New camera, little improvement & why emotion matters more.

The more I do photography the more I realise it's the person behind the lens that makes or breaks an image, rarely does equipment come into it.
I also think that photographs should elicit a response in the viewer, something that rarely seems to happen these days (to me at least).
On a wonderful hike into Snowdonia (Eryri) I climb Moel Siabod in the rain and discuss some of the important points about photography.
Equipment Used
Nikon F55 and 28-100g lens
Ilford Delta 3200 developed in 510 Pyro
Preview App
Mark II Artists Viewfinder (iOS only on the App Store)
Vlogging Equipment
GoPro Hero 10
Insta360 One X2
Incidental Music licensed from Epidemic Sound
It's becoming clear
Incomplete
Growing love
Etsy Shop
steveonionspho...
Contact Details
Email: [e-mail]
Twitter: Steve_ONions / steve_onions
Instagram: steveonions1 / steveonions1
KZbin: / @steveonions

[@stevenbudd3725]

When it comes to 'stuff that works', your channel certainly does Steve. Top drawer.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Steven.

[@harrydeyong441]

At this point, every third person who has watched the video has given it a like, including me. That’s about the highest ratio I’ve ever seen, and it shows your viewers have good taste!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Harry 😊

[@alandargie9358]

Thank you! And thanks @Steve O'Nions for the video!

[@federico.dal.bianco]

I've lost your channel in the yt feed for some months. Today I finally clicked on yout channel again. I must say thank you. These videos are 'stuff that works'.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you’ve found me again 😊

[@tomholden2510]

Still my favorite photography channel Steve , great message , inspiring photographs

[@SteveONions]

Glad to hear it Tom, all the best to you for 2025.

[@ML-rm3vk]

Sir great no brilliant video so much truth the best to you and yours.

[@SteveONions]

So nice of you 😊

[@StanleyVaughn-xk3wv]

Outstanding!!! Your narration/video is only exceded by your your fantastic photographic skill!!!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you so much 😀

[@azfactor7875]

It's hard to imagine that sharpness and resolution alone could make for a good photograph. But I can certainly believe that a thoughtful, well-composed photograph that speaks to us as humans does not need to rely on perfect pixels in order to succeed. The results of your outing here is proof of that.

[@SteveONions]

Perhaps the fact that all cameras provide more than enough resolution now will lead people in a more creative direction.

[@azfactor7875]

I certainly hope that will be the trend.

[@ChrisW.Fuji_Canon]

Wonderful 🤩

[@SteveONions]

Thanks 🤗

[@sanclewphotographic]

I must admit I thought that was one of your best Vlogs (Videos) spectacular scenery and what I liked also was the Colours in the landscape, i thought they were superb, together with the narration I think you really nailed it.......................Brilliant.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@bernardsielski8903]

FANTASTIC

[@horsingwithhugo]

I love stuff that works! I have an almost 5 year DJI video camera thing I pop in my riding helmet when I ride my horse. I don’t know how to use it but it works a treat! I haven’t got the transfer app, I just pull the little SD card out. Love it!

[@billp1301]

Steve, fantastic.

[@jensarne5773]

Nice! Thanks. Some great photos there.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you too!

[@sven3541]

Thank you for your videos! It's easily my favourite photography related channel on KZbin, but I also enjoy you discussing other topics unrelated to photography as well. Fantastic!

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed the chat, there’s so much to talk about and I feel better expressing it whilst out on a walk.

[@Leicashootr]

Great stuff thanks for sharing it with me ❗️

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RichardMaguire110]

Thank you for an enjoyable video.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@paul-os4rq]

Beautiful photos full of atmosphere, and nice to listen to you chatting. Very enjoyable.

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks Paul.

[@stephenroberts7828]

I always look forward to your work Steve thnx again

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Stephen, much appreciated.

[@davidwalsh566]

A valuable reminder that enjoyment of photography (and most other hobbies/pursuits) is less about the kit and much more about the process. The journey, the time, the place are the things we remember when we look back at our photos, not so much the cameras that took them. Maybe we should declare a 'no new gear year' and just enjoy being in the moment with what we already have, which is plenty 'good enough'. The manufacturers might disagree! A thought provoking video Steve, thanks for sharing.

[@SteveONions]

I like your idea of a ‘no gear year’ David although the manufacturers would be less than impressed! I’ve actually tried it a few times myself but never got more than 9 months in before cracking and that resulted in a bigger purchase usually. I’m certainly happier with my equipment now more than at any time in the past, the tiny incremental improvements in digital image quality are not worth chasing.

[@philbraithwaite1316]

Superb video Steve, really inspiring

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@andystutchbury2514]

Brilliant video and the images perfectly demonstrate everything you talked about regarding simplicity and emotional responses. Haunting, spectacular and as you said melancholy photos. Truly wonderful stuff.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Andy.

[@jasonfromshropshire]

It's great that, as popular as Snowdonia is, there are still many hidden little paths and locations where you can find peace and quiet. Great images!

[@SteveONions]

Most of the places I go are totally deserted, often I’ll do a walk and never speak to another person.

[@grahambell1959]

Brilliant video, Steve - so well observed. Totally agree about the Nikon F55 as I have one myself and it's perfectly serviceable and takes remarkably good images. Unfortunately it's a victim of camera snobbery because it wasn't designed for professionals. Who cares?

[@SteveONions]

Everybody snubs the camera because it didn’t come in black 😀

[@farouk6564]

I think we all relate to what you’re saying. Keep exploring and enjoying every day.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@scottdunn9087]

Great video Steve!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Scott.

[@williamw7847]

Interesting and thought-provoking. And some images I can also relate to ... whats not to like!!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks William.

[@carbonejack]

Wonderful video.Super images. Spectacular scenery. And great background music. I'm glad you noted the music sources.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@mikeharris4226]

Man, you are a master of the walkie- talkie landscape photo walks

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@larx4074]

Very well expressed Steve, thanks for that.................

[@SteveONions]

Very welcome 😊

[@Peterogen]

❤❤❤❤

[@oudviola]

As always, great comments, and thought-provoking. Lovely images too. ISO 3200 is certainly a choice, I can easily see the grain even on my phone screen. There are some gear-specific functions, like shallow depth of field, and perspective movements with large format, that are arguably more than incremental. But the student photographer can't really take advantage of them without having worked on the basics for a long time, so they certainly don't come first. Cheers from Montreal!

[@SteveONions]

Agreed 👍

[@BarwickGreen]

Thanks, as always, for a wonderful story. I have arthritis of the spine and hips and can no longer go to the sort of places you go, it gives me great pleasure to see them. I've watched your videos for many years and hadn't realised you were also a motorcyclist. I completely agree with the sentiments you expressed on this walk; I'm still riding the motorbike I bought second hand in 1985 because it's reliable and "good enough". And whilst I have some very nice film cameras indeed, I'm using my basic, even primitive cameras more and more as time goes by, because the pictures they make have character. But I'm afraid Delta 3200 on 35mm has too much "character" for my tastes. I should try it on medium format one day. Please keep telling stories about walks with a camera and life in general!

[@SteveONions]

I’m glad you still get out on your bike, I kept one for almost 35 years before finally admitting my riding days were over. As the roads got busier and policing more invasive I lost much of the excitement, similar in many ways to the excessive technicality of modern cameras. Delta 3200 in 120 is lovely, quite a different look to the smaller format.

[@henkpeter1755]

I love the impressionistic style of these images Steve. It makes you stand out from the crowd. Thanks for sharing this interesting video.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@peterdclark]

@9:36 , lovely bloody image Steve. Nice “philosophizing” too. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Cheers~Peter

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it Peter.

[@fbraakman]

Another great video, Steve. Love your world view of photography and life in general. Would love to periodically see a map showing the trails you follow on an intimate scale as well as a more general description of where you travel.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks. I put out companion videos to these hike too (usually uploaded the following week). youtube.com/@onmywalks?feature=shared

[@terrysankey3982]

Great video! Agree with the comments about our early days in photography - nothing now matches the excitement and enthusiasm of my first few years of photographic discovery, the fresh imagination that inspired so many photographs, failures and successes. I just wish I had had the knowledge, technique and mature technology then so there were fewer failures! I love stuff that works too and I'm mesmerised and baffled by some of the features on my current digital cameras and I ignore much of the technology they're imbued with..but they also do just work

[@SteveONions]

I wonder how many people even scratch the surface when it comes to customising the settings on their cameras. My Olympus EM5 has so many clever modes for capturing still images that I’m sure I could use creatively but it usually sits on single frame mode with a central AF point selected.

[@buyaport]

Nice. Thanks a lot for putting all this together!

[@SteveONions]

You’re very welcome.

[@redskysaturn75]

Saw your previous video on the f55 too, its giving me encouragement with mine, thank you!

[@SteveONions]

Great to hear!

[@jeff8289]

Hi Steve. What a wonderful video. I remember the very first car that I truly owned - a 1956 MGA 1500. I spent a year rebuilding the engine and painting the body. I used to drive it all over the place. True freedom. Looking at the rainy countryside, it made me feel like brewing up a cup of tea and starting a fire in the fireplace. Yet it is still August around here. Truly your video did touch a number of emotions.

[@SteveONions]

I’m glad you liked it Jeff. Those early outings, whether they were walks, drives or photo trips are hard to beat and there’s nothing like experiencing real freedom for the first time.

[@jamesbarnes3063]

great commentary Steve and great images

[@SteveONions]

Thanks James.

[@bobpetti4841]

Enjoyed the walk, Steve. Thanks for bringing us along. I certainly share your appreciation of "things that work" - as evidenced by owning four Corolla's in a row, lol (#4 passed to my daughter who is still driving it four years later). Good old stuff that does the job - yep - always puts a smile on my face.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Bob, it’s often the simple stuff that puts the biggest smile on our faces.

[@chesslover8829]

Incredible imagery with insightful narration.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@280bunny]

Love the grain in some of the images!😀

[@SteveONions]

Thanks 👍

[@rudolffoldvary5654]

Love this one!

[@thomasfarley2688]

Yay, another Steve O'Nions video! The day ends on a high!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Thomas.

[@adamgabriel730]

Great walk and photos, as always! Hello from Bucharest!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@hachewie]

Your ideas in this video resonate with me. I’m a motorcyclist, musician and now a photography enthusiast (digital): the most fun I’ve had on a bike was on the 1983 xt250. My favourite camera to use is my Nikon D700. It gives me much more feeling while shooting and processing images. Thank you for a very inspiring message.

[@SteveONions]

I’m very similar, even had a DT250 in 1983 and also the D700.

[@epicdream]

Great video as always. I picked up a f55 for £10 and thankfully everything works correctly. It’s such a small, no nonsense camera.

[@SteveONions]

Great to hear!

[@MaliDaviesPhotography]

Sense of the common, fantastic 😁 very enjoyable watch and I do regret getting rid of my Japanese Van that worked and yea Go pro can do one, I video on my iPhone now. 3200 worked very well indeed, and I couldn’t agree more about the reaction, feeling when making images. 👍

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Mali. I’d use the iPhone for vlogging but would probably break it within a few weeks! The GoPro is a pain but very robust and I don’t care if I kill it (I’m actually hoping it will die so I can buy something better 😀).

[@erichstocker8358]

Amen to all you raised!!!!!!!!!

[@yelkao8]

Thanks Steve. I agress entirely with your views especially about features that work and don't work. I had a Pentax MX for years.Entirely manual and also reliable.

[@SteveONions]

Great camera 👍

[@izzyleicanut9190]

Well said. My fav gear is still a 10 year old camera and lenses. Nothing fancy. Others are even older. My state of mind when out and about doing photography is paramount. The only moment, when I am truly selfish . It is all about me enjoying my quiet “me” moment with that little light box, oblivious to everything else. And I found that I end up with better pictures that way. Your images with the 3200 are soulful as always. Cheers and take care

[@SteveONions]

Thank you, I also get the most reward from simple cameras.

[@gizmophoto3577]

That first one after you talked about loading the second roll…mood in spades.

[@Seanday1965]

Thank you!

[@SteveONions]

You're welcome!

[@stevebarnett5048]

That was an absolute cracker Steve, not just because of the images you made but the feeling about photography that you put across. I was taught photography years ago at college by some of the older school masters in landscape and it was never about photographing say ‘a tree’, but about what else that tree can be in emotional terms. So I loved this video.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Steve. I used to wonder why I didn’t like a lot of my images years ago despite them being technically well executed. It was when I tried toy cameras and grainy films that I discovered a feeling that was sometimes completely absent from the sharper ones.

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

Nice!

[@andrewtonkin7643]

Many wise words and one of your best videos for quite while. Looked like a great walk in wonderful surroundings and loved the moody, "less is more" shot at 13:13 in the video. Wonder what it might have looked like on Portra 800? Just my own take and perspective there..... You're so right about getting out there. Used only three lenses this morning. Doubt any of the shots will be anything special, but better than waiting for the postman / watching TV. Thanks as ever Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Andrew. The faster Portra film would have worked well and I also think the Harman Phoenix 200 would give it a ton of atmosphere, although it really needs rating at 125 so tricky to handhold.

[@georgefrench1907]

Excellent results from the 3200 film. In a word, “fantastic.”

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked the results George.

[@eltinjones4542]

Lovely video, lovely narration, lovely photos. What more can I say 📷 👍 Ps I find your channel more interesting than most of the ' digital ' ones even though I shoot digital 😂

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@photographyforenjoyment]

One word, excellent.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@nightwatch6198]

You have a heck of a backyard.

[@SteveONions]

I do indeed 😀

[@ianlainchbury]

Soul. I feel they have soul. Crackin mountain that too. I think I walked it reverse to you Steve. Love it

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ian. It was not the usual route to the top and the ascent was pretty easy.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Lovely walk and talk Steve enjoyed that cheers. 3200 definitely adds to the atmosphere I used to use 3200 often pushed to 6400 back in the day shooting sport in Yorkshire winters at the time I absolutely hated the size of the grain but looking back at them now they seem to have so much more authenticity about them. I've had a few kicks in the old life nuts this last few months and have neglected shooting film but I'm getting the grain itch again cheers. Love your content mate.

[@SteveONions]

The grain can’t be ignored Paul but like you I find it adds something special, it’s also easy to hide defects when darkroom printing 😊

[@nigellee7892]

Great video Steve. ‘All the gear and no idea’ is also a phrase a brother of mine used to jokingly apply to many amateur photographers back in the day. But of course, as your video demonstrates, a good photograph can be taken with a very basic camera when it’s in the hands of a ‘thinking operator’. Indeed, the most important part of any camera, is the person standing 12” behind it using it! I love the grain of Ilford Delta 3200 film too, but as film stock goes it’s surely become expensive.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve now run out of Delta 3200 in 135 and it is a bit pricey. I can push HP5+ but that’s a very different look, less grain but also less shadow detail.

[@nigellee7892]

@@SteveONions I’m not sure whether it’s still available. For a similar grainy look though (which I also like with black & white film), I find Kodak Tri-X pushed a couple of stops works for me, but I do prefer the Delta overall.

[@stonerock64]

Just watched this video and will watch it again after spending hours looking at gear and reviews. I have pretty much overcome the desire for the latest and greatest but now and then I feel that I’m going to be sucked in again. Not after watching this! My next walk about will be with a 12mp camera and two manual focus primes for black and white images. I can’t wait to go out.

[@SteveONions]

We all get bored and end up watching gear videos, there’s no harm until you actually go out and buy something you regret later (but then again it might be the best thing you ever purchased 😊).

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Loved those grainy shots you got, image printing them out on some nice paper ,they remind me of charcoal sketchs

[@SteveONions]

Yes they do Christine, I enjoy looking at pencil sketchings and this is my way of emulating that feel.

[@davidpresnell1734]

Beautiful moody images!! I mounted a 1/4-20 stud on my segmented walking stick so I could use it as a monopod! It helps with longer exposures. At 74 I'm no longer as steady! Thanks. David

[@SteveONions]

Thanks David. I remember adding a mount to one of my poles too, must do the same to this set 👍

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

With that film, and these filters, the photos come out looking like Turner paintings!

[@SteveONions]

Ooh, thanks, I like that 😊

[@MrDunk66]

Thanks Steve, really enjoyed the musings, images and countryside. 🙏🙏 Perhaps you demonstrate using a digital camera to capture similar earthy and emotive images next time, for those of us not wanting to go back to film and darkroom days. Would make a good follow up video perhaps and even though the equipment does not make the photographer, there is a significant difference in the technology and the output. 👍

[@SteveONions]

That’s good timing, I went for a hike last week and used the Olympus digital camera with a view to processing the images for a film look 👍

[@MrDunk66]

@@SteveONionsExcellent!

[@louiebodenstaff6772]

Lovely images Steve!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@kimc5750]

Stellar photos, scenery and words of wisdom.

[@Buzz2646]

I bought my first camera - a Minolta - over forty years ago. I would shoot a few rolls of film and then get them developed. Waiting to pick up the prints always gave me a sense of exciting anticipation. Occasionally I'd be disappointed with the results, but I was mostly happy. I still have the Minolta, and it still works. I also have digital cameras. The funny thing is, I really miss the anticipation of waiting when using digital cameras. Seeing the immediate results doesn't thrill me at all. The process seems a bit mechanical and sterile. Todays digital cameras are wonderful machines given what you can do with them. But they are like driving a sports car with an automatic transmission. They just don't have the soul. Cheers from Canada!

[@SteveONions]

There’s definitely something rewarding about certain devices, it isn’t all about the end result 👍

[@thenutter2003]

like the look of the 3200 did use that last winter for some really moody photos.

[@chromagraphphotoart]

Lots of useful nuggets as ever there Steve. I was interested to hear you have ridden motorbikes as someone who still rides and chooses bikes that definitely don't fit the modern idiom well, but then maybe I look at things of the past with the proverbial Rose-tinted spectacles. On the image side of things, I do like Grain, but not as much as seen here, so I think I'll stay away from Delta 3200. Mind you, I shot Fomapan 400 yesterday and if developed in Rodinal, that will be super-crunchy too.

[@SteveONions]

Fomapan 400 in Rodinal is very coarse, quite slow too 🙂

[@ML-rm3vk]

Sir just wonderful photos such a eye that you have cheers god bless.ps were can one purchase your art.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you. You can find a link to my Etsy shop in the description section 👍

[@Birbal2001]

Glad to hear you are a biker as well ❤

[@SteveONions]

I was for many years, loved the feeling of freedom.

[@Wpoolesf]

With you 100 percent on image impact over "image quality." The two sometimes walk hand in hand, but not always. Lovely vid and images.,

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@ashstubbings2603]

When you were talking about things that 'just work' it reminded a bit of one of my favourite sayings.."If it's not broken, don't fix it!" Don't you just find that, particularly these days they are constantly trying to improve things that don't necessarily need to be improved!?

[@SteveONions]

It’s marketing I’m afraid, there needs to be change just to drive new sales.

[@veronikagundersen9334]

I have so many thoughts on all the things that you touched on, but for the sake of brevity in the comments I won't write an essay here. I will just say a few things.. I agree with all of your thoughts. After many years shooting digital, I've started using more film again. I've been trying too long to chase the feeling I used to get with my film images with digital, and wasting too much money in the process. Equipment is cheaper and simpler, black and white looks way better on film than most all digital cameras. I bought an N80 (F80) for $50 a few years ago after seeing you use it in one of your videos a few years ago, but didn't use it much until this month. I have some AI and D lenses in my collection sitting on the shelf, so I grabbed a couple of primes and a 70-210 f/4, two rolls of experimental color film that I had in the freezer, and went to the local Renaissance Faire. Had more fun shooting than I've had in years, and people loved the film images. It was really freeing just to have a simpler camera that felt like it got out of my way and just let me make images.

[@SteveONions]

I’m glad you got a chance to use the F80 Veronica, in many ways the perfect camera ( so much so I’ve sold most of my other bodies). When I shoot film the biggest difference is that after making the exposure I move on immediately and don’t fret about the previous shots. The camera doesn’t get in my way (or into my head) as much as a digital one does and the lack of necessary controls is a joy. PS - my favourite digital camera is my iPhone because it just takes the shot, exposes perfectly and makes everything look as it should for a simple snap.

[@AliasJimWirth]

Hey Steve. Good video topic and talk. I am wondering if you relied on the F55's metering as opposed to having brought along your Sekonic meter? For me, one great value of digital photography is the number of images I can capture and learn from, for virtually no more cost than the camera itself. Now, with improved skill and knowledge from shooting digital, I feel more confident shooting a roll of film; that I have a good chance of coming away with something worthwhile. Thanks for posting.

[@SteveONions]

I always use in camera metering with 35mm James, even with old centre weighted devices. I reserve spot metering for cameras with no inbuilt capabilities, it’s not the fastest way to work and it can hamper 35mm outings.

[@AliasJimWirth]

@@SteveONions Thanks Steve. You appeared to be traveling lite, and mentioned shooting handheld, so it makes sense what you related. But I wanted to be sure. Looking forward to the next video. Cheers.

[@simonbarnes7124]

I went to the Lake District recently. I took my All singing all dancing Fujifilm XT3 with a small zoom. I realised something. I dont like newer cameras that keep prompting me to do this and that, nor do I enjoy having to delve deep into the menu system to stop my central focusing point wandering off piste when I'm trying to take a shot. I like simpler things like my Nikon FM, doesnt get in the way, just does what I want, no fuss, just like my 12 year old Toyota Corrolla which I enjoyed driving compared to my new Ford that has all the bells and whistles. We are all evolving through our photography wants and needs and mine is just a simple camera, prime lens, manual wind on and plenty of gritty, grainy images. Ive always loved using old tech and old cameras that make me feel like I totally made those pictures by being in control of the camera because that to me is what makes it fun and rewarding.

[@SteveONions]

I also dislike hunting through menus for basic settings Simon. I was using my Olympus EM5 the other day and set it to mono mode but the EVF display was still colour while the LCD was in B&W. Never did find the right setting so I’ll need to google that one. Same for the video capture, it’s in continuous AF and it isn’t obvious where to change it (for me anyway). The fewer controls the better, FM, FE are just about perfect and haven’t really been bettered.

[@daviddechamps8840]

Really like your video. I like your B&W pictures a lot, with that grain. I like your comment about their character (same with music indeed). I'd like to replicate that style on my digital camera... any advice, if you wouldn't mind sharing? thanks!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks David. You can shoot at a high ISO with your digital camera or as the grain in later with Lightroom or Photoshop. It can get very close to the look of a film image.

[@kevinbrowne3089]

Glorious Grain!! I don’t see this in my 120 using 3200. Any tips for that format?

[@SteveONions]

Developed in Rodinal the Ilford 3200 can exhibit a fair bit of grain.

[@kevinbrowne3089]

@@SteveONions Thanks, Steve! Cracking content as always!

[@mortenthesbl5535]

you really hit it spot on about the feel, texture and drama in film as opposed to high definition digital images. on the topic of things that work - how do you feel about Leica?! its simple it works but its pricy - any thoughts?!

[@SteveONions]

Interesting that you mention Leica as I had recorded a section of this video on that very topic but the audio was unusable. I don’t personally have experience with their products but appreciate the loyal following, there must be something special to attract such devotion. Personally I struggle with most rangefinders and briefly owned a Voigtlander Bessa R2 which frustrated me. I quickly returned to SLR’s which just suit me better.

[@mortenthesbl5535]

@@SteveONions I have mixed feelings about rangefinders as well. wanting to like them but havent tried one that really worked for me. It would be interesting to se a video from you on rangefinders (maybe a borrowed leica?!) just to get you approach. Anyway your vidoes and photos are just awesome and as much as I enjoy the digital landscape photographers/youtubers and their work - its always refreshing to follow your hikes and seeing you process.

[@danncorbit3623]

The thing about equipment is that you need to know its strengths and limitations and also realize that the beautiful image comes from the mind and not from the camera. In order to use equipment well, it must be thoroughly understood. But other than that, the equipment truly does not matter. If resolution were king, it would not be possible to create beautiful images with low resolution camera sensors or grainy film or with poor resolving lenses. But we all know it is possible because we have seen it. For myself, I feel the need to constantly learn and improve. Better composition is more important than better equipment. It is more important to understand good lighting than to buy expensive gear. And our attitude is also very important. If we do not feel inspired by what we see, then our images will reflect that. The feeling we get looking at the images will be like the feeling we had when we framed the image and pushed the shutter button, and other people will also have a similar feeling. If we frame our images in a way that inspires us when we look at it, they will be inspiring to other people too. I think your premise is sound and also that powerful emotions will produce powerful pictures. It seems hard to imagine that our feelings will inject into the images, but when we are framing a scene, the stirring that happens inside us is a reflection of what will be captured so maybe it is not so strange.

[@SteveONions]

I also find simpler equipment a lot less distracting, nothing worse than having your flow interrupted by struggling to make changes to settings. When shooting with film cameras I’m happy to take the shot and move on, although I appreciate that this can be achieved with digital cameras too (it’s just not as easy).

[@georgeosier5459]

I have several Nikkormats and a N2000 and a 6006 ... the N2000 was only 30 dollars .. works fine !! ... love old Nikon cameras !!!

[@patternsinsand]

+1 about the GoPro. +2 about the simple utility of those old Nikon film cameras, even the F55.

[@tHaH4x0r]

100% agree on the reliability thing. Sadly reliability doesnt show up in the specsheets, and doesnt sell that easily. Perhaps a suggestion for your gopro, try the DJI Osmo series action cameras. I used to own a gopro and kept having weird issues with it, but have not had a single issue with the DJI osmo since owning it. For me, also a 'just works' kind of device. Also your sentiment on the improvement things rings very true with me. The step from nothing to something is much larger, and every 'step up' is not necessarily more enjoyment, and arguably progressively less improvement for the money. There is often an 'optimum' for best 'bang-for-buck'.

[@SteveONions]

I’ll definitely be changing from GoPro next time as after 8 years I’ve become tired of the glitches. I do like the Insta range of devices and as you say, DJI are also solid performers.

[@280bunny]

Was it intentional to switch the orientation of the video from actual to mirror (left to right)?😀

[@SteveONions]

It was, I often do it on longer clips.

[@yurymelnikov3644]

I sign every word you say.

[@flavioserci6046]

How many ISO for the delta 3200?I love the grain into your images.

[@SteveONions]

I nearly always rate Delta 3200 at 1600 but still develop for 3200.

[@williamthompson5929]

A few months ago I acquired a Nikon F601 with a Sigma macro lens. I thought this might be useful on my D90 scanning large format negatives. Camera was fine, lens not so much - aperture blades frozen. Found new(er) Nikon lens, then found a small piece of plastic broken in the back of the camera preventing it from closing. Solution? Gaffer tape. All good. Perfection would be nice, but it is possible to have fun a little short of that.

[@SteveONions]

Not so easy to fix modern devices methinks 😊

[@RandyPollock]

This should be a mandatory video for photographers...

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Randy 👍

[@forzalupapc]

why don't you use a Pentax that are all water sealed?

[@SteveONions]

Interesting, I didn’t realise there’s was a water sealed Pentax film body 👍

[@forzalupapc]

@@SteveONions no, only digital pardon me sir

[@wmwanderer]

That's funny, I bought f55 for that exact reason - turned out AF is gone on this one. So I got F65 - this one has some weird problem with shutter button. They were dirt cheap though, so maybe that's the reason. I like them anyway, they weigh nothing.

[@SteveONions]

About 50% of F55’s have broken AF but they still work well as MF cameras 😊

[@sophietucker1255]

The thing with all the new cameras that have come out recently is they are just incremental increases and rather small ones at that. I have 4 digital cameras and don’t see getting anything newer unless they die. My Olympus PEN F, Canon EOS R and my Nikon Z7 and D750 do everything I need or want. Speed isn’t everything or having billions of pixels. As for film cameras my Hasselblad 503 CX and my Nikon F, F2 & F3 do everything I need and have been doing it well for yrs and I think they will still be doing after I’m long gone.

[@SteveONions]

Totally agree Sophie, my Olympus EM5 mk3 is just about the only digital camera I own now and for film it’s primarily the Bronica SQ and 35mm Nikon kit.

[@FrankTitzeArt]

40 years. 🤣Bought my first camera, a Nikon FE2, with a Tamron 35-210 superzoom in 1985. Considered a Fujica, and being glad I went the Nikon path The FE2 laying on my table to get new light seals and dumper. Have them still despite I have no more used the zoom since 25+ years. Likely I use zooms just for 2%, but primes to 98% since year 2000.

[@SteveONions]

I have far too many FE and FE2’s, just something about them 😊

[@SloopJohnBeeRockabilly]

Don’t know if it’s just me but I think I need to watch this again. Weirdly disjointed so I feel I like I might have missed something 🙄🤣 Watching on my phone and that film is still clearly grainy. I remember be too wary of using 400ASA due to the grain!🙄👍🤣

[@SteveONions]

The grain is unmissable, even when viewed from space 😀

[@SloopJohnBeeRockabilly]

@@SteveONions 🤣🤣

[@lensman5762]

Don't know Steve, I think my F3-P, F3-HP, F4s, F5, FM2, FE2 all just work after all these years yet they are above 'stylish'. So are my Leica M film cameras or the Hasselblad 500 CM, yet you are correct. I don't want stupid features li!e hairy armpit autofocus mode. I just want a camera a digital camera that just work. I think my M240 qualifies for just working, but just. Video on a Leica M? Which idiot thought that? PS: the photo at 11:11 somehow reminded me of Ansel Adams's famous Photograph of Mount Williamson with all teh boulders in teh foreground and the mountain in the backgorund. Lovely photography Steve.

[@SteveONions]

The metal bodied Nikons do look good I’ll admit. I can also see the likeness to the Ansel Adams photo too 👍

[@lensman5762]

@@SteveONions My exact sentiments. To tell the truth, the most fulfillment that I have got recently from shooting film has been due to the use of a 1936 Leica IIIc and an old and slightly hazy 5cm Elmar lens. I got them a few months ago for less than the price of this new Pentax/Ricoh 17 half frame that everyone is talking about now( I think its a piece of junk, my opinion ). I wasn't sure if it was going to get any use, but I was so wrong. It just fits in my pocket and I don't even know its there due to the collapsible lens. Much joy to be had from a 88 year old Leica camera, even though its operation is slow and incovinient at times.

[@jasongold6751]

Bravo! Newer equipment does wonders! Really? I am using my old gear esp. with film.. My Nikon-F are all older than 40~50 years old! My favorite camera, a well worn Leica M3 (1967) and it's 50mm Collapsible Summicron f2 (1955) .The camera new in 1967! 57 years ago. We see major articles on Digital Medium Format that is not, NOT Medium Format that's slightly bigger, than 35mm! Why are some 35mm lenses covering the format? The new ultra sharp lenses for whom and what? My Digital gear mostly hand me downs is sufficient for me! All are small sensors! CCD! 2005 the average! My work for small prints, max 20x30cm! Or on FB,Tumblr, Instagram, etc. Steve does wonderful photos with his Bronica (REAL Medium Format) 6x6cm! Steve uses an inexpensive plastic SLR from Nikon! Everybody Grow Up! If one cannot see millions of images as one goes,thru life, quit! I'm 80 and simply walking and exploring is my daily miracle! TX for photographers Like Steve O'Nions! Bravo.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Jason. I’m also amused when I hear about digital medium format as it’s just a marketing ploy. The sensor size increase over 35mm is quite small, in reality you need a significant jump to make it worthwhile Eg. 35mm to the 645 format. Also with the advent of improved image processing software it’s quite possible to upscale smaller formats significantly and this trend will only improve.

[@John76220]

didn't know you could print photos on sand paper :D

[@SteveONions]

40 grit! 😀