Andrea Taurisano
il cimento
Hi guys.
I admit going through some periods of "why the heck do I still bother with such slow and unpractical tool, if what counts is the result?". I also admit (very occasionally) thinking "wouldn't digital be a more sensible choice?".
Last time both these thoughts came to my mind was 2 weeks ago, when I had to pick a camera for a few hours whale watching trip on a friend's boat in Northern Norway.
I've got too much camera gear, about 25 bodies: a lot of very dear-to-me junk (Holgs, Dianas, box cameras, etc.), a few fine analog, motorized compact cameras with 28 or 35 mm lenses, a Hassy w Planar 80 and a Leica M2 with an old Summitar 50. And then I've got a digital camera with zoom at my office, wich I never use for my photography.
So what would I bring out on an open boat trip to spot whales and killer whales, sure to meet below freezing temperature, poor light (sun hadn't risen above horizon yet, after the polar night), and sea water spray?
The thought of choosing the digital occurred to me for a few second but was quickly wiped off my mind. The M2 and 50mm lens, of course! Loaded with Rollei RPX400.
Was 3 hours out in stunning winter landscape, exposing totally about 50 frames. Changing film roll on the M2 on a rolling boat, with half-frozen fingers and whales all around was an experience in itself. Well satisfied of the camera choice and even of some photos. Here are a couple of them, and all the others at the link in my signature below.
I admit going through some periods of "why the heck do I still bother with such slow and unpractical tool, if what counts is the result?". I also admit (very occasionally) thinking "wouldn't digital be a more sensible choice?".
Last time both these thoughts came to my mind was 2 weeks ago, when I had to pick a camera for a few hours whale watching trip on a friend's boat in Northern Norway.
I've got too much camera gear, about 25 bodies: a lot of very dear-to-me junk (Holgs, Dianas, box cameras, etc.), a few fine analog, motorized compact cameras with 28 or 35 mm lenses, a Hassy w Planar 80 and a Leica M2 with an old Summitar 50. And then I've got a digital camera with zoom at my office, wich I never use for my photography.
So what would I bring out on an open boat trip to spot whales and killer whales, sure to meet below freezing temperature, poor light (sun hadn't risen above horizon yet, after the polar night), and sea water spray?
The thought of choosing the digital occurred to me for a few second but was quickly wiped off my mind. The M2 and 50mm lens, of course! Loaded with Rollei RPX400.
Was 3 hours out in stunning winter landscape, exposing totally about 50 frames. Changing film roll on the M2 on a rolling boat, with half-frozen fingers and whales all around was an experience in itself. Well satisfied of the camera choice and even of some photos. Here are a couple of them, and all the others at the link in my signature below.
mfogiel
Veteran
The 135mm/4.0 Elmar M lenses would be very handy - possibly on an M3. The old ones can be had for little money, and they are already at top resolution wide open.
__jc
Well-known
A good, inspired choice and great results Andrea. What an uplifting experience, too!
Richard G
Veteran
You did very well. Any longer than 50 and you'd have been in trouble framing, getting a sharp image and providing any context. Fully-manual always-on and cold-proof M2. That second shot is terrific.
michaelwj
----------------
Loved the whole set. It makes me feel the experience in a way you wouldn't get with a long lens. Whale watching is more than a tail in the water, and you showed it beautifully.
Austerby
Well-known
They certainly work brilliantly to capture the bleakness and beauty of the winter scenery. They're far better than any whale watching photos I've ever taken with digital kit.
robert blu
quiet photographer
For sure it must have been an experience! Great! And you'll remember it...
Love the set, bravo
robert
Love the set, bravo
robert
hepcat
Former PH, USN
Very nice indeed. They have the feel of those early antarctic expedition photos. Well done!
Andrea Taurisano
il cimento
Thanks everyone for the nice words. I get inspired by looking at other photographers work, particularly grainy and gritty stuff. I thought someone with similar tastes to mine might find my series interesting. Nice to get such feedback.
giulio stucchi
Well-known
I would say you made the right choice! Well done, bravo Andrea.