Fun with Fuji 690 GSWII & Vivitar 285 Flash in Chicago

NY_Dan

NY_Dan

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Just returned from an 8-day photography trip to Chicago. Brought my Rolleiflex 2.8f, Rolleiwide, and Fuji 690 GSWII with 65mm lens (knew I wanted something horizontal for landscapes). I was very pleased with my gear selection. Also brought vintage flashbulbs, but wound up using my Vivitar 285 (which I checked for accuracy before leaving). It was a real chore carrying 2 cameras all day, but I didn't see any way around it. Here's one of my 690 photos -- will post more as I process and scan the 70 or so rolls of Tmax 120. My file size is 44" x 30" at 300 dpi -- whoopee! (Nikon 9000 scanner) Shot through glass by putting my lens with deployed sliding hood flush and perpendicular to glass, and positioning myself so center person's head would block reflection of flash in the glass in front of him.

Info: 6/5/2014 Visiting Chicago? Take a ride, if you dare, on the Hancock Tower (875 N. Michigan Avenue -- Magnificent Mile) Building’s famous Tilt ride 1,000 feet high. Witness five brave souls stepping-out, and returning from oblivion. Oh okay, it’s a $5.00 (plus $18 admission to the 360 degree viewing) perfectly safe thrill. But… (Sadly Tilt riders are not allowed to bring cameras or any carry-ons because management understandably doesn't want to risk dropped items getting stuck in Tilt mechanisms -- plus one is required to hold on to side rails with both hands). Choosing between Sears Tower (aka Willis Tower) and Hancock Tower -- go Hancock -- definitely better views and shorter lines.
 
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Here's a hammy photo of my visit on 6/3/2014 to the Sky Ledge at Sears (Willis) Tower. Left side: Rolleiflex 2.8f Right side: Fuji 690 GSWII
 
All I can say is you should be thankful for elevators. Otherwise it would be a long walk up.

Best Regards,
 
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6/9/2014 View from Chicago River, Chicago River Loop architectural sightseeing boat tour. Tech: Fuji 690 GSWII, Kodak Tmax 400 120 black and white film.

For what it's worth, I know at RFF we love love gear :) -- the detail in the 44 x 30 inch 300 dpi scan is fantastic. I would love to see a print this size. A thought on loading the 690 cameras -- I find it easier to put the "leader" on the take up spool and give it a revolution or two prior to placing it in it's chamber -- this is less frustrating than dealing with "leader" slip-offs. I was trying to change film while passing under bridges on the Chicago River -- now that was a pathetic sight!

And here's one while passing underneath a steel deck bridge. Shot with the aid of a Vivitar 285 flash. Trying to time the shot for the passing of a speeding car was nerve-wracking. Wish I could re-shoot this with people on the bridge.
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Oh my, you must have got some logistics moving around the cameras and the film. If I can't manage two smaller cameras (35mm + m43) I can't imagine both MF.
I just got myself A GW690 (with the 90mm) and should get used to it. I will want to take it around some trips and the logistics involved should be quite entretaining. 70 rolls... that seems quite a space on the bag.


I like the shot of the tilt ride and how you avoided the flash reflection. Nr 2 of the bridge and the building is quite nice, with the bridge framing the river.
 
My LowePro Nova Sport gray bag -- which is pretty light, holds 2 Rolleiflexes, or one Rolleiflex and a Fuji 690 -- the flash can fit in one of the side stretch pockets. And I only carry a max of 15 rolls of 120 at a time. I don't carry a light meter -- and don't need it for bright sun or open shade, but use my iPhone App for other times. I have a wonderful Pentax digital spotmeter -- but prefer to carry less, so seldom bring it. So when I bring 2 cameras and a flash - it is a lot -- best is to just carry one Rolleiflex.
 
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