Need inspiration to use my SLR!

Markok765 · Apr 30, 2009

I'm not using my Nikon much these days. It's large, heavy and loud. The last time I shot a roll with it was a few weeks ago, during a paid shoot. I've been using a Olympus XA for the past few weeks, favoring it for its silence, small size and easy portability. It's a totally different feel shooting it, it seems relaxed and easy. I also love the 'look' of the lens, evident in the photos in this album: http://picasaweb.google.com/Markok765/OlyXAPics

So I'd like to be inspired to use it, any way you know how!

Rol_Lei Nut · Apr 30, 2009

Get an interchangeable lens rangefinder (M39 or Leica M).

My experience with Cosina/Voigtlanders (wide) lenses is that they are sharp but tend to vignette... Might be the look you want, but with many more possibilities.

Rol_Lei Nut · Apr 30, 2009

Oooops... Sorry, your post could qualify as an official reading comprehension test.

So, to bring out the best in your SLR, start getting *very* close to your subject.
(I'll avoid mentioning the use of very long focal length lenses)

nickandre · Apr 30, 2009

I've given up shooting b+w material in 35mm. I'll probably try a roll of microfilm, but I vastly prefer the tonality of a 4x5. The SLR has been relegated to color work with Ektar 100.

Sirius Glass · Apr 30, 2009

Markok,

Maybe the problem is because of problems with the Nikon. Send it to me and I will check it out right away.

Steve

Markok765 · Apr 30, 2009

So SLR's work the best when you fill the frame with the subject? I would love to get a Leica M RF with some wides, but I cannot afford one at this time, plus some features of the Nikon/Flash combo such as focusing in very dark places, and the awesome autoexposure with flash I need for some situations.

Sure Steve! Just send me a nice RF such as a Leica M6 to check out for you while you check out mine

IloveTLRs · Apr 30, 2009

With an SLR you can get right up close to your subjects. After getting an OM-2 a few months ago I started doing that (coming from 2 years of nothing but RF work.)

mjs · Apr 30, 2009

For a somewhat unusual take on use of 35mm, check out the book "Creative Elements" by Eddie Ephraums. It's a different philosophy than you get from mainstream reading.

Mike

2F/2F · Apr 30, 2009

I can't believe that this is actually happening.

Markok765 · Apr 30, 2009

2F/2F said:
I can't believe that this is actually happening.

Why is this?

nickandre · Apr 30, 2009

I enjoy the close focusing ability of my 28-80. That's the only thing I don't get with my other weird cameras.

Tom Kershaw · Apr 30, 2009

Marko,

You could calm down slightly. I last time I did some serious photography was in January, mostly because I have many other photography related things to get done, as well as printing. Do you have a darkroom or access to one?

Tom.

Markok765 · Apr 30, 2009

Tom, I am calm sorry if I didn't seem like it lol.

I don't currently have a darkroom, kinda rebuilding mine! I still develop film in the washroom though, which is good as I have a huge backlog of around 70 films lmao!

removed account4 · Apr 30, 2009

2F/2F said:
I can't believe that this is actually happening.

i know what you mean ...

ChrisC · Apr 30, 2009

Have you tried running a new/different roll of film through the F5? Could be all the inspiration you need to keep using it. Maybe even spring for a used wide that gets you really close to things (if you can afford to spring for it) as it seems like it'd suit your style. I know new focal lengths (especially primes) do a lot for Also try planning a series on something where an SLR would be more suited. I've just started a series and I'm finally starting to use my 4x5 properly for the first time in well over 6 months. It's a good feeling, and there really are different courses for different horses.

Markok765 · Apr 30, 2009

ChrisC said:
Have you tried running a new/different roll of film through the F5? Could be all the inspiration you need to keep using it. Maybe even spring for a used wide that gets you really close to things (if you can afford to spring for it) as it seems like it'd suit your style. I know new focal lengths (especially primes) do a lot for Also try planning a series on something where an SLR would be more suited. I've just started a series and I'm finally starting to use my 4x5 properly for the first time in well over 6 months. It's a good feeling, and there really are different courses for different horses.

Hmm... Tri-x pushed in rodinal to 1600, wide lens and head on flash portraits? Weegee style?

rpsawin · Apr 30, 2009

Put a lens on it, point it at something and see what happens.

glockman99 · May 1, 2009

No problem. If you don't use it, send it to me, or I'll hunt you down and take it from you, and then I'll use it...

Sirius Glass · May 1, 2009

glockman99 said:
No problem. If you don't use it, send it to me, or I'll hunt you down and take it from you, and then I'll use it...

I got dibs! I called it first!

Steve

ChrisC · May 1, 2009

Markok765 said:
Hmm... Tri-x pushed in rodinal to 1600, wide lens and head on flash portraits? Weegee style?

See, you're thinking already.

mudman · May 1, 2009

If you have the SC-17 (or whatever its called) cable for off camera flash, try that with the portraits. I dunno about pushing Tri-x to 1600 and using flash, but its your experiment.

keithwms · May 1, 2009

I understand where 2F and John are coming from

Marko recall that I advised you to get an F100 That advice still stands. An ex-F5er myself, I simply question whether the F5 is the right piece for you (based on what I have seen of your work). The F5 is a machine gun and you are a natural sniper. I went through this transition to more selective shooting myself... and now even the F100 feels like massive overkill most of the time.

Markok765 · May 1, 2009

I'd love to get a F3, but I need flash exposure! It's not so much the 'machine gun' style of the F5, but rather the weight. I'd rather have a F4 or F3.

Rick A · May 1, 2009

Marko- why dont you try to get your hands on a TLR. Shooting an old Yashica D or Minolta, or Ricoh 6x6 with or (preferably)unmetered causes inner eye distortion, and you'll never see things the same again. They force a person to slow down and think a bit. Seeing things reversed through a dim viewfinder imposes serious brain warp. The worst that can happen, is you slow down and start composing in a manner you never thought of. Who knows, that may be the best thing to happen.
Rick

removed account4 · May 1, 2009

Markok765 said:
I'd love to get a F3, but I need flash exposure! It's not so much the 'machine gun' style of the F5, but rather the weight. I'd rather have a F4 or F3.

marko

flash exposure ?? get a flash and bracket ...
learn how to use a flash on a cold shoe.

go out and shoot ... the easiest way to do that is just to start ...

good luck!

Need inspiration to use my SLR!

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency