A High Country Evening

Colorado CJ · Nov 10, 2013

I spent the day hiking and taking some more photos with my medium format film camera. Shooting digital for so many years, I am very much enjoying the change of pace that shooting film offers. It puts you in a different, much more contemplative frame of mind. There is no "chimping" possible, and with only 10 frames to work with, you really have to slow down and wait for the perfect light.

Here is the first frame I scanned tonight from the two rolls I shot today. The photo was taken at Horseshoe Park in Rocky Mountain National Park close to sunset. The sun was setting just behind the mountain to the left, briefly lighting up the lone tree on the hill.

I intentionally didn't crop the film borders fully, I kind of like the effect of showing the film edge on some photos.

Taken with a Mamiya RB67 medium format camera on Foma 100 film. Developed in Xtol at 1:1.

Horseshoe-Park----RMNP----RB67 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

I'll be sure to add a few others to this thread tomorrow once I scan them in.

Thanks for looking.

SWphoto · Nov 10, 2013

I like the way that lone tree pops out against the trees in shade in the background.

Bill Burk · Nov 10, 2013

Very nice Colorado CJ,

A very striking scene, I'd be happy to have a negative like that to work with.

dasBlute · Nov 10, 2013

great scenes you're making with the RB. Interestingly, I stumbled onto your work by
image searching for areas to photograph around Denver...

keep up the good work!

-Tim

Colorado CJ · Nov 10, 2013

Thanks everyone! I am having a huge amount of fun with the RB67.

The first few rolls through the medium format had me fumbling, not feeling very comfortable at all. I REALLY missed not being able to look at the screen at the back.

The last couple of rolls though, something just clicked. The camera itself kind of just faded to the background and I started to "see" how the photos would turn out before clicking the shutter.

I got this some with my DSLR, but for some reason (I guess because of no screen) it became more pronounced with this old film camera.

I am now on the lookout for a cheap field 4x5. It might just slow me down that much more

DREW WILEY · Nov 12, 2013

Used view cameras are so affordable right now that there's no sense being deliberately cheap. It takes awhile to get used to one anyway.
And high country weather can screw up a flimsy one pretty fast. Might as well do it right. But yeah, you'll start visualizing the mountains in
a whole new way. With view cameras, it the quality of the shot that counts, not the quantity. A junk camera might have problems holding
focus, or be unstable in the wind, or just give you headaches. Battered old filmholders might not have an even film plane, or might leak light.
You're only as good as your weakest link. But the reward can be dramatically better and more printable negs than with medium format film.

pbromaghin · Nov 12, 2013

Colorado CJ said:
I am now on the lookout for a cheap field 4x5. It might just slow me down that much more

This is the first sign of GAS. Your descent into the dark slide is only beginning. :devil:

Nice shot, btw.

DREW WILEY · Nov 12, 2013

Two things ya gotta remember. Number one - this can be highly addictive. Number two - there are no known cures or treatment centers for it.
I started backpacking with large format gear when I was about thirty years old... and now thirty-five years later, I'm still at it.

jerrybro · Nov 14, 2013

Talk about a target rich environment, RMNP is one of my favorite places to photograph. Everywhere you turn is a beautiful image with frequently changing light and a chance to see some wildlife. Hit at the right time of year it can be relatively tourst free. On holiday weekends it can be like Central Park.

Post the rest!

Colorado CJ · Nov 27, 2013

Sorry to get back so late, here are a few more from that day.

Fall-in-the-Park by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

Horseshoe-Park----RMNP----RB67-2 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

Horseshoe-Park----RMNP----RB67-3 by Colorado CJ, on Flickr

jerrybro · Nov 28, 2013

I bow to you sir, good work, and dang it I miss Colorado.

A High Country Evening

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