Autumn Photography on Film Ends in Disaster :(

[@beauchampy]

Thomas, can I just say.. these videos bring me so much joy. I feel as though I am on this trip with you, the sounds, the colours, your peaceful, gentle and methodical approach to photography. I learn so much from these, and I just want to say thank you for making them.

[@donyee8970]

As photographers, we all have the same struggles in getting the image. That what makes the good ones so special.

[@PedroKin]

Totally, but somehow people that see our work always think we always get the shot

[@davelindey8023]

I have no idea what possesses someone to dislike your content especial the numbers. Since I've been following you over the past 2 years I find it insightful, informative and enjoy your candid approach. Keep up the good work.

[@zigatretjak75]

Old cameras have this glitch with the aperture blades. Besides servicing, I was advised to regularly release the camera by going through all f stops at each shutter speed. Doing this every 4 months and haven’t had a problem in 2 decades. Gorgeous autumn you have, indeed

[@aptuts]

This is the only channel where I first click on like button and then watch the video... I have been following you since many many years and I still love your videos. I know how much effort you put to make this 15 minutes video. Thank you for creating this great channel and putting efforts

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Fabulous fall in Western New York also.

[@Illuminationsfromtheattic]

Fall colors have been particularly good here in the Pacific Northwest this year. Usually they're gone by early November, but this year the first week of November was the peak for autumn color.

[@typeraver]

I have such a love hate relationship with film. Once an owner of a Linhof Master Technika and a Hasselblad 500c, the trial and errors, the light leaks, sticky shutter, troubled popup viewfinder and then the digital side of scanning and dust spotting, pheeew! However, when you nail that shot and it comes out perfectly, the joy and sense of achievement you get is unmatched.

[@seantomlinson3320]

Nice shots you did get. Beautiful use of the velvia.

[@FrankCrispo]

I'll probably get flack for this but I've had enough of these episodes where it's all about the camera. I come here for your photography adventures and you explaining the story around your photographs. That's what you're good at and that's what attracted me to your channel. I don't care what camera you use to take your photos with as long as you do what you're good at. Taking photos. So please stop shlepping this panoramic camera and all the other cameras you've been experimenting with. If you want to experiment with cameras, go ahead, have fun with them but please don't center your videos around them where they become the subject and the photos are secondary. 😊😉

[@josephasghar]

Important to show the failures as well as the successes. Even the best of us are prone to suffer. But the film experience is worth it.

[@Sanemancured]

A few weeks back I was up in Perthshire. The colours were totally awesome. I live in the Lakes and there was no comparison. Reds and oranges especially. Glen Lyon particularly.

[@geoffreypiltz271]

One thing I always do with a used camera when I first receive it is open the back and fire the shutter at all speeds for a visual check that the shutter does work and that the speeds look about right in comparison with each other.

[@jpdj2715]

350mm - note the Hasselblad at 56mm x 56mm has a crop factor of 0.546 (based on image diagonal). A similar diagonal angle at 36mm x 24mm is gotten with a 191.2 mm lens.

[@marilyngiannuzzi9867]

Just amazingly,beautiful,colors that u have captured!👏👏

[@Neds_Severed_Head]

I also noticed how long the leaves seem to be hanging on this year. It's pretty awesome!

[@-grey]

Warmer climates later in the year. 😬

[@dalvittra]

Where I live all leaves were gone by early october. It do be like that almost every year

[@ursli893]

And as a lot of us have been staying inside (thx to COVID) for a longer time this year, I guess we also appreciate it even more

[@dalkapur]

I was saying that to my missus just the other day. Really enjoyed my woodland photography this year.

[@kawiemer]

It is important to have knowledgeable resources to help lead you in the right direction. Glad you have answers.

[@mikegindling4236]

I had the same problem with my Yashica Mat on my 2nd roll of film. My local camera shop said it would cost more to repair than the camera was worth. The camera was in such mint condition that I could not just let it sit on a shelf, so I got it repaired. I now love taking pictures with it and do not even think about the repair cost.

[@greggreaves1727]

I know you're not satisfied with the end result, but, speaking for myself.... your videos catch the essence of a great day out with the camera(s). So, while you may think of it as a disaster, the content you created in capturing the day is gold to like-minded photographic artists.

[@Alister_Benn]

Great video mate , loved that first square. Super to talk yesterday and looking forward to meeting up when we can.

[@davyboyo]

Glad you're sticking with the 617, I can't wait to see what you do with it when it comes back. Thanks mate!

[@Widescenes]

I shot with the original G617 for over 20 years (1990 - 2012). I used to get a sticky shutter as well but found that by activating the shutter 5-10 times before loading with film usually did the trick. Give it a go if it happens again.

[@willprice7475]

I'm so happy this experience hasn't soured you on shooting film. Some people hit something like this and just give up and go back to digital, trying to forget about the whole experience. Excited to see the results when you have a properly functioning camera.

[@pete-c]

Thanks Thomas another brilliant Vid

[@Sarmor1985]

It is part of the pleasure of being behind and with those cameras. Learning again and again and reshaping "reliability". It felt so good watching this, listening to the sound of the wind in the trees. Thanks for your production here : it is amazing. And really looking forward for you being overexcited with one golden photograph made with that Fuji beast !

[@stephenthomas8288]

Great Video Tom. I cried with you when I saw that almost clear negative. Not that you tried, your camera let you down. I agree with your last commenter "A bad day out taking pictures is better than a good day in the office. "

[@abdulrazacksyed41]

Fantastic photography explained

[@camali_ch]

I cannot wait to see how the saga of the Fuji GX617 continues. Lovely video!

[@OldPongGeezer]

Thanks for sharing this! It's nice to know I'm not the only one that gets those overexposures. I appreciate how you put this story together, made me laugh!

[@nelsonclub7722]

Park Cameras will not let you down. They are super. I also have the Apo but with the extender - I use it on the 203FE but also - horrors - with a 907x and XHV adaptor - it really is the dogs wotsits - but the 250 is equally astonishing too

[@MadsPeterIversen]

It is so fascinating to see your journey with analog photography! :)

[@keithgrafton5006]

Thomas - At 8:48 when you are metering, look where your peak of your cap is. You may have overexposed due to partially covering the light meter sensor - The uneven exposure doesn't correspond with a sticking Copal shutter so thats an odd one for sure.

[@philduch]

Just Purchased your calendar Thomas. Thanks for all the tips you gave throught all your videos. I follow your channel since maybe almost 2 years now. Keep on going Peace Philippe From Belgium

[@bgrzesiak5996]

As those shutters sit for months or years, lubricants MAY gum up. Best to follow the old idea of advancing each shutter speed three times every month to keep them in good shape (once you get that one refurbished). I once sent my 617(I am a retired Fuji Pro Rep) to the North Pole with a client and it was the ONLY camera that worked in that extreme cold. Not even the specially prepped Leica's made it. And it was just my sample 617 with nothing special done to it. The only problem was the film itself shattered when advanced due to the cold, but the shutter never stopped working.

[@markhofman3088]

Totally agree on autumn, its awesome this year... Good light to everyone😊❤️😃📸

[@Upstart800]

Alright Thomas, I’m drooling over the 350mm super achromat. Great shot too.

[@FranzFridl]

The way you fight with the umbrella and the sticks is the same way I fight with life 🤣

[@rhinewater]

The desire to make panoramic photos is what got me into photography in the first place, and there was (and still is) a part of me that wants to be doing it with a 617 camera, on Velvia. But I also know that the reality is that I just wouldn't get around to using it. I am, however, very much enjoying it vicariously through your videos, so please keep at it.

[@fairwayfrank]

I can't say I enjoy your sharing your struggles, but it's nice to know I'm not alone. Had sticky shutter issues recently with my Canonette RF, just not sure it's worth the cost of a CLA. But the struggle is part of the film processes, whether it's with the gear our with ourselves. The best we can do is enjoy it. And I very much enjoy your film posts.

[@silverphotographylife9196]

Loving your interest in film lately. I'm sure it's an easy fix on the panoramic camera. Look forward to you trying it out once all OK. Those images on Velvia have great saturation, perfect for UK weather.

[@wolfsheadphotographic2521]

It might be worth changing the cable release too. That style are notorious for breaking & causing shutters to stick open. ( I know you probably already know this but I figured it was worth mentioning!)

[@KevinOutdoors]

Hey man, excellent video just the same. Probably even better because it is real and honest experience, that's why I watch. And, this is how learning is achieved, from mistakes. Stay safe and all the best from Canada!

[@iandavis1355]

Have you noticed the skies since the start of the pandemic? They are so clear and the colours during sunrise and sunset are wonderful, particularly if there are high and wispy clouds overhead.

[@billmarsh7760]

Don't give up on that Fuji 6x17, Tom! It will produce spectacular images, once the shutter gremlin is sorted out.

[@earlspiece9403]

Just catching up on your vids since discovering you.... Great job with this one and all your works I've seen so far!!!I'm an older, used to be a long distance backpacker of the Appalachian Trail on the USA east coast, appreciative person of your outback type minimalist videos. If I could rewind time to be your age again now I would be asking you to give me a chance to be your Photography Sous Chef!!! Keep up the great vids!!! BTW... I'm a great outdoor sticks kind of cook who's look a try if ever in USA again!!! :)

[@nevillewatkins4997]

One thing I have noticed is that while the leaves are hanging around longer you won't get the huge splashes of colour when they all turn. You've got to pick your shots a lot more selectively.

[@kronkite1530]

Absolutely love the Velvia photos. Not to mention THAT Hasselblad lens. So much want!

[@juliankrauss6172]

Besides your content (which is why I came), I have to say I appreciate the way you present yourself (which is why I hit the subscribe button). I generally don’t like the smell of inauthenticity and narcissism when watching many of the KZbin channels out there, anyway, here I have got a different feeling and it inspires me to see how genuinely passionate you are about your thing. But it is nice to learn more about how to take pictures in the wild as well. Keep up!

[@brycepinson8641]

Love the square image of the tree. Its the type of image that my eye doesn't normally "see". That really can be a mood killer to have equipment fail like that. I have a Zeiss lens off for repair after it began to have sticking aperture blades. Like you, I anxiously await its return.

[@sunnykdddnkh]

One might start to think this one’s a little click baity but the title very accurately represents IMO the feeling that you’d get if you find out you were shooting the whole 100 photos with no memory card (which the fuji allows you to do) or that you over exposed all your shots due to a glitch.. I appreciate the videos that show the other aspects of photography which aren’t as rosy and exciting and uplifting .. Goes to prove I am not alone .. Thanks Tom.

[@sebastiantrandafir5607]

I keep my fingers crossed that you will get the shutter repaired! Please stay on the ball with your 617, I really enjoy how you slowly but surely get the right feeling for it. Film photography is riddled with so many mistakes, especially with 6x17 it really gets on your nerves ... I speak from my own experience with my 6x17 Panos. Still, I love the format and the well-exposed slides on the light table! When I look through the magnifying glass, it always seems to me as if I were just back at the location and seeing the landscape through binoculars. Kind regards, Seb

[@ShaunM-xw1em]

Hi Tom, You have taught me so much about photography for free over the years. About time l repayed the compliment! One of those cows looked very like a bull to me! If one of the cows had been in season, he may have not been so friendly to you! Having said that l think they where belted Galways who are normally chilled. Great watch as ever.

[@evelasq1]

Good luck on the repair

[@manuellion6300]

Feel your pain. I also have 2 lenses for my 6x7 Linhof on which the return mechanism gets stuck on bulb exposures. Also noticed this only in the field after the first exposures had gone wrong. One of them just was away for a CLA. Not sure if it can be fixed. For now I always have to close the shutter manually by pulling on the shutter lever.

[@AshleyWoodhams]

Hi Thomas. This video popped up on my YT home page. Very happy it did. Now lots of past content to check out and looking forward to future ones too! Sub'd.

[@iqbaltrojan]

Your videos are continued source of inspiration. They always have this serene quality that I need after doing accounting work all day. They get me to go out and shoot so thank you.

[@BRIONIDESIGN]

Well done, I am sure you will remember this failure shot much much longer until end of your life then if it was just another panorama shot...it happened to me 36 years as a young photographer and still today this is a shot that I remember the most(Boris Becker jumped in front of me on Ectahrome PUSH 2000 ISO film....over over exposed or wrongly processed...

[@deim]

Oh the beauty of film photography with old cameras. The first few rolls of film are just to check if the shutter speeds and apertures are working. And after a handful of Japanese ebay cameras, you're friends with the guy that does the CLA on your equipment...

[@CamerasAndMountains]

Loooovvvee that long lens! I hesitate shooting on my rz67 because of the lack of longer telephoto lenses available

[@trouwfotomakerij]

Sure, the Fuji images were a disappointment. But a disaster... I wouldn't call it that. A day out in the woods like you did, I'd love to be able to do that. And if I come home with images or not - that's not even the most important. If it happens, it happens. And if a shot I thought was brilliant turns out to be "meh", then so be it. One other thing though: I must compliment you on the way you put videos like this together. Sometimes I almost forget that it's just you out there, setting up shots where we see you walking in the distance, cutting to another angle for the same situation, the drone shots, it's just so very well done, as if you have a cameraman (or -woman) there with you. Hats off to you!

[@jimwlouavl]

The long-range image with that Zeiss telephoto looked sharp and saturated. Glass like that is just amazing. Thanks for sharing.

[@MediterraneanBlood]

Here in Italy we also have problems with shepherd dog when you go out for a trip on the mountains... not to mention wild boars (once I counted 13 of them), that's the reason why I prefer to go out with at least one friend than completely alone.

[@llewdis]

love the colors in that 350mm image.

[@GaryTischer]

Ahhh ... the joys of film cameras. But surely it has a second back up film like the two card slots in a digital camera. ;) That's right, they didn't .... and you don't know that it had a problem until you get the film back from the processor. All us who have been in the photography game for over 25 years has experienced this type of thing before. Digital cameras (even with single card slots) are so great. And so is your channel Thomas :)

[@robertstephens1868]

Well, Tom, I guess you could give us a practical talk on the subject of frustration! I believe it’s helpful for all of us to show the failures as well as successes. That’s real life. Thanks for sharing your experience. Before I get too old I must come to the UK during the spectacular autumn season. I’m from far away Sydney, Australia, where we hardly have distinct seasons.

[@neon4s]

Hopefully the shutter will be fixed and you will be able to enjoy the camera to its full potential. Looking forward to the video with some epic panoramas! Though, better get that lens checked as well, it looks like you’ve got quite some mold behind the front elements/group (@16:52).

[@PetarGames]

Actually, the first image made me cry, it's really tranquil! Great job!

[@JeffCorcelius]

Man, I really wanna see some awesome panoramics with that camera! Keep it up Thom!

[@yendy85]

I love the first picture🤩

[@cameratrav]

I hadn't heard of the Fuji GX617 until you started to use it. But I have just acquired an old photography book called Waiting for the light by David Noton. He seems to have used the GX617 and 90mm lens around the world. Worth a look Thomas, if you can find a copy. When the shutter is fixed, maybe the next calendar will be very wide!

[@JMaxwell1000]

Great presentation! If you love autumn colors, as I do as well, the best place I've been is the Ozark Mountains in the USA (northeastern Oklahoma/northwestern Arkansas), especially around the many lakes there. Just incredible.

[@Xingqiwu387]

@Tom Geldon Sorry. I have to agree with the previous person. I've been to both places and many areas in Europe, and the Ozarks topped them all.

[@Xingqiwu387]

@Tom Geldon Taiwan. Japan also ranks pretty high for fall foliage.

[@AmadoWildlifeVideos]

I'd just told a friend about your vids, how they're full of existential angst, and one hour later you drop this!

[@TheLDunn1]

I saw that GX617 on Parks site and was very tempted by it myself....rather glad I didn’t go for it now, but I’m sure it will get sorted, it’s just the hassle factor.

[@ihidnan]

Fall color here in New Hampshire in the US has been amazing! The best in years.

[@joturchet]

Morning Thomas! Love all your videos, the info, the angst and the joy and enthusiasm! I love using digital (Fuji X Series fan) and love film (Broncia SQ-A) and I love shooting square format in both. My only problem is which camera to take out on a shoot! Not sure about using my Bronica in the rain..... 🤔 Yes there is uncertainty with film, the hardware, development, exposure, will the image be right....but I love the processes and when it works it’s just the best thing. Keep up the good work - love it! .......Wow there’s a lotta love going on. 😁

[@steveconnor746]

On the subject of Autumn Colours, I was in The Benmore Botanic Gardens in Dunoon last month just after the rain. Fantastic reds and yellows, not to mention the giant redwood trees. Got some great images.

[@robbrown4281]

I have a few books by Mark Denton who uses (or used to use) the Fuji gx617. It does produce great images.

[@mlawmedia]

Happy October 2024!

[@ralfkrahe2493]

Spectacular fall colors! Velvia really makes them pop. ... Nothing more frustrating than mechanical equipment malfunction, when everything else is perfectly lined up for the shot.

[@craigosh]

Are you just using the B setting for long exposures? Try the T, I always preferred that. Stops any hand cramps on cold days. Press once to open the shutter, then once to close it.

[@williamberger2178]

As soon as I saw the film I knew what was happening. These old mechanical cameras need service from time to time. Also even with service a mechanical shutters need excersising regularly, especially leaf shutters. I'm sorry you had a bad day, but you learn a little more about your cameras when things go wrong.

[@davidwilson9821]

I feel your pain there Thomas, I bought a rare Kodak film camera made in 1930's with a leaf shutter and someone had tried to clean the mechanism with light oil, guess what, the shutter sticked. Took me ages to work out why I thought my metering calculations were all to pot.

[@501CM]

It is great you do these videos using film cameras, I think the best images on your current calendar are the film ones.

[@jenniejudd834]

I admire your honesty to share not just your successes but also when things don’t always go right. Mr H is human 😉 thanks for another great video 👍

[@tjh44961]

Velvia 50 is my favorite film, by far. In fact, I have a box of it sitting here on my desk, that I pulled out of the freezer last night. It will be interesting to see what it does, as it has an expiration date on it of 3/2007. But it's been in the freezer since I bought it, as the trip I was going to take it on was canceled, and I moved to digital soon after that, which I'm beginning to think was a mistake. The slower, more contemplative process of film photography is much better for me. If you want to increase the saturation of your images (as if RVP needs it!) try underexposing by 1/3 stop, and processing normally.

[@petrub27]

some potentially problems when shooting film~: exposure metering loading film error reciprocity rule sticky shutter color shift when long exposing stay digital

[@joeiscoffee]

Wicked smart naming the camera store where you bought the Fuji. Looking forward to seeing your work when you get it back fixed.

[@stephencrowfoot244]

Thomas, only a youngster could contemplate carrying both of those 'beasts'! I tire with only the 'blad w/60 lens & 90° finder! My birthdays are adding up! Enjoy your vids immensley although your forests are not a touch on the Australian Bush for complexity/chaos/ruggedness., but keep your vids coming, wet weather 'an all'. Regards.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Thanks a lot for your kind comments. I didn't carry both cameras, no chance. I left one in my car 👍

[@chasingmanhattan]

So glad you're not just giving up on the camera :)

[@AlexMcDougallPhotography]

At least you didn't have the disaster that I did on my last vlog. Thanks for sharing.

[@thewanderer2997]

I’m really surprised your autumn, the color, and that leaves are sticking around for so long this year in the UK. Where I’m at in the states everything its pretty much done and into winter. The UK looks so incredible, I would love to visit one day.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

This was filmed weeks ago. They're gone now.

[@thewanderer2997]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto thank you for the response. I hope your doing well and thank you for the wonderful content you provide..

[@peteskyrunner4845]

The second time your umbrella snagged, had I been drinking coffee I would have spat it out :-)

[@esphilee]

Another nice video.

[@MattFreestonePictures]

I can vouch for Park Cameras too. I’m lucky to have them very close by here in Sussex. Looking forward to an amazing shoot with the pano one day, Thomas! I salute your perseverance!

[@Rick--A-F]

Same here. I recently had to take a secondhand camera back to them. They exchanged without evening looking at the camera. It's the reward of using local. :)

[@greenbrightly]

I think this will get fixed quickly by Park Cameras.

[@johnround8311]

The image of the trees below the cliff is excellent.

[@antony19811000]

Love your vedios! Always being a bit jealous when I see you roaming freely in the wilderness, or exploring new landscapes, which I would love to do as well, however having limited opportunities

[@Hirsutechin]

Those cattle are Belted Galloways. They are not so named because they belt you one, but because of the white belt around their midriff. Big softies! And a shicky stutter is a real pain, they'll probably find all sorts of fluff and gunk in it like dead leaves, frayed webbing, old chocolate. ;-)

[@NigelHarperPhoto]

Great vid as always Tom, not at all a load of bullocks! Yes, there have been several fatalities with cows which makes me more wary when passing by them. Anyway, regarding your 16x7 pano camera, a photographer I new called Colin Prior used one of these beasts and produced amazing landscape images with it. But of course, back in the film days there was no other way to produce large hi-definition prints. I guess your camera has seen a bit of life over years and probably needs a service? When I was shooting weddings with medium format cameras, I twice had the lens built in shutters fail on me! Now that could have been a disaster, but fortunately, I noticed it at the time when for example, a half second exposure defaulted to 1/500th, or just remained stuck open! Moving forward 20+ years, despite the pleasure and more considered approach that film photography provides, I would stick with shooting panos in portrait format and stitching the frames in PS, as you normally do, or at least backing up with digital. Now there's another vid for you? A comparison test, unless of course it's already up for sale on eBay??? Cheers and keep em coming!

[@johnleftwich650]

How fortunate to have Tim Carver as a troubleshooting resource.

[@ihidnan]

Love that first image!