Taking my 6x6 film camera on the Road | Analogue Photography

I am driving my camper van around the Isle of Harris and enjoying a few days of analogue photography with my Hasselblad 501 CM film camera. My van is a Mitsubishi Delica & it's my mobile photography enabler. I love it. Big thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring this video, for 10% off your next domain or website visit www.squarespac...
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[@strongislanduk]

I'm sure it's been said already but loving the quiet sections you've left in with just the ambient sound.

[@valiodimi]

Absolutely! It felt like a documentary, with no unnecessary music

[@jimogjimog]

It was the sounds of the sea and the wind, lovely shots.

[@PrimalOutdoors]

It could be the glass whisky I am drinking but that video just felt very comforting and relaxing. Cheers Tom🥃 Jason

[@rmetzger7368]

Always enjoy your videos. I've learned so many things. Don't ever change! The photos are always epic, but it's your personality that makes it a pleasure to watch. Watching over your shoulder from the Olympic National Park, Port Angeles, WA., USA

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

I appreciate that, thanks a lot 👍

[@LarryManiccia]

Shout out to Port Angeles! Beautiful place. Look forward to returning to ONP one day. Wonderful memories of a week spent in Forks and 1000 miles put on the rental during the week long photo trip.

[@slaphead2965]

Best photo of the day Man emptying welly. f11 1/60

[@stulora3172]

9:45 blew my mind. What an image!

[@aurorasailing]

Ahh finally Wednesday again. The highlight of the week on the tube. You are a great inspiration, not just the photo but the whole package with the personality and campervan and everything

[@PMCN53]

My sentiments exactly!! (except it's Thursday morning here in Australia)

[@vitaligladki7321]

2:38 hey, Thomas, you didn't ask but here is few tips for 6x6. If you need to shoot from high point but you can not see what is the scene in the finder just mount your camera to tripod not in "landscape" orientation but "portrait", so your finder appears on the left side of the camera. If you need very high point of view - stand back forwards to the scene, hold your camera as usual and rise it up rotating your shoulders with your strait hands. So the viewfinder appear above your head and you can have a look at it in the higher point than your tripod can reach. Looks awkward but works)) As you know 6x6 is square so rotation wont change the ratio.

[@robertstonephoto]

Not sure if the Hasselblad has a way to mount in 'portrait' orientation. But on that head, you could turn the top clamp 90 degrees and use the tilt mechanism to get to that orientation. Then maybe use the tripod legs for any necessary tilt.

[@melvilib]

@@robertstonephoto No, but the tripod can?

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Nice tips. It didn't occur to me to rotate the camera. Thanks a lot 👍

[@robertstonephoto]

@@melvilib His tripod is a 'tilt-shift' model. The tilt can go to 90 degrees, and the clamp can be turned so the camera is horizontal after the tilt. Since the tilt feature is not available from the head at this point, simply extending or shortening the front tripod leg can work as a tilt. Of course, a ball head could do the same without the fuss, but that's not what he had.

[@RVingwithG]

I was lucky enough to study under the last dark room assistant to Ansel Adams 😮 I miss the film and darkroom days. 😊 We used Nikon 35mm and Hasselblad 6x6

[@LarryManiccia]

Wonderfully peaceful road trip with the film camera Thomas. Film suited this trip well, I think. Great images!

[@jstuempges1985]

I always love these slower paced videos. It makes it feel like we are there with you.

[@dansmouse7393]

I love your appreciation for analogue photography and the 6x6 format!

[@cindyrosen8170]

Your videos are not only informative and beautiful; they’re relaxing!

[@MJ_wrighthook]

Enjoyed this one a lot, thank you. The calm and less speaking scenes really spoke to the analog experience. ❤

[@worldofphotography8923]

Always love the fact that your trips out are more of the experience rather than every trip is full of epic shots and the best conditions known to man. A true account and every photography can relate to a sunset that looks like it’s happening for it to turn to nothing 👍🏻👍🏻

[@danielhenzphotography]

I think the horizon bang in the middle works on a square space because we as human love symmetry and in photography it does not get more sympetrical than a square space.

[@DylanProwse727]

this program is brought to you by square space

[@danielhenzphotography]

@@DylanProwse727 pun definetly intended

[@fanikurti2420]

thanks for slowing down and the peaceful feeling.

[@shootNbreezeIRL]

Another enjoyable episode well done Tom.

[@artsilva]

I had the same dilemma with my Hasselblad shooting high, here's what I did; I prefocused at eye level then raised my tripod to the desired hight. I double checked my composition with my iPhone selfie camera, [one can also do it with a floppy screen digital camera by both pointing down into the VF and see the live view on the LCD monitor. I made sure I had my wire remote release so not to nudge the camera off my chosen line of view. Also with large Tripods that can reverse the center column, you can invert the Hassy under the tripod and view from under which may look weird but it works.

[@hlevcovitz]

There's something about the film making in this video that I really love. Maybe the silent takes or even a different camera? I don't know, but there's something special here

[@marcel9568]

THIS is the kind of video I enjoy. No camera sweeping this time, like 2 weeks ago. I skipped the rest of that video after watching it for 2 minutes.

[@LauraF4848]

Such lovely film photos! Thanks for always making us in "Tube-land" feel like we are right there with you, wet feet and all. Greetings from IL, USA.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Glad you enjoyed it, and yes, wet feet is always a disaster 😂

[@petesuchon7340]

Thomas, you are without a doubt our favorite KZbin photographer.

[@tonymckeage1028]

4:46 love the s lead in line, the texture in the foreground is brilliant 6:33 another strong lead in line great texture in the foreground and the cloud 8:58 Fabulous image contrasting the patterns in the wet sand and waves with the negative space in the dry sand and the sky 9:55 beautiful patterns in the foreground and featureless sand and sky 13:02 Dramatic contrast with dark cloud and land vs the bright reflected light off the water 17:37 great pastel colours reflected in the water, beautiful 18:37 strong s curve through the dark textured sane, contrasted with the bright negative space being the sky, thanks for sharing

[@QianChen-rm2qs]

Love your video. After watching this, I wanna buy a hasselblad for myself.

[@ChristineWilsonPhotography]

Nice comps with the 6x6 😊

[@ZXCVKLM]

Thomas taking photos 10/10. Thomas crossing a river 3/10

[@flatspots101]

Always loved your videos but due to life I haven't watched one in probably over a year. Loving the lean into the sounds of the scene you are in. More quiet time. 👌 A talented chap. Continued success. 🙌

[@wednesdaythroughthelens830]

It’s reassuring that even photographers like you have that sense of relief with the first image. There is some deep creative psychology behind that you need to explain to us 😂

[@DS-ke8pq]

Was listening to Adam Gibbs the other day on a podcast, and he’s right, your videos are quite cinematic in themselves. Anyway, usual tip top world class photography, all going swimmingly until the satay hits the venison🤯. There’s a counter culture culinary YT channel lurking in there - Heaton’s Heatups!

[@MikeShieldsPhotography]

Hi Thomas, great video as usual, thank you. Quick thought, you could use your tripod basically as a pole to vault across from bank to bank in situations like the start of the video.

[@mister_yog]

Such amazing photos!

[@randywaldron2715]

Thomas, with a square format all you should need to do is turn the camera on its side and stand to the side of the camera. Not a perfect solution, but workable. Me, i shoot 6x4.5 with a Mamiya 645 1000s and use a pentaprizm finder exclusively. I also have a dedicated device which allows me to switch seamlessly between horizontal and vertical. That said, I will admit to envying the ease with which you as a 6x6 shooter can use a waist level finder. Always enjoyed that with my old tlr cameras. Cheers

[@TristanColgate]

Exactly what I was. Going to say. I don't have a prism finder, so occasionally I resort to tilting the tripod head to 90 degrees. Adjusting framing gets even weirder, but it's doable.

[@BriManeely]

Man, that first shot is jaw-dropping. Saw it first in the newsletter, and was quite happy to see it's "real world" counterpart. Fantastic composition and elements!

[@paulatterby7507]

My little trick when using the Hasselblad at eye level with WLF is to use an L bracket (always in place) and tilt the camera on its side and look into it sideways. Its awkward at first but it does work and the L bracket weighs very little.

[@MrPhotog4u]

As soon as I saw the height of the tripod, I was thinking how will he be able to focus lol. Prism finder is a must but I always remember it definitely added some weight to the camera.

[@user-dc6pn4ec9w]

Really like this camera ❤

[@millymucci]

ah that beautiful camera! beautiful photography. all so peaceful and calming after a busy day. thank you.

[@denisesavage2382]

Nice to see the film get a run again.

[@michaelmarner2773]

Love the use of the orange filter on the Delta 100. It really enriches the contrast. Love the channel too 🙂

[@jameskezman]

The UK has some truly beautiful places.

[@michaelhall2709]

In an age where digital media gives you the option to do just about anything but alter the earth’s trajectory around the sun, it’s instructive to see you make do as best you can with the limitations of the analog format. Art thrives on restrictions.

[@shaunkeenanphoto]

I really enjoyed the pacing of this one, and am a fan of the square crop. It tells such a different story and has a poetry all its own. Wonderful work.

[@slowikinspiruje]

Wow, stunning images! ❤️ I'm looking forward to visiting the UK soon; I absolutely adore the landscapes there. I'm setting off on a six-week journey around France in my photo van, starting from Poland. I'm excited to capture some beautiful shots. You're a fantastic inspiration!

[@MeasuredLight]

I love it when you bust out the film cameras! Great video, and great shots!

[@Ed-davies]

I always enjoy your videos but the feel of this one was just off the charts, loved it ❤

[@Rburg00]

Thank you so much for all of your work! I’m slowly making my way through your videos, newest to oldest. I’m not sure I’ve learned as much or been as inspired to go out and photograph from anyone before.

[@benma9843]

finally a film episode!

[@vitmahong]

always love your video about film analog, hope will see this more

[@steveborghardt]

Great video - I like that you broke out a film camera, and a great Hasselblad as well. I recently picked up a 6x9 film camera - a 1951 Voightlander Bessa II - I see so much potential in the images this gives me - I just need to learn the camera more....anyways I really enjoyed the video and I'd like to see more film stuff from your channel.

[@JorenVaes]

I can't but help laughing, seeing you struggle a bit to cross the stream at 1:15, realizing that once you crossed it, you would have to go back to get the camera and do it all again!

[@blivieriphoto]

Nice little spot. Thanks Tom!! Beautiful images.

[@michaelfoster4514]

Excellent stuff Thomas. This has to be my favourite camera you own the images you make with are top drawer.

[@Eric1396]

Always enjoable to whatch you in the process

[@maxencelemoine4190]

I really love the first one. The lines of water on the foreground are gorgeous. The famous "why bother with film ?" ... I know that. 99.99% of my shots are down on film. People always ask me that and your answer is like mine, for the experience, the process (touching the film, developing, testing in the darkroom), it is so tangible. Of course there are pros and cons, but you have to learn to play with them and experiment. I am a sucker for square format (with my pinhole camera) and most of the time, I put the horizon right in the middle, and I, too, find it works well. Thank you for your work

[@maxencelemoine4190]

Are they oystercatcher we hear in the video ?

[@Simon_PieMan]

Great video. If I was there I’d forget to take photos, and just lap up the land and light. A great location.

[@andysuzierawlins5462]

Nice chilled adventure, cheers Thomas

[@ChopeZzz]

Another calming video which makes you appreciate the nature around, thank you Thomas! It is a pleasure watching you walking around searching for a frame and also cooking. By the way, you could use the X-T4 with a tilt screen in a Live View mode as a viewfinder for the Hasselblad 😎

[@Forthejoyofphotography]

Excellent. More of this type of video using your film cameras please.

[@Webpromotions]

Ok, you've inspired me. I bought a linhof 4x5 large format a few months ago off the Japanese yahoo site. We've a weekend away in the caravan this weekend and I've packed it as my only camera with 10 shots of film loaded (do i need more lol) Wish me luck 😂😂😅

[@davidkaplan997]

I have enjoyed your videos from Harris and Lewis. I visited there last month and had very different weather - near constant rain and very high winds for 4 of the 5 days. I still felt it was a pretty place.

[@davids2720]

When you forget your viewing thingy, I would suggest that you remove the back, slide out the viewfinder hood, then lay it on top of the view screen on its side, with the magnifier end furthest away by the lens, but with the magnifier retracted. That way you should get a slightly offset idea of your frame when looking through it. A bit like a twin lens reflex.

[@jhaydnreynolds]

Great video. Makes me want to dust down my film cameras!

[@robertphillips5051]

Not sure I have ever seen a clean shavin Thomas Heaton

[@GeorgeLoch]

Beautiful images. Worth the trip for sure.

[@ChrisPattonPhotography]

Great video Tom, you should have used your phone and taken shots down the view finder while it was up high on the tripod. A fantastic collection of images, you really captured the atmosphere of thise coastal scenes, enjoyed the video 👍

[@rudolffamiev2188]

So if you forget you prism finder - the way to shoot waist level one when camera is too high - is to rotate the camera 90 degree on the side, so waist level finder is looking sideway. As frame is square - who cares what final orientation the image comes on the film... :)

[@tjsinva]

A day in the life, eh? Carry on. 👍🥂

[@projectaroid]

Cool video. It's nice to see you do film photography. Gret work.

[@AgillexUK]

I love the fact that you're shooting on film. I've recently resurrected by Nikon FA and loaded it up with some Ilford SFX200 IR film for a bit of play! Happy Days! 😃

[@thomaspopple2291]

Yay, another film video! I've been stumped by the waist lever a few times. So frustrating.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

You and me both!

[@DenisLevchenko]

Stunning shots in this video!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Glad you like them, thanks a lot.

[@paulkeller8967]

The older Hasselblad "non-automatic" film backs can easily give you 13 exposures rather than 12 per 120 roll. When loading film, just stop a bit short of lining up the arrows. Have done this for years with no problems. 8% greater capacity per roll. Paul K Tacoma, WA USA

[@joeyrobertson4926]

Beautiful images as always 📷 thanks for sharing!

[@paulwarrilow1019]

Agreed with the comment below Tom! Just fab! 👏

[@ThyWorshipMetal]

When I visited Harris and Lewis last year I stayed near your overnight parking spot, it’s a totally underrated part of the island if that was Eoropie Beach, the beach on the other side, Port of Ness beach is also a fantastic beach to photograph!

[@shengyuanwang5833]

i really wish i could find you ten years ago when i was studying in glasgow caleadonia uni, i learned a lot from your video and by the way, many videos you produced have been copied into our Chinese online video website (don't worry they are all indicated where it come from, we can't open utbe in mainland) so that you have many fans like me in china right now and we are eager to see u if we got any opportunity, i want your signature and i like u look lovely as your picture showed

[@RealHouseMouse2]

When you have been faithfully following Thomas Heaton and liking every single video since 2016, and still don’t know about squarespace…

[@atalaykaracaorenli7698]

Another great vlog Thomas☕️🧿

[@louisburley1597]

Perfection as always. Thanks for making this one!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Glad you like it!

[@ericerickson6537]

Your videos are always good. Not a film shooter but the techniques apply for digital as well. Good job

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

For sure. Photography is photography, film or digital 👍

[@erwingriesbaum8538]

Finally another video with analog photography. I'm currently using my Bronica SQ Ai and I hope that the electronics will last a long time and that I'll always have a spare battery with me. Otherwise very similar to the Hasi. I'm almost a little jealous because my wife doesn't want to let me go alone and when she's there, the slowness of taking photos annoys her.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Ah, yes. There could be trouble brewing if your prioritise photography over time with your wife. Best of luck 😕😂

[@davidellinsworth3299]

Have missed your film videos. All images were beautiful but that very first one on Delta 100 was the dog's bollocks .. stunning!!!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Haha, nice one. Glad you liked it.

[@wildbillgreen]

Film is the Way

[@63MacGuy]

This is the camera you should use all the time. Maybe add a Pentax 6x7

[@GillesMartin151175]

Nice Video Thomas! Just quiet photography.

[@TheMungo54]

Beautiful images. I love 6x6.

[@edbrewer1916]

Tip - if you have a cel phone use the cel camera in selfie mode. You can hold it as high as you need to see your viewfinder

[@zaskardude]

Tom, Idea! Use your phone to frame the image, zoom the mobile's lens to approximate the view, then hold the phone back against the front of the lens filter thread so the phone lens is in line with the 'Blad's lens axis, take a quick shot to assess. It just might work.

[@ffoeguk]

What you need is a small mirror in your bag, I have one, I bought on amazon plastic with handle 100mm x 100mm gets me out of a few situations when viewing is difficult

[@tomcollier2444]

That 'red' filter looked decidedly Satsuma to my eyes!

[@jpdj2715]

At 4:26 you can see the front of the chimney viewfinder. It also is the cover lid when you fold the chimney down. It has a smaller square in it. (1) IIRC, you could fold that square door open and thus have a parallax viewfinder that works well in landscapes. You would look through that horizontally and there are no optics involved at that. Less precise than the mirror-reflex system, but very handy. (2) Alternatively, you brought digital cameras with you, e.g. for the BTS that the video gives. Fold the magnifying glass away and in the chimney viewfinder and record the viewfinder as close by as you can. (3) with the magnifying glass up, you might be able to get your smartphone at a very close distance to that and hold its rear lens over it, shooting an image. Then review the view in the finder from the smartphone's display. (4) you may want to shoot "level" and when you do so, you frame by shifting camera up or down (and left right), but you don;t adjust the tilt. In these cases, you may not need to see what's in frame from the high point. By shooting level, you remove perspective alteration from the view in a non-level tilt. It sounded like you fired the Hassy with the mirror flipped up before you pressed the shutter release. That's important in these cases. Often forgotten is that the auxiliary shutter (the thin metal doors in the back over the camera that protect the film from undue exposure to light, are flipped open normally when you press the shutter release, but flip back when you let go of that release., so make a habit of not letting go of the shutter release until you are sure that the exposure by the leaf shutter is completely done.

[@jasons7889]

don't even need to wait to know this will be a good watch :)

[@yetanotherbassdude]

Really lovely images and a great video as always! Just a small thought about the waist-level finder issue at the beginning of the video, but since it's a square format image could you not just set the tripod head or use an L-bracket as if you were setting the camera in portrait mode so that the viewfinder was facing sideways instead of straight up? A square on its side is still a square so it wouldn't change the composition, but it'd be a bit easier to see the viewfinder on a taller viewpoint composition without needing a step-ladder 😅

[@joshuarhea1648]

Great video. I like your 6x6 work!

[@RITPA]

00:40 when you walked to water edge, I was saying “jump!”. Disappointed you walked away, cheers when you ran back 😂.

[@phynx2006]

Thomas, I don't know how you even get out of bed in the morning knowing that your Hasselblad film back is chrome and doesn't match the all black camera body 😲👍😂

[@gastonseijas2677]

Amazing as always! More film photography please! Wonder when you will bring back the large format camera ;)

[@Dale.m.photoimages]

Love when you shoot film with the hasselblad. Btw. Get some sun on those legs. Lol😅

[@milkismurder]

Colour mismatched hasselblad bits is a proud tradition of the modular system. If you find yourself operating waist level finder at face height, use your phone on selfie mode to see what’s on the focusing screen

[@deminmax]

You are challenging my understanding of overexposed :)