Critique Welcomed Experiments with Fomapan 200

[Wes Hall]

Thanks to Chris for developing my recent exploits in film, and stoking my fires for more use of the Minolta Hi-Matic 7s, I've received some shots I'm happy to share.

In order the first three are shot at 150 ISO (maybe 125, I did have it written down somewhere...)

The second three are at 400 ISO and the final 3 are at 800 ISO. The grain and detailing to my eye has remained strong in all. Your thoughts would be welcomed

 

[Chris Bennett]

Yoiks - I just noticed some dust and fluff that I missed!

 

[Pete Askew]

Careful, Chris, you'll have the anti-anti-dust militia (AKA @Brian Moore) on your back!

What a fabulous set of images, Wes. The rendering, DoF and composition of the first is just perfect and the following two are damn fine as well.

The interior shot of the gaming hall is great and contrast is spot-on I think. Love the lady with the bag. The other low-light shots work very well too. And although you can see an increase in grain as the ISO goes up, I think it adds to the images. For example, by introducing a touch of texture to the highlights (as in the halo around the spot-lights).

 

[Chris Bennett]

I think they are great, Wes. I almost felt a little guilty when I was scanning them on Sunday morning, because I was seeing them before you did.
Well done sir!
And let's not forget the old Hi-Matic, eh? What a brilliant little camera it is!

I think you would appreciate what a filter could do for the contrast when you shoot this film at slower speeds. But then I reckon you're getting what you really want when you push it anyway.

 

[Rob MacKillop]

They all look really good, find film shots. I love especially the second car shot and the Game Girl.

 

[Wes Hall]

Thank you all I'm finding so much more emotion is generated when I look at my film shots lately- Rob, glad you also like the Game/bag girl,that is possibly my favourite of the roll. Chris, I'm up for looking into filter use- a blue filter intrigues me for daytime shots as seen the effect on digital and I liked it. The Hi-Matic is brilliant- thanks for tempting me to buy it! As for the dust, barely a couple of flecks- I've Max Spielman standards to compare to for scanning issues- and getting to see the results first is the least for taking the trouble developing and scanning them!

Pete, completely agree- the grain is adding to the shots in the higher ISO's, it was rewarding seeing how pushing a film stock can enhance the range of scenes you can enjoy shooting.

Ironically, I'm noticing switching back to digital shooting post film has resulted in an adjustment period (anyone experienced this?) where I'm not finding the flow the same despite being familiar with the tools.. tried the same grounds yesterday with digital and the majority were busts as I didn't compose, refine and carefully take the shot.

 

[Pete Askew]

Andy?!

I think previewing is often the kiss of death of a good composition and try not to do it.

 

[Wes Hall]

Ahhhem! what 'Andy'.......

I was due to call a friend of that name...that's the excuse!

 

[Dave Farnes]

That is a very fine set of pictures. I like the contrast between old and new in the first one. Love the table and chairs in the street scene, has a real film noir feel to it.