Road trip with MP

[hirohhhh]

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I plan a relatively short (6-7 days) road trip in two days with my new MP only. As an inexperience film shooter, the idea is to force myself to learn quickly and to think more as a film shooter, not backed up with any digital camera. I shoot few rolls around the city, since I got it few days ago, but I want to go somewhere remotely, somewhere new and not bring anything else but film camera. Not even a computer or iPad.

I shoot maybe total 20 rolls of medium format film in my life with my Rolleiflex, so I know the technique, but I need a lot of practice. I plan to bring plenty of Tri-X and HP5 rolls. I feel a bit uncomfortable, not knowing how my photos will turn out until I get home and get them developed, but that's the feeling I'm aiming for this time, and I think that's the only way I can learn and be less distracted by digital, lightroom, editing, social media etc.

Any advice or share of wisdom would be helpful!

Edited February 28, 2022 by hirohhhh

[a.noctilux]

@hirohhhh

I have no advice, you don't need 😉

just to say that the experiences will be benefit for you,

then after the trip please share your images.

[RayD28]

40 minutes ago, hirohhhh said:

I plan a relatively short (6-7 days) road trip in two days with my new MP only. As an inexperience film shooter, the idea is to force myself to learn quickly and to think more as a film shooter, not backed up with any digital camera. I shoot few rolls around the city, since I got it few days ago, but I want to go somewhere remotely, somewhere new and not bring anything else but film camera. Not even a computer or iPad.

I shoot maybe total 20 rolls of medium format film in my life with my Rolleiflex, so I know the technique, but I need a lot of practice. I plan to bring plenty of Tri-X and HP5 rolls. I feel a bit uncomfortable, not knowing how my photos will turn out until I get home and get them developed, but that's the feeling I'm aiming for this time, and I think that's the only way I can learn and be less distracted by digital, lightroom, editing, social media etc.

Any advice or share of wisdom would be helpful!

This sounds like fun.  Depending on how your expected subjects and potential tricky light and how much film I plan to take in order to bracket exposure, I'd take an incident light meter personally.  What lens(es) will you take?  

[FHPdoc]

I recommend slowing down to savor moments.  This has multiple benefits:  You'll not only have a more relaxing and satisfying vacation, but your "good shot" ratio will also dramatically increase.  The average digital shooter makes multiple exposures of the same scene with little thought to lighting and composition, etc.  You can certainly do this with film, but slowing down will help dispel that urge and allow you to be a bit more contemplative, resulting in what I think you'll find is much more satisfying output.

And as Arnaud (aka @a.noctilux) said, we look forward to seeing the results on your return!

- Scott

 

[johnwolf]

That sounds wonderful. You're inspiring me to hit the road.

What subject matter are you interested in? Although I think staying open is important, I probably wouldn't set out without something in mind.  

My preference on such a trip would be to not spend a lot of time driving, but to stay in a town for a day or two of shooting, then move on to another. I really enjoy the small towns.

My only shooting advice is to meter well and listen to your intuition; stop and shoot when it tells you to. 

John

Edited February 28, 2022 by johnwolf

[espelt]

With a digital camera you tend to give less light. With film it's the other way around. Measure for the shadows and expose longer. Better set the Tri-X or the HP5 to 200 ASA and evolve normally. Then that fits....

[malligator]

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1. Keep a journal of your exposure settings (and anything else you'd like to note)
2. Exposure bracket
3. Have fun!

[malligator]

I wasn't going to throw in too much and complicate things, but I can't help myself.

 

As @espelt says, shoot a roll at 200
Shoot a roll at 320 (one dot under 400)
Shoot a roll doing exactly what the MP's meter says (frame the scene, get the dot, hit the release)
Shoot a roll metering off an area you'd consider falling into medium gray
Shoot a roll metering off a gray card in the scene
Shoot a roll metering off your hand
Shoot a roll at 400 in low light to understand your creative limitations
Shoot at 800, 1600, or even 3200 in low light to overcome those limitations
Tell yourself over and over  that Grain is Good

[Fotoklaus]

vor 52 Minuten schrieb espelt:

With a digital camera you tend to give less light. With film it's the other way around. Measure for the shadows and expose longer. Better set the Tri-X or the HP5 to 200 ASA and evolve normally. Then that fits....

Or just set to box speed, use D76, read the data sheet and that's it.

[Huss]

1 hour ago, Fotoklaus said:

Or just set to box speed, use D76, read the data sheet and that's it.

Exactly.

The film mgfs know what they have made.  Don't overthink it, just go out and have fun.  Then you'll get your film back and see how it worked out.  99% of the time trusting the film and the camera's meter will give you results you are happy with.

[Danner]

I shoot film exclusively in my M system.  The key thing to think about is getting enough exposure so the negatives have some printable detail in the shadow areas of any given scene.  In your situation, aim the meter toward a slightly darker area of the scene, and you should be fine.  Film tolerates over-exposure very well.  When in doubt, over-expose a stop or so.  You'll be happy with the results.

 

Have fun...

[ianman]

Just take a bunch of photos, forget about technicalities, rules, etc. and have fun.

[Huss]

1 hour ago, ianman said:

Just take a bunch of photos, forget about technicalities, rules, etc. and have fun.

Seriously just do this.

[robert blu]

16 hours ago, ianman said:

Just take a bunch of photos, forget about technicalities, rules, etc. and have fun.

Me too think it is the good idea. Do not let technicality take the control of you. Keep it simple, follow your intuition. Be ready to accept some minor mistake...if you like to write take a few notes about what inspired you to take the photos, what ytou were feeling in the moment...have fun!

[AZD]

19 hours ago, ianman said:

Just take a bunch of photos, forget about technicalities, rules, etc. and have fun.

One more in favor of this approach. Anything more is just refinement of technique, which will come with experience.

I am surprised at how many old negatives I have that are poorly exposed and/or developed, yet still resulted in a good picture when the subject was interesting. Years ago I had no concept of process, at least not beyond tripping the shutter. Thankfully things have improved over the years. 
 

My personal favorite do-anything film is HP5. It is incredibly flexible and forgiving. You really have to work hard to mess it up beyond recovery. I have used less Tri-X recently, but in the 1990s when it was available in the grocery store that’s all I used. 

I like your approach. I did something similar recently with an M3 to force myself into the habit of using it. Results? Not bad at all. I think you’ll do just fine. 

 

[aesop]

 

      ...do one day 'serious' and one day 'fun', then select the appropriate mode for the following day(s). Remember, this is your journey into film. Enjoy.