Sunday, June 23, 2013

What's in Your Camera Bag? No. 5


by Kyle White



I first fell in love with film photography last year when I first tested my father’s 1974 Canon Ftb. The photos turned out so close to what I originally envisioned that I was hooked! I’ve been testing and growing with film photography ever since.  I recently had a small shoot in downtown Salt Lake City and used the following equipment:
·         -Nikon F100 w/ 85mm f.18 lens
·         -Mamiya RZ67 w/ Polaroid Film Back
·         -Polaroid SX-70 – Sonar OneStep





The Nikon F100 has been my bread and butter ever since I decided to get a little more serious with shooting film. It’s a wonderful 35mm SLR that has simple functions that give you great control over your shots. I especially like the multiple exposures function in order to take double exposures.  One thing I don’t like about it is that the battery dies really quickly after showing “half full”. I have since got used to conserving battery by removing the battery casing after each use.  The 85mm 1.8 lens produces amazing results that have even been mistaken for medium format sometimes.  I mainly use manual focus, but it’s nice every now and then to have the autofocus function. It’s perfect for portraits.





 The Mamiya RZ67 is such an awesome and versatile tool.  I love the interchangeable back and use it to mostly shoot Fuji Polaroid film lately. It’s so fun and addictive to shoot polaroids! I highly recommend it.  The fact that everything is manual with the RZ67, helps me compose and take time to think about all facets in order to make a better shot. The only bad part about the RZ67, or “Bessie” as I call it, is how heavy it is. The weight is fine though because it makes it feel like a real art machine every time I hold it. When that shutters fires, you can really feel it.

 
 
Speaking of Polaroids, the SX-70 is a fun little machine that’s easy to take anywhere. The great thing to me about the SX-70 is that you’re able to have a little more control over things like focus and brightness when shooting Polaroid film.  Even with those extra controls though, you can’t fully predict how the Polaroid going to turn out; but then again that’s why it’s so great! The imperfections make it something that you couldn't plan on, and that what makes it beautiful. This shot was taken with expired film.




 Along with those cameras in my bag, I usually carry things like extra film, a reflector, lens pen, and a gorilla pod just in case.
No matter what cameras or equipment I use, I love that film photography is a medium that allows me to create something that feels more like a little piece of art. Thanks to everyone who has supported me in this endeavor so far. The best shots are yet to come!

 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you Kyle for writing this article! Give him some love,





Copy Right 2013
Analog Revival








Sunday, June 9, 2013

June 2013

Mat Marrash


"There is no right or wrong way to shoot, so long as you're having fun."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This week we talk to Large Format photographer Mat Marrash from Finley, Ohio. We found Mat among the crew of the Film Photography Project along with Michael Raso. Mat is an advocate for film photography in general, but especially Large Format Photography. Mat holds walk workshops, darkroom sessions and one on one lessons on large format photography. We think thats pretty rad! We asked Mat a few questions about film photography, here they are!

Q: How long haveyou considered yourself a photographer?
A: I pickedup my first camera with serious intent in 2008, so I'd say about five years.

Q: What was yourfirst film camera
A: AHasselblad 500C. One roll of film through that was all it took to get hooked!

Q: What did youlike and/or like about this camera?
A: I likedhow the symmetrical aspect ratio of the square changed composition, not tomention "the look" achieved from a larger piece of film and fastlenses. I also liked the mechanical simplicity of the camera, operatingcompletely free of a battery was quite liberating. Most of all, the camera issmall enough to avoid obtrusion, keeping potential subjects at ease (at leastuntil they hear the mirror "slap").

Q: Do you have afavorite brand of film?
A: Simplyput, no. I have go-to films for different "looks", but I try to stickto a film once I like it, for consistency's sake. I'm a big, BIG fan of KodakPortra 400. It's one of the best modern emulsions made, and the exposure oflatitude of this film is just silly. In B&W, HP5+ is really starting togrow on me (especially in 8x10).

Q: What are yourtop 3 locations that you’ve shot at?
A: Allthree of them are located in Japan, a place I visited on three separateoccassions in my first two years of photography. Top locations include:Itskushima/Miyajima, the Kasugayama Primeval Forest in Nara, Nara, and theEihei-ji Temple in Fukui, Fukui. Plans are underway to revist Japan with mylarge format setup, as it's the place that got me interested in photography tobegin with!

Q: Do you have anytips for people that mainly shoot digital and haven’t yet tried film?
A: There isno right or wrong way to shoot, so long as you're having fun. But if you everfeel like you're shooting too much and progressing too little, give film a try;it may surprise you!

Q: What got youinto shooting large format?
A: Istumbled upon an 8x10 camera sitting in my college professor's office, andasked him what that giant camera was and if I could shoot it. He replied"If you can get some film, I'll show you how."
Needless tosay, I had 8x10 B&W film overnighted to my door and was diving into largeformat a business day later. Had I ever seen a 4x5 between the Hasselblad andthat 8x10, I probably would have stuck to that. But once you see that big,beautiful ground glass, there's no going back! From my first days of shootingthe 8x10, I've made at least 1-2 exposures per week, and have gotten comfortablewith my gear to the point at which all motions are effortless. Knowing gearinside and out is one of the biggest hurdles new shooters need to overcome, butonce done makes the whole experience (not to mention the photos) better.

Q: What would yousay to someone that is skeptical about shooting large format?
A: It's notfor everybody, especially if you're drawn to high action and quick burst rates.Large format forces you to make decisions that a modern, automated camera mayhave been making for you: focusing, metering, composition, focal length, etc.In addition, the time required to setup each shot adds an element ofconcentration photographers with smaller cameras typically don't allowthemselves. Give it a try and see if you like it. The older you go with some ofthe photographic processes, the less they're like modern photography, and themore they're like other traditional art forms.

Q:  Who would you consider an inspiration ofyours?
A: In theworld of black and white, I'm inspired by works from: Edward Curtis, WalkerEvans, Edward Weston, George Tice, and a lesser known fellow, Art Sinsabaugh (a12x20 shooter!). For color photography, the list is long, so I’ll simplify itby saying many contemporary large format shooters.

Q: What are theadvantages of shooting film and why should more people try it?
A: Whilethe grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, film: has way moreexposure latitude, is archive safe, keeps up with changing digital formats, hasamazingly high resolution in medium format and up, forces photographers to slowdown and think about their shots, and cameras can be had incredibly cheapcompared to newer digital bodies. 

Here is a list of the equipment Mat uses on the regular...
Medium Format
Hasselblad 500C + 80mm f/2.8
FPP Plastic Filmtastic Debonair (toy camera)

Instant Photography
Polaroid Automatic Land Camera 420

Large Format
Sinar P2 8x10 + whole mess of 8x10 film holders
Schneider Super Angulon 121mm f/8
Fujinon W 210mm f/5.6
Fujnar 300mm f/4 process lens (no shutter for wet plate)
Schneider Symmar-S 360mm f/6.8

We took the liberty of picking our top ten images by Mr. Marrash, here they are!












We asked our friend Michael Raso, who is also a friend of Mat, to write a small blurb about Mr. Marrash and here it is!

"I met Mat Marrash in October of 2010 at the PDN Photo Expo in New York City. Mat was a listener of The Film Photography Podcast (FPP), which I produce and host. 


You would never know know that Mat was new to shooting film. He started shooting film just a few years ago. Within 12 months his knowledge of the medium was grater than some who have been shooting 40 years (like me)! His knowledge, enthusiasm and charm landed him a co-host spot on the FPP - a spot which he maintains til this day!



A great eye, knowledge of the technical and big heart - Mat is tops!"



- Michael Raso, producer / photographer Film Photography Podcast



Also, photos of Mat by Michael Raso



 

Give Mat some love on his site



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Buy the Blue Diana Mini by Lomography

                                          

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks again for reading, and as always, keep shooting
#filmphotography

#filmisnotdead

Facebook

Twitter

Analog Revival is looking for Writers, Interviewers, Crafty people and Editors!
Email us at analogrevival@gmail.com if you're interested


Copyright 2013
Analog Revival




Sunday, June 2, 2013

June Film DIY


Once again, this week's film DIY comes from our friends at Photojojo! We love their creative ideas.

Make A Film Canister Bracelet

Extra photos for bloggers: 123
What’s your photo sign? Black and white? Maybe you’re a die-hard Fuji fan. Or it’s Kodak Portra that really makes you swoon.
This DIY film canister bracelet will tell your new photo friends what your favorites are! They won’t even have to ask.
With a little plying, you’ll be able to recycle your film canisters into jelly-worthy cuffs.
We can see it now. New friendships blooming over your shared love of grain!
p.s. Having trouble finding time to learn more about photography in your packed scheddy? Check out our pals at the New York Institute of Photography! They have primo classes you can take from anywhere on your own time.

WHY IT’S COOL:

ingred-smSports fans have their favorite jerseys, music junkies have their favorite band-tee from that epic tour, and photogs have…camera straps?
We all love to show our pride for our favorite things in life, and this film canister bangle is a great way to do just that.
It’s super simple and customizable. Whether you’re a diehard black & white fan ready to ditch your color vision, or a slide film lover who isn’t willing to wear a shirt that’s a transparency, this film bangle is an awesome way to show off your favorite film.

INGREDIENTS:

paint-sm
  • Two Empty Film Canisters
  • A Can Opener
  • Pliers
  • Super glue or other effective adhesive
  • A ruler or straight edge

STEP 1: POPPING THE ENDS OFF THE CANISTER

paint-smTake your can opener and use it to pull off each end of the canister. It might take a little bit of force, but try to be gentle in order to keep the canister in good condition.

STEP 2: SPREAD THE CANISTER OUT

paint-smNow that you have the ends off of the canister, spread it flat. The canister might kink or dent if you pull it too quickly or strongly, so be nice!

STEP 3: FOLD IN THE EDGE

paint-smThe sides of the canister can be pretty sharp, so we’re going to crimp then in with a set of pliers. This also gives your bangle a little more rigidity so it won’t bend out of shape.
First, take your pliers and fold in the edge along the entire length and on either side. You don’t want to cover up what your canister looks like, so only do this for a thin strip. It should fold in to an angle just past 90 degrees.

STEP 4: PRESS DOWN THE EDGE

paint-smHere’s where you need your ruler. The pliers might mark up the canister, so place it on the ruler with the label facing down.
Take your pliers and clamp down on the edge so that it’s nice and flat. Do this along the entire length and on either side.

STEP 5: STICK THEM TOGETHER

paint-smAdd some super glue or other effective adhesive onto the end of each canister and stick them together. Then, bend them around your wrist so that it’s shaped like a bracelet.
You’re done! Go rock the look.

TAKE IT FURTHER

  • Make a belt: use a bunch of canisters to make a canister belt!
  • Make a braided bracelet: cut the canisters into snips and try to weave them together!
  • Make a charm bracelet: cut the canister into small pieces and make little charms to string together. One for each type of film!
  • Make a USB Film Roll: It’s a USB stick inside a film canister!
  • Make a Film Roll Magnet: stick those to-do lists on the fridge with your favorite film canisters!
Thank you for reading, and give our friends at Photojojo some love! 


Article by Photojojo
Copyright 2013
Analog Revival