Not only do I like the print but the simplicity of the shoot. That's what got me into photography and after years of digital DSLRs with various menus and sub-menus and bags of lenses, I keep going back to one camera, one lens, and a roll of film (or three!) because it's so much less of a faff!
Lith printing takes me back Steve! One of the many techniques I failed to master on my photographic journey! You make it all look so easy too! Another brilliant and inspirational video, always my Saturday highlight. Thank you very much for making them so well!
Thank you David. I certainly haven’t master lith work and sadly my favourite papers are no more. I used to use a Kentmere paper and got excellent results every time with little effort but they stopped making it back in 2007 when Ilford took over 😕
Love your work as well as your videos. Have been watching for a month or so and fallen in love with your photography . Your photography remind me of my time of enjoyment in the darkroom I put together when I was 14 where I never wanted to get out . Smell of chemicals were pleasant and satisfying to me. Couldn't wait to see the developing image coming alive in front of my eyes. Please continue the good work, you are sincere and it shows. Your enjoyment in your walks is enjoyable to watch- Thanks a mil.
That’s an interesting combo Steve - I mean your use of the modern (C41) colour neg XP2 film coupled with traditional Darkroom Printing. I have to say that every time I watch one of your videos, I’m truly inspired to want to go out and shoot some pictures. I also like your videos because refreshingly, they’re focused genuinely on photography (unlike a lot of the so-called photography channels on TH-cam), and to me you demonstrate that photography is a creative endeavour which is not defined by pixels or by the resolving power or whatever of some lens.
Thanks Nigel. The more I photograph the more I realise that equipment and technology are only a very small part of what matters, they often get in the way and less is usually more.
Just stopped by to tell you I absolutely love and appreciate your videos! Thank you for making me go out and shoot more, while enjoying the great outdoors. Cheers!
Agreed with the previous poster, this is definitely one of the most enjoyable channels on this site. Keep up the great work Steve. Also, the second image of the path over the bridge is a really lovely photograph.
After seeing the video I ordered one of the lith prints. I received it today. It arrived very well packaged and is something to treasure. Thank you Steve!
I’m so glad you like it Thomas, the colour that is possible with ‘back and white’ paper never ceases to amaze me. Hopefully I’ll manage to coax that Slavich paper into giving a decent print by the end of the year 🙂
Love the time in the darkroom. I used to always have one either set up or to be set up. However, don't have the room anymore. So, when I do film, if BW then I develop but scan to digital. So, it was super nice to get the ambiance of an actual darkroom back.
It’s only last year I built myself another one Erich after dismantling the previous one in 2012. I never thought I’d ever do it again but suddenly something just clicked in my head and I went out and bought everything I used to have (at much higher prices!).
Your channel is really underated. I'm not a film photographer but I enjoy the thought process and methodology of film photography and you make it very easy to digest. You earn yourself a subscriber.
Great video, steve. The 2nd photo (of the pathway and fence dipping into the valley and small bridge) is my favourite, looks wonderful. The darkroom, however, is an opaque mystery to me, beyond my comprehension of how things are done!
Thank you, I also like that image and was surprised how well it came out. The darkroom is surprisingly easy to get to grips with, the processes are largely unchanged for the last 150 years and there’s something very special about a gelatin silver print. All the best.
It certainly appears that going out for that soaking was worth it. You have several exciting images judging from what you shared. I’m definitely interested in learning more about the Lith printing, I don’t believe I have heard of it before. Maybe you have done some video on it since this was posted. As always thanks for sharing and inspiring. Your videos are a real joy to watch.
Nice video Steve and some great images. Before I watched it I was thinking why didn't we make more of the day and take more shots. Then I watch your video and I remember how bad the weather was up there. I think it needs a return visit.
I loved this video which brought back so many memories - too long to describe here so I will email you. Thanks for providing a brilliant start to Saturday with these evocative images. I also look forward to your vlog about processing the XP2.
I enjoy Lith printing, especially if I have a suitable IR neg. Peter over at thephotoshop.ie keeps a good selection of Lith paper and Chemicals. Hes also a very good Lith printer and worth picking his brains over Slavich paper.Great Vlog Steve Cheers Diz
I'm not a big fan of being out in the rain and dreariness *BUT* the mist and the subtle shadows -- wow! The photos captured a good bit of that, but with the almost sepia toning they looked rather vintage. Like a few shots from a gentleman's hike circa 1896 maybe? A challenge would be to return in bright, sunny weather and get some shots where shadows play a big part, but you take great care to retain some details in the shadows -- tricky work with film! Enjoyed it very much -- than you for sharing!
@@SteveONions -- I am the opposite in most cases -- I would have a hard time getting outside in the weather as you had it that day *BUT* if I knew that the mist and rocks were waiting, then (maybe!) I would get my rear-end out of the door and trudge up the hills -- because the views (in your video and the photos) was amazing.
That area where the photos were taken looks just out of the ordinary beautiful. The weather does it's part to it. But it looks extremely interesting for photography and just plain walking around. The prints, the colored ones, came out very nice. Will perhaps have to look into the darkroom thing again. Thought scanning the negatives would do for me.
Thank you! I did my first prints now (no lith prints) and really enjoyed getting back to the darkroom even if the prints were not the best. Unfortunately both of my enlarger timers quit working but I hope to get a new one soon. And I already ordered some lith developer. I am really looking forward to use it. ☺️
Thanks Steve for another very enjoyable and enlightening video. I have only heard a out lith printing recently and I must explore it more. Many thanks.
Well worth a go Phillip, it’s just a shame that there are so few suitable papers left now. Even 10 years ago we had three or four excellent old papers that I dearly miss 😢
Thanks for going to the effort of of making and explaining the lith print process. It strikes me as a method that responds well to certain kinds of images, your heavy weather included.
Hi Steve they look very similar to Brimham Rocks which are a bit further north. I photographed them a long time ago, but they where only snap shots really as we were out with friends for the day from Harrogate. Anyhow they may well be worth a visit as they too have some unusual formations. Great images by the way. Plus good choice of background music. Very relaxing video which keeps you engrossed.
@@SteveONions Yes it all looked quite dramatic also liked the lith treatment as it complemented the subject matter, reminded me of the first exploits of photographic explorers with their large plate cameras. Had a feeling of the images from Easter Island and all those head statues just waiting for something. Very mysterious. The corridors of eroded peat looked to have a lot of potential as well as leading lines don't know if you could do something with that. We have a lot of peat up here and it looks quite good when it drys out and you get cracking along the ground,
Enhorabuena por el vídeo Steve. En el ,te das cuenta, de que apretar el obturador, no es mas que una parte del proceso. Quizás algún día, pueda yo tener un cuarto oscuro y poder positivar mis fotografías.Un saludo desde España.
I always avoid going out in bad weather, but I can see I'll have to change my ways. I'll also have to give that film stock a try as well. Lovely Images. Thank you for a very informative video
Great video and fabulous to see Lith prints I used to shoot lith film for live music events years and years ago. Made me want to rebuild my old darkroom great inspiration. Thank you 👍🙏
Steve O'Nions Thanks for the reply. Yep they were very contrasty with no real tones just black or transparent but if my memory serves the main reason I used it was it pushable to 3200 from 400 iso. I think if it’s not an old urban photographic tale, that the film was the same film they used to use in speed cameras......iam going back well over twenty years. Thanks again for restarting my interest and have a great week 👍🏻
Another lovely video. The rocks are quite interesting, very alien looking. A few months ago, inspired by your videos, I started shooting some 35mm film again. I have similar Nikon gear to you, so I have been shooting with the N80 (American version of the F80) on my walks because of its light weight. I had completely forgotten about the mushy shutter button with its nonexistent tactile feel. But, it’s my only complaint about this camera. Still better than carrying a much heavier F100 :-)
the f80 is such an amazing camera, autofocus and you can manually set the iso, and all the modern lens bells and whistles work, image stabilization, electromagnetic diagram. you should get a tamron sp 45mm f1.8 di vc usd for that thing. ive got the 35mm and 85mm versions for my d610 and use them on the f80 regularly. it will let you hand hold some pretty low shutter speeds.
Steve, it is lovely to watch another great vlog from yourself. About that slavich, I have some experience lith printing with the paper. Presoak, fresh chems, constant agitation and more exposure helps with getting rather less gritty look, if that is what you are after. But I prefer Foma and forte papers, the older the better.
Great work! I like the one at 2:30, Easter Island is nice at 3:55, but I suspect it is widely photographed? - and I was reminded of some missing molars I have at 4:52 . Very nice images all around. I am inspired to go out in rain now. Can you get a shot of that comet? Now or never there. Great quality of content it is clear that good efforts and hard work went into it. Thanks!
Great vid, I like your subtle humor :) that landscape looks so nice, my favorite photo was the one you showed a second time with the rock formation, where it sort of goes from light to dark and to me it forms a complete shape, Gestalt if you will
Thank you. Looking back I’m also drawn to a couple of the other shots, I can’t imagine how many other compositions there are in the right weather conditions.
fair play to you Steve after our chat in the car park i hoped it would break, i too took my f80 but decided after the mooch over to kinder downfall it would stay under the jacket but you did well it was a challenge great post enjoyed it
It was certainly a challenge up there and not much fun at times but as usual that's exactly the sort of weather that leads to interesting photos. We ended up taking that route back down following the river but it was hard work and nothing to photograph, would have been better retracing our steps methinks. Next time I'd like to do the full route round to Ringing Roger but I'll save that for a midweek trip so it's less of a motorway up there! All the best, Steve.
@@SteveONions yes thats the route we were going to take but decided to plough on to ringing rodger it was a gruller for sure, i was suprised just how busy it was Steve to be honest, take care might bump into you again on our travels had much the same weather this week over shinning torr maybe better this week
Did the cloud and rain persist for the whole time you were on the tops? I should have stuck it out longer I think, the options were endless once people got out of the frame!
@@SteveONions yes once off the top the visability was better but like you after the dramaticrock formations nothing cuaght my eye, im out again this week so will be looking some where slightly less busy and think the weather will be much improved my son lives out nr southport so want to find some spots over there to visit before heading over to see him
Talking of mood, that footage certainly conveyed it in buckets & the resulting images shown were cracking. Totally fascinating watching & listening to you go through the process Steve. Btw, love that location in the Peak District, it really did lend itself to the conditions you were out in., the colour of that water I reckon they should rename it peat district, lol. Atb Alan
Thanks Alan, it was great up there but so difficult to shoot and what I didn’t show was just how many other people there were and that it harder to work with. I was also surprised at how much erosion was taking place and can’t imagine the landscape looking like it does now in a few decades time.
@@SteveONions The Black Mountains on the eastern side of the Brecon Beacons have some very noticeable erosion, a very boggy landscape not disimilar to the sorts of terrain you seemed to be in.
Hi Gijsbert. I typically go for around 1A+1B+32water +1.5D with the Moersh Masterlith kit at 24 degrees C. I need to experiment more with stronger mixes to tame the lively Fomatone !
Did the same/similar route few months back, started nicely in Edale but got wet through and snowed in on the top. Hauled my P67 all the way and didn't take one picture as it was constantly pouring. Will defo go back. And this black mud, ugh.
I used Fomatone 532 with Fotospeed lith developer back 10 years ago and I have a permanent darkroom now. I Had some lovely prints some of which I still have. That Fomatone paper has been discontinued. I am interested to see what you are using
You can still get 532-II Neil, my stock is from last year and it works the same as the material I was using 10 years ago. I also like 133 which has slightly more sheen.
Hi new to your channel. My partner loves older cameras and has quite a few. I love walking. This video has stunning views - can I ask where this was please x
Hi Steve great video I was really interested in seeing the piece of equipment you used to develop stop & fix the print. Can I ask what is it called & are they still available to buy ? A great space saver.
Hi Adrian. It’s called a Nova slot processor and they’ve been around for years (I’m the UK at least). They come in sizes from 8x10 to 16x20 I believe and have between 2 and four slots. They are thermostatically controlled and a joy to use.
This may sound strange but I have been reading about a US photographer who seems to have great success developing the XP2-S in HC110 @ 1+49. He rates it @ 100 for 5 minutes and 7 minutes for iso 200. Initial agitation 5 inversion and then one inversion every minute. The photos he showed displayed great tonality. May be worth a try.
Kudos to you for sticking it out and managing to capture some truly beautiful photographs. I thought that those wet walking shoes in the mud would have made a very telling photograph in high contrast BW and, was that a Jam butty in seeded bread? Delicious. PS: Have you tried Fomapan Creative 200 ? I really like it @ 160 in Sudional or Atomal 49 1+1 for 120 roll?
Yes, a jam butty indeed, a very robust snacking and perfect for days out in the hills 😀. I tried the Foma a couple of times and liked the look but the film itself does mark quite easily , especially when wet.
Enjoyed it very much, Steve. For some reason I also get the urge to venture out in rainy weather to shoot. Dedicated or just plain nuts? Legitimate question, probably best left unanswered, at least on my part.
Hi Steve - this is definitely a technique I need to explore. Excellent demonstration, and I enjoyed the video footage as well. I was sure you were going to show an image of your shoes when the camera started to fade out to show a print ! Cheers!
@@SteveONions No, just the opposite! I was thinking when you showed the wet ground and the video started to fade you had taken a photograph of your shoes! Of course, that would have been rather funny, and fitting for your sense of humor!
Hello Steve! Thank you so much for this video, I dont understand how to calculate the exposure time in order to surexpose, how do you end up with choosing 45secondes?
The photos, the video, the storyline, everything was quite nice, as always. The yellow cast on your face during the talking head section looked a bit odd though
As to 45 secs been a long exposure, when I use older paper, I find the initial exposure inertia requires a slower exposure to get the best from the paper. 👍
Good point Alasdair, I also pre-flash to speed things up at times but I can live with sub minute exposures. Had I been making a 16x12 it would have been a different matter.
I've been working with liquid light, and finding 2 minutes is about right for what I'm doing, and man long exposures are a drag in the darkroom, so much sitting around in the dark...
Really nice mood prints of a beautiful landscape. Very good to see your darkroomwork. What is your experience of that Nova processor compared to tray developing "normal" b&w? Does the developer last longer? Can you leave it in the processor for 2-3 days? You washer is interesting too? What brand is it? never seen it before. Is the slow moving action from the waterflow?
Thank you. I use the Nova almost exclusively as I suffer with any darkroom odors and the slot processor reduces them significantly. The space saving is also impressive, no need for four trays side by side.
@@SteveONions thank you, i was always interested in these processors but never had the opportunity to use them. i will have a look at ebay when my darkroom is ready...
@@SteveONions Good to know. i found something similar in the www that looks similar to nova. But i do not understand the system in its details yet because my english is not so good. At the first glance it looks great but may be it is an overkill for amateur darkroomwork. The printholder are huge surfaced and i assume a lot of chemical is transferred to the following bath. Would be interesting to see the first real world reviews: www.optimadarkroom.com
@@SteveONions And it seems these Optima guys are the Novaguys too: www.kickstarter.com/projects/apurpleturkey/optima12-photographic-darkroom-printandfilm-proces
Hi Steve, those photos were well captured. May I know how were the pictures exposed? Are you using handheld spot metering or just the camera metering of the Nikon F80? Does the matrix metering of the Nikon F80 works well in landscape photography in both color and black and white film?
Why do you have the affected pronunciation of NI-KON? As Nik-On? The President of the Company told me it was NI-KON and NI-KOR Lenses a half century ago in person when Erinrieich Photo Optical Incorporated (EPOI) was still the importer of them. You sound like the fool you are. Do you call them To-Yo-TAs? And NIS Za Zanz? And Le ZA ZE US or Le ZUES?
You've in my opinion one of the most enjoyable photography channels on TH-cam, keep em coming Steve.
True.
Thank you Tony, that’s very kind 😊
hear! hear!
Not only do I like the print but the simplicity of the shoot. That's what got me into photography and after years of digital DSLRs with various menus and sub-menus and bags of lenses, I keep going back to one camera, one lens, and a roll of film (or three!) because it's so much less of a faff!
It's definitely easier Mark despite the hassle of developing and scanning, I do much less post processing than digital.
Lith printing takes me back Steve! One of the many techniques I failed to master on my photographic journey! You make it all look so easy too! Another brilliant and inspirational video, always my Saturday highlight. Thank you very much for making them so well!
Thank you David. I certainly haven’t master lith work and sadly my favourite papers are no more. I used to use a Kentmere paper and got excellent results every time with little effort but they stopped making it back in 2007 when Ilford took over 😕
Love your work as well as your videos. Have been watching for a month or so and fallen in love with your photography . Your photography remind me of my time of enjoyment in the darkroom I put together when I was 14 where I never wanted to get out . Smell of chemicals were pleasant and satisfying to me. Couldn't wait to see the developing image coming alive in front of my eyes. Please continue the good work, you are sincere and it shows. Your enjoyment in your walks is enjoyable to watch- Thanks a mil.
Thank you so much for the kind words and I hope you manage to revisit the darkroom one day 🙂
These photos make me feel so calm. By the way, I think Steve could be spokesperson for outdoor equipments.
Well worth a trip to capture those boulders, a landscape gem! Lith printing looks like fun!
Thanks Gavin, and lith printing is fun, if a little infuriating.
That’s an interesting combo Steve - I mean your use of the modern (C41) colour neg XP2 film coupled with traditional Darkroom Printing. I have to say that every time I watch one of your videos, I’m truly inspired to want to go out and shoot some pictures. I also like your videos because refreshingly, they’re focused genuinely on photography (unlike a lot of the so-called photography channels on TH-cam), and to me you demonstrate that photography is a creative endeavour which is not defined by pixels or by the resolving power or whatever of some lens.
Thanks Nigel. The more I photograph the more I realise that equipment and technology are only a very small part of what matters, they often get in the way and less is usually more.
Two thumbs up, Steve.
nothing beats a summer in britain!! good on you for sticking it out. great prints as a reward.
Thanks Matteo 😀
Just stopped by to tell you I absolutely love and appreciate your videos! Thank you for making me go out and shoot more, while enjoying the great outdoors. Cheers!
Glad you like the videos Rodrigo.
Agreed with the previous poster, this is definitely one of the most enjoyable channels on this site. Keep up the great work Steve. Also, the second image of the path over the bridge is a really lovely photograph.
Thanks Rene, maybe I'll get round to printing that second shot one day :)
After seeing the video I ordered one of the lith prints. I received it today. It arrived very well packaged and is something to treasure. Thank you Steve!
I’m so glad you like it Thomas, the colour that is possible with ‘back and white’ paper never ceases to amaze me. Hopefully I’ll manage to coax that Slavich paper into giving a decent print by the end of the year 🙂
Love the time in the darkroom. I used to always have one either set up or to be set up. However, don't have the room anymore. So, when I do film, if BW then I develop but scan to digital. So, it was super nice to get the ambiance of an actual darkroom back.
It’s only last year I built myself another one Erich after dismantling the previous one in 2012. I never thought I’d ever do it again but suddenly something just clicked in my head and I went out and bought everything I used to have (at much higher prices!).
I'm not much into youtube but your videos is something I always looking forward to Thanks
Thanks Tozze, much appreciated.
Your channel is really underated. I'm not a film photographer but I enjoy the thought process and methodology of film photography and you make it very easy to digest. You earn yourself a subscriber.
Thank you Nate 🙂
so beatiful landscape
I wander why I missed this video before, it's amazing, cheers^^
Loved the subjects and compositions for your photos Steve. Interesting insights to your dark room too.
Many thanks Stephen.
Great presentation, no waffle, engaging and very informative.
Glad you liked it Robin 👍
Awesome video Steve. You live in such a nice place, love those rock formation, great landscapes!
Thanks Juan.
Perfect day for photography in that area. Your photos captured it beautifully. Stay safe.
Thanks Brian, looking back I think the conditions were spot on.
Your composition as usual was fantastic: Well done Steve
Thank you Brian 👍
Great video, steve. The 2nd photo (of the pathway and fence dipping into the valley and small bridge) is my favourite, looks wonderful. The darkroom, however, is an opaque mystery to me, beyond my comprehension of how things are done!
Thank you, I also like that image and was surprised how well it came out. The darkroom is surprisingly easy to get to grips with, the processes are largely unchanged for the last 150 years and there’s something very special about a gelatin silver print. All the best.
Beautiful pictures! With mystic light, haunting even. And in such conditions. Great explanation about the development process too, thanks.
Thank you, I loved the light but the persistent rain wasn’t much fun 😕
I was impressed with your shots, Steve. We are having the same light rain in Sydney, but not much fog.
Plenty of rain here Robert but then again it is Summer. The clouds really settled on the hills that day, it was much clearer lower down.
Really enjoyed your film making Steve. No need to ask for indulgence!
Thanks Curtis :)
It certainly appears that going out for that soaking was worth it. You have several exciting images judging from what you shared. I’m definitely interested in learning more about the Lith printing, I don’t believe I have heard of it before. Maybe you have done some video on it since this was posted. As always thanks for sharing and inspiring. Your videos are a real joy to watch.
Thanks Justin. I haven't made a dedicated video on the subject yet and it is a pity there aren't more suitable papers left on the market.
super interesting. I always thought it was very complicated. Something to try.
Thanks Jason.
Those rocks are so 😲😲😲😲😲, never seen something like that before. You've captured those very well
Thanks Nelson, they surprised me too, I didn’t expect them to be so dramatic.
Struck gold on that trip, very nice shots and print!
I’m still drying out the bag but it was worth it 🙂
Absolutely love the video Steve, that b-roll with that music was so nice! amazing photos too.
Thanks Jordan 🙂
Nice video Steve and some great images. Before I watched it I was thinking why didn't we make more of the day and take more shots. Then I watch your video and I remember how bad the weather was up there. I think it needs a return visit.
It was a tough old day Robin but those rocks are worth a revisit this winter.
That looks such a photogenic area. Really enjoyed the video in The Peaks as well as the darkroom work.
I can’t believe I haven’t been up there before to be honest, a return trip on a frosty winters day is firmly in my mind now.
Hauntingly beautiful images, Steve. Superb videography, and I appreciate your dark room techniques.
Thank you Timothy 👍
I loved this video which brought back so many memories - too long to describe here so I will email you. Thanks for providing a brilliant start to Saturday with these evocative images. I also look forward to your vlog about processing the XP2.
Thanks Keith, looking forward to your email 👍
Bad weather but great images, indeed! 👏
I enjoy Lith printing, especially if I have a suitable IR neg. Peter over at thephotoshop.ie keeps a good selection of Lith paper and Chemicals. Hes also a very good Lith printer and worth picking his brains over Slavich paper.Great Vlog Steve
Cheers
Diz
Thanks for the tip Diz, I buy paper from Peter but didn’t know he printed himself 👍
I'm not a big fan of being out in the rain and dreariness *BUT* the mist and the subtle shadows -- wow! The photos captured a good bit of that, but with the almost sepia toning they looked rather vintage. Like a few shots from a gentleman's hike circa 1896 maybe? A challenge would be to return in bright, sunny weather and get some shots where shadows play a big part, but you take great care to retain some details in the shadows -- tricky work with film! Enjoyed it very much -- than you for sharing!
I actually struggle more in good weather to be honest, it just doesn’t inspire me.
@@SteveONions -- I am the opposite in most cases -- I would have a hard time getting outside in the weather as you had it that day *BUT* if I knew that the mist and rocks were waiting, then (maybe!) I would get my rear-end out of the door and trudge up the hills -- because the views (in your video and the photos) was amazing.
beautiful place, amazing weather and condtions, wonderful job ! thank you for your work
Thank you Maxence 🙂
Very good!🇩🇪
Thank you Hu.
Instructive & entertaining as ever Steve and I feel shamed for not venturing out today in slight drizzle. Must try harder!
Don't worry, I struggle too but I know the results are always worth the effort (and soaking).
Great video and great print. Also enjoyed the darkroom footage, as I have never done any Lith printing, certainly something to add on the to do list!
Well worth a go if you get the chance Simon 🙂
I shot my first roll of xp2 two weeks ago during a hike in the mountain... Beautiful results!
It’s an amazing film Andrea, I used to shoot a lot of it and also the earlier XP1.
As usual a very enjoyable video.
Thanks Tom.
I love XP2 as a film stock. I both develop it in C-41 and in B&W developers, and both give a fantastic tonal range.
It's much underrated Alasdair, I love the smooth highlight tones and gentle shoulder that make darkroom printing a lot easier.
Looking forward to hearing about XP2
That area where the photos were taken looks just out of the ordinary beautiful. The weather does it's part to it. But it looks extremely interesting for photography and just plain walking around.
The prints, the colored ones, came out very nice. Will perhaps have to look into the darkroom thing again. Thought scanning the negatives would do for me.
Thanks Peter. Scanning is a lot easier and more controllable but there’s just something about darkroom prints 🙂
Wonderful images! I hope to get back to lith printing soon after more than 10 years not doing any print.
I hope your return and manage to find a paper that works for you. - I’m still looking 😯
Thank you! I did my first prints now (no lith prints) and really enjoyed getting back to the darkroom even if the prints were not the best. Unfortunately both of my enlarger timers quit working but I hope to get a new one soon. And I already ordered some lith developer. I am really looking forward to use it. ☺️
Thanks Steve for another very enjoyable and enlightening video. I have only heard a out lith printing recently and I must explore it more. Many thanks.
Well worth a go Phillip, it’s just a shame that there are so few suitable papers left now. Even 10 years ago we had three or four excellent old papers that I dearly miss 😢
Thanks for going to the effort of of making and explaining the lith print process. It strikes me as a method that responds well to certain kinds of images, your heavy weather included.
It does suit bad weather Bob and also infrared and Holga work. It isn’t for every scene but when you want to convey a certain mood it is perfect.
@@SteveONions I'm guessing that you could also add pinhole to that list.
Indeed 🙂
Hi Steve they look very similar to Brimham Rocks which are a bit further north. I photographed them a long time ago, but they where only snap shots really as we were out with friends for the day from Harrogate. Anyhow they may well be worth a visit as they too have some unusual formations. Great images by the way. Plus good choice of background music. Very relaxing video which keeps you engrossed.
Thanks David, I am very keen to return when the weather turns cooler, I would like to have some of the distant background hill to frame the rocks 🙂
@@SteveONions Yes it all looked quite dramatic also liked the lith treatment as it complemented the subject matter, reminded me of the first exploits of photographic explorers with their large plate cameras. Had a feeling of the images from Easter Island and all those head statues just waiting for something. Very mysterious. The corridors of eroded peat looked to have a lot of potential as well as leading lines don't know if you could do something with that. We have a lot of peat up here and it looks quite good when it drys out and you get cracking along the ground,
It’s definitely a bit Easter island David and all that black mud too, so different to other parts of the Peaks.
Enhorabuena por el vídeo Steve. En el ,te das cuenta, de que apretar el obturador, no es mas que una parte del proceso. Quizás algún día, pueda yo tener un cuarto oscuro y poder positivar mis fotografías.Un saludo desde España.
Thanks Francisco and I hope you one day manage to get a darkroom of your own.
I always avoid going out in bad weather, but I can see I'll have to change my ways. I'll also have to give that film stock a try as well. Lovely Images. Thank you for a very informative video
Thanks Mark. I don’t think I’d shoot much at all if I waited for good weather 😀
Can’t wait for the xp2 video. It’s a lot easier for me to shoot it as the only lab in my area only develops C41. I like the film a lot.
That’s true, dedicated B&W developing can be hard to find.
Great video and fabulous to see Lith prints I used to shoot lith film for live music events years and years ago. Made me want to rebuild my old darkroom great inspiration. Thank you 👍🙏
Thank you. I’ve never shot lith film myself, they must have been very graphic images you captured!
Steve O'Nions Thanks for the reply. Yep they were very contrasty with no real tones just black or transparent but if my memory serves the main reason I used it was it pushable to 3200 from 400 iso. I think if it’s not an old urban photographic tale, that the film was the same film they used to use in speed cameras......iam going back well over twenty years.
Thanks again for restarting my interest and have a great week 👍🏻
It could well have been a traffic film, SFX200 was developed for speed cameras too I believe.
Another lovely video. The rocks are quite interesting, very alien looking.
A few months ago, inspired by your videos, I started shooting some 35mm film again. I have similar Nikon gear to you, so I have been shooting with the N80 (American version of the F80) on my walks because of its light weight. I had completely forgotten about the mushy shutter button with its nonexistent tactile feel. But, it’s my only complaint about this camera. Still better than carrying a much heavier F100 :-)
I’m the same Veronica and sold my F100 last year. It’s surprising how the extra weight makes it uncomfortable to carry all day.
the f80 is such an amazing camera, autofocus and you can manually set the iso, and all the modern lens bells and whistles work, image stabilization, electromagnetic diagram. you should get a tamron sp 45mm f1.8 di vc usd for that thing. ive got the 35mm and 85mm versions for my d610 and use them on the f80 regularly. it will let you hand hold some pretty low shutter speeds.
Thanks for the lens recommendations, I’ve never thought of those before 👍
Great video Steve! Would love to see a video on your darkroom gear. Would love to make a room at my house, just don’t know where to begin.
It’s surprising how small an area you need if you can get hold of a slot processor Chris.
Steve, it is lovely to watch another great vlog from yourself. About that slavich, I have some experience lith printing with the paper. Presoak, fresh chems, constant agitation and more exposure helps with getting rather less gritty look, if that is what you are after. But I prefer Foma and forte papers, the older the better.
Thanks Pavel, I’ll give that a go. And I’m still waiting for the Forte (Adox) Polywarmtone revival - it’s only been 11 years so far! 😀
Great work! I like the one at 2:30, Easter Island is nice at 3:55, but I suspect it is widely photographed? - and I was reminded of some missing molars I have at 4:52 . Very nice images all around. I am inspired to go out in rain now. Can you get a shot of that comet? Now or never there. Great quality of content it is clear that good efforts and hard work went into it. Thanks!
Hehe, I saw the same things as you John, definitely Easter island and teeth!
Nice images 👍
This year has been good for those type of conditions 😆
Thanks for the walk through Lithe printing.
Thanks Stuart, I could have said it was a Winter shoot but then again it’s a lot drier in that season 😀
Yes certainly has a March feel 😅 Holga weather
Holga is sad she didn’t get to go!
Great vid, I like your subtle humor :) that landscape looks so nice, my favorite photo was the one you showed a second time with the rock formation, where it sort of goes from light to dark and to me it forms a complete shape, Gestalt if you will
Thank you. Looking back I’m also drawn to a couple of the other shots, I can’t imagine how many other compositions there are in the right weather conditions.
fair play to you Steve after our chat in the car park i hoped it would break, i too took my f80 but decided after the mooch over to kinder downfall it would stay under the jacket but you did well it was a challenge great post enjoyed it
It was certainly a challenge up there and not much fun at times but as usual that's exactly the sort of weather that leads to interesting photos. We ended up taking that route back down following the river but it was hard work and nothing to photograph, would have been better retracing our steps methinks. Next time I'd like to do the full route round to Ringing Roger but I'll save that for a midweek trip so it's less of a motorway up there!
All the best, Steve.
@@SteveONions yes thats the route we were going to take but decided to plough on to ringing rodger it was a gruller for sure, i was suprised just how busy it was Steve to be honest, take care might bump into you again on our travels had much the same weather this week over shinning torr maybe better this week
Did the cloud and rain persist for the whole time you were on the tops? I should have stuck it out longer I think, the options were endless once people got out of the frame!
@@SteveONions yes once off the top the visability was better but like you after the dramaticrock formations nothing cuaght my eye, im out again this week so will be looking some where slightly less busy and think the weather will be much improved
my son lives out nr southport so want to find some spots over there to visit before heading over to see him
Good hunting. I used to live in Southport too.
Talking of mood, that footage certainly conveyed it in buckets & the resulting images shown were cracking. Totally fascinating watching & listening to you go through the process Steve. Btw, love that location in the Peak District, it really did lend itself to the conditions you were out in., the colour of that water I reckon they should rename it peat district, lol. Atb Alan
Thanks Alan, it was great up there but so difficult to shoot and what I didn’t show was just how many other people there were and that it harder to work with. I was also surprised at how much erosion was taking place and can’t imagine the landscape looking like it does now in a few decades time.
@@SteveONions The Black Mountains on the eastern side of the Brecon Beacons have some very noticeable erosion, a very boggy landscape not disimilar to the sorts of terrain you seemed to be in.
That’s not an area I’ve ever visited Alan, I need more time, working 5 days a week doesn’t help 🙂
Hi Steve, great video, thanks! I was wondering what lith developer and dilution you are using. Shame so many of the papers are no longer available.
Hi Gijsbert. I typically go for around 1A+1B+32water +1.5D with the Moersh Masterlith kit at 24 degrees C. I need to experiment more with stronger mixes to tame the lively Fomatone !
Did the same/similar route few months back, started nicely in Edale but got wet through and snowed in on the top. Hauled my P67 all the way and didn't take one picture as it was constantly pouring. Will defo go back. And this black mud, ugh.
You get bonus points for lugging the brick up there, I was going to take the Bronica but saw the forecast and thought better of it 😀
I used Fomatone 532 with Fotospeed lith developer back 10 years ago and I have a permanent darkroom now. I Had some lovely prints some of which I still have.
That Fomatone paper has been discontinued. I am interested to see what you are using
You can still get 532-II Neil, my stock is from last year and it works the same as the material I was using 10 years ago. I also like 133 which has slightly more sheen.
Hi new to your channel. My partner loves older cameras and has quite a few. I love walking. This video has stunning views - can I ask where this was please x
Thanks Kim, this video was made up on the Woolpacks in the Peak District.
Hi Steve great video I was really interested in seeing the piece of equipment you used to develop stop & fix the print. Can I ask what is it called & are they still available to buy ? A great space saver.
Hi Adrian. It’s called a Nova slot processor and they’ve been around for years (I’m the UK at least). They come in sizes from 8x10 to 16x20 I believe and have between 2 and four slots. They are thermostatically controlled and a joy to use.
Ha! It looked like Henry Moore had been up there doing his stuff! What formation....
Definitely Ian 👍
This may sound strange but I have been reading about a US photographer who seems to have great success developing the XP2-S in HC110 @ 1+49. He rates it @ 100 for 5 minutes and 7 minutes for iso 200. Initial agitation 5 inversion and then one inversion every minute. The photos he showed displayed great tonality. May be worth a try.
It’s very popular apparently and I have heard a lot of people using traditional chemistry on XP2 🙂
Kudos to you for sticking it out and managing to capture some truly beautiful photographs. I thought that those wet walking shoes in the mud would have made a very telling photograph in high contrast BW and, was that a Jam butty in seeded bread? Delicious. PS: Have you tried Fomapan Creative 200 ? I really like it @ 160 in Sudional or Atomal 49 1+1 for 120 roll?
Yes, a jam butty indeed, a very robust snacking and perfect for days out in the hills 😀. I tried the Foma a couple of times and liked the look but the film itself does mark quite easily , especially when wet.
Enjoyed it very much, Steve. For some reason I also get the urge to venture out in rainy weather to shoot. Dedicated or just plain nuts? Legitimate question, probably best left unanswered, at least on my part.
Hehe, I don’t enjoy the bad weather itself but I know the images will work far better than a nice day with blue skies and fluffy clouds 🙂
I hope Robins feet didn't get too wet, He doesn't like getting his feet wet as you know Steve, great Vlog as ever
Hehe, I had to lend him my walking pole too Dave 😀
Thanks Steve, I’ve enjoyed shooting in the rain this lockdown, I find the light is very subtle. What do you think
Definitely good light David, low cloud and mist add so much to an image.
Hi Steve - this is definitely a technique I need to explore. Excellent demonstration, and I enjoyed the video footage as well. I was sure you were going to show an image of your shoes when the camera started to fade out to show a print ! Cheers!
Haha, Am I getting predictable Robert? 😀
@@SteveONions No, just the opposite! I was thinking when you showed the wet ground and the video started to fade you had taken a photograph of your shoes! Of course, that would have been rather funny, and fitting for your sense of humor!
I think I missed the best shot of the day !!
Hello Steve! Thank you so much for this video, I dont understand how to calculate the exposure time in order to surexpose, how do you end up with choosing 45secondes?
I can’t quite remember but typically I get a base exposure time for the non lith print then open up three stops (or do the same via the timer).
The photos, the video, the storyline, everything was quite nice, as always. The yellow cast on your face during the talking head section looked a bit odd though
Thanks Vincente, I’ve got too many different light sources in my office at the moment 🙂
As to 45 secs been a long exposure, when I use older paper, I find the initial exposure inertia requires a slower exposure to get the best from the paper. 👍
Good point Alasdair, I also pre-flash to speed things up at times but I can live with sub minute exposures. Had I been making a 16x12 it would have been a different matter.
I have to say it -- is that water or a good brown ale splashing over those rocks?!? How does the water get that color -- not muddy, but tea colored?
That’s the peat runoff Aengus, at this rate there will be nothing left up there in 25 years time.
@@SteveONions -- OK -- so most of the "soil" there is peat -- and the area will be more barren and rocky when it is gone?
Yes 😀
@@SteveONions :-(
I've been working with liquid light, and finding 2 minutes is about right for what I'm doing, and man long exposures are a drag in the darkroom, so much sitting around in the dark...
That’s a lot of waiting indeed.
Really nice mood prints of a beautiful landscape.
Very good to see your darkroomwork. What is your experience of that Nova processor compared to tray developing "normal" b&w?
Does the developer last longer? Can you leave it in the processor for 2-3 days?
You washer is interesting too? What brand is it? never seen it before. Is the slow moving action from the waterflow?
Thank you. I use the Nova almost exclusively as I suffer with any darkroom odors and the slot processor reduces them significantly. The space saving is also impressive, no need for four trays side by side.
@@SteveONions thank you, i was always interested in these processors but never had the opportunity to use them.
i will have a look at ebay when my darkroom is ready...
The manufacturer is also bringing out a new range this Autumn so fingers crossed for something special.
@@SteveONions Good to know. i found something similar in the www that looks similar to nova. But i do not understand the system in its details yet because my english is not so good. At the first glance it looks great but may be it is an overkill for amateur darkroomwork. The printholder are huge surfaced and i assume a lot of chemical is transferred to the following bath. Would be interesting to see the first real world reviews: www.optimadarkroom.com
@@SteveONions And it seems these Optima guys are the Novaguys too:
www.kickstarter.com/projects/apurpleturkey/optima12-photographic-darkroom-printandfilm-proces
what lith chemicals are you using? Arisalith? EasyLith?
Easylith.
The stone 3:55 seems to be a sculpture from tony cragg.
I like to put my lith Prints in Gold toner.
I used to as well but that was when 1L was just £20 😀
You can microwave the developer to make it print faster
I do like it hot but the odors can get unpleasant 🙂
Hi Steve, those photos were well captured. May I know how were the pictures exposed? Are you using handheld spot metering or just the camera metering of the Nikon F80? Does the matrix metering of the Nikon F80 works well in landscape photography in both color and black and white film?
The F80 meter is more than good enough to be honest and I always ensure I meter without too much sky in the frame.
Why do you have the affected pronunciation of NI-KON? As Nik-On? The President of the Company told me it was NI-KON and NI-KOR Lenses a half century ago in person when Erinrieich Photo Optical Incorporated (EPOI) was still the importer of them. You sound like the fool you are. Do you call them To-Yo-TAs? And NIS Za Zanz? And Le ZA ZE US or Le ZUES?