My New Camera & How it Will Make me Better

[@Paul_Burns]

Thomas, always remember that we join your videos because we ENJOY YOUR COMPANY. Many (most) of us don't aspire to be world class landscape photographers. We simply enjoy hanging with you, sharing your adventure, and getting a vicarious trip through you. Yes, maybe we learn a bit too! This channel is successful because of who you are and how you do what you do, and how you make us feel. It's not always about the pointily landscape or the perfect light. Just keep on being who you are. We are enjoying the journey!

[@JanStrojil]

Thank you for articulating so well how I also feel about this channel.

[@schuey323]

Paul Burns, you just made me emotional. Thank you for saying what my mind has been thinking but I couldn't find the words. Cheers!

[@jerryalt6486]

Well said Paul.

[@BjørjaBear]

Hear Hear! Well said!

[@markrichards1979]

I’m with Paul, just love this channel and thoroughly enjoy Tom’s passion, skills etc

[@NeathVideos]

Definitely should have been sponsored by “square space” 😀

[@mateusalves9436]

Every time someone mentions square space the only thing that comes to mind is George going SQUAAAAAAAARESPACE with countless heads.

[@dmitrybelyakov]

@@mateusalves9436 This is how it sounds in my head every time.

[@meme4one]

I was thinking exactly this!! Would have been perfect.

[@NeathVideos]

Mateus Alves can you link to the George video please.

[@chadbaber8342]

lol I was waiting for it, too!

[@markham56]

I used to shoot with a Hasselblad 501C years ago and grew nostalgic last year, so I bought another one just like you did. Well, after shooting two rolls through it, it sat off the shelf just like your 4X5 view camera. Sadly, I realized you can’t go home again! I hope your experience won’t ultimately mirror mine. I love your enthusiasm! Don’t lose it! All the best.

[@Noealz]

too many ppl dont understand that film is more than just the "film look" - it is really hard to explain and it is best understood by experiencing it firsthand. I think you did pretty good at putting it into words

[@waynemelnick9751]

"The sheer ease with which we can produce a superficial image often leads to creative disaster. We must remember that a photograph can hold just as much as we put into it, and no one has ever approached the full possibilities of the medium." - Ansel Adams Great video as usual. Thanks Thomas.

[@xaviervillarreal5391]

Never say your project means nothing. Your project means something to you, and that's why I love your work.

[@FakeNews_Ignored]

More experience gained, less willing to go out ... is so true.

[@skyreadersociety6183]

Thanks for pointing to Bruce Percy, have missed this great work until now.

[@photo2000]

I was lucky enough to own a 501CM back in my college days. I unfortunately had to sell it to fund investment into the digital world. I don't regret selling it, as it was a means to an end. And shooting large volumes of images of film becomes very very expensive. However the 501CM will always have a special place in my heart. As will the extraordinary Carl Zeiss lenses that couple it. The resolving power of those lenes coupled with size of medium format film is extraordinary!! I printed an image shot on transparency film once to over a metre in size. Viewing the print even at 12 inches, detail was pin sharp. This camera is as pure as it comes to image capture. No autofocus, no light meter... Just glass and film. Always a thing of beauty.

[@sergescardigno]

people are always like "gear doesn't matter gear doesn't matter", but I think what's important about that saying is that it's usually in the context of upgrades, not sidesteps into different tech. gear absolutely matters in that sense, and this was awesome to see a video talking about that side of it.

[@joshuarhea1648]

Woohoo! That a boy Mr. Heaton. One of my favorite photographers shooting FILM 🎞!!!

[@LuisHernandez-rf6ru]

I think a Hasselblad V system is the dream for any photograph (or almost any). It was mine since I started photography in 2009, and a few months ago I made the "madness" to bid for one on eBay .... I won, and I won much more than a camera. You describe the situation very well: Digital ends up boring in some way sooner or later, or maybe not boring, but there are cameras that offer something different. Hassel is one of them. She will make you learn photography differently, think more, enjoy the moment ... Sometimes we live photography with digital cameras as life is in the 21st century, fast. When I use the Hassel, I allow myself the luxury of stopping down and enjoying the whole process ... and what the hell, the camera is also gorgeous. The only bad thing is that through the Hasselblad viewfinder, everything always looks beautiful. Enjoy the camera Tom.

[@scenespin]

Excellent choice with the 501! Ages ago I managed to buy one when I had first started getting into photography and it absolutely changed my life. Not just photography, but life in general. It's the patience and ethic of working with film on an incredible machine like the 501. Like others have said, you've an eloquent way of speaking about photography and your process. Surely this new kit will encourage a new golden era for your work. You've certainly made me claw back on my quest for an M10, and back to another 501.

[@MichalOlender]

Isn't it amazing that you wanted to have a TV show but you got something even better, a KZbin channel. Total control of the content, interaction, a platform reaching people all over the world. Incredible, congrats Thomas!

[@weschilton]

This is really cool, Tom. My dad was a landscape photographer who shot exclusively on medium format using Hassleblad 500Cm and 501CM cameras. They are works of art, built like tanks and will last you forever. Some of the best cameras and lenses ever made. Its so amazing seeing you shoot with them!

[@chrispickett6069]

Dear Thomas, my fiancee Sarah and I have followed you on your journey for a couple of years now and apart from a couple of duff vids we have really enjoyed it, jeepers its like 'has Thomas put up a new one' - I am blessed to say that my fiancee and I met when I taught her about photography a couple of years back , so I am in good company har har. The fact that you have experienced the very same thing that I did with my digital imagery is very nice for me, because I thought I was going mad. I have all the digital toys and more, BUT there was something missing, so Sarah said use your Bronica - go shoot some film. Well that just went completely tit's up and now I have a clutch of Nikon 35mm classics, more lenses for the Bronny and a 5x4 plate camera. But here's the deal - none of it came together until I started to process my own stuff again, mixing soup and getting brilliant results just made it all come together. Enjoy the ride fella, I know I am going to like watching your journey too. Nice choice with the Blad, its great gear, you'll enjoy that, now just choose your sensor and your away ;) have a blast, we'll be watching matey

[@aes53]

I’ve shot Hasselblad V for upward of 40 years. Most of my best images came from that camera. I just love them.

[@FabrizioZago]

I own a 500 C/M, bought it several years ago when I was feeling a bit bored about digital, I needed "fresh air". It was totally worth it and I'm still using it, together with other film cameras with different charachertistics.

[@JamesBellLandscapePhotography]

Glad to see you’ve connected with your new camera and already seeing great results. The world is a more inspiring place through a waist level viewfinder.

[@josebainakielorriagaarriet2066]

In film what matters is enjoying the road ,no matters the destination .I am with you

[@RichardLaurence]

Film fans should check Nick Carver’s KZbin channel

[@maxjohnson5629]

Nick Carver is a great film shooter! Also check out Grainydays, Ben Horne, aows (he shoots a Bronica SQ-Ai, which Thomas alluded to at the end of this video), Madison B, Negative Feedback, Corey Wolfenbarger, Joe Greer, and Willem Verbeek. Analog Insights is also a really good channel that focuses on film gear.

[@joshuafagans7534]

Photography fans should check our Nick Carver but yes, especially film fans.

[@weschilton]

Ive been subscribed for a long time... I live 2 hours from Nick!

[@indianwinter]

Nick is awesome

[@i3aluchi]

@@maxjohnson5629 And let's not forget Matt Day. He's one of the reasons I'm back into film photography again.

[@johnarnsdorf]

Couldn’t agree more. I love my Arca Swiss 4x5. Love the process because it forces you to slow down and be more critical; more deliberate with every decision. And nothing beats viewing that big, beautiful ground glass!

[@thehawknelsonfreak]

I loveeeee my hasselblad. Goes everywhere with me

[@conniejaquith2009]

Thanks. I understand completely. I started with a Hasselblad 500C and still love it. I learned to "see" with it. It gave me such an appreciation for composition. I scanned all that work. Now, when I encounter a Hasselblad image in my library, it stuns me, grabs my attention - it is the square composition. I remember the care it took to compose, meter, then make decisions. It stays with you forever. I look forward to seeing how it affects your work. You are an artist. It will complement all your talent.

[@speecher1959]

"A tiny project. It means nothing really." Thomas, there's a reason we keep coming back for more. Part of that is for the inspiration, part is for the education, and part is because we enjoy hanging out with you. :-) I got started on film before digital was a twinkle in an engineers eye, or wherever engineers twinkle. I am glad of that, as I think that it makes me work harder at shots since one could not immediately see the results. I wonder if it's because of that that even now, typically my favorite shot os a sequence is the first one.

[@hmudesign]

I think Paul Burns, said it all about how we feel about the channel. Regarding the film stuff. I personally started out with film and shot for many years, and I was so incredibly excited about moving away from the film process as soon as I could, in the late 90’s. Film was was expensive, it was time consuming and I even took a quality hit, just to go digital the first chance I got, and the “fast” workflow. It just suited and still suits my way better. I still have all my old film cameras, but I guess I haven’t come a full circle yet to even consider using them again. I did go through a phase of restricting myself with the digital camera, its a wonderful exercise to do, if you have the discipline to do so. I’m happy you are happy with the film camera, and that excitement is contagious, no pun intended. Keep up the good work and stay safe. Greetings from an Icelander living in Singapore!

[@robertkeck178]

This is extraordinarily excellent! I have several medium format cameras. I can't wait to see what your talent can produce through your new piece of equipment. Go get 'em Thomas...

[@mhc2b]

Congratulations on the purchase of the 501CM. I have been a Hasselblad shooter for almost 50 years, buying my first Hasselblad (500CM) in Feb, 1972. I also bought a 501CM when they were first introduced in the mid 1990's. The basic simplistic quality built into a Hasselblad film camera never goes out of style. I also currently use the Sekonic L-758DR hand meter, which I believe I saw you using in spot meter mode in your video. Great choice there also. In 2007, I converted my 501CM to "digital" by purchasing a Hasselblad digital back for it. It was simply a measure of removing the film back, and popping on the digital back! I still shoot a Hasselblad today, using their latest digital camera, the mirrorless X1D-50c. Sadly (IMO), Hasselblad has abandoned the square format, and now all their digital cameras are rectangle (albeit a 4:3 aspect ratio). I believe one of the main issues was due to the expense of producing square sensors. But with a larger 50 mpix sensor in the X1D, cropping it to square is not a big deal! Please allow me to make one crucial recommendation for you - Since you no longer have EXIF data available, start making notes of each shot you take - exposure data, lens used, location, and any other pertinent info you want to retain about the shot. Buy yourself an inexpensive pocket digital recorder. When you get home, transfer the data to a Word or Excel file. Or simply write down the data in a notebook. This way, you will never forget information you might want to keep tabs on. It takes a bit of time, but it's really not an issue, compared to the value of this data which you would otherwise forget!

[@VISHUDDHATMA]

This is valuable advice. I wonder about the new digital back just available. Do you have any remarks for this? Thanks.

[@mhc2b]

@@VISHUDDHATMA I currently own the Hasselblad X1D camera, which shares the same sensor as the new CFV-II 50c digital back, assuming that's the back you are referring to. No complaints about the sensor at all. You will not be disappointed in its quality. However, attached to a 500 series body does present some issues you need to be aware of before you take the leap. First, the back produces a horizontal rectangular image rather than square. It is also smaller than the 6x6 film image that the Zeiss lenses were designed for. Meaning that you will have up to a 1.5 crop factor with your Zeiss lenses. This is great if you shoot a lot of telephoto images, portraits, etc., but NOT GOOD for wide angle. With a 1.5 lens factor involved, you pretty much lose most wide angle capabilities. So, for typical landscapes, you will not have decent wide angle capabilities (unless you are comfortable and knowledgeable with stitching). Secondly, since the 500 series bodies are designed to shoot square film images, they were NEVER meant to be turned sideways to shoot vertically with the CFV back attached. You will find it Extremely Awkward at best to shoot in a vertical mode. You will be pretty much resigned to shoot horizontally all the time, and just crop for vertical shots. But know that even with extreme cropping, this 50 mpix back will still produce the finest image quality you can imagine today.

[@VISHUDDHATMA]

@@mhc2b I find this details from you, very valuable. I was rather disappointed at their recent webinar when they introduced the new 907SX with the back. I have waited for a year, and I think I will wait more, until many of the experts like you, come with more info. Also they are not selling the back alone so far. I have four CF lenses, and I am not a professional. i do not expect HB to produce and post images with the new back and these excellent Zeiss T* lenses. Thank you Michael.

[@mhc2b]

@@VISHUDDHATMA Let me add one more thing - I shot with a 500 series body and Zeiss lenses for over 40 years. IMO, the Zeiss lenses were "king of the hill." Even with today's modern optics, they still hold their own. However, the new XCD lenses used with the X1D & 907 bodies have far surpassed the excellence of the older Zeiss lenses. They are not cheap, but I don't believe you'll find another lens that can match their image quality. Their only downside, IMO, is that their auto focusing is rather slow compared to other modern lenses. But since you're used to manual focus with the Zeiss lenses, the XCD should be just fine in either MF or AF mode. Allow me to recommend this to you - Instead of concentrating on the new 907, look at the possibility of purchasing a used X1D body instead. It, IMO, is much more practical to everyday shooting than the 907 design. Remember, it shares the same 50 mpix sensor as the 907/CFV-II 50c. Hasselblad, as well as Kipon, Fotodiox, and others make a lens adapter which will enable you to mount your Zeiss lenses to the X1D body. Not as convenient as the proprietary XCD lenses, but they work. This will allow you to utilize your Zeiss lenses for the time being, while considering the XCD lenses when money is available. I bought one of the first X1D's in 2016, and utilized my Zeiss lenses with a Kipon adapter for over a year. As funds became available, I eventually replaced all my Zeiss glass with XCD lenses. I've been a happy camper.

[@robertblesse5108]

Gotta love those medium fortmat film cameras, Tom.

[@aolou3]

As someone new to photography it was refreshing to hear you say you're uncomfortable filming in front of other people, I often feel like this even just taking photos in busy places, and while I've gotten used to it to a certain extent I'm still not as comfortable as I'd like, but it's nice to know that even the best out there feel like this at times

[@jonglass]

How do you scan these 6x6 images? I’d be curious of a video devoted to that.

[@LewisWells-1]

Deffo!! End to end process of an image being captured and then printed would be excellent!

[@peterdadson7713]

Jon Glass Nick Carver has some excellent videos on scanning.

[@CarolyneMacMillan]

I was just thinking the same thing and then it occurred to me that he's having them developed somewhere else and maybe they're doing a digital scan as a part of the deal?

[@rtudor]

Sean Tucker has a video on that, he recently made a 3 episodes series about shooting film from A to Z ;)

[@LewisWells-1]

@@rtudor thanks for the heads up! I'll check it out!

[@martinjn2920]

Okay, its almost two years since this video came out and for reasons unknown to me I didn't see it at the time, so it is somewhat coincidental that this video pops up as recommended by YT when I have just bought a Bronica SQAi to help me get back to my roots, learn to slow down and take time to consider my photography, oh and shoot more film a format I thought was dead and buried only to find that it is a itch that I have just got to scratch. Don't get me wrong I love my digital cameras and I am getting lovely images from them but nothing beats that moment when you lift those negatives and/or slides up to the light for the first time and see those images that you have created, images that you have sort of dismissed from your memory as you moved on to whatever your next project was. Great video and a wonderful insight into the Heaton mindset for getting his Hassleblad, thanks Thomas.

[@rjphotos]

I had an RZ67 and 4x5. In the end I went the other way and stuck with the 4x5 and let the RZ go. RZ67 delivered superb images, but I just gravitated to 4x5 every time I wanted to shoot film. Lovely images from the hassy 👍

[@tallaganda83]

I had an RZ but it just was gathering dust once I got a fuji. I love the results, and it’s much nicer to use but I guess the weight and size got in the way. I ended up selling it recently and got a Z7 good decision it’s a great little camera, the kit lens is awesome too. In saying this I still love film and may get a 4x5 some day so I can experiment with movements.

[@oliverstuart]

I spent a few years at art college pre digital, and pre photoshop, with Hasselblads and dark rooms.... and I now make a living as a photographer. I really did enjoy the analogue process... but for me, digital has obviously changed everything, and 99% for the better... but all power to you for trying it out.

[@94nagendra]

Stopped the video on my phone at 1min! Watching it on a uhd TV! That's the way to watch Heathons videos!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Man, I should have filmed in 4k.

[@quercus21]

I’ve gone almost exclusively back to film. Started 3 years ago. What you said is bang on! People ask me why shoot film when there is digital but it really is a rewarding process. Looking forward to seeing some content with the ‘Hassy’ Thomas!

[@davids2720]

Aaaahhh nostalgia....! I love the Hasselblad 500 series. I spent the first 16 years of my career using a 500cm. The one thing I try to impress on those who started in the digital era is that in the old days, every shot you took had a cost attached to it, so every shot had to count. With just 12 shots on a roll, you worked every composition thoroughly until you were confident you were going to get something useable and the thrill and anticipation of seeing the negs for the first time never waned. In these days of digital instant gratification, it can lead to a degree of sloppiness (not that I don't appreciate my digital DSLRs). Enjoy your new camera Thomas, I look forward to seeing more videos featuring it.

[@roberttangen3508]

I still have a very old 1960's 500C Hasselblad. I great camera that I used for years. I needs some work but after watching this I may have to get it out again and have it repaired. It was a joy to use and made me stop and think about what I was doing and why.

[@vdiitd]

3:21, I was so sure that you were going to segue into Square Space sponsorship ad there 😂😂

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

P. S, I like your channel because of your honesty about all things, whether it's going well for you or not, you're so honest and open about everything, I keep coming back

[@jeff8289]

I love my Hasselblad. There is something so reassuring about the "Hasselblad Thunk". Good for you. The Hasselblad allows me to distill a scene down to it's essence.

[@micartagenaco]

When is England gonna give all that land back it stole from the Catholic Church? Just a thought looking at all the beautiful landscape photos.

[@bennovice3327]

"in the moment and in tune" something we all need to do more of more of the time.....thanks Thomas!

[@matlockcopy]

Film is good, I've gone back to it in pusuit of a documentary Fellowship and using a Mamiya 645pro (cant afford a Hasselblad) and large format and loving it.

[@ianbarnes1406]

Used to love my Mamiya 645 pro!!!

[@RobertNuttmann]

I have been saying for years that I should give up film and just shoot digital. Never happens. I love film, the resulting images, the process, the old simple cameras. I am very happy that you have been bitten by the film bug and look forward to the videos.

[@3ArtDigital]

Now, build a dark room, and teach us how to use it.

[@CJR91]

There load of actual Film Photography KZbinrs for that!

[@teddy33131]

you should check out "shoot film like a boss" really nice guy passionate about film

[@Jack-rz3ef]

Ah, the smell of chemical photography. I haven't developed film in decades but I remember my other half at the time saying "phew, it's that horrible smell again" Happy days.

[@kurtpleavin]

Darkroom printing is super easy and cheap to get into. Instead of exposing film to light, your're simply exposing paper instead.

[@dungareesareforfools]

@@kurtpleavin Yes, and burning / dodging I always found a lot easier and more natural than the equivalents in software.

[@MrPhotog4u]

This brings back memories of hand holding a Mamiya RB67 with a metered view finder on top with a side mounted pistol grip photographing high school sports teams and individual portraits. My right arm bicep was always larger than my left. Happy that todays equipment is lighter for us old school guys... Great to see the Hassy back in action, thanks for sharing.

[@NWP4440]

Can you please do a video on how you scan your images? Loved the video! As one who has been doing photography since the late 80’s, there are times I miss the process as well. Can’t wait for more adventures of yours with the Hassy.

[@JAStechnicalmedia]

Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Haven't shot on film in... well it's been a long time. One theme here that resonated with me that I think has good life even w digital cameras is that the equipment we shoot with can affect how we see the world around us and drive our creative processes in specific directions. Consciously limiting our kit can be a useful exercise to break out of habits, good & bad, or shake us out of the abject laziness into which we all fall from time to time. So occasionally I take what I call a One Day: One camera body, one lens (usually a prime but sometimes an ultra-wide zoom), one battery, one v small memory card that's otherwise useless, & perhaps one filter and head to a location to learn something new about creating with that fixed kit. The goal isn't necessarily to come back with portfolio pieces, although I have a number that were shot on One Days, but to let the kit kick my seeing and thinking into another gear. As a last note, the Provia 100 was one of my favorite films in my pre-digital days. Another was Velvia (ISO 50 & 100). Perhaps their characteristics are cliche in the modern day but I still love their looks, especially the rich saturation one can get with Velvia. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. Cheers.

[@YoYoYo]

This channel got a lot more interesting for me. More!

[@YoYoYo]

And scan them with a professional scanner. Noritsu or Frontier sp-3000. It's worth it. You can get 16 bit TIFF from the Noritsu - It's like RAW. Hope we see more film work from you. Cheers!

[@millerviz]

Developing your own film is fast and cheap and very satisfying. No need to wait weeks to see your work. I can shoot in the morning, develop in the afternoon and scan and edit in the evening with ease.

[@MattFreestonePictures]

Great video, Thomas. Reminds me of my A-level photography days with Ilford monochrome film, fixer, developer and enlargers in the darkroom. Happy days! Interested in how you're scanning your negatives and transparencies? I used to love Fuji Velvia, not just because of the colours for landscape photography, but specifically because it was a challenge to expose correctly as it had such a narrow exposure latitude. Thanks again.

[@paulmoss4199]

I always think that there is something very special about film, holding that negative in your hand, it is unique and is a true witness to a point in time. It was actually there, on that date, at that time when the shot was taken. Light from the subject bounced off its surface.

[@clivemossmoon3611]

"I'd just as soon play tennis without a net than write in free verse." --Robert Frost

[@scriptosaurusrex]

Shooting film is only like shooting jpeg if you send away for processing. If you process yourself, and print too, you have a lot of control. Many digital editing techniques are still named after their darkroom grandparents. E6 and c41 are hard to process by hand, but black and white is fairly straightforward. I suppose the only real difference is you can't undo a push/pull on a roll. Glad you are enjoying it!

[@jgreenler]

"A camera that exclusively shoots square; a camera designed to shoot square; a camera that does not crop when you shoot square; is such an advantage to photographers who love square." Sponsored by Squarespace. :)

[@Butterfly07949]

Yes Thomas I totally agree a new camera is what is called for but not any old camera, I know a camera accentually is a light tight box but I'm wanting to be able to change the plane of focus move the axis of the film plane relative to the lens axis, you know learn new things. I haven't done any serious photography in years even though I gained a diploma in it many years ago but I need something to get those creative juices going again! A 6x6 film camera with view camera movements what's not to like. The Hasselblad 501 looks like a great camera but back in the 80's I was using a 500 CM with a none T* 80mm lens and one thing I noticed Thomas was that the modern version of this lens doesn't have the ability to lock together both aperture and shutter speed once set so enabling to change the depth of field for example but without changing the exposure. A very handy feature! Great video once again Thomas.

[@phillipcedoz5527]

It’s hip to be square! Next video we’ll see you building a darkroom. #oneofus

[@davidkwok4496]

I agree with all your assessments on square format. I learned photography on a Rolleiflex and purchased my first Hasselblad in early 1970. I have five of the most common lenses. I used it primarily for prints, mostly black and white and some color. I still use it even though I have moved over to digital after decades of struggle. Your example shots are exactly what I would expect from this camera. There is something about the Zeiss prime lenses that give you image quality that is second to none. Join the club and enjoy.

[@kevins8575]

Interesting, but I'm not going back to film. I see all film cameras (even my Leica M3) like you see your intrepid.

[@AlanKlughammer]

It seems many (most?) current film photographers started with digital. Those of us who started before digital had to learn the discipline of shooting film. Speaking for myself, I can use the best disciplines of film shooting (analyzing the scene, scrutinize the viewfinder, etc), but still shoot digital. I get the best of both worlds...

[@DigitalImageStudio]

@@AlanKlughammer Yup, I had 25 years of no choice but film, photography was expensive then particularly if you used good film and pro labs shooting MF. I've had film loaded in three cameras for over three years, sad to say, I keep threatening to get them out to shoot but the surety of the output of my digital cameras always makes me hesitate.

[@malenky4057]

These are probably some of my favourite photographs of yours. I feel that they mean something to you, like they're taken by someone who knows the area intimately, rather than a tourist in the area.

[@djsuth7727]

"It enhances your lust ..." Wait ? What ? What channel am I watching ? :D

[@carlgoetzinger6876]

Being a beginner photographer who still has very much to learn I never felt a strong urge to shoot film just for the same simple fact that you made of instant gratification. Digital allows me to have a better understanding of my settings and their effect all in real time allowing me the ability to learn and experiment. Especially mirrorless, obviously bringing size, ability and price into the equation. But the way you’ve described the added entire experience of shooting film, more so than other people I’ve heard talking about film, has given me that inspiration to later in life explore that a little bit and see the difference and how much film can teach me over digital. Great video Thomas, I wish you well with the new camera!

[@barrettwbenton]

Speaking as someone who never stopped using film (but added digital to the mix when it felt appropriate), I very much grok where you're coming from here, and it's not a film-good/digital-bad thing (nor the reverse), but an acknowledgement that each medium is unique. It was, in fact, my decades of experience with film that informed my approach to digital cameras. And, although my "home" format is 35mm, with rare forays into larger formats, it was the gift of a Hassy 500cm system (from a studio that was getting rid of their film gear ASAP), my visual point of reference has been expanded more-or-less as yours has, and for the most part it's been a blast. Hope the remains an inspiration for some time to come.

[@Ishinosan]

If Thomas needs motivation and inspiration he needs to go out and get a Hasselblad, all I need to do is watch him using it and describing the joy of photography and I'm all good to go shoot with whatever I have nearby. Thanks for the brilliant videos, they are my film and metering.

[@dennisvanleent1]

I've been shooting analog for a few years next to digital. It has impacted the way I look to photography too. It thought me that making a picture is not about which camera or process you use, it's about how you approach your subject. Analog photography defenetly got me back in the world instead of being "inside" the viewfinder all the time, and slowed me down. Being more "in there" is really what it is about for me. This is one of the main reasons I still pick up my old cameras once in a while. But to be honest, I think the occasion dictates the choice for the appropriate camera (at least in my case). It's all about being practical in the end. Thanks very much for sharing and inspiring! My tip; Try to shoot some fuji 400h. I think it looks great overexposed (2 stops), it might just fit in to you minimalistic approach/desire.

[@OnPatrolPhotography]

“any possible excuse not to go out and shoot”. Yep, completely understand, but I have a habit of taking it too far... after 6 years of highs and lows of landscape photography, many awarded images and many many KZbin vlogs (this Thomas Heaton bloke inspire me lol) I decided to take a career change to become a primary school teacher. I admit this is the first of your vlogs I’ve watched in well over a year and so glad you’re still shooting them. Your images have always been so natural and inspirational, and I find by watching a vlog I’m at least a little inspired to head back out and get behind the camera, something I haven’t felt in a long time. So for that Thomas, thank you. Keep up your amazing work ☺️

[@PMCN53]

Good insight Thomas. I'm 66yo and raised in the era of FILM ONLY. I have a Pentax ASAHI K1000. 35mm camera still stting on my studio shelf. I often look at it and think I should be brave a nd get out and shoot a role of 12 FRAMES!!. You've triggered the desire and WILL to do it. I'll do a shoot withe both my Pentax and my Canon 5DS R and look at what and how the images differ. THanks as always TH. Cheers.

[@chrisrusbridge703]

K1000 you should get 36 shots on a roll, easy! Great camera though a bit heavy (I have the MX)

[@richlovin2173]

I a glad that you are enjoying using a Hasselblad and film. A long time ago I was having lunch with our Hasselblad rep and Kodak's VP of digital science. He said that digital technology was now good enough that they were cutting film processing by 60 percent in anticipation of the change to digital. I promptly sold all my Hasseleblads and lenses from 50mm to 500mm, I would not go back to film now. Yes, you will definitely learn a lot from using your Hasselblad. Enjoy.

[@graemebrowning-martin7458]

Very timely. I have just bought a 500c/m off my best friend. Its a beautiful thing to use and I have found sometimes just looking at compositions through that amazing viewfinder is enough. They would be shots I would have taken with a dslr half heatedly then not processed. Using this system slows everything down and (for me) has moved the emphasis of the composition from being movement across a frame to depth within it. Thanks for another fab video.

[@lanciaratzinger]

I totally agree! Lately I started using film cameras too (even though my digitals remain the first choices for trips and other kinds of scenario) and can confirm that shooting film is something totally different! Call it a philosophy, call it how you want, but having such limitations as the impossibility to see your photo immediately, pushes you to think and rethink about what you're doing.

[@FlasherMaC2345]

I have to agree with your points on shooting film. Recently I was reminded that pre-digital a good image was a well exposed and in focus image but now with digital the expectation is so different. With film, I like the smell of the older cameras, film, and chemicals for developing. The sound the paper makes when unwrapping the roll, the tactile feel of loading it, the focusing, and my Bronica SQ-a like the Hasselblad has a great mirror slap. For those that can adapt to a hybrid shooting workflow, there is a lot to be happy about.

[@migalito1955]

Your lead in is spot on in that digital photography has made getting a good image too easy. I am glad to see you are giving film and the need to be the artist yourself, rather than the software allows you to look like an artist, re-inspire your interest in capturing an image. Imagine a software program was marketed that on command would write a novel. I am sure it would sell well and plenty of purchasers would see themselves as great novelists by having mastered tweaking the program but are they? I would not think so. So the argument on paper for using film is similar to the argument for using paper and pencil when crafting the novel where that is making the photographer or novelist the artist instead of having the software's capability delude one into thinking they are....

[@Photillustrator]

Just bought my Hasselblad 503cx and am now on roll 20 of various different types of film. Having shot film back in the 90s, I'm so excited to be back. Great video and love seeing other photographers shooting film.

[@richardvalenti8025]

I still have my Hasselblad 500cm that I purchased new in 1978! It was and still is the Rolls Royce of medium format film cameras. The Carl Zeiss lens are the real star to this system.

[@williamkung9863]

Shooting film brings you something different, like a journey, it somehow triggers your creativity, your artistic soul that has been lost.

[@mohammedhammad6897]

Hello Thomas, I am following your videos for few years so far and I enjoy very much how you photograph and how you talk about photography. I almost never comment on videos or media content, but this time I found myself motivated to join in. Film photography did change my life and expanded my perspective on the art field. I was not familiar of loading a 35mm film before, but down the years I started to make photo exhibitions and give some workshops on film photography. I totally agree on the relation that builds up with the camera and oneself, the waiting factor of the films to be processed, and the surprise elements when checking the photos. I discovered medium format as well and it was wonders. I found that the slow process of film photography starting from choosing which film to use, composing the shot, the moment of taking that shot which imprints itself in the mind first and then seeing the result photograph on a screen or on a print, relates to us as human beings. Thank you so much for your continuous creative content and for all the efforts behind. Looking forward to see more of your film photography work. All the best. Hammad Photography.

[@art_os]

Hello, I can understand your enthusiasm. I got a Hasselblad 500C for my 50th birthday (one and a half year ago) and many memories have come back. The waiting for the pictures or the negatives is exciting, like in the old days when I still made slides. That was 26 years ago, 1600 slides in one holiday, then the waiting (two weeks) until they were finally there and then the cutting, sorting, framing and again sorting out. Meanwhile I have much more experience in photography and I think about every picture (aperture, time, cropping and composition), nevertheless, digitally you take countless pictures in one day. With the 500C it is different, you only have 12 shots on film. I leave the house in the morning and in the evening I have only shot one film. But the quality/yield of the shots/pictures is better. Taking pictures with this camera (or even analog) let you take much more conscious pictures. Thanks a lot for this emotional video ;o) the Olaf ;o)

[@stephenryan3146]

How interesting it is to note that the old saying "The more things change, the more they stay the same" is perhaps more true for photography today than it has been in a long time. Having nearly 50 years experience with photography, I agree with your assessment that shooting film makes you so much better as a photographer. The analysis that goes into shooting film, then processing and enlarging is so misunderstood by those who shoot only digital. You have an excellent eye, more importantly you have an excellent mindset which will serve you well in your shooting future.

[@amerphoto1]

Thomas, your video brings back many good memories when I used medium format Mamiya RB67 and the Mamiya 645. You had to slow down your photography, choose the right film for the job, meter the scene and make sure everything was right before you pressed the shutter...because you did not get a second chance that digital gives you today. You would be so relieved when you got your negatives back, that you had done a good job. Thank you for sharing this new camera of yours!

[@jdpst20]

I bought a 500 C/M about 3 years ago and it will be a camera that I will never sell. The camera is in fantastic condition I have the 80mm and the 140mm lens and it really is an intimate way of shooting. I still need to send off 3 rolls of film I actually just have been lazy and I forget everything I've shot on them so it's great to get developed film back and scan it into the computer and see where you've been and what you've shot.

[@lensman5762]

LOL. First of all congratulations on choosing the 501 CM. I have had one of those since the early 80s. These cameras are for ever. Comeback in 35 years time and see how many of these dangle fangle technological marvels of today are still capable of the being turned on never mind taking photos. For film photography you have to change your mindset. It is like getting ready for meditation. Slow down and think about what you want to say with your photograph. Keep the 4X5 and don't loose it even though it seems unloved for now. Once you master its capabilities, you will not touch anything else. Digital for business, film for the soul. Very good and honest presentation. thanks.

[@PhotoTrekr]

Enjoy your new camera. I had a Hasselblad many years ago when I shot medium format film and certainly enjoyed mine.

[@rjmusic84]

I really appreciate this video. I have been thinking about starting to shoot film again for about two weeks and now I am for sure going to do it. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@johnmahaffy]

Nice mixture of youthful enthusiasm, gleaned from you, with a healthy splash of nostalgia; I'm probably useless the rest of the evening. Fifty or sixty years ago, I went from an Olympus PenF (called ostentatiously a "single frame reflex 35") to full-frame 35, to 6X6 (a Kowa Six), to a 4X5 I built from a kit. I've punched my share of soup. Thanks for a nice evening.

[@Pembers357]

I like this video. Really helpful and inspiring. I bought a Hasselblad 501C recently and started shooting film again. I’m enjoying manual metering and taking my time. I love the haptics of this camera (sometimes more than the end results themselves). I also bought Hasselblad’s CFV 50C digital back to use on it too, which I shoot in square format, for those times when I really can’t wait for the results. Best of both worlds, really.

[@chris_eschner]

I adore your minimal shot. And I agree, the one with the lighthouse in the background and the stones leading towards it is simply stunning!

[@davidellinsworth22]

Never ever before in my relatively short journey (3 years) into photography have I been motivated to shoot film.... until watching this video. Hmm.... much more gear to acquire first but I do feel compelled to try this one day. Brilliant Thomas. Thanks

[@sidvicious3129]

It is good to go out and use film because it makes you think. I have a Nikon f4 and love using it from time to time.

[@walterlodzinski6847]

So glad I bought a 501cm like 3 months ago because prices are about to go up 😂🤙🏻. This video was a joy bro glad to see you getting back to the basics and seeing things differently again. You’re going to become obsessed!

[@VISHUDDHATMA]

Watching the total composition of everything here, what becomes most interesting is you Thomas. I share with you the beauty of the discovery of the square format, even for amateurs. In the eighties I used to do what you are describing, but by far my most satisfying moments were when i picked up the enlargements of the 8 by 8 portraits of friends, through the 501 CM and the 150 CF lens. I used natural light only. The inner eye, beyond the camera can begin to see much more and that is what you are sharing with the world. I would be most interested in artist like you and others using their old Hasselblad lenses with the new 50C digital back.

[@flyinggeometry]

Congrats and Totally agree. One of best episode; “ you seen differently when you limited yourself”

[@ericdowd5762]

Been shooting since the 90’s... film to digital and recently back to film. Reintroduced myself with the Mamiya RB67 for the all the reasons you described. Another challenge I brought myself towards was a simple home darkroom. Love the B&W and the control you get with developing film, push/pull, development times and stand developments, and all the contrast controls when enlarging, physically dodging and burning. And then toning your print. It really does make EVERY SINGLE shot important - and all that more rewarding when you see it come to life on Ilford Fiber!!

[@leoalejandrolive6020]

One of the photographers on you tube finally shoots film and such a beautiful camera .. now I'm looking forward for your darkroom setup and how you print them .. amazing..

[@BriteFrog]

My return to film ( I shoot both digital and analog) has DEFINITELY made me slow down and analyze my shots better. Purchasing my Mamiya RB67 was a tremendous boost. Great shots Thomas!

[@opwanncanopie]

I loved my Hasselblad 503 CX, but (not to put a damper on your fun new purchase) I've since sold it to fund my GFX 100... I like film, but overall the film scanning is just a pain. I'm so much happier with the GFX 100... the images make me so happy. So much detail and the tonality is unlike anything I've ever used. It's magic.

[@danijelljusic1370]

I also bought the Hassy 500c (1958 model) with a 50 mm Distagon lens, and its a joy to use after 15 yeas of digital. Its a different experience altogether, its slower, more engaging experience. The thing is, now I rarely take out my digital camera for landscapes. I hope you will love your Hassy like I do, cheers

[@stevedianebanks6588]

Great vid Thomas. Clearly remember the Hasselblad was THE pro camera, especially for high end fashion & portrait photographers. Like most back in the day I just used to drool over the images but the price tag was so high it wasn’t for the likes of us pro-sumer photographers. I used to use an Olympus OM1 and do my own B&W developing & printing. Just so satisfying to be able to dodge & burn to create an image I was happy with. Most of all I had a very high failure rate initially because of the whole ‘take a picture then wait for the prints to come back’ thing, mainly colour. BUT, I totally agree that it was a great discipline to slow me down and really make me think about every aspect of the shot. 👍👏

[@Concernedviewer01]

Great video. One of my first jobs was in a camera store, then moved into the photo lab, I learned sooo much. I photographed everything & learned so much about film types ( as you mentioned), darkroom techniques, processing, light colour temp, consumer film vs pro film, I even branched into u/w photography, I eventually got a blad 501CM also. I had a standard A12 back & later got a A16 super slide back, I only had the standard 80mm/planor T* lens, I really loved that weighty beast, you understand the nuances of every aspect of image making. Good on you for using this classic camera. Enjoy.

[@faraz2498]

Absolutely spot on with the separation between capture and realisation, it really opens up creativity. Even more so when you then take that into the darkroom

[@flipflopsleica]

I made the switch back to film with Hasselblad and Chamonix F2 LF for the same reasons that you expounded upon. Glad you too have see the light, photography square light. Yes, I still shoot 10% digital with film at 40% Hasselblad and 50% LF. Thanks for sharing.