Tree studies in mono

Late autumn and winter are my favourite seasons to take tree pictures. I am partial to abstract patterns created by leafless branches and trunks. And great object to exercise my skills in square composition. Dark grey overcast skies didn’t stop me from getting out for a ramble.

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* CF F/4 50 mm

All images below were taken with Hasselblad 500C/M, Ilford Delta 100, developed in Rodinal 1:50

A stroll with the Hasselblad

When I tested my new-old Hasselblad 500CM about a month ago I found random light streaks across the film, a sign that light trap on A12 film back needs a replacement. I ordered foam pad and foil from eBay for $16 and installed it myself following provided instructions, it was pretty easy and straight forward. Now it was time to take the camera out for a spin.
Despite nice foliage colours I decided to use B&W film. I took only one roll of 120 film with me, 12 exposures. Actually 11 because I quickly wasted the first frame by checking the shutter without the dark slide.

Carl Zeiss Distagon T* CF F/4 50 mm

Since colours were no longer in play I focused on light, shapes, textures and lines. All pictures below were taken with Ilford Delta 100 and developed in Rodinal 1:50 for 14 min @ 20 C˚

Why Film?

Folks, let me state from the very beginning, I don’t want to start any debates film vs digital, everything below is just my opinion. 

Any modern digital camera can easily out resolve the film, and a full frame (135mm) camera, like Nikon D810 paired with superb  Zeiss Otus, will beat the cr* out of any medium format or even large format film cameras. Obviously a great shooting discipline and post processing skills are required to pull out the best from the modern sensors. Digital cameras are also fast, provide instant feedback and the number of photos one can take is only limited by the size of storage, and storage is reusable. With many filters available (DxO, Nik, Topaz, etc etc etc) you can simulate the film “look” with few extra clicks. Why bother with real film?

Hasselblad 500 C/M, CF Distagon 50/4 T*, Kodak 400TX

Long time ago I realized that my pursuit for more details, more accurate colours, low noise or better dynamic range is pointless because it is not what always makes a great photo.

Happy 40th Anniversary!

The camera serial number starts with UI, which stands for 1974, it means that my new-used Hasselblad 500 C/M is forty years young!

 and the picture taken today:

Carl Zeiss Planar T* C F/2.8 80mm, Agfa APX 25, post processed in Rodinal

Cheers!
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