different tools for different moods

[robert blu]

In another thread about Polaroid/Impossible instant photography somebody complained for the lack of quality and the high price of the Impossible films.

Yes, the definition can't be compared to a print from a modern digital camera and the price for shot is not cheap.

But in my opinion we cannot compare apples with oranges: the aesthetic is very different and the way of shooting with Impossible is very slow, you do not shoot in a gun machine style, making the cost affordable. Last year during a two weeks holidays I shot 6 pack of Impossible film, I knew I had less than 50 pictures available to bring home something interesting.

So I think different tool for different moods, if I want something like this I shoot Leica (or other high tech camera)

and when thinking to produce something more dreamy like this I use Impossible film because of the aesthetic.

and when I want to experiment more I can even shoot Helga to achieve this:

Is there anyone else who uses different tools because of the different aesthetic he is looking for? Does anyone else have different "souls" inside himself?

Please post your photos and your stories.

robert

 

[daveleo]

Robert, I agree 100%.
For example, clinical sharpness and details most often carry little weight with me, as a photographer.
Not everyone's opinion, but it's mine.
The only thing that matters to me is how it feels to look at the final image.
These 3 examples, IMO, are clinically technically flawed, but I am extremely pleased with them.
First one is scanned filmed; 2nd has a very soft glass filter; 3rd is a handheld pinhole "selfie".
.

.

.

 

[Godfrey]

... So I think different tool for different moods...

Absolutely, I'm with you 100%.

G

 

[charjohncarter]

Absolutely, I'm with you 100%.

G

No question, we have more tools today than almost ever before to satisfy ours moods. A lot of these wonderful choices are because of digital photography but they spill into film photography too.

 

[giulio stucchi]

Ciao Robert,

I agreed on different tools / different moods but I also understand the complains made on the quality of IP/Polaroid integral films (prices have always been on the high side for instant film, so no complain here from my side).
I think the complains are valid if you compare today’s offer from IP/Polaroid to what was available on the market few years back. (all instant material, I am not talking digital cameras / prints)
I shoot almost exclusively Polaroid film (all formats) between 2007-2011, at that time you could still choose to buy "fresh" film (like the polaroid 600) or use expired material. For each project I made I was choosing a specific film type and a specific expiration date knowing which kind of effect I would get from it. A bit like choosing a lens, film and developer combination.
I supported IP in the beginning but the reality is that they were never been able to produce a stable film (IMHO).
Of course is still good to have some integral film on the market and from time to time I do pick up a pack to feed my SX70 but the quality (again IMHO) is simply not there.
Finally I got tired of it and switch to an M2 for several different reasons but my years in polaroid where indeed something special for the discovery, the people I met and the magic of it.


Buona Luce!


Giulio


ps: polaroid cameras like the 100 series made me aware of what a "messsucher" is and this is how I ended up loving Rangefinders 🙂

 

[Ko.Fe.]

Do I need different cameras for different moods? Yes! Digital for clean image, film for the mood 🙂

I had Polaroid Land camera and could barely finish one pack of film. But I like it in OP example, 8x10 should be nice. I have Smena-8M lomo camera, but for meditation like experience from using of this camera. And I have SnapSight! fixed lens P&S, but using it due to its water-sealed case and 5$ price, which allows me to be less stressed if I drop it on more than moderate trails.

I'm using film cameras mostly for prints. And with prints I could achieve what I feel.

Same Leica film camera, different flavors of moods:













So, analog printing is my tool. Darkroom print from M8 digital negative. One of the postcard sized contact prints from this Monday:

 

[Prest_400]

Is there anyone else who uses different tools because of the different aesthetic he is looking for? Does anyone else have different "souls" inside himself?

Please post your photos and your stories.

robert

Totally 😀

Upon a discussion about instagram "uniformity" about look and popularity I just found in disagreement.
I don't play as much as I really would like with different looks but my photography is rather heterogenic. On one hand, I'm a maximizer because I do like to have a camera on hand that brings good to best quality (wouldn't pick a Holga). Some imperfect looks I do excuse with romanticism and enjoy it.

I have a few cameras, and aside of being puzzling to some, each one does its function and has a specific look. I've been choosing cameras with uses more lately.

The SX70 sits a bit idle because it is Pricy to run (resources diverted to MF instead) but quite fun when I do. Sometimes I do run onto analysis paralisys (price+few frames = too much care).

Got a GW690 which at 8exp too, I tend to think more about what to shoot.
A Rolleicord that is more economic to run and a different experience. Upon seeing some interesting Tessar Rendering, I used it to photograph a couple hikes.

I have a Cheap Nikon F80 that is my beach camera. Loaded with cheap Fujicolor is like a memory of snapshot 90's childhood, whereas with Ektar or Portra it is top notch 35mm. C41 latitude gets nicely along with Mediterranean light.

Should use slide film more often, and if I ever move into the city and go full analog, try full traditional B&W until print stage.

Thought I just keep photos for myself and don't have any uploaded...

 

[robert blu]

Thanks you all for your answer. Yes, we know different tool according to the job to be done.

And how about the mood? When feeling a little down or feeling happy I tend to photograph in a different way: sometimes I feel more introvert looking for a little bit of quiet and solitude so I photograph more in an "artsy" way which in my words means to photograph what I feel instead of what I see and other times I feel happier to be among people so I'm in less meditative mood and try to photograph more what I see than what I feel.

Hmmm, it's complicated to explain in a foreign language !

@ giulio: you are correct, I have many old "original" Polaroid prints in my drawers and from a technical point of view there is still a great difference with the actual IP films. But the IP films are for these cameras the only game in town. As a chemist (before retirement) I can imagine how difficult is today the research for the needed products which could be used according to the actual legislation and be in the price range necessary to be used, but this is a different aspect.
I use them for what they are trying to take advantage from the limits...sometimes it works 🙂 unfortunately not always 🙁

I find branches fascinating, sometimes I see them like this

and sometimes like this:

Two different personalities inside myself? 😀

robert