Seascapes with basic film cameras

Some days cry out for an alternative approach to landscape photography and this was a good example. Rather than take the traditional cameras I opted for a mix of Holga and Pinhole, both 6x6 film cameras in an attempt to capture something different.
See the full size images here:
www.flickr.com...
Equipment Used:
Holga
Zero Image 2000
HP5+
FP4+
Vlogging Equipment:
GoPro Hero 7 Black
iPhone Xs

[@scotthanberg]

This dude goes out with a holga and the first picture he takes is better than any image i have ever made. You are amazing.

[@ChrisDeltaEchoKilo]

Steve your photography and style are a wonderful breath of fresh air. Thank you for showing us these images.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Chris.

[@davidharle8794]

Steve, you are a hero! How you could set off in the teeth of a howling gale with two highly improbable cameras and two rolls of film and make some wonderful images amazes and humbles me. Your depth of knowledge is only exceeded by your technical and artistic skill. Loved every minute of your video. Thanks for making it.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks David, the conditions definitely suited the cameras as did the film.

[@Larpy1933]

Enjoy this video? Absolutely. Seeing you take your work right through to prints on paper is nothing short of a revelation in this age. Your favourite print, the pinhole close-up study of bolt-heads and deeply-textured wood is wonderful, I agree. Of all the KZbin photography channels, yours is the one that _INSPIRES_ me. You make your creative work look so easy - the mark of someone truly competent. Thanks hugely for all the effort you go to in sharing your outings, intermediate image studies, and final prints. I wish you well.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Larry, really kind of you to say 😀

[@marcusdavey3113]

Love it ! Spent 4 days in new forest and 4 in snowdonia in total fog and rain !!!

[@SteveONions]

😀

[@runninblue9415]

Lovely work, just lovely. You undersell yourself, such simple equipment but a lot of experience went into those images

[@SteveONions]

It’s definitely the light and composition that make a shot, not the camera 🙂

[@josebainakielorriagaarriet2066]

I don't know if it's because of my bad eyesight, but I don't like those hyper-sharp images that are often seen on the internet.I do not even make a mask of approach to the photos, if it is not necessary, or for the Internet, as they say that the gurus of the edition must be done .That's why I like those images so soft that you show

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Joseba, sometimes the weather looks soft so it pays to complement it with the right type of camera.

[@genegoranov5865]

I like how dynamic the first shot is; the horizon is straight but the pier, or whatever it is, is tilted to the left, plus waives - and, oh, clouds govern all these insanity and majestically frown on all this nonsense! Hm. B solution and 9 minutes; something like N plus 2 ? Lovely! Steve you are so invigorated by the stormy weather! I love it too.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Gene. The low contrast lens on the Holga really suits moody lighting.

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

I've liked all your vids Steve, but this one in particular. It's much like going out and plein air painting. The conditions can often be awful, but almost always you come back with something quite special... and you have bragging rights to boot, ha! Subbed.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Steve, tough weather conditions are my favourite although it is a challenge at the time.

[@HV71851]

Well done! I’ve never used either camera, so I must say I’m quite surprised at the quality they produce.

[@fgj4990]

I am amazed what you got out of these Steve. Excellent work.

[@theoldfilmbloke]

Steve -- you are very lucky you are not fitted with a 'Stoma Bag' for Rectal cancer' -- YOU can bend down and get those low angles ----

[@mikegindling4236]

I have a bag with my Holga, n Olympus XA1 film camera and a Panasonic LX100 digital camera. I also carry a small Manfroto table top tripod. This is my normal walking around camera setup.

[@adamm4926]

Stellar work. I must get off my backside and use my Holga-Pan :)

[@SteveONions]

Oooh, I keep looking for one of those. I made my own 6x12 from a Holga pinhole body some years ago and really miss it now.

[@davidpolkey3193]

Passion for photography creates great images well done

[@SteveONions]

Thanks David.

[@AustenGoldsmithPhotography]

Great pix , if you were a surfer you would not say huge ! More like tiny

[@frankwaters8177]

bad weather = good photographs. clear blue skies are boring.

[@qnetx]

You inspired me to take my Holga out today while on a hike out in the wetlands. The weather this morning was also overcast and rainy where I'm at. Not sure how the images will turn out but that is part of the magic.

[@renepirolt]

Another fantastic video. So inspiring to see someone focuing on the craft and not the gear. And I love the prints you created. Keep up the amazing work!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Rene 🙂

[@oldfilmguy9413]

Wonderful images, Steve, particularly the first and the rusted bolts; however I was impressed by each image overall because these cameras "shouldn't" produce the results you get! Obviously you know your equipment and their capabilities. Oh, and the B-roll of the rolling waves near the beginning had a real 3-d effect! Cheers!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you ☺️

[@johnjon1823]

Excellent work, once again. Interesting to see the use of those 2 cameras and some discussion of reciprocity. I would like a video aimed at reciprocity and various scenarios related to it, as well as ideas related to various films and reciprocity. Great video, great information - thanks for the efforts!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks John, the reciprocity issue is particularly important with pinhole photography, especially in dull weather. Some films are particularly bad as we all know whereas the likes of Acros and Tmax fare much better.

[@Morongobill]

@@SteveONions I would love to see a video devoted to reciprocity as well. The bolt photo was my favorite.

[@squarz]

I have three cameras (4 with the smartphone) a digital Canon, a new F1 Canon and a Kodak brownie 2. Guess which one is the most fun to use 🙂

[@roachbasher]

I. have a kodak Cresta which I love using plus I flipped the lens so its reversed which gives me a great in camera effect .

[@FourIntoOne]

Great stuff Steve, thanks. It never fails to surprise me how good pinhole images can be -it doesn't get more basic than a pinhole but amazing images are possible. I note that you have had to mark your pinhole exposure calculator with marker pen like me - its far too small to read with the naked eye - what were they thinking!

[@SteveONions]

I know, it seems odd that they didn’t make it bigger especially when there was so much room.

[@311djr]

Steve, hope this comment arrives to you. I just purchased a Holga 120 GCFN and a roll of HP5+ 400 BW. It was a bundle that Amazon advertised which arrived today. It has a flash and can shoot either 6x6 or 6x4.5. You inspired me to try the Holga, for all its good and bad. Wish me luck with it. Enjoy all your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@SteveONions]

Have fun with the Holga Edward, it’s an awful camera with little to recommend it - I love it 😀

[@robertmcglinchey3347]

My Dad’s pin hole camera was literally a one shot. Made of a card board box and he cut an eight by ten B&W sheet of film quarters. The result was an excellent erie whisby image of a dog. The camera proved itself. When I was 8 or 9 I had a similar camera to the Holga. The first keeper was a brand new 1957 Ford turning on a street. Exposure and sharpness very good. But I kinda failed when I took the picture of my third grade class and presented 36 B&W 4x6”prints the next day. To boot my Dad worked two jobs and processed the film in between jobs then he and I were up until 2AM printing. - The morning of the shoot was a cloudy day and my hand held shot was not sharp. My Dad could have opted out printing but didn’t. At five cents each (x36) he helped launch my freelance career. Steve - I love the bolt shot. Most of all THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robert and thank you for the amazing story, I’d love to see the images.

[@c.augustin]

A good video, as always. "My Lightmeter" app - a good choice! And I use the "classic" mode: Very easy to use and it gives me all I need! There's another app called "PinholeMaster" that is very helpful if there is no pinhole calculator at hand. Well, I just use the calculator app of my phone and apply a pre-calculated factor to an f/2.0 reading (works best with My Lightmeter I found). That said, I should keep my eyes open for such a pinhole calculator instead (in case my iPhone runs out of battery … ;-)).

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Christian. I could probably get by without any light meter when shooting B&W except the really dark scenes that require more exposure than my eyes tell me.

[@c.augustin]

@@SteveONions Yeah, I tried to get by with the rules for exposure (based on "sunny 16"), but I find that I'm to lazy … ;-) These rules work even better with color negative film (especially Portra 400 or Lomography CN800) when using "half box speed". Still, I'm spoiled by using light meters …

[@SteveONions]

Half box speed is certainly a good place to start with most negative materials 👍

[@ianjohnstone1061]

Love the Cameras Steve.. - & I've have developed using small drill bits - a couple of Pin-hole camera caps(FUJI-X)that provide pleasing results in those similar coastal conditions. Cheerz fum AU. ;^D

[@SteveONions]

I’ve tried a few of my own pinholes Ian but the Zero image is extremely well made and almost too sharp at times 😀

[@DizinEire]

Whilst Holgas and Pinholes are not really my cup o Tea, I have seen some really good (and thought provoking) photographs at our print showings.(eddie monosnaps on flickr) So I can see the attraction. I think all camera manufactures should take note of washing sea spray off under the tap. Just think how many more XA3 and Trip 35s would still be working:) Great vlog as usual Steve. Cheers Diz

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Diz. I find the Holga is the antidote to careful, considered photography and it always brings a smile to my face 😀

[@pilsplease7561]

Fantastic video, I subbed. Its refreshing to see someone so enthusiastic and willing to teach about photography. Ive got a mamiya 645, a Argus c3 a few nikon 35mm cameras and a kiev 60.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you, I’m glad you liked it 🙂

[@markglore7196]

Wonderful video as always! This one hit a nail on the head for me as I just ordered a Holga 120n along with a couple rolls of Kentmere 400 to start with. Thanks for what you do!

[@SteveONions]

I’m sure you will love the Holga Mark, they are addictive and make surprisingly good images.

[@attrell64]

Steve, I just got round to watching this today (30Dec22); I have just bought a Zeiss Ikon Nettar; What is the phone app for the lightmeter pls?

[@SteveONions]

The light meter app is called MyLightMeter 🙂

[@chrisklontz7837]

well, now im going to start shopping for a pinhole.... your images obviously turned out great, but if you haven’t ever tried stand developing, its a lot of fun with these low precision cameras and techniques. everyone always uses rodinal, but hc-110 at 1+100 and 6ml per roll works well for me, agitated every 20 minutes for 1:20-1:40. its worked on any b&w ive ever tried it with.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve tried it a few times Chris, even HC-110 worked well too.

[@arthurrmcphee4885]

Excellent photography. Just proves that it's not the equipment so much as the skill of the mind of the photographer and I do mean in this case "photographer" versus button pusher of modern "does everything" for you cameras. Brilliant video!!!

[@SteveONions]

Cheers Arthur 👍

[@Ineedahandle75]

I love it when someone can make great art with inexpensive gear.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Mark.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

You might think about having Randy at Holgamods.com tweak up your Holga....

[@SteveONions]

I did have one of Randy’s Holga a few years ago, should have held onto it.

[@RoGameReview]

Steve would be great as a nat geo nature reporter/presenter, his voice is spot on

[@philipculbertson55]

Hey Steve, a couple of questions. Since the pinhole has no lens, what kind of speed is it possible to handhold or is it just dependent on when your arms get tired? The other question is on processing. I think I recall that you usually develop your own film. Do film guys ever use enlargers and photo papers anymore or just process the film, scan it in and then print it on a printer? Enjoyed the video. I was really surprised on how well both cameras did. The bolt scene with the pinhole was my favorite.

[@SteveONions]

Hi Philip. I don’t think you could ever handhold a pinhole camera, even with fast film. I normally scan and print but I also use a darkroom for certain images.

[@chevy2die]

Steve have you ever experimented with the colored flashes acting in place of a filter on the Holga? This just occurred to me and I’ll be doing it with my next roll.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve never tried that Andrew, I think the subject would need to be very close for the effect to be noticeable.

[@henkpeter1755]

Isn't it the photographer that makes the images and not the expensive cameras? You proved again it is, the Holga and pinhole just added an extra shot of atmosphere. Thanks for sharing Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Henk 🙂

[@rickhauser9698]

Steve thank you 🙏 for another very entertaining and informative video ❤. Your varied locations and equipment are a great learning experience.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it Rick.

[@mamiyapress]

lovely images, have you done any Box Brownie shots, I was given a Kodak Box Brownie No:2 recently.

[@SteveONions]

I’ve never tried one to be honest but I am curious - I believe most take 620 so I’d need to respool the film.

[@mamiyapress]

@@SteveONions Some take 620 but not all, my BB #2 takes 120 but re-spooling is very easy.

[@SteveONions]

I really need to give it a try 🙂

[@Ineedahandle75]

Holga also made a panoramic pinhole 120 camera. Sounds alot of fun but would eat film.

[@SteveONions]

I used to have one of those Mark then converted it to a proper 6x12 with a 65mm Super Angulon lens 🙂

[@bkspicture]

Hard not to like the Holga! At least the 6x6 plastic lens one, the glass lens version lose some of that magic.

[@SteveONions]

Agreed, I’ve tried a few versions and some are too sharp.

[@phillipP8848]

Lovely lmages Steve. I have a weakness for beach photography and this is great. Well done.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Phillip.

[@Machster10]

What light meter app? Have not found one yet that calcs long exposure times.

[@SteveONions]

Mine doesn’t calculate long exposure but I just extrapolate the readings for my f/138 aperture on the pinhole.

[@Ineedahandle75]

Did you use a yellow filter on the Holga shots? Is it even possible to attach filters to that camera, or do you just hold them in front of the lens

[@SteveONions]

I sometimes attach a filter Mark having forced a 46-52 step up ring into the soft plastic of the Holga 😀

[@ML-rm3vk]

Steve that first shot was brilliant wonderful art sir can a person purchase your prints.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you. I have an Etsy shop here steveonionsphoto.etsy.com 🙂

[@erichstocker4173]

I have never been an aficionado of the Holga. However, many photographers that I respect have taken interesting moody photos with them. I liked the ones that you did. While I do not have a desire to use one, I enjoy looking at how others use it.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Erich, they are an acquired taste but quite effective in the right conditions.

[@martinhensonphotography]

My favourite cameras Steve, thanks for posting

[@brianmccutcheon3205]

Well done, well done indeed Steve

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Brian.

[@ChrisEdgecombePhoto]

Great video Steve and love the holga photos. I am really tempted espcially considering its price.

[@SteveONions]

Definitely get one Chris, tremendous fun.

[@bopiyeff]

Great images!

[@bernardkelly235]

A nudge in the right direction, especially this time of year. I was surprised by the Holga results, less so (though just as impressed) by the pinhole ones. I have two pinhole cameras, a 6x4.5 and a 6x17. They don’t get out enough. I should make them watch your video.

[@SteveONions]

I used to have a 6x17 pinhole Bernard, very tricky to compose with but stunning negatives.

[@bernardkelly235]

Steve O'Nions Mine is the RSS 6x17. Beautifully made but a devil to load and, as you say, tricky to compose with. One thing you mention in this video is particularly true of such a wide field of view: the closer your foreground the better. I used to restrict myself to Fuji Acros - no reciprocity failure to worry about.

[@SteveONions]

Another benefit of the Fuji films is the much clearer markings on the backing paper, I struggle to see them on Ilford stock.

[@ManCalledMif]

Great waves and great pictures 🙌🏼

[@SteveONions]

Thank you.

[@davidpresnell1734]

Thank you for once again proving that composition is everthing. I so much enjoy your work.

[@SteveONions]

Glad you enjoyed it David

[@roachbasher]

I enjoyed the vlog I shoot with a Holga GN and a FN plus I have a Noon pinhole . Just using the simple cameras I find you are always given a surprise in when you develop the negs there is a keeper or two in every roll of film .

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Stephen. I also expect maybe two keepers per roll as it can be hit and miss. Sometimes I find the right subject and it just seems to sing.

[@HV71851]

Can you tell me which light meter app you use? Thanks!

[@SteveONions]

It’s called MyLightMeter. 👍

[@HV71851]

Thanks!

[@bakermantube]

A very nice, interesting and entertaining video. I enjoyed it so much on my sofa on a rainy sunday! Your favourite pictures are also my favourites. The close up from the wood is stunning. I also like the video so much because you show everybody, that we don't need expensive and new cameras/gear all the time to take good and interesting photos! Knowledge, experience and much enthisiasm is what we need for example. Thanks again Steve!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Andreas, getting out with the camera is the important bit, not which camera you take 😀

[@jonlouis2582]

Outstanding images. Your favorite was also my favorite. I have one of those pinhole cameras, the multi-format I bought used years ago. I had been afraid to use it, its' so beautiful, and the whole process seemed so complicated, but your explanation was so clear, I'm going to give it a go.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Jon. I need to use the pinhole more even though it is a bit hit and miss. I must try my 4x5 version too.

[@michapurzynski8509]

Steve is indeed the grandpa we all wish we had

[@SteveONions]

😀

[@stefflus08]

Thank you, been looking forward to an O'Nions update! Just yesterday I stayed in the car with the Zeiss Ikon looking at the surf, and opted to go somewhere where the fjord ice hadn't broken yet instead. I have a 35mm Holga TLR, I should start bringing it for salty conditions

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Steffen, it is really useful to carry one when you don’t want to ruin a decent camera.

[@Raychristofer]

Good job on this, too lots of effort to shoot this I know.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ray.

[@buyaport]

Nice one -- as per usual! What I like about the Holga mostly though: Its colour rendition. But b/w is great, too, if you like the sharpness fall-off.

[@SteveONions]

I love the fall off and also the tonal rendering, so smooth and calming.

[@kevinthephotographer9346]

Excellent images. The first is my favourite

[@ML-rm3vk]

Cheers

[@gingerspoons6078]

👍👍👍

[@JohnTomasella]

Well done. I always enjoy your videos. The pinhole demonstration gave me a chuckle.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks John 😀

[@alanstanway6118]

Glad you photographed Raynes jetty, you approached it from the opposite direction to me but your results speak for themselves. Interestingly I use exactly the same lightmeter app and it has served me well for a few years now. Great video Steve!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Alan. I quite like the jetty but would love to be able to get a better angle - shame I’d need to be on top of it to do that though 🙂

[@alanstanway6118]

@@SteveONions yes Steve it's not an easy subject, I've taken the liberty of sending you my shot to your instagram

[@TooFarWest1]

Steve, you talk a lot about loss of sharpness in certain photos, especially in low-tech camera gear, but it's not an issue from my overall aesthetic interpretation of your images. That first photo with the crashing waves is great and no buyer would be that overly concerned with sharpness unless you the photographer make it an issue. Those early photos from Alfred Stieglitz are not sharper than these and you can imagine what one of his prints would be worth today. To me, as long as an image doesn't appear to be out of focus, I don't prioritize sharpness at all. I've seen plenty of Holga images that are enlarged way past the norm and they look beautiful.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Marc. I prefer the way Holga and Pinhole images render certain scenes as I think sharpness can detract from the mood of a shot at times. I’ve also enlarged some of these to decent sizes and they don’t suffer at all.

[@robert.aleksander]

Picture is more interesting than timelapse. Well done.

[@epstar83]

Inspiring stuff Steve! Love and use these both cameras regularly, though not sure I’ve ever had results from them quite as good as your images! HP5 is the perfect film for Holga too! Really forgiving, can pretty much always bank on getting an image from it. I’ve struggled a little with Ilford films on the Zero Image though, I find the numbering on Ilford backing paper really hard to read through the Zero’s film counter window. The pinhole really does do something special when you get up close to the subject matter, very cool!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Michael. XP2 is also a good film, especially in bright weather. I also find Ilford’s lettering hard to read unlike the old Fuji films that had really bold type.

[@epstar83]

@@SteveONions That's a great tip, I hadn't thought of using XP2 on the pinhole, But you're right it's the perfect choice for bright days!

[@hobbyaddict9908]

I really enjoy your pinhole videos! This video is even better with the Holga added. I agree the closeup of the bolts is fantastic! Definitely art museum worthy!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you, it’s surprising how good the pinhole is for extreme close ups.

[@shaunbrowne3963]

Something I have to do today will be difficult, trying, and emotional. Yet your walk along the sea this morning brought out a sense of calm. Thank you, Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Really glad you liked it Shaun, despite the rough weather I felt happy to be there.

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

Great choice of cameras for those conditions Steve :D I loved some of those images you captured you have once again inspired me so thank you atb :D Teddy

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Teddy.

[@TeddyWandererCamera-Bear]

Hey Steve not sure if you have seen this video ? We just discovered it tonight , it is so so good. It is about the most amazing film camera, camera shop in Hong Kong . kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4aXm2iee5qehrM

[@astmatik]

I love your jokes :-D 11:36

[@SteveONions]

I do too :)

[@stuartbaines2843]

Man and machine in perfect harmony 👍 Full of style and richness. Must try macro pinhole 🤔

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Stuart.

[@georgefrench1907]

Great shots, Steve. (I liked the trompe l’oeil shot of the diners, too.) More proof that the gear is far less important than the photographer’s eye and skill.

[@SteveONions]

Definitely George 👍

[@georgefrench1907]

Good episode. Thanks.

[@SteveONions]

You’re welcome George.

[@gui4j]

just goes to show that raw talent and a good eye , not matter the equipment will always makes great and interesting images ... loved the images Steve

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Gaius, the equipment is definitely of secondary importance to the scene.

[@tedphillips2951]

Wonderful video & very nice results Your videos are always enjoyable!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Ted.

[@IsabelCurdes_photos]

Really enjoyed your trip and as always very nice images, my favourite is the one with the pebble beach. Prints look also very good! My Medium Format pinhole (ONDU multi-format 6x6 - 6x12) was one of the very few film cameras I kept :-D

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Isabel, I suppose it is quite hard to emulate pinhole digitally.

[@IsabelCurdes_photos]

Steve O'Nions I agree and since I really don't like to spend a lot if time on my digital processing and only use Lightroom I am definitely not the one to try. ;-)

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

Wonderful atmosphere in your pictures Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Brian.

[@tommorgan3125]

So enjoyable to follow you on your photographic journeys...

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Tom.

[@ColetteNoir]

Lovely images!!!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Colette.

[@kenx.227]

Hi Steve, I've heard that lots of photographers talk about reciprocity failure, but not so sure how it works, do you have a video talking about that? or in the case, could you make a video explaining it?

[@boshea1733]

Hi Kenneth, when you use long exposures on film basically it gets less sensitive so a 30 sec exposure wouldn't be twice as exposed as a 15 sec exposure, it would be less. To make up for this you have to extend exposure times. All films have different levels and times where reciprocity failure kicks in. The good news is that ilford have a free app that will work out the exposure times for you. With the app you type in your exposure from your meter and select film type, and it will give you the exposure time with reciprocity taken into account

[@SteveONions]

I’ll definitely consider making a specific video on this subject 👍

[@lars-goranabrahamsson9337]

Nice photon and video Steve !

[@robinhorton6625]

Mega interesting as usual, thanks, I too loved the pin hole close ups

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robin.

[@kent2000100]

Thanks Steven. Enjoyed your video.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Kent 🙂

[@gilesjazzguitar64]

very nice

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Giles.

[@ruudmaas2480]

Beautiful images Steve especially the close-up.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ruud.

[@tonyb2760]

Love the tone of those images. Thanks for sharing

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Tony.

[@paololarocca7684]

amazing work, nice images...

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Paolo.

[@Leicashootr]

Love it, very nice images 🥇

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ruud.