Velvia 6x12 Shoot (and why I hate it)

Following a recent trip to shoot sunrise at a nearby pier I returned a few weeks later but this time with my 4x5 Intrepid and a 6x12 rollfilm back.
It wasn't easy to setup in the dark but thanks to the bright lights I was able to focus accurately and Velvia did the rest. Sadly though I am not happy with my results - see the video as to why.
Still images can be viewed on my Instagram page I no longer post to my Flickr account.
Equipment Used
Intrepid 4x5 Mk3 (with Mk4 baseboard)
Velbon GEO E643D tripod with Manfrotto MG460 head
Sekonic L-508 spotmeter
Preview App
Mark II Artists Viewfinder (App Store)
Vlogging Equipment
Panasonic G80 + Panasonic 12-32 f/3.5-f/5.6 lens
GoPro Hero 7 Black
Rode Videomicro
Incidental Music
Cotton Dreams (Epidemic Sound)
Etsy Shop
steveonionspho...
Contact Details
Email: [e-mail] Twitter: Steve_ONions / steve_onions Instagram: steveonions1 / steveonions1

[@StevenLawson]

Think you’re being a bit hard on yourself. Yes, it was colourful, but still nice colours and rather lovely images. Merry Christmas and a happy New Year

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Steven, all the best to you too.

[@m00dawg]

I'd have to agree with Steven as well. It IS vivid but in a way that is also sort of organic? Like it doesn't look like the color vomit you can get from shooting a DSLR and going bananas with the saturation. It's sort of, I dunno, a believable kind of color? One thing I noticed about Velvia (and Provia I suppose) that I also rather like is the color separation just seems soooo good, at least compared to the results I've been getting in the larger sizes with E100 or Ektar. Anyways I found them lovely! But am excited to see what you have in store in 2021!

[@photosbyjosef]

I don't see the problem with the velvia photos and I am sure I am not alone in saying that your photos always look fantastic please keep up the great work stay Healthy and safe and merry Christmas

[@SteveONions]

Thank you, all the best to you too 😊

[@johnmarriott9166]

Velvia is an acqired taste, it is full on and needs careful consideration as to whether it fits the scene. I hsve never got on with it much preferring a more natural rendition of a scene. I admire your method and dedication Steve, well done.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks John, I much prefer Provia or the forerunner to Velvia.

[@tomaszbrys1426]

I can't wait to see that change. To see what "look" You are after.

[@lensman5762]

My best wishes to you Steve. Yes the colours were a bit ' Miami Vice ', but what the heck, I loved it. That is Velvia for you. Stay safe and well.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you and all the best for 2021 to you too.

[@Roman-oi7rz]

Great video, great images! Love pano format! Yes, Velia is really shines here. Not sure what your complain is about. We love Velvia for its “garishness” and it’s what it delivered. Don’t see any point to bring apology for the usage of film which result you probably can predict (you’re not new to Velvia, ain’t you?). And I also think that the comparison of these images to those you shot on Provia in your previous video is not really fair. Despite you have same object to shoot, the light is absolutely different. At previous video there was completely cloudy conditions that created soft, low contrast bluish (about 8000K) light. With combination of warm HPS street bulbs you ended up with quite typical cliché: blue hours with warm artificial light. Great images, but nothing special. Plus the square format doesn’t fit this object. Now you have the glorious twilight sky at the East with this gorgeous spectrum of colors and the Velvia really helps to emphasize it. Shooting directly to the sun is always tricky and challenging due to high contrast (personally I do it quite often with mixed level of success) and you, with a help of Velvia, nailed it right. So, stop complaining and be proud of yourself. Happy Holidays and stay safe!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Roman, it’s just personal preference I suppose and I really liked the earlier square format Provia shots.

[@alexcarrillo5510]

BRAVO Steve, and Thank You.... You Have Given Me Something To Think About When I Go Back To Japan With My 1933 Plaubel Makina 6x9 Camera.... Thank You... :o)

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Alex and I hope you have fun with the Plaubel.

[@MrSpitfireMustang]

Thank you Steve! Very inspiring!

[@kzr83]

Understand it's not your style, Steve, but still very good stuff in the general scheme of things, I would say. Looking forward to more of your great content and pictures in 2021. Thanks so much for sharing, merry Christmas and a happy new year!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you and all the best to you for 2021 🙂

[@petermaddern6653]

Very interesting vlog Steve. Loved the images but can see what you mean. I'm a bit of a beginner but am very much in to b&w at the moment especially with this grey winter we are having. Your b&w images are superb.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Peter, B&W is somehow a lot more natural to my eye which doesn’t make sense really 🙂

[@petermaddern6653]

@@SteveONions Although I'm older than you, you might well have grown up with b&w television like me so it seems quite natural!

[@steveweston5902]

I liked the images and in that pano format too. I am looking to venture back into large format this year at some point and your videos help to inspire so thank you. Look forward to seeing more next year. Stay safe ad have a great Christmas and New Year.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Steve and all the best to you for 2021 🙂

[@fafnorcal]

Thanks for all the insights you've brought us in 2020, Steve. Best to you and yours for the holiday season and for good health in 2021. Steer well clear of COVID-19 and let's hope that widespread adoption of the vaccines will bring the curtain down the pandemic in 2021.

[@SteveONions]

Thank Frank, all the best to you too.

[@podhoncisty]

You don't have to apologize, I like photos, especially the one without rock's in foreground 😍👍

[@freesewatches335]

Thanks for a great video, I enjoyed it a lot. There's a quote by Garry Winnogrand ' I photograph to see what things will look like photographed' which is useful in this type of situation. You may not like the results but you certainly found out what the scene looks like with Velvia and this has helped to reinforce your own direction for the future. Have a great Christmas and I'm looking forward to what you get up to next year.

[@andreasd3346]

Wonderful images. I prefer the version with the stones in the foreground to counterbalance the sun in the background.

[@SteveONions]

Good point Andreas, it is better balanced.

[@Kaufeetimevideo]

You are an artist. In your mind you can visualize the final print. When the print not the same you are dissatisfied. That's the way I think of my own creations.

[@ribsy]

these videos are so chill

[@alexaustin5322]

Beautiful thanks.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Alex.

[@davidharle8794]

Thanks for another excellent video. I used to be a great fan of Velvia back in the day. It has just lost its appeal in the digital age I fear. Somehow my old Kodachrome slides seem to have aged better! Don't beat yourself up though Steve, by sharing your experience you have helped others. Frankly, I hardly dare say this, but digital is better at low light in my humble opinion - and much less hassle than large format!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks David. I’m also surprised at how much I like old Kodachrome slides, they actually make you feel as though you are there. Digital is definitely better in low light but I just like film 😊

[@SilntObsvr]

I quite like both the Provia and the Velvia on this scene. I've just watched both videos of this pier in the past hour (with one from SFLaB in between), and I don't see the Velvia as "garish". Iit's more saturated, yes -- like Ektar vs. Portra 160 -- but I'd very happily hang either one on my wall as a print, or have either one as my desktop wallpaper. I seriously need to get things worked out to process E-6 and shoot some Velvia, Provia, and yes, Ektachrome in my RB67.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you and good luck with the E6 developing, it’s a little long winded but no so hard.

[@distagon6052]

Happy Holidays.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@mawavoy]

Enjoyed the video, aside from the color issue, the composition and focusing commentary are educational. Seasons Greetings!

[@SteveONions]

Thank Michael 👍

[@danbuchman7497]

Hi Steve, I get what you’re saying about Velvia, I sense you’re looking for more subtlety in you images that were apparent in your previous video(and I’m probably totally wrong about this too...). Like the other commenters, I personally like the images. Especially because it’s film. My guess is that many photographers would take multiple digital images and create an over processed HDR images, lighting up the pier. You could probably do that as well, but I’m drawn to the honesty of the colors as a study (it grabs me like a Rothko painting). Anyway I’m looking forward to how you arrive at your vision. It’s a journey I enjoy following. Happy Holidays!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Dan. I’m not keen on images that have excessive shadow detail and I’m usually prepared to sacrifice the low values rather than risk losing any highlights.

[@danbuchman7497]

@@SteveONions So your main problem is a lack of exposure latitude with Velvia, not so much color saturation?

[@veronikagundersen9334]

I think I do prefer the Provia, but I don’t think the Velvia images are bad at all. Still lovely images.

[@SteveONions]

Definitely Provia 🙂

[@terrywbreedlove]

I bought a 65mm for my 4x5 and plan to just crop the image for the panorama look.

[@SteveONions]

I had a 65mm a while back Terry and couldn’t see much or focus it. It was a good lens when it worked though.

[@russellbawden1105]

I always have problems with reciprocity. Any tips?

[@SteveONions]

I just look up the adjustment for each film or use an app on my iPhone 🙂

[@RobinWhalley]

I don't think the colour came across anywhere near as poorly as you thought. A hell of a lot of contrast in those blacks though. I was also expecting to see much more of a colour shift in those longer Velvia shots. As for the 6x12 format though - I loved it. It works so well with some subjects.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robin. Velvia is always a bit hit and miss, it can work wonders but can also ruin a shot.

[@andrewmahon4290]

Think you’ve been hard on yourself - nothing wrong with the Velvia shots IMO.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Andrew.

[@Paramocinema]

I loved the images even though you don’t like them!

[@SteveONions]

Cheers Will 🙂

[@neilt]

I have to say that I thought the images were fine. Each to their own I guess. Happy Christmas to you and your family.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Neil, all the best to you too.

[@iNerdier]

Only just realised that both Brighton piers have wind turbines in the distance now

[@SteveONions]

I didn’t notice the Llandudno ones much when I shot in 35mm 🙂

[@itakepicswithalightcapture]

You think that’s garish? Try shooting fall foliage in full daylight with Velvia50. Got my roll back and I was like yikes! 😀

[@SteveONions]

😀

[@JohnTomasella]

I thought the images were quite nice. I know the feeling of not liking your own images though, we are our worst critics.

[@patrickmarquetecken8107]

It was good to see you go out with the 4x5 again. About Velvia, well I’m going to use/try next year some Kodak Ectachrome 100 on 4x5 sheet film. I did some comparison this summer between Velvia and Ectachrome and found the color difference quite interesting. Happy holidays

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Patrick. There’s probably more difference between slide films than there is with the negative materials. I never really liked the Ektachrome look but I wish I’d done more with Kodachrome and if that look ever made a comeback I’d really want to shoot it.

[@AliasJimWirth]

Maybe it's my screen, but I kind of liked those exposures, Steve. Anyway, thanks for posting a video. Merry Christmas.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks James, all the best to you too.

[@markhesse2928]

I liked these images, garish colors and all, but a film with more muted tones would look better. You're not a Kodak guy I guess, but I wonder how well Kodak Portra would work with these kinds of scenes.

[@SteveONions]

I think Portra would have worked well Mark as would Provia. Velvia is just too much for this scene in my opinion.

[@arty2917]

Do you lose any frames loading that 6x12 film back? It doesn’t seem like the leader would be long enough...

[@SteveONions]

I haven’t lost any yet, it seems to just about allow all 6 frames.

[@grahvis]

'Reciprocity failure', it's been a long time since I've heard those words.

[@SteveONions]

😊

[@rudolffoldvary5654]

Probably seaguls were telling you "no velvia, no velvia" :)

[@fotolookconde]

Hehehe and "bread, bread!"

[@Blue_Newt_01]

Lol.

[@SteveONions]

I think they were trying to tell me the dynamic range on that shot exceeded Velvia’s latitude 😕

[@fotolookconde]

@@SteveONions not easy to work with Velvia!

[@rudolffoldvary5654]

@@SteveONions it is highly probable. They also know the place.

[@UncleDansVintageVinyl]

Man, I'd be delighted if I got those images!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Daniel 🙂

[@davidpearce2981]

I thought it was a very nice image steve , thanks for the video

[@SteveONions]

Thanks David.

[@thevalleywalker]

Wow, beat yourself up with a stick won't you..lol. Sorry that garrish is not you but thanks for putting it out there Steve, I for one (& I am sure I am not alone) like the images, colour and presentation, particularly the crop which is something similar that I have been using a lot (65:24 ratio) on the S5 since I have had it. I am sure whatever content you produce in 2021 will still be of interest to your subscribers so we look forward to seeing the direction of the channel. I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and let's hope 2021 is better than the crap that we have endured this year. Atb Al

[@fotolookconde]

Photographers are early birds! No warm beds in the morning! You're brave Steve!

[@paulp2089]

Thanks Steve. You may hate it, but I think they are lovely images :-} May you, your family and subscribers have a great Xmas and keep well. Paul

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Paul, all the best to you too 👍

[@sunnzboz9482]

You are honest as always Steve. That is what makes your content so special.

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

Have a good Christmas and a happy new year. Stay safe and well.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Brian, all the best to you too.

[@mynewcolour]

I absolutely love the format and composition @8:15 I’m also not a fan of Velvia colours (at least for natural landscapes).

[@marcp.1752]

Steve, it's always a pleasure to see you shooting Film, especially with Passion. Like your Pictures.

[@bernardkelly235]

One man’s gar(n)ish is another man’s relish. Happy Xmas, Steve, and thanks for all the wonderful videos this year.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Bernard 😊

[@m.m.neubauer7734]

Thank you again for the video. Stay safe.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 🙂

[@RJMPictures]

Mr. O'Nions, I completely understand that you have your own taste and you know what you're looking for in your images, however, that last shot and ultra wide composition was absolutely breathtaking sir! And I dare say that based on this comment section, many MANY others agree with me! ♥ 📸 🎞️

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@PhotoTubeUK]

I personally hate Velvia and would never buy it again! I also dislike the Velvia film simulation in Fujifilm's digital cameras.

[@SteveONions]

😊

[@Lennymcgra]

Take care mate and thanks for all the content throughout the year, its a lot of work putting these vids together, its always a great learning experience. Merry Christmas

[@SteveONions]

Thank you and all the best for 2021.

[@tHaH4x0r]

I absolutely love the image at 4:27 and 7:27. For me personally, these are the best images I have seen of this location ever. It really captures the 'feeling' of that moment just before sunrise, and during sunrise. Lovely balance in the colors, very pleasant to the eye and nice contrast in the image too. So I have to disagree with you that these images are garish, but I suppose that tastes can be very different.

[@SteveONions]

I think it would have looked better with Provia 🙂

[@peter-robinson]

@@SteveONions better? or just more what you had in mind?

[@jamesdecross1035]

Oh no, don't say that. I've got myself a Cambo 6x12 back and I want to go out with E6 film (it's been such a long time). I just need a suitable lens. I've only got a 90mm wide angle - arghh! Anyway, thanks for all the inspiration. It is much appreciated. This time, I'm going to say, I may disagree with you. In my very limited experience, I suspect that sunrises and sunsets taken towards the sun always tend to create those garish oranges. Whereas, the purply 'Earth shadow' colour that I like so much - and which I expect you find appealing, too - is found when looking away from the sun during the blue-hour. It's very subtle and I'll bet velvia is great for enhancing that. Hence, you need to be the other side of the pier. Is there a good view point over there? There's work to be done! Merry Christmas, but not too merry if your stuck indoors, or by yourself, in lockdown.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks James. There are no real views with the sun at your back sadly, the Great Orme is a big lump of rock and saps the life out of the image. It actually works well when there is more subdued light.

Hi Steve, totally agree, Velvia doesnt work for that location at all. Have you consider to try some classic b&w emulsions? Not only FP4 - i believe you can use there with good success cheap Fomapan 100 with ID11/D76 (or even Rodinal, if you want something special :-). But not Velvia, its just waste of time and money. Btw. how do you like those wind turbines?

[@SteveONions]

Hi David. I’ve shot it with B&W film in the past and I’m starting to appreciate those shots now. As for the turbines I actually don’t mind them, I think they add something to the shot.

[@DizinEire]

High Steve. Quite jealous of your 6x12 back. I would like one, but not until I can get a decent film holder for the scanner. Would agree with you on Velvia throwing you a full colour pallet. Liked the format and subject matter. But the colours we'rent as bad some over processed or HDR phots that are about! I think a 'snottynose' and LF are a companionship made for each other 😁 Thank you for the trip to Llandudno , Its nice to get out even if it's virtually. Cheers Diz

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Diz. I have found myself using the 6x12 back a lot in 2020, I should probably look into a dedicated camera with that format.

[@brianeibisch6025]

Don’t worry!! Your Velvia shots are excellent. Personally I like the colours that Velvia can come up with because no matter what, they are really rich and beautiful. Kodak used to have a really rich color film ( I forget now what it was called)but it was far too over the top whereas Velvia always looks good. The Alabamie Kid

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Brian. 🙂

[@simonbarnes7124]

I noticed a huge wind farm on the horizon. I lovely pier, but on the bright side your exposure was spot on. So many people struggle with large format. I used to use Volvos slide film back in the 90’s but it was a bit too in your face for me. My photography is evolving colour wise. Less saturation and more subtle tones. A great image though in my opinion. A beautiful pier. I can see why you go back there.

[@SteveONions]

Same for me Simon, I’m not living the OTT colour and much prefer gentle tones.

[@davidpowell5437]

I think I prefer the images from your last video as well - but to be honest, but for your commentary I'd have quite happily ascribed the difference to a diferent sort of sunrise. Some of us have a long way to go... I see you'll soon have some new water features in your area - well, Hatchmere. Do you think you might take a look at some point? Best wishes for the New Year!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks David, I walked past Hatchmere the other day but I’ve not gone looking for the new inhabitants yet. Delamere hasn’t looked so good since they started the major clearance work 3 years ago.

[@atapourhassan7442]

I never have been a fan of Velvia particularly the green foliage recorded un natural. But, I have seen you doing great job with it on certain lighting situations. No matter what the outcome is, I always enjoy your videos. Please keep up the good work, merry Christmas and have a wonderful new year.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you Atapour, all the best to you too.

[@stuartbaines2843]

I don't dislike the 6x12 velvia on 5x4 its not over the top on Colour. I had wondered why you were trying Velvia ? Not an easy option. Look forward to a more considered approach you are going back to 👍

[@SteveONions]

I thought it was going to be dull Stuart and Velvia would have lifted the scene. Should have packed a roll of Provia 🙁

[@89DavideB]

I really liked the images to be honest. I think sometimes it's nice to change up things a little bit, especially on a subject you shot a lot of times before. I appreciated this video a lot, as always. Keep up the great work and Merry Christmas. I hope you and your family are safe and ok.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you and have a great 2021.

[@oldfilmguy9413]

Merry Christmas, Steve! All the best to you and yours. I am only now starting to catch up a bit after my move to the country. Looking forward to your new work in the coming year! Cheers!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robert, I hope you are all settled now and 2021 will be better than the last year. Whenever I’ve moved it takes ages to get myself sorted again.

[@borderlands6606]

One of the advantages of digital photography is the ability to desaturate and/or emphasise certain hues at the expense of others. It's important to develop your own sense of colour, even if it differs radically from manufacturer's norms.

[@SteveONions]

Digital offers so many advantages it should be my go to for low light but I just love film 🙂

[@richardazar22]

You and me both , Steve. I have gone to mostly Portra 160 and Provia 100 for landscapes. Ektar and Velvia just seem to be over the top these days.

[@SteveONions]

I’d agree, Portra and Provia are more to my taste.

[@chriswilcockson8595]

Well, I really liked them and find it really interesting how little you do. Its good to be your own critic and I admire your stance on your output! I guess you value your artisitic integrity over potential commercial value as I suspect these could do quite well!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Chris. I agree that there’s nothing wrong with the images themselves it’s just that it’s not where I aiming to be, they don’t sit well alongside my other work. All the best.

[@tedsmith_photography]

I really liked the piccies :-) We all have our styles though, so whatever works for you. But I wouldn't write them off. I think they looked great.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ted.

[@Epiphonication]

Hey Steve, what's that rollfilm back you're using?

[@SteveONions]

It’s the Horseman model Lucas, lovely engineering and very light.

[@jhenline7813]

I must admit I do prefer the Provia square format from your last video, but it was good to see you using the Intrepid again. I hope you manage to enjoy your Christmas Steve and I look forward to seeing what you have in mind for next year.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you, I also prefer the images from the last video (a lot more).

[@henkpeter1755]

I don't like the Velvia look either Steve, looking forward to your images in the New Year. Happy Holidays and stay safe.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Henk.

[@devroombagchus7460]

You are very critical. I liked the images I saw on my youtube screen. In reality, they are usually better and sharper. So, thanks.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Robert.

[@SD_Alias]

i like the shots. Although the blues of the velvia are a bit too much magenta for my taste but now as hybrid shooting it would be simple to reduce the magenta a bit in the post. So perhaps i will try Velvia again… Have a nice christmas and please stay healthy…

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊

[@ricardomm1]

i dont see any problems with that photo or its colors.. its a bit sad that you dont like it, but at last you learn what you dont want to do. keep going, ty for the content you provide, and merry christmas!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Ricardo 🙂

[@CP23798]

I find Velvia difficult to get right. Be that as it may, I thought your shots turned out great. What film are you leaning toward in the new year?

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Christopher. I’ll probably get round to doing a video on my 2021 setup at some point.

[@paulscottfilms]

Thank you very much for that informative shoot, I so much want to do some large or at least medium fornat photos.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Paul and I hope you have the opportunity to shoot a larger format in 2021.

[@paololarocca7684]

Interesting to see what the "true" velvia looks like as I often use it in film simulations....

[@FirstOnRaceDayCapri2904]

It's much better!

[@ptrlstn51]

What 6x12 back are you using

[@SteveONions]

Horseman.

[@simeonkorobov698]

Really like the colours on that second shot!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Simeon.

[@erichstocker8358]

I did like your first shot of the pier. But, the magenta color of Velvia does really appears strong in the ocean part. Do you just mask 1.5cm top and bottom on the 4" dimension? I'm assuming that since 4x5 is approx 9cm x12cm. So, figuring 1.5cm mask then 6cm open and again 1.5cm mask. Is this about what you have.

[@SteveONions]

I mask nearly 1 inch top and bottom Erich and always allow a little bit of leeway when shooting.

[@erichstocker4173]

Thanks Steve that is good to know.

[@malcolmrendle6622]

I think that you are being a bit hard on yourself Steve. I would have been more than happy with the result that you achieved.... haven't shot Velvia for about 20 years used to love it using my ETRS at the time.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Malcolm, I do find Velvia very close to digital and as the later is cheaper and easier I’m not so tempted to shoot that film stock any more.

[@valdezapg]

@@SteveONions I shot 2 rolls with Velvia50 and digital raw files side by side (Nikon D50 and D7000) with goal of finding digital settings that looked like velvia. Tried all color modes/ picture controls/ adobe raw and other things. Did not succeed. The greens are just more yellow (real) on digital and more cyan (lush) on velvia. blues are much more dark on velvia, yellows are more orange, etc.

[@brycepinson8641]

I really like the image shown at 1:45. I think the bit of shoreline does a lot to create depth and contrast. I shoot Velvia 100 (50 in 4x5 is too expensive for to import to the US) and Ektar 100 a lot. I guess I'm a sucker for the punchy colors. Though I will say that in quiet scenes I shoot ektar more since its a bit softer in color, and the colors are easily pulled back in post or muted a bit with overexposure. Garish is a term that comes to my mind more with digital shoot that have had bit too much clarity and saturation in lightroom, more so than Velvia.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Bryce. I like the way Velvia works on muted scenes, especially overcast days but it’s just OTT when it’s sunny. That said the colour negative materials can look flat at sunrise so I’d probably favour Provia.

[@brycepinson8641]

@@SteveONions I can certainly appreciate this. For every case where velvia works, There's probably 8 more where it's a disaster.... Have you shot any of the new E100? I would be curious how you think it compares to provia.

[@fabrizioleonardocuccu8495]

Amazing video Steve, I was wondering whether the 4x5 camera could fit a 6x17 back, would that be possible? Also, Happy New Year!

[@SteveONions]

It will definitely take a 6x17 back Fabrizo but only a couple of my lenses can cover that format - definitely not my 90mm

[@fabrizioleonardocuccu8495]

@@SteveONions Thanks!

[@phillipP8848]

best wishes for 2021 Steve.

[@SteveONions]

Thank Phillip, you too 👍

[@MrNecropodo]

What is velvia? Can someone explained to me Sorry for the question.

[@cdl0]

Velvia is a daylight-balanced colour reversal film (colour slide film) made by Fujifilm (Japan). It has very high resolution for this type of film, and is noted for the highly saturated colours it yields.

[@MrNecropodo]

thanks a lot. Have a great end of the year!

[@GraemeSimpsonPhotography]

I quite liked the shots. does that mean i need to leave? :)

[@SteveONions]

Absolutely Graeme and don’t slam the door on your way out 😀

[@GraemeSimpsonPhotography]

@@SteveONions the over saturated door right? :) Thanks Steve

[@bhovis]

I’ve never been a fan of Velvia. I was around when it first came out and was sickened when literally every pro photographer jumped on the Velvia band wagon and abandoned Kodachrome, Fujichrome 50, etc., along with taste and restraint. Oh well, it was something new then, and they couldn’t resist.

[@Anymouse2]

I have shot Provia and I liked it but I do wonder about the saturation. I look forward to my first role of Ektachrome. I have yet to touch Velvia, it seems that look has its fans but also its anti-fans.

[@bhovis]

@@Anymouse2 I like Provia and the new Ektachrome. But for me, Velvia drives colors towards the primaries and obliterates nuance. I think it became ubiquitous because of its attention getting saturation.

[@SteveONions]

I also liked the old Fuji 50 Bart and still look back at some of those slides with great fondness.

[@dinomarcantonioaia8921]

What precautions do you take when pointing directly into the sun?

[@SteveONions]

I try to shade the lens as much as I can but it isn’t possible on shots like these. I had to clone out a small amount of flare just below the sun on this shot.

[@dinomarcantonioaia8921]

@@SteveONions I was thinking more for the protection of your eyes.

[@hachewie]

I think they looked great, even with the saturated colour. The sky did have a greenish tinge in the first shot. You’ve inspired and encouraged me to take my first steps to film photography. Baby steps for now. I’m currently shooting my first two rolls of film in two different 35mm cameras. Excited.

[@SteveONions]

I’m sure you’ll love the whole film look, it can be a bit of a steep learning curve initially but the rewards are worth it.

[@hachewie]

@@SteveONions I just put my first roll in for developing. All shot in manual. I recorded the settings and conditions for every shot. Fingers crossed. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@WillingCharm]

You’re the man!

[@charlesmorgan8440]

I'm experimenting with large format and panoramic but will use the 4x5 film backs rather than worry about a roll film. Similar blanking on the camera ground glass to get the composition right, but cropping in LR afterwards. I know where you are on Velvia - it is just too saturated with a magenta cast for me, but in all other respects your images are super! Thank you for all your inspiring and excellent output in 2020, it always gets me thinking!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Charles and I hope you manage to make some good images with the 4x5.

[@Blue_Newt_01]

Love these... the complementary hues are sublime. The yellow might seem garish because it’s a direct opposite of the violet water. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year. Merry Christmas and wishing you a safe and productive new year.

[@SteveONions]

Thank you and all the best for 2021.

[@bobadams1064]

Well done Steve. Thanks for your fantastic videos this year. An inspiration to me for sure. Happy Christmas!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Bob, all the best to you for 2021 too.

[@fbraakman]

Great videos this year Steve; enjoyed everyone of them. I've gone through a similar progression myself, in that I used to be attracted to quite colourful compositions, but slowly it changed to more muted colours. So muted that I am now shooting mostly black and white. Best wishes for the season, hoping to see your work in the new year.

[@SteveONions]

I’m also feeling a bit tired of the colour, time for a change.

[@keithratcliffe5576]

Like several others here I like the mix of colours in that last shot and yet again I am fascinated by the intricasies of the setting up and preparation before that shutter moment. Look forward to future images, thanks for sharing and have a good Christmas.

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Keith, I must admit that there is a lot to do before taking a large format shot.

[@ericmenu5408]

I think Velvia is good when there is even light and muted colors in the scene only, otherwise it is a bit « too much » ;)

[@SteveONions]

Agreed 👍

[@DAVE211147]

Reminded me of happy holidays Steve, smashing Vlog

[@SteveONions]

Cheers Dave, all the best to you too and here’s to a better 2021 👍

[@carltanner9065]

Actually, Steve, I didn't mind the colours of the Velvia, but I also liked your last trip with the Provia. Probably a bit better and the square format helped. But, I think with landscape shots and Velvia, you have to pick your subject carefully because of the saturated colours Velvia brings out. Anyway, have a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. One request, though, send us some of that cool weather you're having over there. It's a shocker here, too damn hot!!!!

[@SteveONions]

Thanks Carl and you are welcome to have as much of our weather as you want 😀

[@carltanner9065]

I'll get it sent out via FedEx :D :P

[@tonyhayes9827]

Thanks again Steve. I must confess I just guesstimate the image area when using the Horsman 6x12 on the back of the Toyo 4x5. I like the way you taped it off though. Do you find Velvia produces accurate colours even though saturated? I feel Provia might be a safer option?

[@SteveONions]

Provia is definitely better for me Tony, I don’t find Velvia even gets close to accurate colours in most situations.

[@tonyhayes9827]

@@SteveONions Thanks Steve, much appreciated.

[@terokauppinen6312]

Good video, I like your attitude!

[@SteveONions]

Thank you 😊