4x5 Photography - Making mistakes and being fussy

[@phillipP8848]

Another enjoyable ramble, with your own soft narration. I agree with the replacement of the ground glass. I replaced mine with a glass I ground with 800 grit and it is mutch brighter edge to edge. I finished it by pencil mark cross in the center and 1/3 lines on the horizontal and vertical, for ease off composition.

[@JamesPearson]

Phillip Murray I was going to ask about the ground glass and then spotted your comment. I grind my own too, but with 400 grit (I think it is) and I wondered if going higher or lower grit would produce this result. I’ll need to give it a go! Thanks for sharing.

[@JamesPearson]

Great video Steve, inspiring as ever. Your new ground glass is looking good. I grind my own and so I’m going to have a look at trying with a finer grit to see if I can get an improvement.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Philip, I have also made my own in the past with good results.

[@phillipP8848]

@@JamesPearson The finer the grit, the lighter the screen, but as you go finer it can be more difficult to focus. It's all a matter of balance.

[@JamesPearson]

Phillip Murray thanks, I’ll need to experiment with a few different grits to see what works best for me. I find 400 a bit too course and distracting when focussing.

[@tonyb2760]

Beautiful images. Love the colors and detail as well as the compositions. Thanks for sharing

[@SteveONions]

Thanks for your continued support and kind comments Tony.

[@jeffersonluke4774]

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[@phillipmitchell2969]

@Jefferson Luke Instablaster =)

[@jeffersonluke4774]

@Phillip Mitchell i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site thru google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now. I see it takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@jeffersonluke4774]

@Phillip Mitchell It did the trick and I actually got access to my account again. Im so happy! Thank you so much you saved my ass !

[@alanstanway6118]

Just proves the point about how much large format photography both slows you down AND how many pitfalls there can be along the way. The last image definitely made up for the earlier one and The Bog is excellent Steve. In that location (which I know quite well) I fully appreciate the frustration and I hope other viewers will too.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Alan, I’m always struggling with Delamere but it’s proximity makes it a must for repeat visits.

[@danbuchman7497]

A very serene and beautiful couple of images. I’m in Eastern Connecticut and am surrounded by forests and working out compositions is hard and rewarding. This type of photography is very much under represented in vlogs. I’m so happy and interested in watching your thought process. Very inspirational.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Dan, I too find it hard to resolve the compositions but it definitely improves my eye for other types of scenery.

[@gchristopherklug]

Beautiful work. I love the bog image. Inspirational. As others have said, a great way to spend a Sunday morning

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Chris.

[@GeirBakkenVestfold]

The bog was really amazing to look at. And I love the colors in the pictures.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Geir.

[@stefannikoloff1860]

Sometimes its nice just to go for a wonder. Beautiful result!

[@SteveONions]

Very true Stefan.

[@RandyPollock]

I concur with everyone that said what great compositions and play of colors...a successful trip indeed.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Randy.

[@dumkopf]

Thanks for answering my question, about what you do with the film, after the vlog is done, Steve! Shame about the first image. Glad the the Bog and Autumn came out!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you. 😊

[@kelvinclancy7609]

The human experience: has great idea, tells self all the reasons is a bad idea. I think the most difficult thing for us to do is to get out of our own way. Keep up the great work!!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Kelvin.

[@stuartbaines2843]

Nice 5x4 image 👍 The ground glass looks interesting thanks for the thoughts 🤔

[@johnjon1823]

Chaos is tough to work with, that's why it took God 7 days to deal with it ;)Nice work, too bad about the first image, looked like it would have been very nice. Good efforts! Thanks!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks John.

[@kevinflynn6306]

Beautiful shots Steve well done I am still looking (in the woodland) around for a decent shot regards Kevin CA.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Kevin, at least the woodland is never the same twice so opportunities will come and go.

[@barbarycoaster8135]

Love your main image, well worth the effort of finding it.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@thomaspopple2291]

The Bog shot is great. Nice framing with those branches.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Thomas, all it needed in post was a slight crop at the bottom to remove some dead space.

[@ruudmaas2480]

Beautiful photographs. I like the second one the most.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ruud, my favourite too.

[@oldfilmguy9413]

Great video, Steve! Both the Bog and Autumn photographs were beautiful, just the right amount of subjects in the image. I have been finding that is the hardest aspect to achieve in woodland photography - I take something I think I like in the field and then when I get home I realize the composition is too busy. Cheers!

[@SteveONions]

I also struggle to get good clean positions and rely heavily on the preview app within the iPhone, it rules out 99% of shots before I even take the backpack off.

[@oldfilmguy9413]

@@SteveONions I recently found one for Android and am looking forward to trying it out. Cheers!

[@brianmccutcheon3205]

The only cameras I don’t have are the large format, yet. You inspire people Steve

[@SteveONions]

Thank Brian 🙂

[@SteveONions]

And get a large format camera 😀

[@philipculbertson55]

Very calming video Steve. I liked that first shot a lot. Shame about the light leak.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Philip.

[@freesewatches335]

Great video, great images, always a Sunday morning pleasure.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Simon 🙂

[@davefaulkner6302]

About the light leaks... I painted the inset of the exterior face on the rear standard flat black to help with this on my Mk4. I used a brush and artists acrylic paint. The clips on the Mk4 barely keeps your Graflox device on the camera -- I'm surprised mine hasn't fallen out already. I think Intrepid could do a bit better on the clips, and the white, unpainted back doesn't help keep light out. BTW I love the 6xWhatever backs; I use them as much as the 4x5 holders as roll film is so much more convenient and flexible. At this point I wouldn't consider a 4x5 camera that didn't have a Graflox adapter for this reason.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve also added some extra light proofing to my camera, the seal at the rear of the bellows isn’t perfect. I need to be really careful when seating the film holders and backs and also remove the dark slides very slowly.

[@buyaport]

Several truisms this video: Go with the mood! Very good advice. Woodlands often messy. Also true, probably necessary to get very close to find a subject, hard to get a landscape type of shot.

[@Antnie]

Another great video as usual. Now I want to shoot larger formats!

[@SteveONions]

😀

[@Leffe49]

That image at 9:25 was so beautiful.

[@DizinEire]

You must be a gluten for punishment Steve. 2 trips to the woods! Excellent vlog though. The Bog (for me) is one for the wall. But also love the parting shot. Cheers Diz

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Diz, there’s more to come from the forest yet 🙂

[@stefanberndt3734]

What puzzles me for your last few videos in the woodland is, the area looks very similar to what I can find near to place, around Berlin, Germany. - I struggle a lot to find compositions there, recently, so it's nice to see what you make out of it. Thanks for that! ;)

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Stefan, the forest is very hard to work in and not particularly photogenic for the most part. It’s the odd little clearing or bog that makes up for the bland nature of the majority of it, just lines of pine trees.

[@gui4j]

Steve, loved the bog shot, very nice composition .. as someone new to film and the larger formats , ( specifically 6*6) am always in interested in your metering methods, eg would you mind talking about your metering and what zones you are using in the images and why on some random videos. It might be quiet interesting for a few us to understand your thinking and methods ... only asking as you are probably 1out 2 or 3 landscape channels that are vastly experienced and talented and shoot entirely on film... many thanks

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Gaius, I am planning to make a spot metering video soon, just need the right location and a mix of lighting conditions to make it really useful.

[@RexBer]

last photo was my favorite! The area seems very inspirational

[@SteveONions]

To be honest about 99% of the place is extremely dull but with a bit of perseverance there are magic spots to be found.

[@RexBer]

@@SteveONions I think it has to be in the eye of the beholder, a lot of the times I find the photos reflect my mood more than the outer environment. The Intrepid looks real nice and portable. The largest negative I photograph on is 4x5 in the Polaroid Land 120, I take it out to various swamps, along with the darkbag to change film. It's a passion, right

[@RexBer]

@@SteveONions also, check out one of my large format shots here, if you like: cokolada2017.wordpress.com/2019/04/19/large-format-vs-full-frame-depth-of-feel/

[@ChrisEdgecombePhoto]

Thanks for the video Steve, I liked your bog picture the best.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Chris, I am pleased with that one.

[@georgefrench1907]

Beautiful “Autumn” photo. Thanks, Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you George.

[@runninblue9415]

Beautiful work

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@lensman5762]

It is worth mentioning that Kodak professional films such as Ektar and Portra, are meant to be shot and processed as soon as possible. I believe this is something to do with the reaction of the emulsion to air once it is out of the wrapper or can after being exposed.

[@SteveONions]

Good point, I wasn’t aware of the emulsion reaction but recall that certain films like Pan F do need prompt processing to retain the image quality.

[@stuartshaw8263]

Thanks for getting back Steve much appreciated I’ve been looking at the cpe2 and need to ask a few questions if you don’t mind Is a lift worthwhile? More importantly as the more I research the more I get confused What tank/reel do you use? I think a 2500 series with a 2509n reel seems to be the best option with a magnet or cog depending on the lift or not (bloody expensive) but what are the 9x 12 panels? Please advise if you’re not too busy I live in the lakes so next time you’re out come for tea or stay Many thanks Stuart

[@SteveONions]

Definitely go for the 2509n reel Stuart, it is the best option. As you say, the 2500 series tanks are a must have and you can do up to 6 sheets in one run although I prefer to do 4 as the middle slot is awfully close to the inner and outer one. If you can get a processor with a lift then do so. I used to have one and it makes changing the chemicals so easy. Also the cog mechanism is more robust than the magnet approach. I now only have the basic CPE2 and must manually pour and refill each bath but it works just fine.

[@naturelvr123]

You're right. "Snapping" away does cause one to shoot "mediocre". The 4x5 does force one to think. :)

[@flipflopsleica]

The Bog was a Clyde Butcher moment. Thank you for investing in us. Stuart @dashansheying

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Stuart, I had spent over two hours searching for a shot until I came across this location.

[@stuartshaw8263]

Hi Steve Love your stuff Been into large format photography for about 5 years now All b&w Thinking of moving into colour Can I ask do you develop your own c41 films and then scan ? Cheers Ben

[@SteveONions]

Hi Stuart. I do develop my own C-41, it is a lot easier and cheaper than the hassle of sending it off to the lab. I typically use a Jobo CPE-2 rotary developer but it is entirely possible to use a regular inversion tank and a water bath.

[@thevalleywalker]

The bog image was a real stonking image. We have nothing like that (as far as I am aware) of any thing like this around here. Loved the closing image too Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Alan, I’m really enjoying fighting through the forest at the.moment.

[@LeePengellyPhotography]

Shame about that first image, I had this a few times with the intrepid initially. How do you find the Mk4 version?. Really like the final images, lovely colours

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Lee. My camera is a Mk3 with the optional focus bed of the Mk4. I really like it although it is heavier than the Mk2 and does lack any detents on the standards.

[@davefaulkner6302]

@@SteveONions I agree; I can never tell if my rear standard is square on the Mk4. Makes me reach for the Toyo so I can keep some sanity in the set up. Intrepid could fix this with some ink marks on the rear standard and making the hinge show the angle. Something, anything, to make setting up the rear standard less guess work.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve had to draw all sorts of lines on mine to await with lining it up, shame the detents on the Mk2 have been removed.

[@photog1529]

Steve, ado you need to use a center spot filter when shooting with the wide angle 90 lens? I need one with my 6x17 format since the 90 is equivalent to about 19mm...just curious about the 4x5.

[@SteveONions]

I’m actually OK without one as the coverage is pretty even. I’d definitely need it on 617 along with a bigger image circle.

[@aleksanderdomanski222]

Great one. I wonder how you can find the time for doing that vlogs weekly. I know how long it takes.

[@SteveONions]

I’m back to fortnightly soon Aleksander, I had some time off lately and made the most of the Autumn colours.

[@andrewherbert9938]

Nice one Steve , I dont think the ruined image was as strong as the others they very much conveyed the essence of Autumn Nice work

[@SteveONions]

I’d agree Andrew, glad I ruined the weakest shot of the trip 🙂

[@kameleddinetaibi6797]

sir i have a question what do you think of the EPSON V600 for medium format scans thank you

[@ChristianMeermann]

Inspiring indeed! 👍🏻

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Christian.

[@gluebox1]

The ground glass on my Intrepid Mk4 was abslotely useless. Even a fresnel didn't add much, so I had to get a new GG.

[@SteveONions]

Sorry to hear about that. Which GG did you replace it with.

[@jakobschmidt6955]

@@SteveONions I got it from this guy: www.ebay.ca/itm/4x5-Ground-Glass-10-2x12-7cm-HANDMADE-custom-sizes-and-thickness-available/254191295742?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649 It's much much brighter for not a whole lot of money. I can actually compose in camera now, which was impossible before.

[@JohnTomasella]

I think that is one of the harder things about making a vlog with film, using up all the exposures.

[@SteveONions]

Very true John, sometimes at the end of an outing I am making every frame count rather than loading another roll.

[@JohnTomasella]

@@SteveONions I sometimes take multiples at different stops. And if there is any left over pictures of my dogs. I have my eye on a Zone VI on Ebay, have to wait until Saturday to see if I win the bid.

[@kameleddinetaibi6797]

really really beautiful shots sir

[@kameleddinetaibi6797]

great

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Kamel.

[@sorano9733]

It's quite funny how some people think that films have this special nostalgic effect, but it's actually the leak of light and most of time meaning failure. lol