Shooting Large Format Film in Snowdonia - A Challenging Trip
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2023
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I'm back in North Wales for two days of film photography, shooting 4x5 with the Horseman 45FA and medium format with the Fuji GS645W and Pentax 67. I'm exploring the old abandoned slate quarries and making work for my ongoing project. Lots of rain, a broken camera, and an incredible landscape.
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►*DISCLAIMER*
Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
►GEAR USED IN THIS VIDEO(*these are affiliate links):
Horseman 45FA: ebay.us/rhbu9p
Fujinon-W CM 105mm f5.6: ebay.us/OaWNnz
Komura 135mm f3.5: ebay.us/62Pgkf
Fuji GS645W: ebay.us/1vVf4H
Pentax 67: ebay.us/q7hUkl
Pentax 67 SMC 55-100mm: ebay.us/SKhrY5
Ilford HP5: ebay.us/AnGdUm
Gitzo GT4543LS: ebay.us/weMekd
Markins Q10 Ball Head: ebay.us/8LoAph
My '35mm Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/2JrGhFs
My 'Medium Format Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/3r7KLta
Where I source music for my videos (One FREE month with this link): fm.pxf.io/c/1953156/1347628/1...
Videos on this channel are filmed using the Fuji X-H2s: bhpho.to/3UEjFVs
►FILM PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR (*these are affiliate links):
My go-to medium format camera: ebay.us/GaK9Kp
My favourite 35mm film camera: ebay.us/82WyVI
My favourite 35mm film lens: ebay.us/u0V817
My favourite medium format travel camera: ebay.us/FVcfWk
My go-to light meter: ebay.us/QIFXF0
My favourite film stock: ebay.us/orbudp
My favourite 645 medium format film camera: ebay.us/ydY4HK
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i'm dead after like 2-3 hours of walking with canon 5dm2, and you brought horseman, fuji, pentax and all the video equipment and probably walked much more than i do, absolute respect
Not only that. Hes walking back and forth to get the walking shots. It's alot of work!
Definitely a good workout! :)
No kidding, the things TH-camrs do for our entertainment! Much appreciated, Kyle!
one of the best if not the best one man army show in photography universe : )
@@SALV057 100% he's a photo warrior
This is absolutely one of my favorite videos you’ve created in a long time. The battle of the elements and maintaining the video’s production, while retaining a sense of humor about everything was chef’s French kiss. Absolutely killer images above it all.
🙌 Stoked to hear that! It was a fun one to make/also drove me a bit insane during the process, haha.
Who was the chef French kissing? Kyle?
Kyle, you are the man. Lesser mortals complain about the massive weight of a 6x7 Pentax foregoing that beast for lighter, more manageable options. You throw one in your bag as a backup. Much respect.
Haha, thanks Randy!
This was so enjoyable. I appreciate the efforts you made with the video of setting up distance shots ...then walking far away ...then walking back to the camera...multiple times during your trip.
Your past life working in video production really shines in the quality of this expedition in Wales.
More of this please, it's so great to watch. 👍🥃
Feeling a little homesick after watching this, there is nothing more lovely than going for a walk with the camera in the Welsh mountains on a wet misty day.
One of my favourite things to do.
Great cinematography , colors, composition, message, this video was a treat.
Cheers, Dave. Glad you enjoyed.
My god, the atmosphere and mood of this video. Even the music choice was perfect to create a real sense of place/environment. Also, absolutely gorgeous images. Thank you for sharing.
I love that the auto-captions kept mis-captioning the sound of rain as '[Applause]'.
Haha!
Great honesty and passion. A wonderful narrative, good stance.
I like the process of how a photographer produces a photo, not only takes the result.
Great job Kyle, watching your videos felt like joining your trip!
Glad you enjoyed!
Kyle, try Paramo kit for that kind if weather. It's the only kit I found that really works in Scottish 'clag'.
These were some of your best work I have seen so far. Great job.
Thank you!
As I wait for your An American Mile to arrive, I hope you consider creating a book of your black and white images from Snowdonia.
That's the plan!
Beautiful video - thank you for sharing 🥰
Cheers, Danny!
That first frame is awesome man. It triggered me more than it should have when you walked into the scene to meter it and left fresh boot prints haha.
😂
Wow good on you Kyle, you put an immense amount of work into your videos and it shows
Jeez the GS645W images you took were absolutely awesome!
Really enjoyed that camera.
Regardless of the broken camera, you still managed to capture some really great images...Btw - There is a chap in Bristol whom I have known for years, know locally as the person to get this era of camera fixed.... His name is John, and trades under the name of Black on White.... I hope that helps ?
Thanks, John. This one went back to where I bought it from, and it's out for repair. Fingers crossed.
beautiful video
Good old dependable Pentax saves the day! Ha Ha love that brand. Another great adventure, love the photography, thanks Kyle.
Haha, yep, the tank!
Oh man, you never disappoint!!!
The things you go through for content creation and youtube videos...
Huge respect to you 🫡
🙌 Thanks, Mustafa.
wonderful 🙏
Breathtaking work per usual
Thank you, Nick!
I am way older, so carrying all that gear, is a big no-no! Impressed. The abstracts of loose slate, kinda waste! I used 6x7 but preferred lighter cameras. Rolleiflex Automat. A spare roll, Yellow filter, lens shade. In terms of print quality, more than happy with Rollie. I think some of newer Digital cameras may surpass the sheet film. The cost of sheet film, a place I won't go. Bravo.
Great video, Kyle. Really enjoyed the pacing and on-location feeling of this one. Bravooooo 👏
I appreciate that, Dylan.
What a great one this was. Great job Kyle, this project will deliver no doubt if you keep getting these great images
Thank you! I'm excited about it.
How you summed up the adventure at the end is how we might sum up your videos. Good work as always
Thank you!
Inspiring video as always Kyle. Love the “gateway “ shot at 5:55 on the 645 !
Thanks, Pete!
I can confirm sitting outside in the rain eating a cheese & onion sandwich is incredibly British 😂 Great video again man! 📸🤩
Haha, glad you can relate!
wow, 1st image is SO nice dude!
Wonderful video, filled with inspiration! After I broke my back last year I haven't been able to hike as far as I wish, but seeing your videos make it possible for me to at least dream of long hikes. Perhaps one day soon I will be healthy enough to wander on foot again with some weight on my back.
Cheers, Drew! I hope you're able to get back out there soon and put on some miles. Regardless, any time spent outside is good time.
Your vids are always so honest and thoughtful, I love the detail @ 15:33, and you've introduced some gorgeous music to me. Big respect! X
adore the vibes in this one!
🙌
Photos and video were both gorgeous. Can just imagine all the effort behind it, and when things are going against you a bit, thank you.
Thank you!
Man I have to look into going on a vacation and exploring a place like this! It's hard to believe these places exist still.
This video was super helpful as an aspiring photographer. Seeing your dedication to the craft and working within the limitations of lighting and weather, as well as overcoming failures, like a broken camera, is inspiring. It's easy to let these thing deter you from following your passion, yet you strive not only to take great photos, but to take beautiful b-roll and create a super immersive video showcasing your work flow.
I've been watching your videos for years, and this one was superb all around. Hoping you get some drier weather in the future and can't wait for the next video!
I really appreciate that. As cliche as it sounds, it's all about the process. It all matters, and I remind myself often to try and enjoy it all.
wow this video was very much a step up from everything else you have made I really enjoyed the compositions and the music. Thanks a bunch for pushing out quality content like this!
Thanks, Joshua. Glad to hear you enjoyed this one.
Really enjoyable video, beautifully shot. Loved the wider shots of setting up/working.
Thanks, Sean!
I have 2 Fuji GS645S and they both have the exact same problem. It almost like they were built not to last after so many years. My guess is that Fuji used not durable materials to keep the weight down probably. I had one repaired for 350€ and it broke down again after a short while. I quit and just keep them as door stops because I would not feel comfortable selling them knowing that they will break sooner or later.
It’s such a pity because I really like the camera and the results I was getting from them.
Yeah, I've been hearing the same from so many people. It's a shame!
Hi Kyle,
One of your finest videos. I find all your videos helpful and very useful, but your skill, craft and experience are on full display here. I appreciate your candour too.
Sorry about the Fuji. I have one too; largely as a result of a video you shared a few years ago. A wonderful camera.I hope you get another one. It works for you.
Finally, the photographs shown in the video are so good. I especially find the landscape shots engaging. Beautiful work as usual.
I hope you dried out...
Thank you, Stephen. I appreciate that. And yeah, the Fuji is great, it's a shame they seem to be so fragile. This one is now out for repair. Fingers crossed I have better luck with it moving forward.
fuck yeah Kyle, really want to start making some videos like this myself! Super motivating seeing you do it so elegantly as always! Cheers!
Thank you!
Really wonderful. Again!
I kind of laughed / grimaced when u casually mentioned you had packed your P67, like as a backup… geez to have good knees again 😉
Haha, yeah, I have an issue with not being able to decide what to bring. So I usually just end up bringing it all!
I had that issue with my GS645. It's something to do with a pin that connects the film door to the camera to let it know when the back is closed correctly with film. According to my repairman, it was an easy fix and my GS645 works like a charm.
This one is out for repair right now. Hoping it's a simple fix like that!
I had the same issue as well, but it was the frame counter dial itself that got a little gummed up. It kept getting stuck at around 8 shots. Just needed a cleaning.
Loved the video, and have so much appreciation for the distance you made it, with so much gear on your back! True commitment to the craft! Also, congrats on surpassing 100k subscribers!
Thank you, Joey! I appreciate that.
Those detail shots among the spoils heap from Day 2 w/ the Pentax 6x7 sure looked good to me.
Thx. I grateful for your huge effort to produce such a video. ( I have no clue how to do it - it’s Über impressive.)
Glad you like them!
Great work man. Always excited to watch your videos!
Thank you!
Thank you for producing such great content as usual, man.
I think we'll see this get much better, very quickly. If Harman was already making a number of other colour films and released this, I'd agree that it was rushed, but I think when you consider that this is something very new for them, the decision to release it at this point makes a lot more sense, and will hopefully help speed up future improvements.
" I read the weather report and thought how bad can it get" 😄 Croeso I Gymru, a country with four season weather.......in one day! Great video well done you for toughing it out.
Haha, yeah, I shouldn't be surprised. Pretty much how every one of my trips goes up in this area. I wouldn't want it any other way.
great work! love the scene at 16:25.
this is your second gs645 varation on this channel, both broke if i am corrrect... I was on the fence to get one, thinking you got bad luck but not anymore!
Nice photos, as always
Yeah, it's unfortunate. I posted news about the Fuji breaking on my IG and had a lot of people saying they had issues with theirs. It's too bad as they're such compact little cameras with nice lenses.
Convinces me that I should get a GFX :0)
Another great video Kyle, I looking forward to see this project unfold. It also has given me alot of great advice thanks for always making intresting, insightful and helpful content
Glad you've found them helpful, Will.
Thank you Kyle for sharing your experiences!
Thanks for watching, Rick.
Really enjoying the large format videos!
This is just so well done.
I have made some of my favourite images using the fuji 645. LOVE IT and even for portraits is incredible
Big fan of it. Hoping this one get's fixed and lasts!
Great stuff again Kyle
Cheers, David!
Just an observation - Many times I like your video close-ups better than the printed image. The images at timestamp 14:00 and 14:10 are good examples. I like the video close up at 14:00 better.
Maenofferen and surrounds as challenging as ever lol. I think one comes face to face with one's self in these circumstances, you seemed to cope admirably in that you maintained both sanity and humour.
Every visit has been an adventure. Absolutely love the place.
Thoroughly enjoyable and so much to take in. Thanks Kyle.
I'll be loading up a dozen sheets of 4x5 Fomapan 100 for the weekend for my MPP MkVii. Won't be carrying it up any mountains mind you 😁
Cheers, Morris! I still have to try some of that Foma 100 in 4x5.
Great video! I really enjoyed the story behind the pictures!The 4x5 pictures in the ethereal fog/mist were amazing!! I admired how you rolled with the camera failure and still produced more beautiful images with your backup camera. Keep doing what you’re doing!! Thank you for the inspiration. 📷🎞️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Glad you enjoyed this one, Ruben!
Great video Kyle. I was up in Cwmorthin last weekend with my 4x5. Didn't get the conditions I wanted sadly, I needed the rock to be wet, so I need to return. I did get a decent image though of the track and the slate fence. I didn't go up to Rhosydd quarry that time though but have explored extensively up there, and wild camped on both sides of the Bwlch. It's an underrated, incredible place to sit and soak up the grandeur of the surrounding mountains, and the industrial archeology.
That's awesome, Russell! As you could probably tell in the video, I love the place.
Kyle, I hate it when a film camera breaks. In many cases the repair is more than the value of the camera. Maybe you should try a Fujifilm Fuji GSW690 (II or III) 6x9 Camera. I love my Pentax 6x7 but would like a 6x9 for pano shots on film.
Not too interested in 6x9, so I'm not sure I'd go for that camera. 645 is a nice alternative as I enjoy the extra frames, but still the larger negative from 35mm.
Great video and sounds like a really "interesting"" roadtrip! 🙃 Good to see you back, Kyle
Cheers, Alexander! Hope you're well.
Great video, awesome photos. Looking forward to seeing where this project goes. :)
Thank you!
This video deserves much more than 7.3k views. Loved everything about this besides any issues that you had.
Cheers, Derek. Glad you enjoyed it!
Kyle, we are crying with laughter at you sat on the rock eating your sandwich. We get days like this in Scotland as well and know your pain.
Love that little GS645W. One of my favourite cameras.
Mine is also in the camera repair shop... 😢
Such a great camera! Everyone I talk to that owns/owned one has had issues, unfortunately.
@@KyleMcDougall My other favourite point and shoot is the Horizon 202, the Clockwork Budget Xpan. Would recommend. 😁
So nice
i liked what you said about how you would feel about the detail shots in a month from now. i'd be interested in a video where you reflect on the images you have taken in uk so far, going through what works and what hasn't for you. and maybe even how you would sequence them together
Definitely something I'll keep in mind for a future video. I'm learning to not judge my photos too quickly, as my feelings almost always change with time.
@@KyleMcDougall yep, i've found the same thing with my own work, i've started giving myself a several month window before judging work now for that reason. i just put it away in a drawer and come back to it fresh later on.
Still haven't found the name of the brand of the cap you wear often with the letters SWML in the logo :) I feel like these comments are somewhat idiotic, considering I don't watch your videos for the stuff you wear, but rather for the things you say and the pictures you take. Yet, the fact that not even ChatGPT could tell me what brand that is, it elevates the whole thing to levels of mystery! Please shed some light, if you can. Other than that, I really love the second workshop picture. I'm glad you did that second attempt.
It's actually from a friend of mine who owns a production company called, Sawmill. Probably why you couldn't find it!
This highlight a downside of expensive vintage film gear : you don't want to take them out into the rain, missing potentially great shots. It's much more comfortable with a modern weather sealed camera. Maybe a large umbrella could save the day though (if there's no wind).
I was up in the Blaenau Ffestiniog area about 3 weeks ago, and it was bright and sunny for 3 days. Wished for your misty overcast conditions ( without rain ) which I think works so well in black and white, especially for gritty industrial subjects . Unfortunately as you say, you can’t plan the weather.
The mist / clouds are key. It's a tough landscape to photograph in the sun.
Haha sheep with that attitude! Really enjoyed the images and the music pairing with this one man
Thanks, Sathya!
Wow I had that exact issue with my Fuji GS645W. It's such a bummer. I can still technically shoot with it and I end up getting around 12 frames instead of the normal 15-16. I've tried getting it fixed a two places and both have told me they can't due to not having the parts. I hope you have more luck with yours!
Yeah, I've heard from a number of people who have mentioned having the same issue. A definite bummer.
Very strong “Death Stranding” vibes.
Kyle: “This has been a really good reminder with necessity of patience”
Next trip… fishing + photography 💀
Haha! Me and fishing are not a good mix!
Amazing! Cinematography of this video was something! Can't imagine how many times you had to retrieve your tripod haha.
Did the condensation wreck the GS645?
Thanks, Brian! Nope, the camera stayed dry for the most part. I think it has something to do with the film advance gearing.
I needed a video like this today, thank you! Are you alone out there? Or another camera operator? If u are solo, salute for a lot, but esp all the times you leave your camera and have to walk back to it
Glad you enjoyed it. I'm doing these by myself.
Do you ever do workshops mate? I'd say I'm competent with film photography be it 35mm or medium format, but I feel like I'd be out of my depth with large format 😂
One day soon!
Where in North Wales was this? Looks amazing.
Near Blaenau Ffestiniog
I missed my train stop watching this, great episode! 😎
What developer chemical do you use for developing your HP5? I use Rodinal but it's too grainy compared to your shots! Thanks!
DDX! My favourite.
@@KyleMcDougall thanks! out of curiosity how did you meter for those LF shots in the machine shop?
Nice video, I have 2 questions. Did you find out what's wrong with the fuji? I had a similar problem with my GS645S when I was I Malaysia back in march but I didnt find a solution yet. Second question ist what gear are you filming on? I really enjoy the style of video footage. A lot of these scene would make great photographs as well!
Haven't found out what's wrong with the Fuji yet. It's currently out for repair. The footage was shot with the Fuji X-H2s and the 16mm 1.4 / 14mm 2.8. Cheers.
@KyleMcDougall do you find you make extensive use of the tilt and shift in the majority of your frames with large format? I'm wondering how valuable it is as a photographic tool.
I use limited movements, but yes, I do use them. Usually just a bit of rise/fall and tilt. For the work I do, that covers it.
It looks like you ended up getting pretty wet in this one, what do you do with your wet gear after days like this? Do you just towel dry it or do you put it in a dry cabinet? Or do you just let it air out once you get home?
Hang it out in my hotel room, hope it drys, wake up to find it didn't, then wear wet clothes the next day. Pretty much how this one played out, haha.
I see you're using a 55-100. When I got mine I was shocked by the diameter of its front element. Have you found a filter system for that beast that would cost more than the lens itself?
It's a big one! Haven't even looked yet, but I'd imagine they're not cheap.
It's a bummer those Fuji GS series cameras aren't better built, they're great cameras otherwise. I had the folding version, but it felt quite poorly made so I sold it while it still worked!
Yeah, I know. They have so much going for them and the lenses are special.
Hey Kyle, what hiking pants are you rocking these days?
They look like a pair of Tatonka trekking pants (Recco is the model I believe)
These are by a company called Revolution Race.
What filmand dev used.very fine eye you have sir shoot on.
Thank you. HP5 + DDX
What backpack is that? I want one
Compagnon Element
One does not simply stash a 67 (and zoom) 😂
Haha, yeah, definitely not!
Is that goretex??
Jacket and boots, yes.
Get in touch with Steve O'nions he is on TH-cam, he knows a very good camera repairer, hope this helps
Cheers, David. This one went back to the shop I bought it from, and it's out for repair.
serr music
Mouth sound eating ASMR makes me psychotic. I wish it wasn't a thing. it literally makes me so angry I want to scream.
😂
This is priceless work, gadamnnn 🤌🤌🤌
🙏
SNOWDONIA!!