Shooting XP2 with 35mm and Medium Format
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- A day out to the Northern Lakes has me shooting XP2 in both my 35mm and 120 cameras. Whilst each format has its place I have to admit that I got it the wrong way round on this trip, I should have carried the small camera up the hills and used the big one on the lower fells!
Camera bag insert.
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Equipment Used
Bronica SQA-i
Nikon FE
Velbon Ultra 655 tripod with Manfrotto MG460 head
Sekonic L-508 spotmeter
Preview App
Mark II Artists Viewfinder (App Store)
Vlogging Equipment
GoPro Hero 7 Black
iPhone 12Pro
Incidental Music
Storytellers 1(Epidemic Sound)
Unpainted Canvas 1(Epidemic Sound)
Etsy Shop
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Contact Details
Email: steveonions1@gmail.com Twitter: Steve_ONions / steve_onions Instagram: steveonions1 / steveonions1
"....stupid o'clock." This Yank will have to steal that one. Thanks from the states.
You've rekindled a love for landscape photography. Thank you.
You’re welcome 😀
Boy, that is a ton of equipment to carry up the mountain. I admire your dedication.
Definitely less next time Erich, especially as the light was so poor up there!
@@SteveONions Another great video, as always Steve! I tend to think about these videos while im hiking with my own Bronica & 35mm setup 😅
Was this video shot recently? The lighting and weather conditions look so similar to what I've been getting here in Northern Michigan for the past 1.5 weeks, cloudly, overcast, then clean big sky lights in the afternoon that washout the deep shadows I'm look for 😪
Happy Shooting Mate! ✌🏽
Some of those XP2 shots with a yellow filter on and the sun in the right spot look almost more IR then the actual IR shots. Such elevated values in the foliage and yet so much separation. Wonderful. I must resist the urge to buy XP2 and a C-41 kit to go with it as I have only barely started a bulk roll of RPX25. Must resist. Must... :D
They are quite bright I must admit and don't worry, I also buy a load of film then get tempted by something else!
Resistance is futile.....
Nice video. Very relaxing.
I really love my small MFT bag ;-) Did a little walk yesterday, hardly noticed I'm carrying my whole equipment.
The Lakes are a venue I have not visited a great deal. Each time I see it, I think 'must make the effort!' My last 2 trips with Rollei IR have not been successful. One role came out Blank. The developer failed. The second one, with new developer came out with a mosaic pattern all over it. I put it down to bad storage (bottom of the film bag in the bottom of the camera bag!) of the film. Thankfully all is restored to normality with a fresh batch of better stored film and new developer😁 Great vlog and wander around the lakes Steve.
Cheers Diz
Thanks Diz. I always keep the IR 400 in the freezer and even then it loses sensitivity over time. It’s the red dye they apply, it seems to be quite susceptible to poor storage.
Osprey bags are so much more comfortable to use than the "camera" bags... I have two of them a 60 liters for wild camping and a 36 liters for day hike. Accessoiries like this are more important than a new camera body for me, it makes me enjoying my trip instead of having a nightmare with a wet and pain back
Agreed 👍
You did the best possilbe with less than ideal light and subject.
Nice to see the older Nikons out again; they really are a joy to feel and use. By the way, the shot at 11:48 reminds me of Half Dome! Loved it, thanks again. Mark
Thanks Mark.
Loved that last image. The lighting was perfect for it. Thanks for sharing
Cheers Tony.
Beautiful images of a dreamy area, like them very much.
Thank you Jörg.
Hi Steve. Your videos are such an inspiration! The B roll with the cello is especially nice. I've been reading David Ulrich's book Zen Camera. This video fits right in with his suggestion of taking a half hour and just listen. Just observe and clear your mind. On another note, I "feel your pain" with the heavy backpack. I'm going to the Port Townsend Wooden Boat Show next month, and the thought of lugging around the Hasselblad is not appealing, nor the 5D4 (18 pounds total kit). So, the Leica R4 it is. Maybe some Delta 100 and some Ektar. I so look forward to these morning treats. They make my day. Well, off to town for a croissant. Thank you again.
I hope you have a good trip Jeff and definitely take less gear, I never make my best images if I'm overloaded, it takes the fun out of it.
You got some fantastic images there Steve. I used to have an FE but it broke when I fell over on a hike and sprained my ankle. Lens smashed and camera stopped working. Lovely camera to use. Also had a Bronica GS-1 a few years back - but was crazy heavy with a few lenses so got shut!.
Bad luck with the FE Roksan, they are tough cameras so it must have been quite a fall 🙁
I like it very much, that you have quite often a new Video from your fine Landscape Photography Steve - and unlike many others, still shooting Film into 2021. Film does give a 3D feel, which is unique. One can try various filter apps, desktop programs...but the result is never be 100% like original Film.
Half of the reason I shoot film is I prefer the process and the cameras, I can replicate the results pretty closely with a digital camera but rarely feel compelled to make the same effort as I do when shooting with film.
@@SteveONions Exactly, Steve. Furtherway, i am tired of spending hours into PS and such, post processing.
Steve! If you want to spare your back and get results pretty much equal to your excellent shots, I would suggest a German folder with a Tessar type lens and a few rolls of 120 film.
I've got a few of them Jeremy, 645 to 6x9 and I do like them.
Hi Steve, thanks for another great video. Terrific B-roll and nice music, a very enjoyable experience. I thought you got some terrific shots there with the 35mm.
Thanks Martin.
What a beautiful location! I’m sure you have to be back before nightfall to avoid the elves, ogres and trolls (although there are plenty of trolls on the internet… their new home! 😬). Very impressed with the camera bag for your Osprey. Love the IR shots!
Thanks Dan. It's a very calm place to be honest and not far from civilisation thankfully, can't wait for Autumn even if I am shooting B&W.
lovely meditative video Steve
Black and white beautiful !!
Thanks Ruud.
Release perfectly timed for a relaxing Sunday!
Very nice Steve, the castle crag shot at 8:17 is definitely my favorite, with the brooding clouds.
I love XP2 Super, I just posted a POV video using this film to my channel two days ago. Unfortunately it’s $12USD per roll here now, but I love the light airy quality and detail it has, especially shot at ISO 200.
Thanks Joel, you got some good street shots there and amply showed the highlight control with the brides dress image 😊
@@SteveONions thanks Steve, yes it’s fantastic in bright contrasty scenes.
Thank you Steve. You are an inspiration! Beautiful work and concise yet ample technical perspective 👍
Thanks Richard 🙂
I’m so glad you took that photo of Cumacatta Wood. I saw the video footage and thought that stream and trees would make a great print and immediately there it was. Seeing your B&W photos often reminds me of Ansel Adams photographs. When I saw your blue and yellow logo pop up I thought great, a climb up a mountain, some great B&W photography, perhaps a few midges and a bit of rain while I enjoy a nice cup of coffee. Great to see your trusty Nikon FE getting an outing too. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into making these videos Steve and in all weathers, fair play to you. What fantastic views of the Lake District.
Thanks again Simon. I wish I'd lugged the 35mm up the hill and left the Bronica for later on, I got it totally the wrong way round this time. To be honest I'm leaning towards 35mm for anything strenuous, it puts the fun back and also allows me greater lens choice (not to mention easier handholding).
Great to watch the day back on the video Steve. It reminded me of the opportunities around the area and the need to revisit in autumn.
Thanks Robin. There are a few good positions on those lower slopes and it makes me question whether the hike to the top is necessary to be honest.
@@SteveONions I agree. All we would be missing out is the view down onto Castle Crag/Borrowdale and the exercise.
Fantastic Steve been looking for a bag that will fit my Bronica for a while and the insert route looked the way to go ...have ordered one via your link from Amazon such a good price! loved the video too. Am off to Glencoe shortly so hope to get some great B&W shots
Glad you found the video useful Malcolm and I hope you have a great trip to Glencoe.
Great shots. Lovely video.
Glad you enjoyed it
Love the last photo as you video it i thought that looks like a nice composition and then you take a portrait shot .
Always love you BW photos.
Beautiful photos
Great adventure, some outstanding photographs. Pity the light was a little flat for the Bronica shots. That 75~150 is a hell of a lens, reputedly manufactured by Kiron Precision to Nikon design, hence the Series E badge. I managed to get one from Japan last year in a decent condition for £30.00 all in. The 50mm, shines in every situation, superb rendering and resolving power. The photo @ 11:51 is almost like it was taken in Yosemite. Really enjoyed this episode. Thank you.
I also have the Kiron f/4 version and prefer it to the Nikon, lighter and much better built but I was curious to see how the 'real' verison performed 😊
@@SteveONions The Kiron is the one to have, but optically the 75~150 is also very very good, but for the sliding zoom problem and the weight. I also have a two touch Vivitar 70~150 that is also manufactured by Kiron. It is actually quite a good performer.
Hi Steve, loved the video - seemed like a busy day but worth it with great results. Love to know where the tree (at 12:26) with its roots showing on a lakeside is, not too familiar with the lakes myself so any help would be great for my next visit. Keep safe.
Thanks Mik. The trees you mention are located at Calfclose bay on Derwentwater.
The beauty of film. Amazing. Thanks
Personally, i do love Ilford XP2, Steve. It's one of my #3 135 Format Films, together with the Agfa APX 100, Kodak Tri-X 400. Most usage nowadays is APX 100, because for being the cheapest 135/36 Roll of these "holy Trinity". 2nd comes XP2 Super, and 3rd (because being the most expensive) the TX400, aka Tri-X 400 Film.
It's my goto film for bright landscapes Marc.
That looked a steep old climb... and you seem to have gone back to carrying the heavy gear up hills again! 😀 Then you go lighter when you are lower down, lol - that me me chuckle Steve. I wish I lived nearer the Lakes, it always looks so inviting, even on overcast days. Saying that your afternoon sessions the clouds and some blue skies suddenly appeared. That looked a very productive shoot in the afternoon session, I particularly liked the image at 11:31 - there was a single tree that stood out in the scene which caught my attention, best that place looks spectacular in Autumn. Love the names of some of those Lake locations.. Brown Dodd what's that all about? :) So if you had to pick one location Steve, Lakes or North Wales, which would it be? atb Al
Thanks Alan, we got lucky with the weather in the end and I had a good day. It would be hard to choose between the Lakes and North Wales, the former is prettier and has a lot more in terms of places to visit when you're there but Snowdonia is definitely more rugged and it's easier to find locations where very few people venture.
Beautiful images. The insert for the Bronica is great - got it after a previous recommendation from an earlier video of yours. I never thought I would say this because I absolutely love my Bronica SQ-A and the square format, but more and more I am using my 35mm - Olympus OM2n - instead. It's just so liberating having less weight and surprisingly I'm appreciating the format more. Have yet to try XP2 - it's on the list! Currently having fun in my local wood with Kodak P3200 TMAX - a beautiful combination of grain and detail.
I tend to agree Jo, over the years I’ve swayed between 120 (or larger) and 135 but keep coming back to the smaller format. I rarely miss a shot with the 35mm cameras and weight is never an issue either.
Enjoyed the video Steve. I have debated trying to pick up a zoom for my FE2 kit. The 75-150 lenses are pretty inexpensive so I have wondered about the photos one could get but yours looked really good on my computer screen. Nice detail and pleasing tones. I haven't tried the XP2 yet. I'm currently learning to use HP5+ and Tri-X.
The 75-150 is a very good lens and quite compact too. I like both HP5+ and XP2 Super as they have different looks depending on the mood and the weather.
Do love xp2, I'd shoot it more if I did c41 processing at home 😔
Mad respect for lugging your Bronica setup up that long trek. I recently filled up a hiking bag with cameras and realized ooops at how fast it gets too heavy to hold haha....
There’s a point where the weight of the gear takes over and spoils a trip. It obviously different for everyone, age, fitness etc all come into play but I find that once I add too much it saps my enthusiasm and the resulting pictures aren’t as good.
Great video, great photos.
I loved it.
Steve, thanks for the video!
Glad you liked it Yury.
The time lapse b roll looks fantastic.
Beautiful images Stevie 😍😍😍
I'm falling in love with XP2 SUPER 🙂
A wonderful video, nature and pictures Steve. Thanks for the video, it made my sunday morning. By the way, at the end of the video was a nice tree at the lake with the roots. Did you take a picture there too? Cheers Steve.
The lake does look good on the video Andreas but we both found it quite harsh in reality, should have waited another hour instead or heading down to the last location which just didn't work at all.
Enjoyed this video. It’s motivated me to pull out my Nikon FE and take it out for a spin.
Really interesting video Steve and loved the images. Would love to see a comparison video between infrared digital shot by Robin and infrared film shot by you. Thanks for the time you take to make these videos.
Thanks Peter. The digital IR is always very impressive but I prefer to add in a lot of grain and negative clarity to make it more film like :)
Wonderful images and scenes; a very peaceful video to watch.
Thanks Jack.
I put my gear in the higher compartment of my backpack for two reasons: weight around the hip is more difficult to manoeuvre, closer to the shoulders is easier but also if I slip and fall on my arse I'm not worried about what lens did I crack since they are all away from the impact zone. Nice video as usual 👍
I also like to distribute the weight differently during the day. I find that by adjusting the belt strap I can move the the load between hips and shoulders to give each a rest periodically.
Some lovely shots there, a couple brought to mind Ansel Adams in Yosemite, and I can't say higher than that!
Thanks Alan, that’s very kind of you 😊
I have been rewinding over and over to see your photographs and where you made them.
Thanks Richard 🙂
Some very nice images from this trip. Congratulations (on getting out there)!
Thanks James.
Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome 🙂
Y'all need a burro!😉
lovely pictures great content you know your craft .take care peace a fan.
Thank you 😊
Beautiful images, Thank you!
Thanks Jerry.
Great video again, love the wonderful landscape. To be honest: I thought there would be some kind of “conclusion” about the two formats of the xp2. The title made me expect it. Do you actually see a difference? I prefer it more for 35 than 120, the outcomes with the Leica are more “pleasing” to my eye than with medium format cameras.
So, go on climbing and keep fit by carrying some medium format gear . 👍🏼🙋🏼♂️always good light!
Thanks Jens. The main difference is always dependent on how large you make the final image. If it’s a small print or displayed on a monitor there’s little benefit to anything larger than 35mm. Prints above a certain size will benefit from a larger film area though what that size is depends on so many factors.
A lovely set of images, Steve. I particularly like the effect of the yellow filter with XP2. The image at 08:12, you have labelled as Castle Crag, but I don't think it is - perhaps it is Grange Fell.
Thanks Kevin, I did get that name wrong for some reason!
Another great video Steve! I don't mind carrying that sort of weight, but definitely not that far.
It’s a bit much to be honest Steve, took the fun out of it and I’d have been just as well served by the 35mm.
These are beautiful photographs. Barrie
Thanks Barrie.
@@SteveONions you're welcome.
I wonder how long it will be before you give up carrying medium format gear up mountains! Great shots as always, but the 35mm ones are just as good aren't they? A micro 4/3 would be much lighter and I know you have one! Keep up the splendid videos and thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.
You’re right David, the 35mm ones are just as good unless sizeable enlargements are made. I think the days of lugging heavy cameras up mountains and I’m the past, plenty of upcoming videos with far simpler gear and much tougher climbs.
The crag at 8.13 and 11.50 is actually called Greatend Crag (not to be confused with Great End).
Thanks Pete, I only noticed my mistake after publishing the video 🙂
Oh the poor Nikon 75-150 series E lens. All the other Nikonians I hung around with, with their 70-200 2.8 lenses would scoff at me. But I, and obviously you, we know better. The zoom push pull though, well, I just hope you have one that isn’t as loose as mine was.
I’ve always liked the e series lenses Lou, still the excellent build quality and top class results. Mine has the dreaded creep but that’s soon fixed with a piece of black insulation tape along the barrel. To be honest though I prefer my Kiron f4 version, better built, smaller and no creep.
I love both formats but it does show that you CAN do landscape photography with 35mm!
You certainly can.
I know I’m late to the party, but gosh, wanted to hear more about XP2. When it came out in the early 80's it made quite a difference for 35mm film: guaranteed shadow detail and fine grain in the highlights. I had just come off of the zone system for 4x5 and didn’t see the concern for blocked highlights until I used infrared film. I came to have many concerns about the zone system by then, a subject too lengthy to go into here. Back to XP2, I don’t see a lot of commentaries on this film and not a lot of people use it; what am I missing?
It’s a pretty unique film Howard and one which a lot of traditional photographers scorned for its lack of flexibility in development. It’s a shame because it has a real ability to restrain highlights and also keeps brain to a minimum in the highlights, especially when overexposed.
Great content as always ☺️☺️
Thanks Steve, some really wonderful images! Do you develop the XP2 in BW chemistry, or do you follow the C41 process?
I always use C-41 Simeon, if I want a different look I'll use the likes of HP5+ in ID11, HC-110 etc.
@@SteveONions thanks, that's very useful!
Quite the productive day in spite of the clearing skies towards sunset. Did you manage to shoot a whole roll of the XP2? Shedding the Bronica gear must have made you feel ten years younger and pounds lighter.
Thanks Bob. I used half a roll in 120 and almost 2 rolls of 135. I was much happier on the second half of the day - this part would have been ideal with the Bronica sadly 🙂
You certainly must have been in the zone to get through two rolls of 135. That's impressive.
As I watched the video and saw how the light improved in the afternoon, I figured that you wished you had reversed your gear choices. Still, you had great results, a lighter bag later in the day, and a grand day out.
Morning Steve. Well this mornings outing postponed it lashing down here. I don’t mind the wet but today is taking the Mick and your video has perked me up.
Just a quick question where did you get your filter holder from? I’m in the process of sorting out my gear to make it more user friendly and it looks like just what I need.
Regards Bill
It's just a cheap Cokin P holder Bill (or any eBay equivalent), no weight and easy to modify by cutting it down if you get any vignetting.
Thanks for the video steve, so beautiful… i love the xp2, but have been using less since i found developing the ordinary bw is easier nowadays than c41 way
It is easier Riswan but the benefits of XP2 make it worthwhile.
Thanks Steve, another great video. Can you give a link to the camera insert please?
I'd like to know too. Seems handy for my etrs gear.
No problem Tony, I've added it to the description section.
@@SteveONions Many thanks...
Wait, what? Coloured filters are working with XP2 too? Damn, in never crossed my mind. Would red and green filters work too? Course, you know, I don't own any yellow filter :-)
Other than that, one XP2 is already in my Yashica LM, another 120 and one 35mm films are on standby...
Thankfully the response of XP2 is pretty much like other B&W films Tomislav, yet another benefit of using it 👍
My best image 9:00
Thanks Steve
Thank you 😊
Hi Steve another great video, beautiful pictures.Do you process the film yourself or send it off?
I have just started to use a 120 camera, Minolta autocord must be old top shutter speed is 1/400. Can you recommend anyone for processing thanks.
Keep the videos great source of images and advise.
Hi Robert. I do all my own processing but in the UK I can recommend Ag Photolab, excellent value and service.
Thanks Steve. A beautiful video. Was there anything special in one of the 2 formats? I mean in end results of the images. Not the bulk and weight of the equipment. I have a love-hatred relationship with my Bronica.
I thing special at all Robert. I’d have been better served by using the 35mm all day to be honest. Medium format landscapes will have greater detail and smoother tones when compared to an equivalent 35mm shot but this only becomes apparent above a certain size.
*Excellent video and great photos:* Personally, if the shutter allows shorter exposures, then I would choose slightly wider apertures, say f/5.6-f/8, where there is little or no foreground interest, since it should give slightly sharper images with the lenses used in this video.
To be honest I've never seen any real world differences shooting faster films with slightly larger apertures and the corner performance of older lenses definitely picks up from f/8 onwards (the 50mm being the exception here as it is perfect at f/5.6).
@@SteveONions Interesting. Well, that may be so for the Bronica lenses, but yes, the 50 mm Nikon lens is an absolute gem, and certainly best around f5.6-f/8.
Great video and inspiring images. I really like the subtle dramatism in your work. One question, what is the benefit of the yellow filter when the sky is completely overcast?
Thanks Mark. On a totally overcast day I’d never use a yellow filter but I’d there’s any break in the cloud it goes on. One of the benefits is increasing the contrast in a dull scene as any shadows contain blue light which the filter darkens.
@@SteveONions Thanks Steve, noted!
Steve .. are you using color developer or a B+W developer ? .... I have plenty of Rodinal here :)
I always use colour C-41 developer with XP2 Super, never tried the conventional approach.
I'm curious about the choice of xp2? Assuming you're developing at home, isn't c41 more work? Right now I only use xp2 when I expect to have the local lab develop it...
C-41 isn’t too tricky Jeremy, I have an old CPE-2 unit which makes the work easy.
@@SteveONions Wow - I had assumed the Jobo kit wasn't made anymore - you recommend the lift too? Thanks!
Dear S.
Could you Tell me whats the best ISO 100, 200, 400 át xp2 for landscape át sunny and a cloudy days.? I always use Red filter and polarise f. Thanks
Bright sun would suit EI 100, normal weather EI 200 and dull days EI 400. Of course you have considerable latitude so using EI 200 for everything is absolutely fine.
I’ve got a roll of xp2. Gotta remember the yellow filter when I shoot it. Shooting it @250. Are you also compensating for the filter?
I compensate when shooting with the Bronica Joshua, +1 stop normally. With TTL metering I let the camera sort it out.
Try a green filter if you are photographing trees and such. Better tonal rendering than yellow but still darkens the sky.
Not exactly one camera one lens. Well done.
Well, only one at a time Peter ☺️
Hi
What are the colour filters you have. 👍
Cokin P Series.