Photographing one of The Most Fortified Islands In The World

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In this video, I'm off to explore and photograph one of the most fortified islands in the world-Alderney, which is part of the Channel Islands. Me and my good friend Neil (check out his KZbin here: bit.ly/46dFiCj), are jumping in a plane for a quick trip over to scout the island and make some images. For this one, I'm leaving the 4x5 camera at home, and bringing the GFX50R and Epson R-D1s to scout some frames and get some ideas for a longer return trip to this amazing place.
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►*DISCLAIMER*
Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
►GEAR USED / MENTIONED(*these are affiliate links):
Epson R-D1s: ebay.us/MHwxi1
Voigtlander 21mm f3.5 Color-Skopar: ebay.us/vod5NV
Fuji GFX50R: ebay.us/de9g3o
Fuji GF 35-70mm: ebay.us/INuxP1
My '35mm Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/2JrGhFs
My 'Medium Format Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/3r7KLta
Where I source music for my videos (One FREE month with this link): fm.pxf.io/c/19...
Videos on this channel are filmed using the Fuji X-H2s: bhpho.to/3UEjFVs
►FILM PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR (*these are affiliate links):
My go-to medium format camera: ebay.us/GaK9Kp
My favourite 35mm film camera: ebay.us/82WyVI
My favourite 35mm film lens: ebay.us/u0V817
My favourite medium format travel camera: ebay.us/FVcfWk
My go-to light meter: ebay.us/QIFXF0
My favourite film stock: ebay.us/orbudp
My favourite 645 medium format film camera: ebay.us/ydY4HK
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[@garrettmain3712]

Ugh, I was so looking forward to a gear review on some gimbal everyone else is also reviewing. I guess this well crafted, beautifully shot cinematic adventure this will have to do.

[@KyleMcDougall]

😁 glad you enjoyed!

[@StephenMcFadden]

15 years?! Fascinating. You have such avid bicyclist energy.

[@john3Lee]

Very few KZbin channels about photography motivate me as Kyle McDougall does...Always gets a thumbs up from me - Thank you

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that. Thank you!

[@trels203]

The Epson is such a badass camera. Emulates the process of shooting film perfectly and the files still hold up today.

[@KyleMcDougall]

One of a kind experience for digital.

[@unplugdphoto]

Fascinating place. Was lucky to spend time there on multiple occasions back in the 90s. Dosnt seem to have changed much ❤

[@jonathanorleyi6600]

The picture at 19:46 is really nice imho... Just the right amount of abstraction coupled with nice textures, warm colour and a composition that's neither distracting nor overly simple - I'm a fan!

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙏

[@samurai_8]

Amazing video. All great shots. But the shot from inside the airplane with the Epson as well as the very last four - the three with the Epson and the last 50r - those are just 10/10 shots man, unbelievable stuff. Imagine them in a book, which I hope you already are!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed. The last few images were my favourite as well. Cheers!

[@liveinaweorg]

When you were stood in the doorway around 19:40 I just imagined a long exposure with you walking away from the door giving a ghostly image. Anyway, enough about my mind, I really enjoyed seeing what was in yours, Kyle. Fascinating island and what a little beauty that Nikon is. Wonderful images using both cameras.

[@AlexLuyckxPhoto]

Oh man, these are so good! And it's amazing how well the images from that Epson stand up today. I would love to explore that island. The WW2 stuff is fascinating, but I would be more drawn to the 19th Century fortifications. Excellent stuff as always!

[@KyleMcDougall]

The Epson really is one of a kind!

[@cwiley512]

Glad I got my epson when I did, the prices are nuts. But the best camera experience you can have

[@george_edward_]

dude... the R-D1s looks insane

[@KyleMcDougall]

Such a fun camera!

[@mynameiscal]

If you like shooting the fortifications, I'd recommend timing your next visit to coincide with a bunker party... A whole new way of seeing them!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Ah yes, saw something about that online when I was doing research.

[@kyleanderson9281]

I wish there were more cameras like the epson out there- just a film camera with a digital sensor slapped on the film plane. No aids, no crutches, just a camera.

[@87bjerke]

Great video! The "location scouting" prior to "the real shooting day" just changes the whole perspective - and mostly the outcome - I think. Really looking forward to see more of your work from that area.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@christinebeckett7060]

Never heard of an Epson RD1X. Looks like a digital version of my old Bessa Voigtlander R.

[@PicturesOnMyMind]

Definitely inspired to get out of my cellar! 😉 beautiful stuff all round Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Edward. I appreciate it. 🙏

[@carsonsillito]

the colours out of the epson are remarkable, that camera looks amazing.

[@zacharyfuhrman7130]

A hat to end all hats. Also, the Epson files look sooooo good!!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

😁🙏

[@DylanSpitz]

One of my favorite videos from you, Kyle! Fascinating place. Excited to see how you continue to document it moving forward . Cheers, man.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that, Dylan. Cheers!

[@JoshuaEllis-qh1gn]

cool video, what an experience! thanks for sharing!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙏

[@danielscheerer3032]

SO cool - I've always wanted to go! We have family history tied to Alderney, and in fact my family's old dairy farm in NJ was Alderney Farm, which we have now dubbed our little farmhouse in NH. Wonderful video, as always - cheers!

[@KyleMcDougall]

That’s amazing. Such a interesting island!

[@08yankeefan]

Would love a deeper dive on the RD-1s! You touched upon how much fun it was to shoot with and it would be great to hear your thoughts on it's performance. For 6mp those photos came out great! (Even when watching this on a 50" tv)

[@KyleMcDougall]

Working on one!

[@08yankeefan]

@@KyleMcDougall great to hear! I shoot a lot of 35mm film, but have been looking at an rd-1 to retain that shooting experience due to the rising film prices. Been going back and forth between this and an m8 because they are so similar in price. Some things I would be interested to know more about is how the rd-1 can be serviced and if that’s available if the camera runs into issues. Enjoy all the work you do and looking forward this one!

[@OneMonthTwoCameras]

Lovely project and images. The RD-1 really is a magical fun camera. For those not willing to spend the premium for it, the Nikon D200 shares the same sensor and also has a wonderful, if much heftier, feel in hand.

[@KyleMcDougall]

It really is such a unique camera. One of my favourites.

[@mattbray_studio]

your production quality on this one was exemplary, i mean it's always great, but this one was very special

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that!

[@NSRGB]

Love this, would like to visit and photograph one day.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@MacnTeensVisuals]

What a place with some crazy history. Love visiting and shooting places like this. Great stuff Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙌🙏

[@SteffenMiethke]

Beautiful images and video as always. Id love to hear all the stories about this small, but definitely not boring island!

[@andrewho83]

Incredible journey. I've always wanted to do something like this

[@evaeriksson9950]

Very cool place! I would love to go there 😍😍

[@spencerjacob716]

really beautiful work

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you.

[@shaundonnelly4537]

This was fantastic. Really excited to see the work you create here!

[@pockets8108]

I like Kyle mcdougall videos

[@sagethomas8634]

This video was so peaceful and astounding. Nice work

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙏

[@Benjaminjohansson93]

Would love to see a video about the Epson camera 👌🏻great video!

[@KyleMcDougall]

In the works.

[@dustysprockets1505]

Wicked video! I'm envious of the history and awesome locations in that area

[@TheSchnauzie]

Amazing pictures Kyle thanks for sharing this video

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks!

[@brianbeattyphotography]

ah man what a cool looking trip! such interesting history

[@chrisloomis1489]

The Older buildings , were built to last , the British compound is amazing , all stone brick , plaster , beautiful .... Should be restored or saved. Lovely edifices , and lovelier images Kyle. Please do large format or 120 Film there ... 6 x 17 maybe ? Chris

[@KyleMcDougall]

Definitely a large format trip coming up in the future!

[@michaelbennettphoto]

Lovely video as always Kyle! Great photos and great story telling.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Michael!

[@davecornish1072]

Fascinating episode - thanks !

[@tuiomiller2008]

Please make a video about the Epson RD! Super interesting camera…

[@KyleMcDougall]

Working on one.

[@jdsd771007]

Those Epson’s are such cool little cameras! Love the marrying of analog design with digital. Pretty perfect just on style. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on it. Really cool trip and unique island to witness first hand. Look forward to seeing what you produce from there!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks! The Epson is definitely unique.

[@rickbiessman6084]

Kyle, stop tormenting me with that RD-1!!! ARGH!!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

😁

[@ThisMomentInd]

unreal man! would love to shoot a place like that!!

[@knipstape]

as always, great video from you. Keep it up

[@kiwipics]

An Epson RD-1 is one M mount camera that I'd love to own The images look great 👍

[@KyleMcDougall]

Definitely a unique camera.

[@Passingmomentsvideo]

Beautiful video Kyle! What a place to visit.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you.

[@jasonpohlig_photo]

Fantastic video!!! Some soild images.

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙏

[@astoldbytie]

Very inspiring.

[@KyleMcDougall]

😁

[@SimonLorinser]

Amazing video Kyle! Love the effort you put into this video.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you!

[@ShawnPBruce]

Absolutely inspiring video

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙏

[@TheRenalicious]

So good! I can't wait to see round 2 :D

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙌

[@matthewpoburyny5147]

Any plans on making a video about the Epson camera? It looks like a really interesting camera and the (files?) look great!

[@friendofships]

GxAce has a great video about it, kzbin.info/www/bejne/bKWkoZyngdmfnMU

[@KyleMcDougall]

In the works!

[@JamesEMann]

Beautiful Kyle

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, James.

[@peter2712]

Never knew Epsom made cameras. The power of advertising.

[@hugovangool]

Nice vlog, location do me think about the book of Stephan Vanfleteren - Atlantic Wall

[@gonzalovillar83]

really great video!

[@DM-tp1qe]

LOL.... a GFX 50R, an Epson RD1 and an E Bike were all second choices!?! I honestly think you don't listen to your own advise enough... and thank you for another fantastic video..

[@KyleMcDougall]

I never end up listening to my own advice.

[@sjmheron]

$2,200 CAD for a 6.1MP camera? holy monkey balls. Well and truly into early digital Leica territory.

[@KyleMcDougall]

It’s a rare one and definitely not cheap. Luckily I didn’t end up paying close to that for mine.

[@mojomojo7869]

I heard this is the only place you can still get Kodachrome developed

[@Bestcanadianever]

Lovin that bag, you got a link for it?

[@gerardneedham]

2:38 time to switch editing software 😂

[@StrangerSinTV]

Wait Kyle how are you composing shots with the 21mm viewfinder on the Epson if it has a crop sensor

[@KyleMcDougall]

Voigtlander made a range of finders labelled 'D' that were for crop sensor.

[@vr-vm6br]

St anne is look a movie scenary

[@CheckeredFlagPodcast]

Do you prefer primes or the zoom on the GFX?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I really enjoyed the 35-70. For the work I do, stopped down, I don't think you'd really notice a difference in quality.

[@dmay1100]

You are very lucky to have such and interesting subject so close and to have a friend with a plane. Wonderfully inspiring video Kyle thank you! I really love the GF 35-70 such a useful lens, never thought I would like "35MM" always hated the "28mm" look on full frame but on the GFX it just seams to work so well. I have the GF20-35 as well what a fantastic lens highly recommend it. The Epson is a very cool camera thanks for showing it off. Can I ask why the secondary viewfinder? Has the cameras viewfinder gone dark? I know it is a very old camera if I remember correctly, the sensor is an CCD and it doesn't do well with higher ISO's, but that isn't as big an issue some make it out to be. I have been looking for the perfect rangefinder as a walk around camera. I almost got an Epson 10 years ago but the stars did not line up. Great video again, thanks for the adventure and please thank your friend from me as well!!

[@trels203]

The built-in viewfinder is optical! He has one in the hotshoe because hes using a lens focal length that the camera doesnt offer framelines for. I have an epson also, its a really fun camera to shoot.

[@KyleMcDougall]

The 35-70 is a great lens. And I agree with you-I’m not much of a wider focal length person with other formats, but really enjoy the 35 on the GFX. As for the Epson-the frame lines on the camera only go down to 28, and I was shooting with a 21mm (because this is a crop sensor camera). Voigtlander made viewfinders specifically for this cropped sensor. They were labeled ‘D’ for digital.

[@AlysVintageCameraAlley]

Great video Kyle. What tripod is that you travel with? I’m trying to find a lightweight one that would hold my canon r5

[@KyleMcDougall]

This is a set of Gitzo 3 series legs. Not the best for travel, tbh. They’re quite large.

[@cwiley512]

Which external viewfinder FOV did you use for the 21mm?

[@KyleMcDougall]

Voigtlander made a series of viewfinders labelled 'D', which take into account the cropped sensor. So this is their 21mm 'D' version. Hard to find though.

[@hmuz8388]

hey Kyle, how many spare batteries you got for the 50r and where did you get them?

[@KyleMcDougall]

I have two total. One original Fuji and one random 3rd party from Amazon.

[@hmuz8388]

@@KyleMcDougall ah i see! So hard to find fuji’s original batteries man…

[@vide5033]

was this video shot with xh2s?

[@clockworktartarus]

Think Kyle films with a Pocket 6k usually

[@lensaero]

@@clockworktartarusNot trying to speak for Kyle but I can tell you the video was shot on a Fuji - don’t ask me which one though! 😂

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yes it was. The P6K is now gone.

[@ggill1313]

Bro 16:24 is absolutely stupid good night what the helllllllllllllllllllllll

[@NeilBruder]

How is it possible that those tunnels aren't covered floor to ceiling in graffiti?