Posted in5 Frames...Articles

5 Frames (+1)… Of beautiful B&W flowers on ILFORD HP5 PLUS (35mm Format / EI 400 / Minolta X-700 + MD 50mm f/3.5 Macro Lens)

I believe that we don’t give enough consideration to photographing flowers in black and white. Last year I ventured into the garden with my Minolta XD-11 and ILFORD’s HP5 PLUS. Recently, HP5 has become my ‘go-to’ 35 mm B&W film after my experiences of the past 2 years. I was also pushed by the Frugal […]

Posted inFilm stock reviews

My 2020 lockdown journey: a comparative test of Kodak EKTACHROME E100 and Fujifilm Velvia 50 (bonus Portra/Lomography included)

I set out this Spring and Summer to do a comparative test of Kodak EKTACHROME E100 and Fujifilm Fujichrome Velvia 50 (RVP50). In my lifetime experience with film (going back to childhood), I’ve mostly shot slide film, and we had those traditional slide shows with Family and Friends because my mother used the original EKTACHROME from […]

Posted inFujifilm film camera reviews

A look at two uniquely different medium format Fujifilm cameras: The Fuji GA645Zi Professional and Fuji GW690III Professional

From the fully automatic point and shoot Fujifilm GA645Zi to the totally manual Fujifilm GW690III, Fujifilm’s medium format cameras encompass a wide range of types and functions and formats. I purchased both of these cameras based on recommendations from very different sources and as different as they are, I enjoy them both. I first learned […]

Posted in5 Frames...Articles

5 Frames… From Waneka Lake Park with ILFORD Delta 100 Professional (EI 100 / 120 format / Reality So Subtle 6X6F Pinhole)

Inspired by an ILFORD Photo November Camera Challenge on Twitter, I set out with my Reality So Subtle 6X6F.  Three goals in mind:  Work with my RSS using a contrast filter (the “F” means a filter can be attached)Satisfy the Story part of the ChallengeGet started on “My Inner Monet” So more about the Challenge. […]

Posted inLomography Film Stock Reviews

What I’ve learned from my LomoChrome Purple XR 100-400 experiences: A user’s guide

Lomography’s LomoChrome Purple XR 100-400 is definitely an interesting film. Until shooting it in late 2019, I had never tried a ‘special effects’ film before and surprisingly, I liked it. But there are some caveats that never seem to be mentioned in Lomography’s posts and promotions. This is not so much intended as a film […]

Posted in5 Frames...Articles

5 Frames… In the Great Kiva with Kodak Portra 400 (EI 400 / 120 format / Reality So Subtle 6X6F)

The Great Kiva was reconstructed in 1934 by Hopi and Puebloan workers. This site was part of the extended Chaco Canyon regional cluster of settlements and is part of the Chaco Culture National Historic Park. The Aztec Ruins* became a National Monument in 1923, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966, […]