The joys of low ISO

[doolittle]

I would much prefer to see a setting of ISO 25 on a M10 if or when such a camera comes to the market.

You could just use an ND filter. I am not technically well versed in sensor matters, but I imagine the base ISO is where you get the best signal/noise ratio. So thinking if sensor optimised for Iso 25 higher Iso would suffer an increase in noise or else the lower Iso levels would be inferior to base Iso performance. I agree though that it would be handy to have that option rather than having to screw on an ND filter.

 

[Trius]

Chris, I didn't say I use slow films exclusively; I don't think I even implied that. I usually have 400 loaded into at least one camera. I'm not a slave to a particular technology.

Currently my vision and preference calls for low ISO much of the time, which is to say it's all about the final image.

 

[jsrockit]

What's it all about? One aim of rangefinder photography for me is the ability to use these precious, temperamental, difficult, slow films with the extraordinary lenses available to capture images with a specific quality.

If I can shoot at 640ISO and get great results as a matter of course, some of the skill in the process, the art of the master, the attainment of a technical ability has been lost.

To me, it's about the end result; the photographs. That should be the focus of Photography. Technical skills allow one to reach that goal, but shouldn't be THE goal. I'm a fan of do whatever it takes to get the photograph you want...

Great photos are hard to make... even if you have your camera on automatic and use high ISO.

 

[Ruhayat]

I like this thread very much.

 

[Calzone]

I mostly shoot Arcos and it is my favorite film. Particularly great for night photography with a tripod because it does not experience reciprocy failure.

I also love the added detail of slower films. If I want grain I just will print big/huge.

Also note that I rig my cameras especially for low light and also slow speed. One rig is a Nikon F3P with a Beattie screen, Noct-Nikkor and motordrive for ballast. Both my Leicas feature TA Rapidwinders and TA Rapidgrips. I find the added weight helps stabilize the camera. Sniper rifles are heavy. For me the right gear helps me get the shot.

Cal

 

[dogbunny]

I started on 100 ISO and I worked with it for a long time. It became my standard everyday film. It wasn't until I started to read internet posts that I learned 400 ISO was the standard everyday film. 🙂

 

[bulevardi]

I like slow films, for night photography with XXXL shutter times. 🙂

Shot at the smallest apertures, giving weird atmospheres.

 

[zuiko85]

This is why you have more than one body. Slow film in one, fast film in another. Why not have it both ways.

Oh yeah, don't forget, the best lens is a tripod.

 

[Mablo]

Slow film is a beautiful thing. My own favorite is Efke 50. I also push most films (not Efke though) for at least one stop, color films sometimes even more.

 

[Sparrow]

Were any of these Slow Film Movement people around when that was all one could get? ... because I found only having slow film was really frustrating, personally I'm glad to see the back of it.