Back in March I had another go at fixing my 1970s’ OM10. The winding mechanism wasn’t moving properly, but I got it going and popped in a roll of Ilford film I had knocking around the house.
I didn’t invest a lot of time in taking photos with it as I wasn’t 100% sure I’d got it working. So, it’s mostly snaps of the dogs – they’re such good models!
Thankfully, it’s working and this time I got some actual images back. There were some valuable lessons in there. Firstly, the film ISO is important. I didn’t think about that and just assumed something at 400 ISO would suit most situations, but this particular film seemed more suited for darker lighting conditions. There’s a lot of grain where the images are bright. Next, (and this should have been obvious), no RAW for editing means that you really have to get a lot right in camera.
The biggest lesson – film photography is expensive. A 36 exposure film is around £10, developing is anywhere between £15 and £20. That’s up to £35 for a roll of film. Another reason you can’t afford to go wrong.
We’re so lucky to live in a time where digital photography exists. We can afford to mess up, and the only thing we will waste is our time. I have a new appreciation for RAW and being able to come home and change things in Lightroom. Even as someone that isn’t a fan of spending forever editing, it’s nice to be able to.
That said, I like the results. I generally don’t shoot black and white, but I think I’m going to go out a few times and just shoot in black and white. I really, really love this 50mm lens. I’m looking for an Olympus to L Mount adaptor so I can use it on my S9 when it arrives.
So, it’s nice to know the camera works, and I will use it. But, given the cost I can;t see me shooting more than one film a year.
Whenever I watch my favourite Youtube Photographers (Thomas Heaton, James Popsys, Emily Lowry etc) they’re often off on some grand adventure to some amazing location to photograph something spectacular. That’s not really an option for the majority of photography enthusiasts. I’d bet most of us live somewhere boring? Other than the odd trip to the more scenic parts of the UK, I am usually stuck here in the flattest part of Yorkshire. No mountains, or hills, no cliffs, canyons, no beach, just miles and miles of flat farm fields, the odd tree, ditches and canals. But, despite all that I still love going out with my camera. And, I think anyone interested in photography should go out and photograph where they live and not just the cool places.
I bet there are millions of photos of Bamburgh Castle at dawn, or the Old Man of Store on Skye, but how many photos are there of these cows, in this field, with those pylons in Doncaster are there?
How many photos have been taken of the river Don with this gate and the houses in the background?
Some boring train gates that have never been photographed before (probably), because why would you?
Am I seriously suggesting that these locations are as good as the Lake District, or the Isle of Harris? Well, no. But, they are important because these are the places we really live and work. They’re where we spend our lives, and they’re our reality. They should be photographed just as much as the ‘cool’ places because they are our real history. What’s more, they’re challenging to photograph and make something interesting from, which makes it fun. I think most people could take a great photo using their iPhone at sunrise on a great beach, or a great mountain.
Going local gives us a chance to experiment and grow. I find it lets me slow down because I’m not in a rush to get to the destination. Try different lenses, and filters. Mess around with shutter speed and apertures. Go out at different times of day, not just golden hour. The photos I’ve added to this post were all taken at the brightest part of the afternoon, so I messed about with them in Lightroom until I was happy with how they looked. It’s a great way to learn.
I challenge people to try and take a great photo of something that’s ‘normal’ and every day to them, where they live. Go for a walk, or get on your bike and see what you can find. I bet you’ll enjoy the process.
Isn’t it great when the weather breaks and it finally feels like winter has gone? That’s where we’re at now in my part of the world. With it comes the smell of summer. I can’t quite describe it, and it’s probably different all over the planet, but it’s the smell of everything growing back; the blossom, the grass, the leaves. I went for a bike ride after work yesterday, and the smell was there. It just made me smile.
The best thing about having an electric bike is that I can cover twice the distance in half the time. So, I’m getting a chance to explore further than I used to, and find loads of new places. So, yesterday I took my GX80 and my Leica 15mm for a ride.
Lumix GX80, Leica 15mm f3.5 1/1000 sec, ISO500
There are so many roads like this around me. Single lane, quiet, and moss growing down the middle due to lack of use. I really like this image. The light on the leaves in the tree canopy makes it for me, and the way the road curves away at the end. For editing I tried to go down that Asteroid City look. I wasn’t a fan of the film, but the colour grading is fantastic. It’s like a muted pastel kind of thing. I think I got fairly close?
Lumix GX80, Leica 15mm f6.3 1/100 sec, ISO200
My current obsession is humanity meeting nature. This image fits in with that, showing an abandoned building being grown through by trees. I have no idea what this building was. A lot of this area was taken up by an airbase during World War 2, so it might be a remnant of that.
Lumix GX80, Leica 15mm f6.3 1/160 sec, ISO200
This is a bit naff. But, at the time I saw something in it, so I’m sharing it. Maybe I’ll go back and try and figure out what it was. Not every image is a keeper.
Lumix GX80, Leica 15mm f5.6, 1/640 sec, ISO200
Another one I’m not 100% happy with and will go a retake. I want the tree in the middle of the two closer trees framing it. I probably need to take my 12-60 so I can get a better range of shots. I still quite like this though.
I am all about Olympus at the moment. I’ve had another go at fixing my Olympus OM10 (1979) Film Camera. I think I may have got it working, so I’ve got a roll of Ilford black and white film in there. I think when I send it in for developing I better add a note saying ‘please don’t judge this photographs, I just snapped any old crap to get through the roll’. Fingers crossed this time it works.
I also had an Olympus OM-D E-M10 (why did they use such long names?) for a couple of days from MPB. Aesthetically it was a really nice looking camera, but I hated the menus. I hated them so much that I think it has put me off Olympus for life. That said, I am thinking of a new camera as my G9 is getting quite old now (although it’s still a very, very good camera), and I like the OM Systems OM-5 (on paper). But, I’m also thinking of going to full frame, either Sony or Canon.
I’ve added a couple of new lenses to my gear over the last few weeks. An Olympus 17mm f2.8 which was so cheap I couldn’t say no. I got this primarily for my GM1/5 cameras for things like weddings and parties. I never want to take my very expensive Leica 15mm to those kind of things, so this was a decent alternative at a similar focal length. I also got the Olympus 45mm f1.8. I got this mostly because I couldn’t figure out how that focal length would be useful on an M43 system. But, I have to say (for the money) it is an incredible lens, and has probably made it straight into my top 3 lenses. It’s very sharp and the bokeh is incredible. I haven’t used it outside of the house yet, but we’re heading to Northumberland for a few days so it will be a good place to get some time with it.
Another photographic trip to the coast. This time to Spurn Head in East Yorkshire, which in my mind was only an hour away as I thought it was just on the other side of Hull. It isn’t. Spurn Head is actually twice as far away as Hull, and a good couple of hours away down lots of windy roads. So, I wasn’t very popular for getting that one wrong. It was a beautiful sunny day, and unseasonably warm. Shorts, a t-shirt, and flip flops would have done (I’m not kidding).
I loved the light. I’m a fan of shooting into the sun. (GM5 Leica 15mm)
For those that don’t know (including me) Spurn Head is a nature reserve and ‘an iconic and constantly moving peninsula which curves between the North Sea and the Humber Estuary’. The main point of interest (for me) from a photography point of view was the lighthouse. Built in 1895, it has been guiding sailors around the East Yorkshire coastline for over 90 years, until it was decommissioned in 1985. It’s open to the public and you can take a tour around it (I didn’t).
The Spurn Point Lighthouse from the visitors centre (Lumix GM5. Panasonic 45-150)
A trip to the lighthouse will take some planning as it’s only accessible by foot on a three mile walk and you can only cross when the tide is out. It’s not somewhere you want to get stuck on a cold February night. So, finding a time when the tide is out that coincides with sunrise or sunset can be challenging. The BBC provide tide times here https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast-and-sea/tide-tables/3/171 The walk itself was hard at times. A lot of it is over sand, and it’s very soft sand. So, for some people a six mile walk might be tricky. As it’s a nature reserve dogs aren’t allowed. There is a stretch of sand further north up the coast where you can tale you r dogs though.
On to the photography bit. I took my new (to me) Lumix GM5. (Yes, I finally found one at a price I could afford and I’ll write about it next week). With that I took the worlds best lens, the Panasonic Leica 15mm and my Panasonic 45-150mm zoom (how do they make it so small?) I also took a 12-32, because it’s so small and a decent back up.
About half way point on the walk. Still a long way to go. (GM5 Leica 15mm)
As ever, the colour on the Leica 15mm is lovely. Not a lot of editing required, mostly just cropping. It’s such a good pairing with the GM camera because it has an aperture ring on the lens. Given the size of the cameras only allow for one dial (the GM5 is much better positioned) it means you can use that for shutter speed. I wish all lenses were like this.
There wasn’t really anything to use as a subject, but I couldn’t ignore the light on the grass. Maybe the light is the subject? (GM% Leica 15mm)
As I (finally) got closer to the lighthouse the sun had started to drop. I was worried about the lack of stabilisation in the camera, but the lens has it and the results were good despite the wind.I didn’t want to make the 3 mile return walk in the dark, it had been hard enough in the light. Then I started stressing that the tide might come in, even thought I’d checked it numerous times.
GM5 Leica 15mm
As I wondered around I’d wished I’d spent more time learning my way around the camera. I hadn’t had time though as I’d had eye injections earlier in the week, so seeing had been an issue. That said, I’m pleased with the images I got. The conditions were kind to me, and the Gm5 did really well considering the fading light.
My last, and favourite shot of the day. I got lucky with the sunset and the wind had died down. It could be summer. I did take another from down on the beach, but there was a lot of human rubbish on the beach. Sadly.
I wish I’d have spent a bit more time looking for an angle that cut out the auxiliary buildings. (GM5 Leica 15mm)
So, a bit of a slog. The very soft sand makes it hard work. Probably not somewhere I’d rush back to as it’s ruined by humans. There was so much rubbish that had been blown on to the reserve, or washed up. It was depressing to see such a wonderful place ruined by people (again). We really are killing our own home. A cancer on our home planet. Maybe I need to photograph that?
A quick snap from my phone I was walking back. Another phone snap. I liked the light and colours.
I love a trip to the coast on a cold sunny day. There’s no better way to blow the cobwebs off. A nice walk from North Bay in Scarborough through to the Spa at Southbay. Fish and Chips. Ice Cream. Perfect. Scarborough is much nice than I remembered too.
As it turned out this was my last trip with the GX80. I have never really clicked with that camera. It was too big to be actually portable, not much smaller than my G9. It wasn’t;’t my GM1…. So, it’s gone back to MPB for not much less than I bought it. I got a couple of nice shots with it before it went though.
I could have spent hours looking at these rainbows.
So, now the GX80 has gone what’s next? Obviously, I love my GM1. Its only downside is no viewfinder. As someone with limited vision I find it easier to work with a viewfinder. So, I’m looking for a GM5, at a reasonable price. There’s currently one on eBay for £800 – which is mad. I’ve set up an alert for any that come up on the listings. Fingers crossed.
Time to get my eyes stabbed. Hopefully I’ll get out next weekend when I can see again.
Four UK breaks this year, and only one of them wasn’t ruined (photography wise) by the weather. Anglesey over this last week was the latest trip ruined by a storm and we arrived smack bang in another record breaking bout of rain. So, it was a grab ’em while you can kind of week.
There’s nothing front page (of this site) worthy, but they capture the feel of Anglesey in November.
Anglesey, by the way – absolutely lovely place. Even in biting winds and ice cold rain we had a great time. We were smack bang in the middle of the island and everything in all directions was only 20 minute drive away. We liked it so much we’ve booked for next November, and are considering a trip in summer too.
I think I prefer places when they’re quiet.
I took all of these photos on my GM1 using the Leica 15mm. Again, that little camera and lens continue to be my favourite bits of kit. My G9 never made it out of the bag,
It’s October 20th, and most of the trees here are still green, with the odd one just starting to turn. If you look our of the window you’d think it was a rainy August day. Climate change in action. I was looking forward to late sunrises and early sunsets, but the weather is delaying it. On top of that, I’ve been out of action with my eye treatment for a week. So, the only photography I’ve really done this month is for my wife and daughters new candle business (https://www.instagram.com/fragrancefairieshome/)., and some stuff on film with my OM10. We’re away to Anglesey in a couple of weeks, hopefully autumn will be in full swing by then.
On the OM10, I’m really loving the process of using a film camera. The limitation of 36 shots makes it a much more considered approach to choosing an image to capture. The process is really slowed down too. Where a digital image on a 256gb memory card can we wasted, on film it can’t. So, I’m much more aware of checking aperture, shutter speed and then manual focus on top of that. I think it will make me a better photographer. Hopefully, I’ll get through the film in Anglesey and get to see the results soon.
Another New Bag
I really do have a bag problem. I now own;
Peak Design Slings in 10L and 3L. I hate the 10L, it’s stiff and uncomfortable and getting things in and out are a pain in the arse. The 3L is the same but smaller, and I really don’t like how it looks.
A Lowepro Flipside Trek. Great bag for any condition, and holds a lot – but I don’t need a bag that big and I never use it.
A Bellboy 10L camera Sling. I love this bag, and it’s still my favourite. But, it’s not sealed. Great for dry days, but even a bit of rain would make me worry. (I also own the same bag, but a none camera version)
ON top of those specific camera bags I also own a few Alpaca Gear bags, that aren’t really camera bags, but are great for small cameras on walks with the dogs.
The Peak Design Bags and the Lowepro bags are going on eBay along with a Crumpler messenger bag and Fjallraven messenger bag.
The new bag….. is a Peak Design Backpack. I much prefer back packs for carrying, especially with a tripod. It’s not too big, sealed, and (so far) the closest I’ve found to the perfect camera bag. Hopefully, this won’t be on eBay in six months. I’ve not used it yet, but hope to this weekend if it stops raining for more than a minute.
Our five days in the Lake District had to be cut short to just two. Sometimes, life gets in the way, plus the weather wasn’t kind. I didn’t really get any photo’s I would print, or put in a portfolio. But, I had time with my wife and my dogs, and right now, or always, that is the most important thing. Whatever you love in life, squeeze it for every bit of love and joy you can, while you can.
A few years ago I bought myself a second hand Olympus OM10 (1972) with a 50mm lens. Then, forgot all about it, and it’s been sat in a box for around ten years. As it’s coming up to autumn and the best time of year for photography I thought I’d dig it out.
My OM10.
After putting a couple of new batteries in I was pleased to find that everything still works. All I need is some film, which is a lot more expensive these days. With that in mind, I’ll be much more selective about what I photograph. The thing I’m looking forward to the most is not knowing how the images look until the films comes back from the lab.
I’m heading to the Lake District tomorrow, and won’t be taking this with me, but something to look forward to when I get back.
Shaun Madill Photography 