon 7ne
Very nice! Let me know how you like it. I should probably invest in a proper eos film body since I have a bunch of L glass. I like the 7ne for compactness however AF is like the AF in a 10d/300d.
From the Canonet on Ektar.
Note, I to relearn DOF on this rangefinder at 40mm!
I've been shooting with it's auto-exposure, which works great.
Only problem, it sets the f-stop! Time to shoot manual with it.
