Some cameras just deliver

After a long spell away from the Bronica SQA-a I find it perfect for a slow, deliberate shoot in my local forest.
Equipment Used
Bronica SQA-i
Ilford Delta 400 developed in 510 Pyro 1:100 23 mins semi-stand
Velbon 655 tripod with Manfrotto MG460 head
Preview App
Mark II Artists Viewfinder (iOS only on the App Store)
Vlogging Equipment
GoPro Hero 10
Insta 360 One X2
Etsy Shop
steveonionsphoto.etsy.com
Contact Details
Email: [e-mail]
Twitter: Steve_ONions / steve_onions
Instagram: steveonions1 / steveonions1
KZbin: / @steveonions

[@thomashilmersen711]

Steve, your videos are always enjoyable. That laid back, competent style is a great relief in a world of stressed out, incompetent youtubers.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Thomas, I’m glad you enjoy them.

[@lensman5762]

The photograph of those two fallen trees was sublime. Thank you Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@redsphoto6708]

Steve taking the best wood photos possible on his bronica? Always the best of joys, thank you!

[@SteveONions]

You’re very welcome 😊

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

"My heart's with black and white." Amen!

[@genegoranov5865]

Thank you , Steve, for letting us into you compositional magical world!

[@SteveONions]

My pleasure!

[@AliasJimWirth]

I like the crossed branches a lot. The four trees composition was also nice. It's great to be out in any case. Thanks for bringing viewers like me along, Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it James.

[@pdp11]

The square format brings such calmness!

[@davidpowell5437]

Always a pleasure to watch compositions emerge from hiding as you talk about them

[@SteveONions]

Thanks David.

[@desgardner7169]

Most enjoyable to watch! yes I miss those 12 shot days when every picture counted, I had a Bronica S2A and when the shutter went off all the birds flew out of the tree's....Thank you.

[@SteveONions]

I sometimes find 12 frames excessive!

[@desgardner7169]

@@SteveONions Yes I agree, I did go OTT at times!

[@garyhoneysett8701]

Always enjoy your videos Steve. Wish I hadn’t sold my Rollei SL66 after watching this one.

[@SteveONions]

I always suffer sellers regret 🙁

[@harrydeyong441]

I always save your videos for when I have time to sit down with some coffee, (or a gin and tonic), and properly enjoy them. (You may be convincing me to try medium format). Thanks for the entertaining enlightenment.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you liked it Harry, give medium format a try too, it can be very rewarding.

[@raybeaumont7670]

Cheers Steve. I used to enjoy a stroll in the local woods with my RB67 in tow. Too old and knackered for that now, but I still venture out with 35mm or (spit) digital when I'm feeling up for it. Being there on the hunt for shots is a brilliant experience. Please keep 'em coming. Best wishes as always from The Rhondda.

[@SteveONions]

I’m not sure I could manage an RB67 either, the Bronica is a minnow in comparison 🙂

[@manmadewilderness]

Funny stuff. Again having too much fun ;-/

[@renepirolt]

Great to see you out with the Broni once again. I always appreciate your fantastic videos when you post them - thank you!

[@SteveONions]

My pleasure!

[@petermaddern6653]

Excellent Steve. Great the way you find such interesting compositions in a seemingly ordinary place.

[@SteveONions]

Many thanks Peter.

[@SloopJohnBee-vq6dw]

Great shots Steve 👍📸

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@StanleyVaughn-xk3wv]

Great video, great pix (as usual!!!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Stanley.

[@rgarlinyc]

Beautiful shots there of the three trees and the criss-cross branches! Makes me wish I too. had the luxury of a "local forest"😃 Loved walking around and watching you shoot, as I always do. Thanks a lot SO'N!

[@SteveONions]

It’s only in recent years I’ve come to appreciate my local forest. For a long time I used to think it was boring!

[@ronwhite8503]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos; today's one was exceptional. Loved the banter with yourself and the comment about the rain forest at 11:20 made me laugh. I live in Cumbria and feel your pain about our wet, English summers.

[@SteveONions]

Ooh, you’ve got rain +1 up there, but that’s where a lot of the beauty comes from ☔️👍

[@azfactor7875]

Thanks for the great composition class. I always appreciate your thoughtfulness in explaining your process. And the five trees shot worked out great.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you, I doubt I could ever run out of material in the ever changing forest 🙂

[@azfactor7875]

In that kind of setting, I think the real challenge is figuring out how to make a clear composition amidst all of the clutter and intrusions that are part of the frame. And then there is the light to consider, as well.

[@andersblomster]

Great video, as always. I really liked the five tree one at 8:37.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@oudviola]

Viva le Bronica! Beautiful images, good call on the first shot with four trees vs three! As to color, I was working with a model in the woods yesterday (digitally) and the skin tones have quite a strong green cast from the leafy light, have to correct it post-scanning. Not an issue in b&w!

[@SteveONions]

I’m surprised by just how much green light is bounced around in the forest during summer, it’s quite eerie at times.

[@jeff8289]

Hi Steve. So nice to give the Bronica some love. That last shot would look nice in color, given the contrast between the fronds and the bark...

[@SteveONions]

Colour! 😲

[@The_Hero_Is_Back]

Hi, Steve. Great video as always. Quick suggestion: I would have liked to see all the shots you featured through the video again at the end in a slide show. It’s hard to jump back to find them to see them again a second time. Hope the midges didn’t eat too much.

[@SteveONions]

That’s a good idea, I’ll try it on the next video 👍

[@Paul020]

Steve, a second back is where the colour film goes. Also, a 5x4 camera would've given you the ability to expose and develop the same composition differently. By the looks of those paths, you could haul the 5x4 in a cart. However you are scanning after development so I guess it doesn't matter.

[@SteveONions]

I do have half a dozen backs for the Bronica but rarely mix colour and B&W, I find my eye is distracted too much if I’m having to decide on every shot.

[@MarlonSardini]

Great images as usual. Totally agree, the initial 4 trees shot looks way better than the one with 3 trees.

[@SteveONions]

Glad it’s not just me who prefers it 😊

[@georgeosier5459]

nice work as usual :) ...... going out tomorrow with my old Zeiss Nettar 517/2 and Delta 100 .... and my dear old Gossen Pilot :)

[@SteveONions]

Have fun! George!

[@BarwickGreen]

Four is the new Three. I think the problem with the three tree shot is that it leads your eye in... to an empty space. The four tree shot works much better for me. I really like the twigs on the left on the 5 tree shot, I really wouldn't have done that but it's very effective.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you, I was surprised just how much better the shot was with the four trees. On that other scene with the 5 trees I really did need the branches to exclude the otherwise dead space.

[@jhenline7813]

I could tell you were enjoying yourself Steve 😊 Agree, prefer the four tree shot. The light and texture on the beech trunks is gorgeous.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you, I think that version was a lot better balanced.

[@tomislavmiletic_]

(11:18) "It's like a rain forest. Well it's a rain forest, always bloody rain in it." 🤣🤣🤣

[@SteveONions]

😀☔️☔️☔️

[@RobinWhalley]

Great video Steve, and some lovely shots. I particularly liked the 4/5 or was it 3 trees at the start.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robin, familiarity with the location definitely helps.

[@terrysankey3982]

Some of my favourite pictures of yours in this video Steve - well worth (you) getting bitten by the midges! 🙂

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it Terry.

[@carbonejack]

I had to buy a crank for my Bronica. The price is outrageous. Loved the photo with the five trees. Beautiful. Interesting video.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks for watching.

[@paultaylorphotography9499]

Another great episode Steve cracking shots. Love bronica I have the etr love it had the etrsi but killed it still miss it. My first boxer dog was named bronica haha shortened to bronny📷

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Paul, just imagining dogs called Minolta and Rollei 😀

[@lilkngstr]

Yea! for the Bronica. I can't let my kit go. Currently doing DIY body cap pinholes with some recent storms. Got some nice tips from your process. Think I'm going to head to our local woods to finish the roll.

[@SteveONions]

Good luck in the forest, never the same, always changing 👍

[@grahambell1959]

All Bronnies are vastly underrated (don't understand why) but your work shows the great quality that can be achieved with their cameras and lenses.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you agree Graham, I’ve had the Blad and the SQ is just as good.

[@cheeseblog]

You need to bring pruning sheers with you! 😉

[@ralphturner7852]

Thanks for another great video, Steve. The shot of those fallen tree limbs is fabulous, looking like some sort of mythical serpent-like creatures. Regarding the little bity blighters, have you tried icaridin (spray or rub on)? It's a very effective and eco-friendly deterrent. The midges still buzz around but they can't 'see' you. May be worth a look? Anyway, many thanks again.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ralph. I’ve not tried that repellant, I do have a couple of others but always forget to take them with me 🙂

[@thenutter2003]

nice photos there steve on my Bronica etrs the lock screw on the crank handle works loose after a while never used to but seems to now.

[@SteveONions]

They are getting old, like all of us 😊

[@thomashilmersen711]

This inspired me to pick up the old Hasselblad 500CM again.

[@MirTanwir]

"Local forest" made me jealous.

[@kevinflynn6306]

Hi Steve I know you do a good job almost everywhere you go, but I think you excel in the forest very nice work regards Kevin

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Kevin, I’m finding more and more things to shoot each time I visit, I guess familiarity is paying off.

[@RickMahoney2013]

Don’t be so hard on yourself there are people (me) that would love to be as good as you Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Rick 😊

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

I like the square of 4 trunks near the start, like you though i tend to go for odd numbers, better to try different comps as they often surprise you

[@SteveONions]

Very true Christine. I’m not a fan of taking many variations on a scene but on this occasion I could not decide at the time (but it was immediately obvious even when I saw the negatives).

[@izzyleicanut9190]

The images at 8.50 and 15.00 are lovely. Don't need colour, BW will do. Here's the weird thingy - the sound of the levers before and after you take the shot - the film advance, setting the shutter speed and mirror lock up is incredible soothing in a mechanical way. Cheers.

[@SteveONions]

I do like to record the sounds the camera makes, it’s all part of the process and makes me feel like I’ve actually done something.

[@chrisdunderdale]

Another classic Steve

[@larryhayes3040]

Steve, really enjoy your relaxing style. Do you digitize your developed film and if so what do you use?

[@SteveONions]

That’s Larry. I use a digital camera to capture the negatives then work on them in Lightroom.

[@larryhayes3040]

@@SteveONions Thanks for your speedy reply. With your love for black and white, have you ever considered the digital DSLR Pentax K3 monochrome camera?

[@RickMahoney2013]

What filter do you prefer the best for your black and white work.

[@SteveONions]

Definitely yellow, hard to imagine a scene that doesn’t benefit from it. After that it is red, much more dramatic and hard. Yellow/green is also good but extremely close to just yellow on its own.

[@Darltornjacket]

Thanks for another good video Who makes the yellow filter and shade you use?

[@SteveONions]

The filter is by Cokin and the shade is a genuine Bronica part.

[@Darltornjacket]

@@SteveONions Thanks I will be looking into them. Cheers

[@philipculbertson55]

Enjoyable video Steve. I had a question. How do you do your negative to positive conversions? Does your scanner do them or do you do them in Lightroom or Photoshop? Do you have a video by chance that shows that process?

[@SteveONions]

I don’t have a video of my current process Philip. Nowadays I digitise using a Micro 43 camera then invert the images in Lightroom using Negative Lab Pro.

[@aerialfilm1]

12:49 . I’ve gotten an earful of my own Florida accent before. Usually when I’m over your way I hear myself even more. And the more I fight it the worse it gets. About two weeks in I’ll begin to over enunciate. That said, “ ‘elllo lads! How y’all doin” just doesn’t roll off the tongue. 😂

[@SteveONions]

😀. I seem to slip into different regional accents 🤔

[@mynewcolour]

I recently noticed someone is 3d printing those easy-to-lose Bronica bits. Sorry I don’t have specifics.

[@SteveONions]

Oh thanks, I’ll have to have a look for them.

[@JanneRanta]

Parts for bronicas are also sometimes hard to find. My EC broke and I'm trying to find someone who sells the body only. Everyone seems to sell them with lens & film back and almost never just the body.

[@SteveONions]

Same here, just as easy to but a complete outfit.

[@carbonejack]

I can't remember when I took my Bronica out last. Keep threatening to put it on ebay. Can't do it, though. Not Yet, anyway. I love that camera. I just need to use it.

[@SteveONions]

Give it a run out, they don’t like sitting for too long.

[@Paul020]

Try ETSY for 3d printed Bronica knobs.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Paul.

[@gizmophoto3577]

Bloody midges… Regarding the 4 trees, perhaps the composition works because of they create an odd number of spaces between them.

[@SteveONions]

Hmm, good point 🤔

[@thomaschipman]

the bronica parts market is a total racket. i've been keeping my eye out for a waist level finder for my etrs, but i absolutely refuse to pay $100 or more for something so ridiculously simple. i really wish there were more 3d printed options available as alternatives to scalped parts.

[@SteveONions]

It’s only going to get worse, only the likes of Hasselblad V series models are well catered for now.

[@stuartgraham5055]

Digital = Heresy, my sentiments exactly.

[@SteveONions]

😊

[@Lebenspiel]

14:07 "Film is not that expensive." Sir, Delta 400 is hecking expensive.

[@SteveONions]

😀👍

[@marcp.1752]

#1 like :)

[@jhasi7974]

gotta say i previsualize your shots always darker and more contrasty. im often disappointed by the high-key low contrast look. appreciate your work nevertheless

[@SteveONions]

That’s the great thing about photography, we all see things differently and can produce totally different images from the same scenes.

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

The cameras Ansel Adams used delivered.

[@SteveONions]

🙂

[@astore3757]

I've just bought a Bronica with a 80s lenses. I'm a little worried because the quality of this lenses are so poor. My 35mm Olympus has lenses better than this in the medium format. Perhaps the PS zenzanon are better?

[@pacoesquerdojuarez8017]

I think your Bronica lenses will outperform your Olympus lenses. I has both and still having Olympus OM. But the larger format, the sharper.

[@SteveONions]

It sounds like a bad example of that lens, it should easily outperform the Olympus.

[@astore3757]

@@SteveONionsThere may be a problem with the mirror. I had a camera with this defect. I could see in focus in the viewfinder, but the image was not in focus on the film.

[@chesslover8829]

Don't sell the Bronica! You will regret it.

[@SteveONions]

To add to the many camera selloff regrets 🙂

[@zhuanjifarms5050]

Whatever camera you have delivers, it's just a rectangle catcher's mitt for what your eye sees.

[@SteveONions]

Or square 😊