I always thought that a picture needs to have something extraordinary to catch your eye. Be it the decisive moment, an unusual perspective, some odd expression, a fantastic array of color, shadow or shape, you name it. But at least one element in a photograph has to be different in order to touch the viewer.

In fact, black and white photography have an advantage from this point of view. The world shows itself in color, so the B&W picture by its nature portrays everything in an unreal way. When you go into color photography, you have a problem. Color is closer to reality and that can turn a picture into something ordinary.

For long, I have tried different ways to overcome this issue. Digital manipulation, using casts, pushing Portra and so on. Some available films can give results that put reality to a distance. But, for me, most of them were either too artificial or couldn’t provide pleasant aesthetics. Recently, Lomography launched a new film that could possibly go into the direction I was looking for. Muted colors and high contrast. It’s called Metropolis. I gave it a shot and put some into a Leica M7.

I shot it at EI 400 and using a 50mm f/1.4 lens. Processing is regular C41. Of course, it may not be suited for all subjects. Possibly it is a great film for some kinds of portraiture but, since recently street photography is my day to day thing, I used it in the urban setting. It didn’t disappoint me.

The colors stand but are unobtrusive and contrast is quite good. The somehow greyish tone is quite adequate to portray modern city landscapes. A more cold and restricted palette may enhance a subjectively more aggressive environment.

Please appreciate my 5 frames with this new film because, in my opinion, it adds a distinct touch to these images.

~ José

Submit your 5 Frames… today

Get your own 5 Frames featured by submitting your article using this form or by sending an email via the contact link at the top of the page.

Share your knowledge, story or project

The transfer of knowledge across the film photography community is the heart of EMULSIVE. You can add your support by contributing your thoughts, work, experiences and ideas to inspire the hundreds of thousands of people who read these pages each month. Check out the submission guide here.

If you like what you’re reading you can also help this passion project by heading over to the EMULSIVE Patreon page and contributing as little as a dollar a month. There’s also print and apparel over at Society 6, currently showcasing over two dozen t-shirt designs and over a dozen unique photographs available for purchase.

Similar stuff on EMULSIVE

3 responses to “5 Frames… With Lomography LomoChrome Metropolis XR 100-400 (EI 400 / 35mm format / Leica M7)”

  1. you did great with this film, José! I particularly liked the one of the Harry and Ron mural with a small figure to the side. Metropolis did not really work for my style but it certainly looks like you got the best of it. Well done!

  2. That is quite a cool film! Will have to find some to test out for myself!

  3. During more “normal” times my preferred subjects are urban monos but seeing your images has persuaded me to buy a few rolls for when I’m allowed out again! Thanks for sharing. Dave

 

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Discover more from EMULSIVE

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Discover more from EMULSIVE

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading