Anybody shooting fireworks with their TLRs this 4th July

[ajishc]

What’s the best aperture and shutter speed setting to get some nice pictures? I assuming I would need a tripod. Any other suggestions for someone shooting fireworks for the first time (through TLR).

It would be great if we all can post the pictures (I am planning to by a scanner in the weekend) 🙂

Ajish

 

[spyder2000]

Tripod. Cable release with lock. Same aperture as you would use with your film for a backlit-by-the-sun exposure (f/11). Open the shutter for a couple to several bursts.

If you are shooting print film, warn your processor so they can print for the black sky. Otherwise you'll get washed out prints. Transparency film is great for this.

 

[ajishc]

Thank you Spyder2000

 

[rtphotos]

Hi Ajish,

Although I have TLR and rangefinder cameras, I'll most likely use my trusty SLR with zoom lens for this years' 4th of July fireworks show.

The zoom lens provides ease in varying compositions. Being able to shoot 36 exposures before reloading is also nice. I've shot 2-3 rolls easily during a 20-30 minute fireworks display. 🙄

I'll have my rangefinder close by, though to get some "people shots".

As Spyder 2000 says: tripod, and locking cable release. I'll add that you might vary aperture between f11-16 to bracket your shots, and shoot at f8 or f11 for the finale.

Use the ol' "hat infront of the lens" trick to expose your film to multiple aerial bursts on a single frame with your shutter on bulb. I also prefer daylight color negative film (100 or 200 ISO). Having shot a few fireworks shows in the past, I now bring a small penlight with red filter over the lens for when I change film.

Here is the Smithsonian Institution webpage with more hints on taking fireworks photos:

http://photo2.si.edu/firew/firew.html

If you are set on using your TLR don't let me stop you. Your larger film size may provide some awesome shots. Looking forward to seeing your soon to be scanned photos.

Good luck and happy 4th!

rt 🙂

 

[rbiemer]

Hadn't thought about it 'til now but I think I will give it a go. Yashica and I think the only color 120 film I have right now is some Kodak 400VC.
Be a while after before I get my results back but if they're any good, I'll share 'em here.
Thanks for the idea!
Rob

 

[wclavey]

I'm not planning to shoot any this year - - they have moved the venue to a new location out here and it is a bust, as far as I'm concerned. But I have shot a number of firework events in the past and I really want to add my support for using E-6 slide film to do it. The large images of the fireworks on the dark sky will absolutely blow you away.

My Mamiya C220 has a multiple exposure release, so I was able to do some in-camera composites, but the single explosion images are great on their own.

I used both the 180mm and the 80mm lens in the past, and before I had the C220 (...and we are now talking a LONG time ago...) I used a Minolta Autocord with an auxilliary telephoto lens on the front. Being able to see it with the TLR throughout the exposure is handy, although not essential.

 

[Muggins]

Thought these might be of interest - found tucked into a a copy of "35 mm Photography for Pleasure" by George Knight, published 1961, so I'm guessing probably mid-60s in date.

Adrian

 

[Muggins]

And the last one. Of course, it's no good if you don't have a Kodak Colorsnap camera, or a box of 1960s Standard whizz-bangs...

Adrian

 

[ajishc]

Thank You All for the great information.

My Camera is a Yashica 44A (takes 127 film) and I ordered rolls of 'Kodak PORTRA 160NC 127 (NATURAL)'. Unfortunately my films are on backorder. That leaves me with my single roll of 'Efke R100 B&W 100'. I will try to get the fireworks on this and hope I have some to share with all.

I had always took the firework pictures with my Cannon S3 (Digital) and wanted to try something different this year.

Ajish

 

[rtphotos]

ajishc,

I hope you had fun during this weekend's fireworks and celebrations.

Although not shot with TLR, here are a few of my square-cropped shots that I took of the fireworks show over Magic Island and the Ala Wai Marina in Honolulu.

By the way, some RFFs are posting their Independence
Day fireworks photos on this thread:

http://www.rangefinderforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=853604

I hope everyone enjoyed their weekend. 🙂

rt