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Glorious stripes.
LY.
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Images from the City Centre (II)
1. Golden.
2. Big brother.
3. Architecture.
4. Bridge.
5.
6.
Question: which camera would you choose if you want something portable, easy to shoot with, medium format quality, and with a lens that is slightly wider than normal?
Answer: Fuji GS645S. Medium format rangefinder with 60mm lens, fully mechanical with coupled meter. Ticks every box.
The Fuji GS645S, released in 1984, is a follow-up of the Fuji GS645 (without "S") released a year earlier. This GS645S can be identified by its distinctive crash bar around the lens, likely due to its inherent design weakness as it is based on the folder design (read: fragile) of the GS645. It sports an excellent 7-element Fujinon 60mm lens, which in 35mm format is equivalent to about 38mm. Shooting a rangefinder is much easier than an SLR in medium format world due to SLR's large flippin' mirror causing significant vibration. Rangefinder design allows handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds which is impossible for medium format SLRs. Also, with the coupled light meter, shooting with this camera is easy as there is no need for eye metering or carrying a light meter. In terms of portability, SLRs in 645 format are all modular systems (like my Bronica ETRS, Mamiya 645 series etc), thus making them very bulky. For 645 format rangefinders, there is the Fuji's and an alternative would be the excellent Bronica RF645 system, however that costs quite a bit more compared to the Fuji's.
Now, nothing is perfect, and this is especially true for Fuji rangefinders from the 80's. The most important thing is they are notorious for being fragile cameras and requires some babying and care. The materials used just do not give confidence, and the design is based on the GS645's folder design, which meant that there wasn't a rigid, solid structure to mount the lens where the GS645's lens used to be- thus requiring protective crash bars around the lens. A quick play with it will tell you the weak point of the camera, and by all means, avoid hitting the camera against anything because it feels like it will just fall apart. Another way to destroy the camera is to catch something with the semicircular crash bar around the lens- that will probably rip the camera apart like committing seppuku (切腹).
All being said, the Fuji GS645S is a wonderful camera, with a beautiful, well-designed 7-element 60mm lens (Fujinon lenses have quite a reputation) in a fully mechanical body, complete with an easy to use coupled meter. The rangefinder design allows better portability and a wider shooting envelope, which enhances its appeal. Definitely look forward to shoot more with this camera!
LY.
2. Big brother.
3. Architecture.
4. Bridge.
5.
6.
Question: which camera would you choose if you want something portable, easy to shoot with, medium format quality, and with a lens that is slightly wider than normal?
Answer: Fuji GS645S. Medium format rangefinder with 60mm lens, fully mechanical with coupled meter. Ticks every box.
The Fuji GS645S, released in 1984, is a follow-up of the Fuji GS645 (without "S") released a year earlier. This GS645S can be identified by its distinctive crash bar around the lens, likely due to its inherent design weakness as it is based on the folder design (read: fragile) of the GS645. It sports an excellent 7-element Fujinon 60mm lens, which in 35mm format is equivalent to about 38mm. Shooting a rangefinder is much easier than an SLR in medium format world due to SLR's large flippin' mirror causing significant vibration. Rangefinder design allows handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds which is impossible for medium format SLRs. Also, with the coupled light meter, shooting with this camera is easy as there is no need for eye metering or carrying a light meter. In terms of portability, SLRs in 645 format are all modular systems (like my Bronica ETRS, Mamiya 645 series etc), thus making them very bulky. For 645 format rangefinders, there is the Fuji's and an alternative would be the excellent Bronica RF645 system, however that costs quite a bit more compared to the Fuji's.
Now, nothing is perfect, and this is especially true for Fuji rangefinders from the 80's. The most important thing is they are notorious for being fragile cameras and requires some babying and care. The materials used just do not give confidence, and the design is based on the GS645's folder design, which meant that there wasn't a rigid, solid structure to mount the lens where the GS645's lens used to be- thus requiring protective crash bars around the lens. A quick play with it will tell you the weak point of the camera, and by all means, avoid hitting the camera against anything because it feels like it will just fall apart. Another way to destroy the camera is to catch something with the semicircular crash bar around the lens- that will probably rip the camera apart like committing seppuku (切腹).
All being said, the Fuji GS645S is a wonderful camera, with a beautiful, well-designed 7-element 60mm lens (Fujinon lenses have quite a reputation) in a fully mechanical body, complete with an easy to use coupled meter. The rangefinder design allows better portability and a wider shooting envelope, which enhances its appeal. Definitely look forward to shoot more with this camera!
LY.
Images from the City Centre (I)
1. Flag.
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2. Yellow windows.
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3. Getting grumpy.
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4. Construction site.
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5. Pillars.
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6. National electrical company.
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Finally, exams are over. Back to photography then! My friend and I are going to publish our collaborative blog soon- stay tuned.
LY.
2. Yellow windows.
3. Getting grumpy.
4. Construction site.
5. Pillars.
6. National electrical company.
Finally, exams are over. Back to photography then! My friend and I are going to publish our collaborative blog soon- stay tuned.
LY.
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Repairing the Yashica TLR
When I was down at Hobart last year, I had the opportunity to catch up with my friend Karl, who develop films, create darkroom prints and repair cameras. Days before I made my trip down to Hobart I called him and asked about repairing my Yashica, and luck was on my side: he just repaired his Yashica TLR as well and still had the toolings with him, so he was able to do mine. I visited his house days later, and trusted him with my diseased Yashica. The problem was cataracts lens fogging, as you may have noticed from my previous posts. Not missing an opportunity like this, I flashed out my Olympus and started documenting the process.
1. Sketchings.
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2. Tools.
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3. Removing the front element.
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4.
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5. Operating table.
6. Removing the rear element.
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7. The eye.
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8. The most precious.
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9.
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10.
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11. Testing the camera.
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Thanks for reading.
Film | Repairing the Yashica TLR
Olympus OM-2N, Fujifilm Superia 400.
1. Sketchings.
2. Tools.
3. Removing the front element.
4.
5. Operating table.
6. Removing the rear element.
7. The eye.
8. The most precious.
9.
10.
11. Testing the camera.
Thanks for reading.
Film | Repairing the Yashica TLR
Olympus OM-2N, Fujifilm Superia 400.
Rhythm of Lake Garden
1. The man and the Stonehenge look-alike.
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2. Rhythm of the sprouting shrubs.
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3. The pillars.
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4. The bench.
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In this post I'm going to explore the concept of rhythm in visual composition. Just like music, rhythm puts uniformity into an image, and creates balance. It also adds tranquillity when the elements are similar and repetitive.
For the first image, the rhythm is set by the vertical stones in its pattern. It sets an underlying tone to the image, the bold, rectangular elements give a feeling of heft & strength. In the image, the elements are arranged in a slightly haphazard fashion, there's no clear order or progression to be seen. The single person stretching his arms to touch his feet in the middle of the image creates contrast and punctuation- the small, organic element punctuating against large, heavy, grey-coloured rocks. The attention is naturally drawn to the person, also helped by the centre placement and the leading line from the bottom right of the image.
The second image is a little different from the first. Primarily, the rhythm in this image is clearly seen- it's the orderly lines of the growing scrubs that shows uniformity, repetition, and symmetry. This pattern is also somewhat strengthened by the vertical lines of the fence behind the plants. So, how does this image feels? It feels tranquil, for one. It feels calm, and balanced. However, it is lacking in strength- possibly due to the nature of the elements that make up the rhythm: the sprouting scrubs are thin, curvy, and short. That does not exude a feeling of strength nor solidity. This image does, however, give a feeling of life and growth.
The third image, as you can see, is similar to the second in terms of its repetitive pattern and balanced rhythm. However, the elements of this rhythm are strong, thick tree trunks which extend beyond the image, and this image suggests strength, solidity, and unity. You might also notice the slanted ground, which upsets the balance a little, however that did not stop the trees from being vertical- which might suggest even more strength in the trees for doing that. Hence, "The pillars."
The forth image looks chaotic, with few uniform lines and multiple criss-crossing lines at the background. I feel that the rhythm is mostly set by the harmonious, lush green colour, contrasted by the main subject which is the brown coloured bench. As you can see, rhythm can also be set by the colour of a photograph.
~
In continuation of the previous post about square composition, the images in this post clearly shows that many scenes are more suited for rectangular format rather than square. Take photo no. 2, for example. The additional space at bottom and top are not contributing much to the image, thus possibly weakening it. Shooting in landscape format could have improved it. "The pillars" too, is more suited for rectangular image, in this case in portrait orientation, due to the dominant vertical lines of the image.
~
Before I end, many thanks to Ted Forbes from The Art of Photography podcast, whom I learned about the concept of rhythm in composition, in addition to many other important photography theories. I strongly recommend people to watch his podcasts, they're all very insightful and he is really an excellent teacher.
Thanks for reading.
Film | Rhythm of Lake Garden
Yashica Mat-124G, Fujifilm Pro 160NS
2. Rhythm of the sprouting shrubs.
3. The pillars.
4. The bench.
In this post I'm going to explore the concept of rhythm in visual composition. Just like music, rhythm puts uniformity into an image, and creates balance. It also adds tranquillity when the elements are similar and repetitive.
For the first image, the rhythm is set by the vertical stones in its pattern. It sets an underlying tone to the image, the bold, rectangular elements give a feeling of heft & strength. In the image, the elements are arranged in a slightly haphazard fashion, there's no clear order or progression to be seen. The single person stretching his arms to touch his feet in the middle of the image creates contrast and punctuation- the small, organic element punctuating against large, heavy, grey-coloured rocks. The attention is naturally drawn to the person, also helped by the centre placement and the leading line from the bottom right of the image.
The second image is a little different from the first. Primarily, the rhythm in this image is clearly seen- it's the orderly lines of the growing scrubs that shows uniformity, repetition, and symmetry. This pattern is also somewhat strengthened by the vertical lines of the fence behind the plants. So, how does this image feels? It feels tranquil, for one. It feels calm, and balanced. However, it is lacking in strength- possibly due to the nature of the elements that make up the rhythm: the sprouting scrubs are thin, curvy, and short. That does not exude a feeling of strength nor solidity. This image does, however, give a feeling of life and growth.
The third image, as you can see, is similar to the second in terms of its repetitive pattern and balanced rhythm. However, the elements of this rhythm are strong, thick tree trunks which extend beyond the image, and this image suggests strength, solidity, and unity. You might also notice the slanted ground, which upsets the balance a little, however that did not stop the trees from being vertical- which might suggest even more strength in the trees for doing that. Hence, "The pillars."
The forth image looks chaotic, with few uniform lines and multiple criss-crossing lines at the background. I feel that the rhythm is mostly set by the harmonious, lush green colour, contrasted by the main subject which is the brown coloured bench. As you can see, rhythm can also be set by the colour of a photograph.
~
In continuation of the previous post about square composition, the images in this post clearly shows that many scenes are more suited for rectangular format rather than square. Take photo no. 2, for example. The additional space at bottom and top are not contributing much to the image, thus possibly weakening it. Shooting in landscape format could have improved it. "The pillars" too, is more suited for rectangular image, in this case in portrait orientation, due to the dominant vertical lines of the image.
~
Before I end, many thanks to Ted Forbes from The Art of Photography podcast, whom I learned about the concept of rhythm in composition, in addition to many other important photography theories. I strongly recommend people to watch his podcasts, they're all very insightful and he is really an excellent teacher.
Thanks for reading.
Film | Rhythm of Lake Garden
Yashica Mat-124G, Fujifilm Pro 160NS
Square. 2
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Quill 6 building.
Kuala Lumpur, 2013.
After repairing my Yashica TLR, I am finally able to enjoy & explore taking photos in square format without worrying about the flaring issues. I've always have a soft spot for square format, I feel that it is the most balanced, equal of all. Although I feel that the best aspect ratio is either 4:3 or 5:4, square format holds a unique position. It's definitely not the easiest or best to print, however it is so visually pleasing. Throughout the 5 weeks at Queenstown, Tasmania, I have shot exclusively with this camera and burned through rolls of film with it. Composing with square format can be challenging and I've noticed that many scenes are more suited to rectangular format than square. However, when done right, a square image has that impact & balance that is different from others.
This "Square" series is an ongoing study and experimentation on square format composition.
Thanks for reading.
Film | Square. 2
Yashica Mat-124G, Fujifilm Pro 160NS
Isthmus. 4
1.
2.
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4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
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The waves certainly look and feel larger and more powerful up close, all the jumping over waves and wetting our trousers are real fun out there, especially in a place as beautiful as Adventure Bay.
~
The film that I used here is Kodak Tri-X, with a red filter. As you can see, it has gone a little out of control, the contrast was a little too high. I suspect it is due to the scanning, and I should really scan it again to do these negatives justice.
~
On a side note, I have just finished 5 weeks of placement at Queenstown, at the west coast of Tasmania. The great wilderness out there is so very beautiful, I could see the way the landscapes were formed and how the glacier carved through the mountains, leaving behind large, open ravines and many glacial rocks. Thanks to the geography and weather (it is always, almost constantly wet there), there are many lakes and streams to explore and take photos. When luck is on my side, the sun shines between the clouds and adds colour and splendour to the already majestic landscape. The temperate rainforest there is also unique to Tasmania, it feels... Scottish to me. I always wind down my window and just breath the fresh, invigorating air of the beautiful forest. Now I can't wait to get the films developed!
Thanks for reading.
Film | Isthmus. 4
Bronica ETRS, Kodak Tri-X
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
The waves certainly look and feel larger and more powerful up close, all the jumping over waves and wetting our trousers are real fun out there, especially in a place as beautiful as Adventure Bay.
~
The film that I used here is Kodak Tri-X, with a red filter. As you can see, it has gone a little out of control, the contrast was a little too high. I suspect it is due to the scanning, and I should really scan it again to do these negatives justice.
~
On a side note, I have just finished 5 weeks of placement at Queenstown, at the west coast of Tasmania. The great wilderness out there is so very beautiful, I could see the way the landscapes were formed and how the glacier carved through the mountains, leaving behind large, open ravines and many glacial rocks. Thanks to the geography and weather (it is always, almost constantly wet there), there are many lakes and streams to explore and take photos. When luck is on my side, the sun shines between the clouds and adds colour and splendour to the already majestic landscape. The temperate rainforest there is also unique to Tasmania, it feels... Scottish to me. I always wind down my window and just breath the fresh, invigorating air of the beautiful forest. Now I can't wait to get the films developed!
Thanks for reading.
Film | Isthmus. 4
Bronica ETRS, Kodak Tri-X
Isthmus. 3
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Enjoying the day at Adventure bay.
Thanks for reading.
Film | Isthmus. 3
Bronica ETRS, Ilford HP5
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8.
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Enjoying the day at Adventure bay.
Thanks for reading.
Film | Isthmus. 3
Bronica ETRS, Ilford HP5
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