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Film G.Arroyo

My new film cameras

Posted on by gdotarroyo

Over this summer I have picked up a couple of film cameras. Not my day to day cameras, but some very usable film cameras.

One is a medium format camera. A Hasselblad 500. I had the electronic version the 500El, but always wanted the fully manual version. I now have an awesome 500c that I got from KEH.

I also purchased a 80mm f2.8 lens to complete my kit. Now I have a metering prism finder, two backs, 150mm and 80mm lenses. Very pleased with my ‘Blad setup.


The other camera is a Canon F1. This is another camera that has been on my list of must haves for a while. I own the other A-body Canon, but a nice F1 has always eluded me. I was lucky enough to get one last week. I don’t shoot much 35mm any longer but it will make a great camera for my daughters. read more

Film G.Arroyo

Why I Still Love Film

Posted on by gdotarroyo
Why I still Love Film

Slowing down, composing the photo, not knowing 100% that everything is how you pictured it, developing, drying, scanning, and finally seeing the photo. All are part of the reason I love film, especially medium format film. This photo was taken on my first roll of film from the Hasselblad 500EL with a Zeiss 150mm F4 lens that I have shared previously. Then scanned in on an Epson 550V scanner.

I am loving this “new” camera. I still love film!

Events Film G.Arroyo

2 Things

Posted on by gdotarroyo
Rolleiflex Automat Vivian Maier Style Photofraph 1
Self portrait with my Rolleiflex Automat.

I am very inspired, the next month is going a very exciting for me especially concerning film photography. Two big things are happening.

The first one is this Friday the 4th. I am heading to see the documentary “Finding Vivian Maier”. It opens in the Chicago area on this day and I’m taking a fellow Maier fan, my 8 year old daughter. I have been patiently waiting for this to come out for a few years. If (and I don’t know why you wouldn’t) follow me on Facebook you know how much I am a fan of Ms. Maier. read more

Film G.Arroyo

When I fail

Posted on by gdotarroyo

IMAG0161When I fail, I really fail.

Last week I posted about a shot I set up with my Rollieflex and using film (read here). Well when I developed the roll containing the shots I took, the entire roll came out clear. What I think happened is that my chemicals finally wore out and I fixed the roll before it developed. So I have ordered new developing chemicals and will be also replacing my fixer.

I’ve taught myself a few important lessons.
Don’t run your developing chemicals for too long.
Don’t wait to develop your film until a deadline gets close.
Always have a backup plan (I did and re-shot the photo digitally)
Don’t post about your film photos until after you develop the roll! read more

Film G.Arroyo

Film Scanning

Posted on by gdotarroyo

Chicago Bridge

I’m excited to shoot a lot more medium format film this year. I was a little disappointed with some of the results I had last year, but I had a sense it was the scanner I was using. That was exactly right, my scanner was not sharp and was lacking in dynamic range. I now have a capable scanner and can’t wait to really put it to use this year.

The three pictures were taken with my Yashica 635. Developed and scanned by myself. Let me know if you are interested in purchasing any of them, I have them framed prints ready to hang. read more

Digital Film G.Arroyo

Another Twin Lens Reflex

Posted on by gdotarroyo

Yashica_124_G

Added another twin lens reflex camera (TLR) to the collection. A great looking and perfectly functioning Yashica Mat 124 G. Now Leyla, Natalia and I can all shoot twin lens cameras together.

I also picked up a 1965 Nikon F Photomic, I’m passing this one along preferring my SLR’s of the Canon variety. This would make a great gift for a photographer in your life. Contact me if you would like to find out more about this camera. Connect | Contact

Events Film G.Arroyo

Rolleiflex Roll

Posted on by gdotarroyo

Rolleiflex Automat Vivian Maier Style Photofraph 1

Developed the first roll of film I have taken with my Rolleiflex Automat. Of course I had to do a couple of Vivian Maier style self portraits. Both are from a day I spent walking around in Indianapolis. Indy is not a very busy place early on a Saturday morning in the fall. It was a good test of the new camera. Now I just need a new scanner so that I can show the dynamic range that is actually in this photo. Yes I have complained about my scanner before.

Speaking of Vivian Maier, “Finding Vivian Maier” documentary has an official release day. March 28th, 2014. You can find out more on the Finding Vivian Maier website. I’m excited to learn more about this amazing photographer. I have heard great things about the documentary and I will be at a showing the night it comes out. read more

Film

That Vintage Look

Posted on by gdotarroyo

Getting a vintage film look from your photographs is big business right now. Instagram, smart phone filters, Lightroom presents, Photoshop actions and apps galore. There are a tons of ways to create the “look”. How do I go about creating the vintage film look in my photography? Should I give away my trade secrets?

Of course! This is my Behind the Shot blog.

I use actual film and vintage cameras. If you have been following my blog or just viewing my photographs you will not be surprised. The two photographs in this post are scanned negatives recovered from Fujifilm FP-100C instant film. Yes you can still buy “Polaroid” film and with peel apart Fujifilm you can even recover a negative along with the instant Polaroid. The negative will also give you a distinct look that would take a lot of work in Photoshop to recreate. Colors get shifted, edges are burned and usually the negative isn’t perfect. In my eyes you can’t really replicate the look of film. read more

Film

Lessons Learned

Posted on by gdotarroyo

Urban Graffiti

A few weeks ago I was offered the opportunity to shoot with a wonderful vintage camera, a Hasselblad 500C. I have learned a few lessons with this camera.

Take your time.

There is no rush when using a medium format camera. The 500c doesn’t have an onboard meter, so I used a vintage light meter to check the exposure. Then you focus and then pop up a little magnifying glass to get the focus just right. This while looking down, the image is reversed so you have to really be aware of the direction the lens in pointed. This process takes time, then you do it again to make sure the photo will come out. Remember a tripod is your friend. read more