My Ermanox Journey

It is worth remembering that that pesky little Leica showed up only a year after this camera (in any numbers) but then it used that tiny film that produced hopeless little negatives that were no good to man nor beast!!!
 
It is worth remembering that that pesky little Leica showed up only a year after this camera (in any numbers) but then it used that tiny film that produced hopeless little negatives that were no good to man nor beast!!!

Yeah they were pretty crappy - wonder whatever happened to them?
 
Second portrait. About 1/8th of a second at about f/2.8.

The only thing wrong with that is that I now want to see his workshop!

Between the lens and the emulsion, that looks stunning, vintage yet contemporary (if that's not Random Arty Bollocks Generator territory).
 
The only thing wrong with that is that I now want to see his workshop!

Between the lens and the emulsion, that looks stunning, vintage yet contemporary (if that's not Random Arty Bollocks Generator territory).

Many thanks! Yes in scanning and adjusting the images in the computer, I'm trying to maintain that fine line between remaining faithful to the vintage/antique qualities of the camera and the medium (glass plate), but also imparting my own 'interpretation' into the final image. SOOC is a bit of a leap for a system such as this :)
 
P.S.: Upon seeing your ongoing project Mapping the West - might it be possible to map the west by means/making use of the Ermanox, too? - This would have been one of Salomon's aspirations and pleasures, had he been staying in New York & the U.S. instead of returning to Europe and being killed by the Nazis, too. Architecture, people, night shots, cities, villages - that's what he would have been into, I suppose. This might bring all of us even closer to his spirit.

I was thinking about your comment again this morning, and I might actually do this during my AIR program in January. It might open up a whole new door!
 
First print.


First Ermanox Print
by Vince Lupo, on Flickr

Printed on Epson Hot Press Natural through my Epson 3880 printer. Image size is about 11"x16" on 13"x19" paper.

The print isn't 'sharp' in the contemporary, stick-your-nose-against-it sense (plus the paper finish is matte), but it's pretty nice nonetheless. I might try a version of it on Epson Legacy Platine paper to see what that looks like.
 
WOW You are dialing it in :) Super Impressive! The work so far is distinctive and has amazing retro coolness. Like stepping into a time capsule. Enjoy the journey and see where it goes
 
A really finely done photographic adventure Vince. Kudos!
 
A really finely done photographic adventure Vince. Kudos!

Many thank you's indeed! Now that I think I'm getting closer to having my system worked out, I now need more subject matter beyond my backyard (and I suppose other people besides constantly haranguing my loving wife).
 
WOW You are dialing it in :) Super Impressive! The work so far is distinctive and has amazing retro coolness. Like stepping into a time capsule. Enjoy the journey and see where it goes

Thank you! I'm just hoping I can do the camera justice and that I can get beyond just the weirdness factor of using this camera and look more towards the imagery.

I am liking more and more the idea of taking the Mapping the West project into this direction -- I think it has possibilities.
 
It certainly seems to take you right back to that period "look".

I think part of it may also be the choice of subject matter. With the Mapping the West project, for example, I try not to highlight specific elements of 'modernity', if that makes sense. So I try to avoid things like parking meters, people talking on/looking at cell phones, that kind of thing. Just a personal preference more than anything, so that might contribute to that particular look. Plus it's likely easier to avoid those 'modern' elements if you're not photographing in big cities, which I generally tend not to do (even though I live very close to two large cities!).
 
Wonderful portraits, Vince. In a sense, the best thing about them is that the Ermanox has become effectively invisible. What I mean is that anyone encountering these images, and not knowing how they were made, would still find them to be powerful and beautiful. It's not about how they were made, but what they are. The fact that you used an Ermanox is just frosting on the cake for us equipment geeks.
What strikes me is how instantly identifiable these photos are as your work. Though there is an identifiable "vintage analog" look to them, the similarities to your monochrome digital work are striking. The type of subject, your rapport with the subjects, the lighting, all demonstrate a continuity of approach that is unmistakably yours. With these two images, I would certainly say your project has been a resounding success. Congratulations!
 
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