Early in my photography journey, shooting in 35mm B&W film was easier. I thought 35mm colour film was too distracting and did not have the pretension “art” look I was into at the time. But a few years later, I found myself experimenting with 35mm colour film including a lot of crap films. But I also tried out now famous 35mm films such as Kodachrome. I don't know if I ever exposed Kodachrome 25 or Kodachrome 200 but I found a set of slides of Kodachrome 64 among my things in the basement.
Kodachrome 64 is an extremely fine grain film demonstrating very high sharpness. It is an excellent choices for a wide variety of applications. The history and reputation of Kodachrome films is legendary. They possess a "look" that is hard to reproduce in more contemporary films.
Kodachrome 64 is a member of the "Select Series" of Kodak films. The Select Series offers serious snapshooters and photo enthusiasts the widest selection of high-performance films. Choose from Kodachrome or Kodak Elite Chrome films for slides, or Royal Gold films for prints.
The date on the box containing the slides is 26 July 1989. I scanned the slides with my Epson Perfection V600. Some of the exposure appears to be test shots take in the camera store. Looking at the images of the stores accross the street taken from inside the camera store, I see an address that apepars to be 7008 Third Avenue. I would love to find out what was at 7008 Third Avenye in New York City circa 1989. I do not remember why I chose to expose this roll at my cousin's wedding.
Type: 35mm color slide film
Speed: ISO 64
Applications: General photographic outdoor use
Process: Process K-14
Color Saturation: Produces rich, vibrant colors with a strong pallette
Grain: Fine
Sharpness: Very high
Exposure Latitude: Narrow
I am disappointed with the result, but I am still happy to try this 35mm film.
NOTE: I'll begin this experience report with a brief disclaimer. It's been less than three years since I returned to shooting 35mm film after switching to digital photography over 20 years ago. I've inundated myself with as much film education as possible between web articles and advice from experienced film shooters. But, with my former experience way in past and limited recent experience, this review is coming from a relative novice point of view.
... recently, three other films have appeared. They're not Lomography films, nor are they coming from Kodak or Fujifilm, the last two giant colour film producers. These three films come instead from Russia's Silberra, a boutique film brand which has until recently concentrated on black-and-white film.
Silberra's colour films span a trio of medium-speed ISOs: 50, 100 and 160. Where exactly they come from is a little bit of a mystery. The company's own website offers little info, and in fact didn't even list the 160 version of the film before a consignment of it arrived at London's Photographers Gallery at the end of 2020, which gave me a roll of it to test.
A lot of 35mm film has been discontinued over the last few years. We list ADOX Silvermax and SCALA 160, Fujicolor Pro 400H, and FujiChrome Velvia 100. This has driven up the price of remaining stock and the costs of other 35mm films as photographers seek alternatives. A single 36-exposure roll of Fujifilm Pro 400H sells for over $40 on Amazon.com, the only store where I have seen the film, listed for sale. But what the universe taketh away, it also giveth.
After reading Stephen's experience report, I decided to give Silberra Color 160 a try. I ordered a single roll from Blue Moon Camera ($11) and exposed the roll during September and October. I captured various subjects under varied lighting conditions. I only sent the film roll to Boutique Film Lab for processing ($5+$10 shipping). The developed and uncut negatives arrived this week, and yesterday I scanned them in using the Epson Perfection V600, Silverfast 9 and Negative Lab Pro. I followed the same guidelines for scanning and processing the scanned images I used for Kodak Pro Image 100. The recent update to Negative Lab Pro promised even better results, so I was excited.
The number of keepers from the roll of 36 was relatively low. Many of the images were out of focus or blurry. I'll admit that I am still re-learning how to use 35m films (after a 30-year hiatus), but I got more keepers when using Kodak Pro Image 100 or Kodak Vision 250D. I like how darker skin tones are rendered in Kodak Pro Image 100. Overall the images seem more neutral. I don't particularly appreciate how Silberra renders skin tones.
I am disappointed with the result, but I am still happy I could try this 35mm film. I learned that Kodak Pro Image 100 might be the ideal and currently available 35mm film that produces results that I like. I'll be sticking to that for a while, at least, until Kodak discontinues that film.
Insta Repeat posts collages of photos from the same geographical location that look remarkably similar, even though they were taken by different photographers.
...
The intent on Insta Repeat is deliberate—to duplicate a photo in order to evoke a similar response from viewers.
Feet dangling over Horseshoe Bend evoke a sense of adventure and thrill-seeking. The woman paddling in a mountain lake evokes wonder and serenity. So, if you want to conjure those emotions in your audience (while also projecting those qualities onto yourself), just retrace the steps, and—voilà—success! Follow the formula and you'll achieve similar results.
I’ve inconsistently used Day One for a daily journal for several years. But over the last few weeks, I’ve finally got into a grove of writing in my Day One daily journal. In addition, I’ve used the journal entries to create a weekly post on WordPress. So today, I was excited to read that the Day One team is joining Automattic, creators of my favourite website software, WordPress.
Today, I’m thrilled to announce that Day One is being acquired by Automattic Inc. This is incredibly exciting news. For the past 10 years since I started Day One, I’ve worked to not only create the best digital journaling experience in the world, but one that will last. By joining Automattic, I’m now more confident than ever that the preservation and longevity of Day One is sure. This acquisition will provide Day One access to the same technological, financial, and security benefits that WordPress.com, Tumblr, and other Automattic entities enjoy.
Automattic is led by founder Matt Mullenweg, a pioneer in the web publishing space and founder of WordPress.com. The Automattic teams have built and supported products and services with massive global scale, and I can’t imagine a more ideal home for Day One now and for the future.
Wednesday
I grew up in the West Indies in the 1960-the 1980s, and I don't remember anyone on any of the islands using mulch. I live in a townhouse community. Every few years, the landscapers come out with trucks loaded with mulch and start laying it down in every planting bed and around every tree in the neighbourhood. I've never understood or liked the smell of mulch. What was its purpose?
Many who grew up in the 1970s and earlier will remember when mulch was not a 'thing'. People did not put annual layers of wood chips on their gardens and there were not bags of mulch for sale at garden centers. Wood mulch became popular with the Clean Air Act of 1970. Until then, sawmills burnt their extra sawdust and wood chips and tree bark.
This was a source of air pollution, so they sought an alternative use for their by-product. The National Forest Service reported that tree bark chips were a useful source of humus in the forest. From there, an American obsession was born. It has grown to the point where mulch is now manufactured specifically for gardens, sometimes from old pallets and other material that does not serve the purpose of enriching the soil, and is instead, purely decorative.
For several years I have attempted to create a native plant garden in the tiny 25 square foot bit of dirt in the front of the house under the partial shade of a large maple tree. First, I would attend native plant sales once a year and purchase something suitable. Then, I put out the required flags to indicate to the landscapers that the homeowner was managing the garden bed and did not want them to touch my plants. Invariably the grounds crew would ignore the flags, pull out my budding native plants and dump the mulch.
Last year I planted several native plants that grow during the early spring. My plants had just started to put out leaves about the ground. I came home to find them buried under the mulch. I complained a bit more forcefully with the HOA management. The landscaper returned and removed the mulch, further damaging the fragile shoots. The leaves were gone.
Since I am now responsible for mulching, I am exploring alternatives better suited to a native plant garden. When deep mulch is pushed against trunks of woody plants or over the crowns of native plant perennials, it kills the plants. I am looking for an ecological alternative. I am considering using inexpensive mushroom compost, but I don't know if that will work. An option is mycorrhizal fungi compost which naturally increases microbial activity in the soil, but it's expensive.
I am now reading up on "green mulch". The idea is to plant short, spreading, perennial ground cover between larger plants. The challenge is that my native plants are still small and have not yet established themselves. The green mulch may compete with the smaller natives. I want to forego the mulch and fill in some of the bare spots in the garden with [native plants of varying sizes](I grew up in the West Indies in the 1960-the 1980s, and I don't remember anyone on any of the island using mulch. I live in a townhouse community. Every few years, the landscapers come out with trucks loaded with mulch and start laying it down in every planting bed and around every tree in the neighbourhood. I've never understood or liked the smell of mulch. What was its purpose?
I consult for a well known international bank based in Spain. The topic of corporate business to business VPN across country boundaries came up in a recent discussion at the office, so the conversation was fresh in my mind when I read this post by Bruce Schneier
We don't talk about it a lot, but VPNs are entirely based on trust. As a consumer, you have no idea which company will best protect your privacy. You don't know the data protection laws of the Seychelles or Panama. You don't know which countries can put extra-legal pressure on companies operating within their jurisdiction. You don't know who owns and runs the VPNs. You don't even know which foreign companies the NSA has targeted for mass surveillance. All you can do is make your best guess, and hope you guessed well.
Corporations will align themselves to the laws of the counties where they operate. However, consumers are working from ignorance regarding the privacy of consumer VPN connections.
In the past, I have immersed myself in the woods around Somerset and Mercer county, practising "shinrin-yoku". I did it in 2020, but my 2021 forest bathing is deficient. Andy Summons writing in Urth Magazine offers tips on making the best of the experience.
The simple act of immersing ourselves in nature helps calm our mind and focus our awareness on the present moment. Yesterday and tomorrow melt into insignificance as our brains race to take in the details and sensations around us. Even Albert Einstein understood and touted the benefits of spending time in nature, saying: 'Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.'
I think our cat Alphie gets lonely now that I'm back to working full-time. My day is hectic, and I don't have time during the day for us to play fetch or just sit for a tummy rub. Kiran is at Oberlin College for her summer semester. At her suggestion, I moved the corporate laptop setup to the desk in her room. It's worked out well, providing a change of environment when I "leave" at the end of the workday. These few weeks, I noticed that Alphie quietly sits on Kiran's bed or the carpet, cleaning himself or enjoying the sun coming through the window. He's good company.
Friday
Earlier this week, I discovered two tiny green caterpillars with brilliant yellow dotted black bands across each body segment. They were busy devouring the leafy bits of a parsley plant growing in the garden planter in the front deck of our home. I don't recall, but I may have planted parsley or parsley seeds in the past. So I let the caterpillars have their way. The benefit of attracting a future pollinator outweighs the loss of the plant.
Shaan did some Google-foo, and we think these are black swallowtail butterfly caterpillars, commonly known as parsley worms. These caterpillars can grow up to 5 cm. I think they are almost full size. I noticed that they had devoured most of the plant and wondered what they would do once the plant was stripped if they were not yet fully grown. With any luck, these caterpillars will pupate into new black swallowtail butterflies, and I'll get a photograph or two.
Sometimes life is challenging, but overall, it's a wonderful world.
Saturday
I skipped my usual morning coffee brewing ritual. Instead, I picked up two cups of coffee and a bacon, egg & cheese sandwich from Buy the Cup. Governor Murphy has lifted the mask mandate for non-governmental and non-health organisations, so I walked into Buy the Cup unmasked for the first time in eighteen months. It was great to see Vitaliy.
I noticed the light shining through the thick cloud layer onto the neighbourhood tot-lot on the drive home. The light was bouncing off the light morning fog. I pulled over to look for photographic opportunities. I looked through the viewfinder, and suddenly, I realised that the "caution" tape that had once covered the swings and slides had been removed.
The New Jersey Blueberry I planted this spring is doing well. Well enough to produce a few berries. I don't expect to eat these. I bought the plant for ornamental reasons. When the plant is larger and producing more berries in a few years, I'll try some berries.
I feel like I see the barbers at Revival very often. My hair grows so quickly that I need a haircut every two weeks.
After my haircut this morning, I stopped in at the Farmers' Market. I said hello to familiar faces, Zelle, Lorette, and Todd and welcomed new faces. Ringoes based Roastwell Coffee Roaster are new to the market. I tried their bourbon-infused cold brew coffee. Delicious. I bought a bag of their Ethiopia Natural Kembata Grade 1 beans to brew in the Chemex.
Bhavna, Shaan and I spent the evening at Ironbound Farm in Asbury, eating flatbread pizza and drinking hard cider. I enjoyed the drive from Montgomery through the hills and narrow country roads in Hunterdon County.
The forecast was partially cloudy, so I reserved a table in the courtyard, but when we arrived, a slight drizzle turned into a downpour as we sat. We were seated at a table under a large tent. Despite the weather, we had a great time.
Sunday
I know I've harped on this before. I'll keep bringing up this topic every time an ignorant photographer tell me that their 35mm or 50mm lens is a "normal" lens.
Contrary to the traditional industry standard of 50 - 55mm, the actual focal length of a 135 format "perfect normal" lens is 43mm. ~ Alan Weitz at B&H Photo
The 35mm and 50mm focal lengths are 7mm to 8 mm too far from normal. The XF27mmF2.8 lens (41mm FF-e) is the closest I can get to normal on my APS-C Fuji X-T2. The MD Rokkor-X is the closest I can get to normal on my Minolta XD-11. But they are both much more comparable to normal than 35mm or 50mm.
Today was a lazy Sunday. I sat on the couching watching all the Fast and Furious movies. Bhavna suggested we go to Brick Farm Tavern for a drink. I had the latest Troon beer. Then we came home.
Kodak Vision3 250D
I saw the email notice from Old School Photo Lab to download my scans of the negatives from my roll of Kodak Vision3 250D 35mm film. I exposed this roll of film in May of this year. We were all vaccinated, so Jeremy and Neha wanted to visit so their baby, Ronith, could meet the rest of his family. It was great to see them. Neha is Bhavna's cousin. We were all still getting used to being with people so we sat outside and wore masks when we were close to Ronith. The family event provided the opportunity to expose a 24 exposure roll of Vision3 250D Colour Negative Film which I purchased from the Film Photography Project. FPP sells Vision3 Motion Picture film which they hand-roll into 35mm film canisters.
This is one of the challenges I have with film photography. With digital photography, the image has dense metadata about the images - camera, lens, ISO, aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation etc. With film, unless I take copious notes, most of this information is lost. I may remember that I used my Minolta XD-11. I may remember that I used my MD Rokkor-X 45mm f/2 lens. I know that the film I used is ISO 250. But unless I write it all down, I don't remember what aperture ad shutter speed was used.
Some of the images were blurry, but I liked the look of the sharper ones. Perhaps it's how the images were scanned but the images have a slight reddish hue that I do not see in the examples I found online.
Unfortunately, I can't just send Kodak Vision3 250D to just any lab. Like most colour motion picture stocks, 250D has a protective layer called Remjet, which helps deal with the tremendous heat generated while running through a motion picture camera. This Remjet layer must be removed during processing and requires specialist developing equipment not available at most film development labs. The film ($10) and the development and scanning ($24-$34) are expensive. I think I'll shoot this film again, but not often.
Name: Kodak VISION3 250D (5207)
Vendor: Kodak
Type: Color negative
Format: 35mm
Speed (ISO): 250
Exposure latitude: -5 to +5 stops
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to using ALL the cookies. However, this website has no interest in selling your information. It does not explicitly use social media cookies from Facebook, Google, Twitter, Threads, Instagram etc. Read More
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.