There’s always things to learn from every outing with a camera –
It was hard not to feel like I wasted the conditions during last year’s winter storm that came through Zion National Park because I hadn’t managed to come away with any photographs of it, but in truth that experience gave me the knowledge I needed to take better advantage of the same conditions this year…
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:25 Setting up composition 1
04:49 Light table review image 1
06:32 Finished image 1
07:05 Setting up composition 2
08:29 Light table review image 2
09:17 Finished image 2
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28 Comments
👆 – HOT GIRLS FOR YOU! 😘😍o🥰
Hi Chris. One consideration regarding your light leak could be static electricity. I’ve had similar issues with previous metal holders where if I pull the dark slide in or out too fast, I generated enough spark to spoil the image. Thanks for bringing us along!
Nice one Chris. That’s a cool aspect ratio on the panoramic camera. I’m glad you were able to save the exposure and take advantage of the conditions! Great photo
The image with the Z shape I like the most.
I have the same Horseman film holder. I bought it in Shanghai about 2 years ago and it has performed perfectly. I checked all of the light seals carefully before I bought it and they looked good. You may want to check the seal foam to see if it aged poorly.
Those are a couple of nice shots. Regarding the light leaks: from the pattern of those leaks I'd suspect the felt ribbon in the bottom of the back has worn out. It has to be the 6×12 back, since your 4×5 shot is fine. Bellows leak would also be more likely in the middle of the frame, or all over.
Oh man! Chris, those light leaks – how frustrating; but well done on rescuing one of them. I have a Horseman 6×9 on a Horseman camera – each of the 5 rolls I’ve tried have been horrendous. Gave up in the end – it’s now in a box somewhere….
Those striations are extraordinary – well seen!!
Sorry your plagued with light leaks. If the dark slide and the back is leaking it could be lump of something on the surface where the back/dark slide butts on to the camera. Good luck finding the problem. Nice rescue of the image 😁
The rock striations shot is absolutely gorgeous, fantastic work!
Love that second image!
two things you will see many experienced large format photographers do: cover the holder with the darkcloth when removing/inserting the darkslide and then leave the darkcloth on the camera. Too many times, a failing light trap on a holder has caused issues like that. This is especially true since new roll film holders and new film holders aren't being made commercially any longer, so all the materials are getting older, and some are failing. Second, most of us will use a compendium shade to shade the lens. While you do not have the sun beating onto the front of the lens, it is still exposed to the sky, which is a strong light source compared to the image area. It can cause a loss of contrast in the scene. I hope this helps, as you are a relatively new 4×5 user. I like the images you are creating!
Wonderful as always!
Lucky timing on getting to the Fall color at Zion. I've tried to do this a few times over several decades, once with great success, once with total failure, and the rest a mixed bag. Those vine maples turning bright red just make my day. I'd love to be there with him, and I hope I have one more lucky trip in me for 2023.
Light leaks are always a pain. But a light leak on a roll of precious, precious Velvia makes me cry. Does that camera/roll film holder use a Graflex back?
Nice shot of the sandstone. I always like catching some Z's.
So Chris, another all too short, but oh so sweet, chapter. I'm going to guess the next one will be on shooting wildlife (bighorn) on 4×5!
I hate light leaks, but they do seem to happen, and at the most random and awful times. Since it was just the one roll, well, weird. My RB67 did that on 2 rolls once. I didn't replace seals, but just cleaned everything up (I suspect the rotating back wasn't secured) and it hasn't been an issue since. I did replace seals on my Bronica backs, tedious, but well worth it. Glad you saved the image though, it's a nice one. We all like the rock striation images. You might need to visit Valley of Fire, they're everywhere. Another fine production.
Another really nice video. I really like the sandstone shot ! I have a relatively inexpensive 6×12 back, still costly, with knob crank & no counter but it works well. No light issues so far but still need a lot more time with it.
Really great images, and fantastic video. Sorry about your light leaks but glad you were able to rescue the image.
Beautiful images. I love Velvia 50 and I'm a sucker for pano shots…need to consider getting me one for my 4×5.
nice shot👍
Chris what tripod do you use ? and what ball head ?
Love that Rock shot Chris!
Beautiful images, I love Velvia 😍😍😍
Wonderful segment Chris! The "Z" rocks are sublime and an excellent addition to the portfolio. I am happy to see you trying the RVP50 in 120, and the light leaks must be maddening given your second chance! I use the 6×7 and 6×9 Horseman backs and have not had this issue. It is interesting that the leak has the same regular, rectangular shape to it in each exposure and same placement – not random. Keep in mind that the back "sees" the image upside down and backwards from your light table. I think it is indeed dark slide related – if those seals are weak and you had that side in direct light, the act of removing or inserting the slide may have caused some reflection off the shiny slide. The rate of insertion/retraction may also be a factor as previously suggested. Your recent videos don't show as much of the actual image taking as they have in past years, so hard to armchair quarterback any further. Glad that this was the only roll affected so hopefully this all moot!!!!. Keep up the great work Chris and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Spectacular images. The details and color are wonderful. Zion is such and incredible place. I haven't been back since I've expanded my camera collection. Time for a revisit. Love your videos.
Damn, Chris, that last photo of the rock striations is fantastic. So well done. And interesting that you mentioned your recent emphasis on these diagonal compositions, I was thinking the same thing, in particular a fallen log with leaves that was composed on a diagonal from some while ago. Great work!
Good job on correcting the light leak! Composition n.2 is much more interesting to me! Something about rock formations, erosion, passing of time and that skin-like aspect. Cheers mate!
Great video Chris. I think the decision to crop the rock in the first shot was the right one. It definitely simplified the scene. I was curious though. It is unusual to see you shoot six frames on the same composition. It was a fortunate decision since it gave you opportunities to salvage one where the light leak was less significant. My question was, what made you decide to shoot the entire roll on the same scene with the same composition? Changing light or ripples as water flow reduced?