In this post we go for a long walk around the block with the trustworthy Ilford FP4+ armed with two fantastic medium format cameras and two analogue geeks (me +1!). We search for good light, architectural minimalism, and fun compositions.
I met up with my fellow photographer friend Jim [insert appropriate analogue head phrase here] recently for a walk around Frankfurt in search for some interesting compositions. Not only did I survive the walk without him convincing me that my life would be over without a new camera, but we also grabbed some good shots. Oh and the photo above is from Jim and his killer Plaubel Makina 67.
About the gear
I brought along my Rolleiflex 3.5 mx-evs with its 75mm lens, a real workhorse that has been going strong for 50+ years. Jim had his Plaubel Makina 67 with one of the sharpest lens I have ever seen. I did a review of his camera not long ago here.
About the film
I haven't shot this film that much, but I really must as it is fantastic, especially in bright situations. I did a review of it as part of my 52 rolls of film here.
According to Ilford:
For high quality black and white photography, ILFORD FP4 PLUS is unrivalled. Its very fine grain, outstanding sharpness and high acutance make it the film of choice whenever a job demands great enlargement or the subject contains a wealth of fine detail.
Nominally rated at ISO 125/22, ILFORD FP4 PLUS has become the benchmark against which other medium speed films are judged. With enormous latitude for exposure error above and below its ISO 125, ILFORD FP4 PLUS is very suitable for most photographic subjects under a variety of lighting conditions.
About the photos
A long walk around the block is pretty much what we did. We said we would look for some good light and experiment with some new compositions and we did just that. The beauty of medium format film is that you have very few shots (10 or 12) in comparison to the standard 36 frames on 35mm film. Not only does this mean you spend much more time composing a shot, you are usually done with a roll sooner too!
I always like to have a loose theme in mind when I am out and let the rest just happen. We were lucky with some great light and some creative views.
I didn't quite nail the focus on this one as I was fiddling around too much and wanted to get someone in the frame. We will just say it is more of an artistic shot.
Jim"s turn with his Plaubel, right in the middle of the 'Die Welle" complex in Frankfurt. Crazy sharpness with this camera coupled with the fantastic Ilford FP4.
I like how curvy this shot is, yet still has a very good composition to it. Good use of negative space too I think.
I believe this was a side entrance to the Alter Oper in Frankfurt, taken by Jim.
A front view from my Rolleiflex. Funny how both photos can be so different given they are from the same thing, just shows how different perspectives work.
I am not sure of the history of this statue, but it makes for a good photo! Another shot by Jim, showing some really great shadows. Look at how much detail there are in the letters, exceptional combination Plaubel + Ilford FP4.
Sometimes the best option is just to place the Rolleiflex on something flat and see what it sees. This is the through the viewfinder shot (remember the image is reversed).
The final result, and I was pleased with how the overall composition came out.
The UBS building from a slightly different angle, I really like how abstract this shot is.
Pity about the trees, otherwise this would have been another great minimalist shot. Frankfurt has some really great architecture if you enjoy photographing that kind of subject. Amazing detail and sharpness in this shot too.
A better shot from a minimalist standpoint I think. Also one I may print in a bigger size.
Actually this was the first shot I took and it is one of my favourites. It took us a while to get the composition right as it was very busy from other angles, but the final result really stands out!
There is something quite interesting about a "City for everyone" graffiti with a Porsche in the frame too! The Plaubel's lens is really unbelievably sharp!
Sometimes you have to work hard to get the best angles, and it usually pays off. I really like the angle and overall composition of this shot.
I actually prefer the angle Jim shot of this car, but left this in as it is still a very sharp image, and I quite like the reflection on the bonnet.
Overall observations
A really enjoyable long walk and some great images to show for it, that's my kind of a Saturday afternoon well spent! Actually it may have been Sunday, but that's besides the point! I was really happy with the Ilford FP4 film and it may even be my 'go to' black and white film for bright days.
I hope you enjoyed the short blog and thanks again to Jim for his great shots too.
Now go out for a walk with a friend and take some photos!
See you next time,
Neil
