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The Partnership of the Passing Pentax, Roll Number 1
This shows my selections from the first roll of film for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax project photographed in June 2020. The project was organized by Eric of 4xfourtography and included 13 photographers who would each shoot a few rolls of Kodak Double-X (5222) black and white film in the Pentax K1000 before shipping it to the next person.
Twinkle in the TreesBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Twinkle in the Trees
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
This was, and still is, a very long term project. Even if kept on schedule, it would have taken just over a year with 13 photographers included. However, things got a bit more complicated in 2020 and the project picked up a few months of a delay.
Creek GateBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Creek Gate
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
When the camera showed up on my doorstep earlier in June I was a bit unsure about my next steps. I quickly checked the originally published rules for the project just to be sure what I was supposed to do. I pinged the person I received the camera from to acknowledge receipt and I let the organizer know.
Old BranchesBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Old Branches
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Then I had to get through the rest of my work day and I felt the excitement mounting. When my work was over I was definitely ready! I loaded a roll of Double-X in the camera, put it in my normal camera bag holding filters, cleaning supplies, batteries, etc. and headed out.
Hideaway and SwingBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Hideaway and Swing
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Where? To one of my favorite local parks. I was there many times even this year and was not sure whether I could find anything new but I headed that way anyway. As seasons change, the park offers different looks. Weather changes, time of day changes.
In the BloomBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
In the Bloom
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
And the equipment changes! I usually photograph with a wide angle lens. The Pentax K1000 came bundled with a 50mm lens offering a normal angle of view. That alone would also encourage a different take on familiar subjects.
Lily PadsBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Lily Pads
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
I entered the first boardwalk and took my first photo, the tree trunks in the first photo of this post. I walked pass these so many times but never took this shot. Then the second photo, also second here. The broken tree trunk bent over the creek. I photographed that scene several times and no two look the same, including the one posted above. This evening, the sunlight was breaking through the trees illuminating a few sections of the tree creating a whole different lighting pattern.
Blooming BushBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Blooming Bush
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
After I exited the boardwalk I took a side trip on a tiny unofficial path to the right and found some never before witnessed treasures. In all of my visits over the years I had never wandered that way. Somehow, this day felt like a license for freedom, license to go off the beaten path, a license to shoot a whole roll in a single evening.
Dead Tree Up CloseBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Dead Tree Up Close
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
And shoot I did, even though I had to change my original plans. When I headed out the sky was blue and my plan was to go for dramatic dark sky using the red filter. In the past, I felt that yellow and orange filters do not cut it with Double-X due to the limited sensitivity of the film to red light and extended sensitivity into the blues. The sky can easily come out washed out and haze gets exaggerated. Thus, I wanted to go a step further and try red.
ForestBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Forest
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
That plan was not to be though. By the time I arrived in the park not even 10 minutes later some heavier clouds arrived and created a rather boring backdrop. I was not going to be deterred though! I was on location and I would make the most of it. New plan? No filter and shooting mostly with no sky either in the woods or close enough to my subjects to eliminate any sky from the photo.
Creek in the WoodsBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Creek in the Woods
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
The other interesting thing that happened to me was the number of frames on the roll. This was bulk loaded Double-X and I kept re-using the cartridges I got a while back from Cinestill, i.e. their BwXX branded Kodak 5222. When the frame counter went above 38 I got nervous and more so with each additional frame. Did I not load the film properly? But the winder knob kept turning with each additional frame so that seemed ok. Eventually, I could no longer wind after frame 43!
Old TreeBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Old Tree
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Why such a long roll? On my bulk loader, I always do 30 turns and I always get 36 - 38 frames per roll, except for the Double-X. Those are always longer. I never gave it much thought until now as this was a bit extreme. I attributed this to the way Cinestill originally attached the film to the spool. It created a thicker core and thus each revolution was taking on more film as it started at a larger diameter. In fact, the film was so long that I could not even use the film retriever on it. When I rewind I usually leave the film out of the cartridge but this time I was not sure about the sound and thus wound the film fully into the cartridge. I was able to push one of the tongues of the film retriever in but it jammed in to tightly that I could no longer spin the film and listen for the click. Solution? Had to crack the cartridge open in the dark and remove the film that way, thus destroying the cartridge. That was ok though as it had other problems too. The entry way seemed rather lose and light would seep in clearly ruining the first few frames with light leaks.
CreekBirdsong on Double-X for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Creek
Birdsong on Double-X 5222 for the Partnership of the Passing Pentax
Even this little mishap had a positive spin on it though. I was mentally pacing myself to run out of film at the end of my hike. When I arrived at the end and still did dot reach the end of the roll I made an extra turn that I normally don't as it is a shortcut to about the middle of the trail. However, even that short connection inspired me to find a few never before photographed, and maybe even seen, forest scenes.
So thank you, Eric, this was a blast and until next time, ... :-)
Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy
Don't Pack Up
This has been proven to me over and over. When you think you are done shooting, retreat, head back home, but do not pack up the gear. Keep everything handy like you're just about to start.
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Why? The moment you pack up you will notice just one more perfect frame you did not notice before. As you head back to your starting point, you are facing the opposite direction often yielding other points of view not registered before. You're also in a different frame of mind, more relaxed, happy about the captured shots.
Then you hop in the car or on the bike to make the end of the photo session official. Still, don't pack up. Leave the camera bag handy. A curious cow might just appear on your left and if the camera is ready it is a done deal. But if you have to go back in the trunk and pull your equipment out, laziness might win.
Curious Cow in Western New York
Photographed with a Nikon N75 on Kodak Portra 160 film
Do I always follow my own advice? I am sad to admit it but no, not always. But I certainly do it more and more. Leave things at the ready and keep eyes open. Serendipity often rewards the prepared.
Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy
Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.
Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!
Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020 - Part 2
Continued from Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020 - Part 1
After I got 5 photos in on the Lensless 4x5 and got thoroughly chilled on the cold and rainy Sunday that was WPPD 2020 it was time for a change of pace and a change of tools. The exposures on the direct positive paper I had in the 4x5 camera were just too long. It was time for the Holga WPC loaded with Rollei Retro 80s. ISO 80 film vs. ISO 3 paper definitely made a difference even accounting for the film's reciprocity failure.
Holga WPC - WPPD 2020Behind the Scenes
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The difference was very noticeable and very welcome. I went from 15-minute exposures to about 90 seconds. The meter was showing around 30 seconds and I did not know the exact reciprocity failure characteristics of the Rollei Retro 80s film. As a result, I used the general guidance I found a while back and that had been working well for me. I have this info stored as a note on my phone but it's not hard to memorize either.
In my case, I did a times 3 for my 30 seconds and exposed for 90 seconds. These are not perfect numbers and if you look up your film's characteristics ahead of time you will most likely get even better results. Some more modern films, like the Fuji Across or Kodak T-Max don't need this much compensation.
| Time | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| 1+ sec | x 1.5 |
| 10+ sec | x 2 |
| 30+ sec | x 3 |
| 2+ min | x 4 |
| 4+ min | x 5 |
| 8+ min | x 6 |
| 16+ min | x 7 |
Since the casino's back porch featured a roof and provided a relief from the rain I lingered for couple more shots and tried to take advantage of the very wide perspective of the Holga WPC. I really liked the architectural curves and textures.
Behind the Casino II - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Holga WPC (Wide Pinhole Camera), Rollei Retro 80s Black & White Film
The next photo is from the other side of the passage in the first photo. What intrigued me there were the stairs to nowhere, or mystery stair. They're not really to nowhere as they lead to some sort of an attic of the building but the door has been turned into more of a wall for the commoners.
Behind the Casino III - WPPD 2020WPPD 2020
Behind the Casino III - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Holga WPC (Wide Pinhole Camera), Rollei Retro 80s Black & White Film
I warmed up, I felt like I exhausted what the location offered for the day, and it was time to move on to at least one more location for some variety. I decided to drive to an old farm turned into a state park as it offered a variety of subjects in a rural setting. Since the weather was awful I was not worried there would be crowds of people being Sunday. And indeed, the place was uncharacteristically empty.
As I was approaching the farm entrance the stone wall caught my eye. It's a beautiful wall and I had photographed it before but this day, the two spots where the wall gave in to the passage of time captured my attention. So I stopped and sprang into action. And it just so happened that the other locations happened spontaneously from there with me never actually heading for the official entrance and to the usual suspects. Starting at the wall and looking past it provided a whole new inspiration in a place I'd been to many times.
Broken Stone Wall - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Holga WPC (Wide Pinhole Camera), Rollei Retro 80s Black & White Film
Once I captured the wall I went through the opening to see whether there was an interesting view of the wall from the other side. There wasn't but I saw something else in the distance. And who could resist hay bales in the field? Not me. One challenge was the unrelenting rain. The field was soaked and I was wearing sneakers! Yes, laugh if you want to, I felt rather silly myself. But at this point I was not going to let that slow me down. At first, I proceeded carefully trying to avoid the ankle deep puddles. As I was getting closer it became clear that was silly as my shoes were getting wetter and wetter with each step anyway both from below and from above. I just gave up and walked up to the subjects of my next photo.
Hay Bales - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Holga WPC (Wide Pinhole Camera), Rollei Retro 80s Black & White Film
From the hay bales I saw another potential target and headed in that direction, at that point my sneakers were completely drenched and my jeans wet up to my knees. In a way, that made the last shot simpler to get to as I really did not have to worry about water any more. The intended shot lost its appeal when I got there but on the way, I passed this wonderful chaotic scene. A tree, shrubs, a gap allowing a view through the window on the field behind, and an old collapsed fenced there. That became the last frame on the roll and the last pinhole photograph for the day.
Chaos - Worldwide Pinhole Photography Day (WPPD) 2020
Holga WPC (Wide Pinhole Camera), Rollei Retro 80s Black & White Film
Alright, that does it for WPPD 2020. While I hope for better weather in 2021 it goes to show that bad weather can lead to a good inspiration. I might have never found and photographed these subjects had it been sunny. Who knows?
Enjoy the Beauty that Surrounds You! (#etbtsy)
Would you like to see more pinhole photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my pinhole gallery on timelessbuffalo.com and enjoy! Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.
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Stone WallWPPD 2020
Stump & RootsWPPD 2020
Casino PatioWPPD 2020
The Beautiful Lower Niagara River, Part I
This past weekend I made it back to the Lower Niagara Gorge to enjoy one of my Western New York happy places. The loud roar of the whitewater rapids along with the towering and crashing waves feed both hearing and sight.
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I could spend hours along the river banks there, just watching and listening. The waves are not like ocean waves. Ocean waves are more predictable. Or even if not predictable one can see them coming. Here at the river, the waves grow out of nowhere. The sheer power of water trying to move through the gorge faster than water can flow. The faster water behind pushing against the slower water ahead and all of a sudden a tower grows, grows, and grows until it tips over and falls backwards on itself. And then nothing for a bit. And then a similar sight just a short distance away.
White Water of Lower Niagara RiverWhirlpool State Park
No, these are not photographs from this past weekend, these are from a fall visit there. Shooting film these days it usually takes me a little longer to process it and get photos ready for online posting. Instead, I realized I still had photos from my last visit I never got a chance to share. And that brings me to another magic about this place. Based on the season one visits the river banks can look completely differently. In summer, there's more water going down Niagara Falls and rushing into the gorge. In winter, more water is rerouted through the power station and it does not re-enter the river until further down river well past the Whirlpool itself. That significantly lowers the water level and exposes more rocks along the river banks, most of them covered with moss adding color to the landscape.
Mossy Niagara River BanksWhirlpool State Park
During the colorful fall season I always prefer heading out earlier rather than later. That allows me to witness and photograph all of the yellows, oranges, and reds along with some greens still left over. On this day at the gorge, the greenery came from a different source. The freshly exposed moss was still lush and provided a picturesque combination with the colorful foliage.
Fall around Lower Niagara RiverWhirlpool State Park
Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy
Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.
Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!
Class 6 Rapids, Niagara River at the Whirlpool Rapids GorgeWhirlpool State Park
The Rage Up CloseWhirlpool State Park
Niagara River at the Whirlpool Rapids GorgeWhirlpool State Park
Jamestown and Chautauqua Lake, Part I
Here's another mini series of photographs, starting with Part I today. And while I usually separate my color and black and white posts I decided to go for a mix today but with the same subject matter.
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Last summer, we made a one-day trip to Jamestown, NY and the nearby Chautauqua Lake. And weather was on our side with gorgeous blue skies and white clouds streaming through. Photographically, it was a blast. Based on the situation I usually reach for eather black and white or color but this day was a blast with both.
Celoron Lighthouse in ColorJamestown, NY
Celoron Lighthouse in Color near Jamestown, NY
Photographed on film: Nikon N75, Fujichrome Velvia 50
To have the choice of color or black and white when I am not sure what I will face I usually take two cameras with me. Color usually ends up in the plastic fantastic auto-focus Nikon N75. That camera is a light-weight champion and the auto-focus is gret for family snapshots. I drive them crazy enough with my often slow progress forward so this helps with capturing family memories without smiles turning into grins. At least I like to think so.
Celoron Lighthouse in Black & WhiteJamestown, NY
Celoron Lighthouse in Black & White near Jamestown, NY
Photographed on film: Nikon FE, Ilford FP4
On the other hand, black and white goes almost exclusively through old manual cameras. My most used workhorse is the Nikon FE the second photo was captured with. There are a few others to mix things up but this Nikon is what I started with back in film and use it the most to this day. It always sits in the camera bag along with a set of color filters to tune the scene. I usually carry a red, orange, and a green filter. I find yellow to be too subtle so that one is not in the camera bag. On the other hand, red can be too overpowering for my taste. Most often, on a sunny day like this, it will be the orange mounted on the lens. And the green? That comes handy with vegetation, especially when sky is not part of the scene or has no blues to be found.
Enjoy The Beauty That Surrounds You! #etbtsy
Do you enjoy reading my photography blog? Would you like to see more photographs from Buffalo and Western New York? Visit my Buffalo Cityscapes and Buffalo & Western New York Landscapes and enjoy! For more travel photography, my Travel Photography gallery offers an interesting mix of places all around. Please, let me know if you have any questions about any photo products offered, or not offered, I will be happy to help! For a quick reference to all photo galleries and collections as well as all photo products currently offered through my site, please, visit the Products page.
Using my links to do your shopping keeps me sharing more photographs and writing the stories behind them (commission earned) and costs you nothing. You can also use the Amazon search box in bottom left for anything at all. I truly appreciate each purchase, no matter how large, no matter how small. Thank you!
Paddling through LifeCanandaigua Lake
Down the Pier in Black & WhiteCanandaigua Lake
BuoyedCanandaigua Lake