Large Format Panoramics in the forest
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- After a recent forest outing I noticed in the b-roll an interesting composition that I had rejected as I was so determined at that time to get a mono image.
I returned to the location and decided to use the whole roll of Fuji Provia on getting the scene just right. The image in my mind was not suited to a full 4x5 frame so I opted to use my Horseman rollfilm back and I was really glad I did.
Still images can be viewed on my Instagram page I no longer post to my Flickr account.
Equipment Used
Intrepid 4x5 Mk3 (with Mk4 baseboard)
Horseman 6x12 back
Fuji Provia 100f
Velbon GEO E643D tripod with Manfrotto MG460 head
Sekonic L-508 spotmeter
Preview App
Mark II Artists Viewfinder (App Store)
Vlogging Equipment
Panasonic G80 + Panasonic 12-32 f/3.5-f/5.6 lens
iPhone Xs
Rode Videomicro
Tascam DR05 and Rode Smart Lav
Etsy Shop
steveonionspho...
Contact Details
Email: steveonions1@gmail.com Twitter: Steve_ONions / steve_onions Instagram: steveonions1 / steveonions1
The colours and the composition are stunning! Well done.
Thank you 🙂
Thoroughly enjoyed that video. You are such a perfectionist. Brilliant.
Thank you 😊
Steve, thanks for responding to my inquiry about the sound background. I asked because it sounded like you were in paradise.
It does sound wonderful on listening again Michael, I'm usually too preoccupied with finding the right scene to notice at the time :)
Another good video Steve! You mentioned the highlighted tree in the second shot and that took me back to the days when I was a judge on the camera club circuit. Sad to say that if I was presented with that image, I would have also mentioned it - simply because it's the ONLY thing I could pick out as a slight negative in an otherwise lovely image. Photography competitions can be brutal, simply because our passion is so subjective. Could I do better? Definitely NOT. Would I have even considered that composition? Probably NOT. That's why you are watched by me!
Thank you Alan. I could have shot with Ektar and easily got the highlights in range but it would have lacked the impact Provia delivers. I’m also not that fussy about small technical shortcomings - if the result looks good that’ll do for me 🙂
Beautiful!
Thanks Chris.
That last shot was fab Steve. Was just thinking this morning that I'd go down to Delamere and take the 6x17. Was going to load up with Ortho Plus but now you've got me thinking I should take my last roll of Provia... What to do...? Take both I think!!
Take both Ian and I really must visit with an Ortho film soon - there are just too many cameras and film stocks fighting for my attention 😀
Thanks Steve for taking us along for another forest walk. The second image is spectacular, well done.
Thanks Phillip.
I agree. When you can't see to focus, it's hard to get it just right, but what a difference a little more light makes!
Great picture Steve ! I’m always struggling in the forest , it is so hard find good composition and light. Your frame is really nice 👍
Thanks John, the letterbox crop makes it is lot easier to exclude things like excessively bright skies and also gives the impression it was taken with a wider lens.
I really loved that second image...well done! I need to get out with my panoramic camera soon. I have a Shen-Hao PTB 617...it is really fun to use! However, I find the 6x12 format a bit more pleasing to the eye. I find myself cropping my images to this 2:1 ratio quite often. Take care!
Thanks Steve and I am jealous of your 6x17!
Pretty much the main reason I want to buy a large format camera is to shoot 6x12 images. I love panoramic pictures.
I can definitely recommend it, 6x12 is very flexible and can be further cropped to give a greater letterbox effect.
That’s definitely not an easy scene to find. Excellent eye!
I was lucky to have come across it earlier when our shooting with the Intrepid, the b-roll convinced me to go back with colour.
Lovely image. Really conveys the mood of the scene. I was half way through watching a documentary about Josef Sudek when the pop up informed me of your new post, Sudek lost. I wonder if u could utilize the magnifying function of your i-phone to help with focusing the slow lens in dim lighting? A device like a photographic Loupe ( without the lens ) on top of the phone's camera lens should do the trick. I feel the 3D printer being called into action again soon. Keep well.
That’s a good point, it should be possible to rig up something to hold the phone parallel to the ground glass. It would be easier than struggling under the dark cloth.
@@SteveONions I had the same problem with my 75mm F5.6 when I used it last with a 6X9 back on my Wista DX and this one already has a factory fitted Fresnel lens attached. I just couldn't focus . I used it inside the house to do some arty farty stuff so the light levels were low. I am afraid that the eyes are not what they were in my 30s. The 90 F8 didn't even need a focusing cloth back then but now it is unusable....?
@@SteveONions I wonder if something like this could be of use? Its cheap enough and keeps the phone at a same distance from the GG to examine the focus at different points. www.amazon.co.uk/Phonescope-Mobile-Phone-Microscope-Magnification/dp/B010QV9DUK/ref=asc_df_B010QV9DUK/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310867156304&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5615860553310636307&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1006912&hvtargid=pla-565408217703&psc=1
I’m the same which is why I really like using the longer lenses, I can see them snap into focus immediately.
I really admire your dedication to film and larger formats. Keep them coming.
Will do Keith 👍
I've never seen a composition in my own B-roll but I have seen things I'd photograph in others videos.
That sounds like me normally John 😀
I find the relative darkness and light pattern in the first image rather appealing.
It does have an appeal Roy, much more saturated but I can’t get past the flaws in it 😕
About focusing on dim light: have you tried using a laser pointer, so to get a bright green dot to focus on?
Rosso Moto Does that work well. If so, it’s a great idea. Thanks.
Could you recommend a pointer on amazon? Thx
Great idea, I’d like a recommendation too and what colour is best (or do you use different colours for different situations?).
I want sharks with frickin lasers......
@@joeiscoffee go to your local Dollar Tree store and get one for $1.
Thoroughly enjoyable Steve, and that second shot really works for me too 👍
Cheers Andy 👍
Agree Steve .. the composition is wonderful and really suited to the format ... for me the star of the image is the lighter one, just to the right of the tree you mentioned .. almost like a special guest is coming and all other trees are on watch .. the very bright one almost a little imp playing ... a really special scene and perhaps you will return to it a few times as the conditions and seasons change ... thanks for sharing .. love your work ...
It did jump out at me Nigel, not often you find such a well organised arrangement in a busy forest scene. I believe I will be returning again, perhaps one image per season?
I guess it is the audio that makes the shots ? Thanks for the video :-)
How I love your composition skill !
Thank you Gene.
Gorgeous shot! Is the sound background for the video the actual.sound at recording time?
It is Michael, all sound was captured on the microphone on the camera at the same time.
Beautiful that second shot, Steve - shock horror! 😄 I agree, the colour is stunning. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you - it was a win for colour 😀
What filter system and what polarizer are you using please? I have a 6x17 dedicated view camera, using a Nikkor 90mm lens, and looking to get a filter system for it to do similar to what you’re doing here. Another great video, thank you!,
My lenses are quite modest so I get away with cheaper 85mm square filters. The holder I use is by SRB (UK supplier) and also their ND graduates. B&W coloured filters are by Cokin.
I use that Horseman 6x12 back as well. I love to 2:1 format, sort of pano but not quite and much easier to display than a really wide pano.
It’s a great back and I love the aspect ratio too. Despite the initial outlay it’s been worth it.
Hi, I’m considering purchasing the Horseman 6x12. Are there problems with the “seals?” I don’t even know what they are but I have heard of them.
I’ve not had any problems myself but given the design is quite simple I’d imagine it would reasonably simple to fix any light leaks.
Really nice image in the end! I quite like the 2x1 format, its very dynamic
Thanks Vicente. I find 2:1 quite calming and a perfect match for my favourite 1:1 ratio, both are quiet yet expressive.
At 2:09 you say you are using "slide film". What slide projector will you be using?
Isn't the more accurate term for this "transparency film"?
I tend to use terms interchangeably Terry, sometimes I’ll call it E6 or perhaps Reversal.
Very nice Steve. Very educational. I always learn something from your videos.
Thank you 😊
The 6x12 format really suits woodland photography. Pity the backs are soo expensive. I recently shot some woodland in 6x9 to try out some expired Pan F to see if it works. It did, and I was suitably impressed with a 20 inch print. However, having seen your 6x12, its now only OK. The extra 3 cm makes a real difference. Great vlog Steve.
Cheers
Diz
Thanks Diz. Although the shot in the video can’t be cropped any further (vertically) without spoiling it I plan to go out looking for images that suit 2.5 or even 3:1. The vertical reduction doesn’t harm image quality of course but it gives a true panoramic if necessary and it’s a lot cheaper than a 6x17 setup with those expensive wideangles. My friend Robin has an Xpan with all the lenses, even the 30mm of which I am super jealous!
have you tried panos by stiching 4x5 images
I’ve not 🙂
Great entertaining and informative videos, but why keep referring to 4 by 5? I started my professional photography back in the 80’s and we always shot on 5 by 4, like we printed on 10 by 8, 20 by 16 etc. Is this for our American friends to fit in with their weird calendar dating system?
It’s 4x5 to me and I also at 8x10 so I’m obviously back to front 😊
Hi Steve. Do you find a need to use a center spot filter with your 90 when shooting 6x12? Using a Nikkor 90/8 on my 6x17 the fall off at the edges is quite noticeable so using a center spot is pretty much a given.
I’m fortunate with 6x12 in that the image circle is sufficient to avoid vignetting. If I had a 617 back my 90mm would run out of coverage.
I bought a 65mm Nikkor for my 4x5 so could shoot panoramic images. I will crop the 4x5 negative under the larger for the panoramic print. I have yet to use it because our weather hasn't dried up yet but hopefully soon.
Very nice Terry, 65mm is very wide - I had an older Super Angulon in that focal length.
This time I actually much prefer the one you don't, the first one.
The greens are much richer and lighten upwards towards yellow in a way that draws me in, while the trunks pop a lovely brown to complement it.
I have one of those backs that I lent from my brother but I don't see myself using it, even for slides where it makes £ sense. As soon as roll film is involved it is just so much simpler to grab the Bronica or the Zeiss. My amateur eye seldom sees a pano.
The first frame was also nice Steffen but all I see are the faults (the colours are great though). I also reach for the dedicated camera a lot of the time but my SQA-I is a lot heavier than the 4x5.
but that rollfilmback costs more than the camera and lens combined. does it not make more sense to mark a panoramic format on the ground glass and crop on the sheet film negative. even if the 120 film is cheaper you will need to shoot a lot of panoramas to break even. you will also need to finish the roll to process it instead of processing only whatever pictures you took.
with sheetfilm you have the ability to crop to panoramic or to use the whole thing, on every shot.
if you take a lot of pictures the bulk of the exposed rolls will be almost nothing compared to 5x4filmholders. 120film is a joy to process.
a fun toy no doubt.
I thought the same Johannes but there are many advantages other than cost. I can pack a while range of films for each trip and it weight very little. It’s also easy and cheap to make a number of frames of the same scenes like a roll film camera. I also find landscape scenes suit the letterbox format. I am definitely using it more often than I thought.
One final thing, there is a greater range of film stock available in 120 too.
Wouldn't the darker (third image) have more highlight detail in that one angled tree?
Then in Photoshop, using Curves or other tools bring up the shadows so you have the equivalent of the second image but with highlight detail?
That could work Terry but I'm not one for much manipulation and prefer to keep it as close to the original as possible.
Thanks again for your comment. I forget that you are at work. I imagine, much like a sports fan, that you are recreating. Hope you get to smell the roses occasionally. Also, just wanted you to know how much better the sound of nature, to me at least, than some song I have never heard or hear every week in every video.
Thanks Michael. If I’m somewhere where the sounds of nature are clear enough I don’t need any other soundtrack 🙂
Steve, have you fitted a Fresnel lens to your Intrepid to help with the dull screen ? I too have a Fuji 90/8 lens and found that a Fresnel does help when shooting church interiors and the like.
I do use a Fresnel Kevin to even out the illumination. I only drop it in to get the composition right than remove for focussing. I rarely need it above 90mm and bright scenes help (but I tend to shoot in dim early morning conditions).
Considering the low light levels, it was nice that you did not have to fight the wind this time. I was wondering if the Provia had a similar reciprocity failure to a negative film. Thanks for walking us through this shot.
Thanks Bob. Provia has excellent reciprocity characteristics, no compensation required up to 2 minutes. None of the colour negative films can match this, indeed they don’t publish official reciprocity charts for most colour neg materials.
Love the first shot, amazing colors
Thank you 😊
Here I am - at my office, having a lunch in front of the monitor and taking a walk through the forest with Steve. Thanks for another great video, Steve!
You’re welcome Marko 😊
That is a lovely image Steve. Enjoyed it
Many thanks 🙂
Would you consider selling an A2 print of the second image?
I might Thomas, drop me an email (details in the notes).
Man you are fast becoming a photoramic god !!
😀
Steve, can you tell which app do you use to check the frames with different formats and focal lengths? i remember that you’ve mentioned it in one of your videos, but i can’t remember which one was that. thanks!
oh, that was stupid. answered that question in the very beginning of the video and few moments later you mentioned it 😁
No problem, I do this all the time 😀
Beautiful shot Steve. I love the woodland scenes
Thank you Philip, I’m lucky to have this woodland just 2 miles from home.
First photo looks better in my opinion, more depth
It does have its merits Eugene but it is way out of focus in parts.
Beautiful capture Steve
Many thanks Ken.
Great video Steve. I loved the final image. I hope to try out a 6x17 panoramic camera in the future.
I’d love a dedicated panoramic camera Stephen.
Steve O'Nions which camera would you choose?
Stephen Milner the Fuji GX617 👍
Steve O'Nions nice choice
so awesome this shot, well done!
Thanks Martin.
I have had some success carrying a powerful flashlight to shine on one particular part of the scene that needs sharp focus. That can be rather tedious if you use tilts and swings but its worth the effort if it can ensure a usable image. Thanks.
Good point Michael, I now have a laser pointer in the bag, can’t wait to try it out.
@@SteveONions A laser pointer?
Have you ever tried to use a flashlight on to "paint" your image with the light?
I keep a high-power torch in my bag for such situations - actually it's a bicycle lamp but damn is it bright ;)
I’ve tried a small penlight Richard and pointed it back towards the camera but it does require the point of focus to be easily accessible IE - not down a cliff 😀
@@SteveONions Infinity focus is easier to catch I think. In the woodlands the flashlight will be very helpful I think.
excellent
Cheers Yul.
Brilliant Love it, Keep trying to get out with mine, its a Sinar Norma and I have a 6x12 zoom back that's loaded with colour neg but its been a bit windy and a bit showery. I now live at the very top of Scotland on Strathy Point , you have to pick your location well if you want trees. Moved up eleven years ago from North Yorkshire near Whitby. Always look forward to your posting as they are so inspirational. Keep it up Steve.
Wow, you really are North David, I passed very close to you last October whilst driving round the Highlands and I loved the scenery once I got West of Thurso.
@@SteveONions Yes the land is flatter farm land with coastal castles and ancient Iron Age brochs on the east coast and where we are at Strathy the geography of the landscape changes to a more rugged mountainous terrain with rocky sea inlets with sandy beaches open moorland and lochs. I must confess I find it difficult at times wondering which direction to head off and photograph. Still trying to do it justice. We have a gorge at the back of the house which leads to the sea its a great playground for a camera. Will post some photos on flickr when I get the chance. You remind me of my photography lectures back in the late 70s at Art College so full of knowledge and with an infectious enthusiasm. I think I speak for everyone here you are the icing on the cake of TH-cam channels, with the information you provide to ignite our passion for everything photography. Thanks again and look forward to your next video posting.
Thank you David, that’s very kind of you.
I was fascinated with the terrain to the West of you and the narrow bridges that cross the numerous inlets. I’d never realised that the main road narrows to a single track either although given the low traffic volumes I can see why.
There were also some terrific views of derelict houses with mountainous backdrops that I’ve never seen before online, you truly have one of the best locations in the UK to photograph.
Thanks for sharing this video, very interesting. Do you actually mounted the panorama film holder on top of the ground glass? I am actually have the same camera but I haven’t even use it yet, it’s kind of overwhelming since I am new in film photography
Hi Juan. The roll film holder is put on after you remove the ground glass, it totally replaces it once you’ve focussed the image. Some holders can sit behind the glass but not on the Intrepid.
Starting large format can be intimidating but if you practice extensively without using film Eg. Set up shots, go through all the settings, pack the camera away again then it all becomes second nature.
I hope you get out and shoot with your camera soon 🙂
Steve O'Nions thanks Steve for the feedback, yeah is intimidating but as you said I have to practice, I can’t wait. Thanks always watch your videos great photography and good advices 👍
It is hard to begin with but if you establish the same routine every time it helps. I always make sure I do a test firing of the shutter (often twice) and ensure the dark slide is removed and replaced for every shot - you’d be surprised how easy it is to forget this!
I am pleased you spotted it on your earlier b roll Steve . Thanks for sharing this outing with us and that second image was really nice . Take care :D Teddy
Thanks as always Teddy 🙂
just checked ebay for one of those 6x12 backs... you can shoot a lot of 4x5 for the cost of one of those. cool piece of kit, id use it all the time if i had it, glad you do. great video, do you have a fresnel on your ground glass?
I was the same Chris, thought about it for a year and kept thinking I’d never recoup the cost of it in film savings. What swung it for me was the convenience however, I can take as much film as I like and lots of different types. It’s also very light and easier to use once setup - multiple shots are like any rollfilm camera. The final benefit for me is just how many landscape benefit from the letterbox format, I rarely miss the top and bottom of the frame in the subjects I’m finding with it.
I noticed that too. On ebay the Horsemans go for about $500 or so used. I have a couple of Dayi 6x12 that were much cheaper with the option of 6x9 and 6x6. However you don't get the nice ratcheted film advance and need to use the little window.
I looked for about 6 months until I came across mine and was lucky to get a perfect one for £250. Just a year earlier they were only £150 and now they are considerably more.
@@SteveONions I've got a 6x9 horseman for my 2x3 graflex and call it my poor man's Fuji 6x9. That horseman stuff is top notch.
It is Chris, I keep thinking I should get a 6x9 or 6x7 back while they are still cheap.
Never seen the 6x12 format before, Steve. It provides an interesting composition in the woodland setting. Thanks for sharing your mini adventure.
Thanks Ray, 6x12 is very flexible and can be easily cropped to give an even greater letterbox effect.
Great composition Steve, sort of a Group Portrait for Trees (maybe a song title?). Just curious, is light falloff on a wide angle lens like this the same as vignetteing? I think light falloff is more to the point since I can confuse it with intentional vignettes in post. Just curious.
PS: print arrived yesterday, love it!
Hi Dan, great to see the print arrived with you eventually!
The falloff is the same as vignetting but it will depend on the image circle of the lens in question. If there is a large image circle you are not likely to see any falloff unless you use rise/fall or shift etc. Some lenses are only just capable of covering the film however and they will often show the vignette so the manufactures make special (and horribly expensive) filters to correct this. Cameras like the Fuji 617 need such a filter especially if shooting slide film where is really shows up.
All the best.
Thank you for this video! I love all of your stuff, but I’ve been really interested in pano shooting with my 4x5, so this was really cool!
Thank you and I hope you get a rollfilm back for your 4x5 soon.
You really explain things well. I’m impressed with the effort you put in to make your magnificent photographs. Thank you. I’m only in digital land but learn a lot about composition, focus and exposure from your film photography.
Thank you. I think the processes are largely the same with digital except it is a lot easier to check that everything is setup correctly.
Steve O'Nions I appreciate the similarities but have not the patience, knowledge, experience or tools to do what you do. You are awesome.
Thank you 😊
Well done in those Very tricky conditions 🙂👍
Do you think that poloriser made any difference ?
Think i would have gone without myself.
It made quite a big difference Stuart. I previewed it with and without and there were quite a few overly bright areas when it wasn’t in place.
On lots of TH-cam videos I've seen good composition in b-roll, and very often the final shoot was not as great than the one I saw in the b-roll...
I thought this after the first trip Gregory, it kept nagging me that the group of trees was the better shot.
Lovely image! As mentioned below, a laser pointer works wonders for focusing in dimly lit scenes such as your woodland image.
Thanks Alan, I’d forgotten all about those pointers 👍
Thanks again Steve. I didn't know about the Horsman back, fun bit of kit that is.
I love it Jack.
Nice video Steve. Nice image mate. Well done! 👍
Thanks Alex.
Another time i learn in this video its amasing how you can see something beautiful in a normal scene !!!! And guess what Today am gonna pick up my 4x5 lens am so happy maybe in 2 week end am gonna use it :)
Thanks Yannick and I hope you have fun with your own 4x5 👍
@@SteveONions i need To do something because my plate is jussssssst To big for my 4x5
Fantastic image technique tips. Inspires me to take my 6x12 back out more. Thanks!
You’re welcome Mike. I’m surprised by how often I use mine, I think many landscape work better in this format compared to the stubby 4x5 frame.
Steve O'Nions Indeed - it’s a great format, more economical and much less hassle than sheet film. Thanks for your content - I really enjoy your videos!
Thanks Mike. It’s so easy to crop down to 2.5:1 which is about perfect for me as a panoramic ratio.
Steve. 120? You weren't even trying - as a commercial shooter I once had to take a 5X4 of an exterior hotel and took the wrong lens - I had to do a 6x panoramic on 5x4 sheet film...also good use of polariser here - good stuff - there is a flatness to large format cameras which cannot be created by anything else.
That must have been a very taxing photo shoot!
@@SteveONions But it was not my worst - thankfully photoshop had just come onto the scene - and Hass provided the scans for us - not sure to this day how they did it - but it is one of the reasons I subscribe to their brand - the support they give is next level - I admire your tenacity here - 5x4 is a wonderful thing when done properly and you proved it - hands down - at 52 I am almost sort of retired now but still maintain an interest and have kept back a few select clients such as jewelry and a few fashiony bits and bobs - but I still miss film based mediums - digital has its place of course - but with some strong caveats - constantly upgrading is a blessing to manufacturers as it keeps customers locked in, Pros can get good S/H gear for little money but the costs have soared exponentially - digital is quicker and more accessible but the biggest change is that of processing - I was never that good at it, didn't apply myself to it - despite owning a studio which had pro labs on site - Devere enlargers, a room full of dip and dunk E6 - Cibachromes printers, and everything else in between including a 10x8 Toyo rail cam with Sinar lenses - lovely thing- fiddly though.. In 2001 I saw the writing on the wall - the internet had properly arrived and most of my money was made making 'dupes' from E6 - Tesco would have 100 copies at £7.50 + VAT each for every final shot. Some weeks we would make more doing that that anything else, including catalogue shoots. When they asked for just 1 - which they then sent out down a phone line to the other recipients for advertising in newsprint media I saw the final days of wet based photography. Then Kodak introduced their digital camera and I saw the other end of it. But we have had to adapt and learn new skills - If you aren't a at least a bit of a wizz with a computer in PS and or LR, Phocus etc, you can basically forget becoming a pro - as you have shown us time and time again acquisition is only half of the story - and the final image is a culmination of many skills coming together. You have a great channel - very inspiring even for us old and past it shooters. Have a super day.
I also saw the way the internet changed the world of work and I had already been in IT for a long time. It made the skills we’d all learned redundant in just a couple of years, no longer did we get hired based on our past work, it was enough to read a few articles online and experiment with software that counted.
I also worked for Ilford for a couple of years when it was booming and found it sad to see the factory shrink back so quickly.
It’s been interesting watching the film world rebound recently and so many young people giving not a try. I hope it means we will be able to get materials for years to come.
All the best - Steve
@@SteveONions Rock on - its all about adapting - you can't stop the world, or live in the past. As for Ilford -My studioI not only used thousands of their films from 25 to 10x8 but ALL of our B+W was printed on Ilford and nothing else. I was also very sorry to see their demise but even they have managed to fight on as we must. Have a super one - Simon
Totally agree Simon, adapt or die as they say 🙂