Another 6×6 on Ektar 100, converted to b&w.
Tag: Ektar
A Place to Rest
In the past couple of months, I’ve moved from digital to film, which is much slower. It’s a totally different mindset for me. I hated film years ago because I couldn’t take a picture worth paying for. Now, after doing digital, I more comfortable and confident, and most importantly, knowledgeable. I continue to use digital, but sort of have a “year long project” to master film photography, from taking to developing both b&w and color.
The medium format film craze for moi started with the Holga 120 GCFN I got for a present. As a camera, the Holga leaves a lot to be desired, like control. Since then, I’ve gathered into my camera herd an Agfa Isolette iii (6×6), and with this image, a Welta Weltur ca. 1938, that produces both 6×6 and 6×4.5 with an insert. The interesting differences between the two cameras is that the lens on the Agfa is from the 50s, therefore coated, and the one on the Welta is uncoated. The visual differences are there, as well as how each handles flare and other things.
Shot on Kodak Ektar 100 with the Welta Weltur, scanned using the Epson v600. Post in LR and On1 software. Developed at a local lab for $5.00.
Crummy to Better
This is the original photo, scanned on the Epson V600.
This one (above) is cleaned up using Epson Scan and Digital Ice, along with post in On1 Photo 10 and LR 6.
The one below is with the Noise / Dust and Scratch Removal in PS6. Sadly, it softens the leaves in the trees. I wonder if sharpening it in LR would help.
I have been putzing around with different ways to do post processing of film . . . a lot of work, but maybe worth it for keepers.
Trail a la Lomo
Hmmm. The images I get back from the photo lab are grungy. They arrive grungy. Using the Epson V600, I find crud everywhere.
With this picture, I moved it around on the scanner to decide if it was the neg or the scanner, and the neg won.
I cleaned the image with PEC-12, and the crud disappeared – a bit.
Then different settings in Epson Scan. Final settings which produced acceptable results were 2400 dpi, 48 bit color, digital ice, and medium unsharp mask. Final clean up in On1 Photo 10 and LR. Film was Kodak Ektar 100.
Succulent
Another medium format image using the Agfa Isolette iii. In reading about the 6×6 or square format for photography, the approaches recommend playing to the symmetry of the square by using circles, equal areas, and centering of the central point of the image. Didn’t do that here . . . maybe I should revisit this rather large plant?
It is a lot harder to focus – and stay focused – with this all-manual camera, too! I should have focused on the center of the stems . . .
Ink, Yarn & Beer 