-
post "in Galli style"
hi all,
i am sure most know the venerated Jim Galli. he, almost single handedly is bringing soft focus and selective focus back to the main stream. (and driving the prices of those lenses up as the demand increases! ;) LOL)
i for one have gained inspiration from him. i was out shooting in utah this past sept. as i was setting up my shots day after day i found myself working very hard at getting everything in focus and sharp....."post card photos" i call them. then i began thinking about different styles and possibilities. i thought to myself...."what would galli do" (more fun than "what would ansel do" and galli's style seems "easier" to imitate!). so i began bending my camera into a pretzle and shooting the lenses wide open. i will tell you in is almost as much work to get an exact tiny sliver of focus as it is to get the opposite!
so as the peztval lens craze continues and the SF portraits develop lets see your photos that i will call in "Galli style"
(oh! and yes, please play along also, jim!)
(the 1st is a 4x5 enlarged. i guess i ran out of coverage! 2nd is a 4x5 scan. 3rd and 4th are 8x10 negs using a giant voigtlander)
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
The third picture is particularly effective.
I like the use of selective focus - it can hint at things which cannot be expressed in other ways, either through words or images. On the other hand, I also like the near/far focus capability of large format, which can bring an epic quality to landscapes (quite distinct from a picture postcard!).
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
LOL. The only thing more arresting than seeing your name in the title is finding out the thread died after 2 posts :D
Here's a still life from last weekend;
Pinkham & Smith Semi Achromatic lens printed on AZO
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
give em some time! they have to get home and dig through all the SF photos to find some to post......
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Not nearly as good as anything Jim has done, but it was done with a lens bought from Jim. :) 15" Magic Lantern lens. If you look real close, part of the well is in focus...honest.
http://sundownis.com/BodieJune/bodie005web.jpg
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Here's something I printed yesterday evening. It was taken with a 7" Darlot projection lens on a Chamonix 4x5
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
A B&L Magic Lantern Petzval of about 9" focal length. First one is shot on Adox Pan 25 with hot lights and the tones are just buttery. The second one is done by strobe.
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
When I get my 8" petzval from Jim I shall be sure to add something :-)
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Hey Eddie, nice shots....I too especially like #3 & #4. What Voightlander lens did you use? Here is a shot I made with my Vesta at f8
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
One from this weekend, while shooting my 'grim reaper' stuff. 4x5 speedgraphic, f2 petzval projection lens, Adox 25 ortho film in Rodinal
http://404photography.net/wip/4x5/dodge_truck_01.jpg
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
I have the greatest respect for Jim Galli, and enjoy much of his conventional work, but, (except in "Camera Club Competitions"), there was good reason that this pretentious genre of photography had finally died out before WW2. It's sorta like "fisheye" photographs -- seen one, you've seen them all (over and over and over...).
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
That can be said for ANY type of photography... Everything has been done before.. It's all in the eye of the beholder, and whatever floats ya boat. People do this because they like to. Why do you feel it pretentious?
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Myself, I am one of those retro sharp focus, total depth of field landscape guys and I don't see that changing. But I think Jim should be commended for resurrecting this vintage technique and style. It is a nice contrast to the Adams/Muench juggernaut that dominates this forum and all of LF. It is clear that a number of people here sincerely enjoy Jim's way of working and in the final analysis isn't that most important?
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Let's get this thread back on track...
Jim gave me the heads up on this lens so it's kind of like I got it from him.
B&L projection lens (10" I think)
FP4 (5x7) & Rollo Pyro
Ilford Warmtone paper & Dektol
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jon Wilson
Hey Eddie, nice shots....I too especially like #3 & #4. What Voightlander lens did you use? Here is a shot I made with my Vesta at f8
i will check the # on it to be sure i get it right when i get home....it is a big one. 14 inch FL and about 5 inch diameter elements. stay tuned. i will look tonight.
keep em coming......i am a bit surprised that more people have not posted! everytime one of those SF or petzval lenses come up for sale they sell like hotcakes.....what are you all doing with them? paper weights? display, bragging rights, OH! i know! ACCUMULATORS! :p
cheers
eddie
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
eddie
keep em coming......i am a bit surprised that more people have not posted! everytime one of those SF or petzval lenses come up for sale they sell like hotcakes.....what are you all doing with them? paper weights? display, bragging rights, OH! i know! ACCUMULATORS! :p
cheers
eddie
Guilty! I bought a small petzval from Jim earlier this year and have yet to shoot with it. Weather permitting I'll be doing some shooting on Friday, so maybe I'll have something to post in a week or so.
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kirk Gittings
Myself, I am one of those retro sharp focus, total depth of field landscape guys and I don't see that changing. But I think Jim should be commended for resurrecting this vintage technique and style. It is a nice contrast to the Adams/Muench juggernaut that dominates this forum and all of LF. It is clear that a number of people here sincerely enjoy Jim's way of working and in the final analysis isn't that most important?
Agreed. I actually have always liked the older style photography (thin DOF on full length portraits, and odd effects that older lenses can give, which is one of the reasons I got into large format shooting!) but I actually never new what style of lens gave that effect until I started seeing Jim's postings :) I just knew it was something with large format. I know some people don't like the style, but that's fine. i don't particularly like 'street' photography, or some other types of photography styles, but I don't shun those who participate in those types of photography, nobody is forcing me to participate :)
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Well I must admit it's not using a primitive lens but it is selective focus.
http://www.ericrose.com/EW%20Park%20horse%20copy.jpg
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
This is an 8x10 shot with one of my Petzvals. Can't remember which one. Now that has me upset! Printed on some old Azo stock I have.
Jim
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Not sure this is in true "Galli style" but it was shot wide open (f3.8) with an old 6 inch Dallmeyer portrait lens mounted on a Speed Graphic. I took it last week at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.
Don
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
great wok don! i love it!
here are two from a wedding i just shot. i ma trying to get my technique down. i am almost there. either my focus was slightly off or something. looks like the bride may have moved in the one photo. i am still working on perfecting it. the B&G liked the photo.
both were taken using an 8x10 camera and an 11 1/2 inch verito. the 1st is f11 (maybe f16 but i doubt it!) the second is f8. printed on ilford warmtone rc
i like the way the groom is separated from the background.
i plan to print a few more and then hand color them. stay tuned.
eddie
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Wow Don. What a great shot. Atmosphere and the walls are talking.
Good stuff Eddie. I'm playing with Nicola today. Maybe I'll have something to post a bit later.
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jim Galli
Wow Don. What a great shot. Atmosphere and the walls are talking.
Good stuff Eddie. I'm playing with Nicola today. Maybe I'll have something to post a bit later.
did you get the one off ebay from calmeta? i talked with that guy at a show a bit before he listed it. he was hoping to get 3-3.5K for it! went or a lot less! had i known.....great one if you got it! show us when you can.
eddie
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Don Ciccone
Not sure this is in true "Galli style" but it was shot wide open (f3.8) with an old 6 inch Dallmeyer portrait lens mounted on a Speed Graphic. I took it last week at Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia.
Don
Wow! Don- that's altogether astounding.
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
eddie
did you get the one off ebay from calmeta? i talked with that guy at a show a bit before he listed it. he was hoping to get 3-3.5K for it! went or a lot less! had i known.....great one if you got it! show us when you can.
eddie
6 - 8 months ago he might have gotten the 3K. No, I didn't get that one. Got a better one. 42cm so it is at home on either the 11X14 of the 8X10. I'm having trouble getting something big enough for the flange to go in the field. It may end up on the 7X11 8X10 platform.
-
Re: post "in Galli Nicola Perscheid style"
A lens I never expected to own! The Nicola Perscheid was made by Busch Rathenow to Mr. Perscheid's specifications for portraiture. It is the same formula, modified Rapid Rectilinear, as The Pinkham Smith Series IV and the Hermagis Eidoscop. Prices have been notoriously high because Europe recognizes them as a notable classic over our American lenses.
Last week a 42cm became available and the seller was anxious to work with me because he was worried about a tiny couple of spots of fungus on one of the inner surfaces. He offered an attractive price and a 2 day money back guarantee. When I got it I knew immediately it would be a keeper. The fungus had not attacked the glass and it soaked right off. 42cm is a nice size. It's at home both on the 11X14 and the 8X10! These first 2 contact prints I'll share are from the 11X14 camera. The lamp shot was at f5.6 and the shoes at f4.5
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Kirk Gittings
Myself, I am one of those retro sharp focus, total depth of field landscape guys and I don't see that changing. But I think Jim should be commended for resurrecting this vintage technique and style. It is a nice contrast to the Adams/Muench juggernaut that dominates this forum and all of LF. It is clear that a number of people here sincerely enjoy Jim's way of working and in the final analysis isn't that most important?
Sharp focus, total depth of field is "retro?" Seems to me Galli's soft focus, mood eliciting photographic style predates Ansel and the crew by quite a few years.
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Threads like this one should be labeled
"This thread may harm your financial situation" :)
Man, I love this style and your pics
Kind regards
Søren
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Somewhere ppl got confused as to the meaning of photography and instead of the study of light they have contorted it to be in their minds to be the study of acutance.
8x10 Arista 125 FG-7 soup 250mm 5.8 Imagon
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
this is a 4x5 neg, arista ortho, made with 105mm Kodak anastigmat lens from sometime in the thirty's, from a 8 on 620 film. which I made into a wooden point and shoot, and to get the clouds, a Kodak cloud filter the lot, cost about £15. so Jim Galli has not been here yet
bob
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Here are a couple I made last week using a 6" Darlot lens and the Packard Shutter that Jim sold me... Both are printed onto EMAKS G2 paper, souped in Neutol WA, lightly bleached back, lightly sepia toned, and finished in selenium
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Congrats Andrew, the second image is very good indeed. Now all I need is a statue that won't move for a few seconds.
Steve
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
I think this can work in color also. First two shot on a Canham 5x7 with a Verito 9" at f4 on Portra 160NC, the last on a Wehman 8x10 with a 14 1/2" Verito at f4 on Astia (?), not as nice I don't think but it does certainly swirl at that distance.
LJS
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Eddie,
You could get one of those WWJD bracelets and explain to everyone that you use it for daily inspiration: "What Would Jim Do?"
Chris
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Jim Fitzgerald
This is an 8x10 shot with one of my Petzvals. Can't remember which one. Now that has me upset! Printed on some old Azo stock I have.
Jim
Jim, I don't have that problem, because mine has no name or mark on it! :)
so, please see attached picture taken with a nameless brass lens wide-open.
contact print from a Whole Plate negative.
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Alex Wei
Jim, I don't have that problem, because mine has no name or mark on it! :)
so, please see attached picture taken with a nameless brass lens wide-open.
contact print from a Whole Plate negative.
Hey, I've got one of those too.
13" f4 achromatic meniscus no name;
So. Cal. after the soaking rain Weds. last.
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Alex Wei
Jim, I don't have that problem, because mine has no name or mark on it! :)
so, please see attached picture taken with a nameless brass lens wide-open.
contact print from a Whole Plate negative.
Alex, great plate and that lens is really nice. great sharpness and beautiful fall off. Don't ever sell it.
Jim
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Hmm I'm sort of tempted now.
Which lenses will give this "Jim Galli Style" effect on 4X5" and 13X18cm?
Kind regards
Søren
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
hello,
some of the various old brass projection lenses are a goo place to start. the petzval design is the favorite among the LF posters but any design will give interesting "galli" style soft, dreamy, or swirly shots. oh! and whatever you choose shoot it wide open.
you can also do some selective focus. this you can use any lens for. just get your view camera into a pretzel and see what happens. :) this is what i did in photo #2 in my 1st post.
hope to see some soon.
eddie
Quote:
Originally Posted by
soeren
Hmm I'm sort of tempted now.
Which lenses will give this "Jim Galli Style" effect on 4X5" and 13X18cm?
Kind regards
Søren
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Beautiful Alex, whatever made it.
Jim, no words necessary.
LJS
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
shot with my new toy! a cooke 15 inch SF baby. still learning how to make her sing!
one is f8 the other f 4.5. no diffusion. (maybe a bit of wind though. i shot it outside)
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
soeren
Hmm I'm sort of tempted now.
Which lenses will give this "Jim Galli Style" effect on 4X5" and 13X18cm?
Kind regards
Søren
Projection petzvals in the 5 - 6 inch range are excellent. Also most of the very early landscape meniscus lenses. With these you will normally need to defeat the built in aperture that necks the glass down to f12 or so. Get them opened up to the usual f6 possible and you'll see some dreamy softness. Then of course if money and sanity is no object what-so-ever, go for a 9 inch Pinkham & Smith Series V Synthetic :D
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
eddie
shot with my new toy! a cooke 15 inch SF baby. still learning how to make her sing!
one is f8 the other f 4.5. no diffusion. (maybe a bit of wind though. i shot it outside)
Off to a good start I see. I think I would have swung the back and tried to get a bit nearer focus on the right side of the picture. I love ALL of my Cooke's :cool:
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Thanks guys. Ill see what I can find :)
Kind regards
Søren
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
A question, oh venerable ones. Is this correct ?
There seem to be a few different kinds of blur effect we get with these vintage portrait and soft-focus lenses. Different lenses and designs give us some combination of these:
"Smooth" - An out of focus disc looks like a disc, with no aberrations. This is what most people call "nice bokeh" when discussing lenses for 35mm and larger format. We see this with Tessars, Heliars, Elmars, etc.
"Extra Smooth" - lots of smooth blur in the out of focus areas, more than a "normal" lens would render - like we see in Jim Galli's photo of the lamp and books. It can sometimes be controlled by choice of f-stop, as with the Cooke PS945 portrait lens.
"Swirly" - like what we see with Jim Fitzgerald's image of the trees, or Daniel Buck's photo of the truck.
"Halo" - an extra luminosity appears around the out-of-focus areas and in some cases, even around the in-focus areas. Jim Galli's White Roses shows this effect.
"Overall" - we see blur overall, even in the areas of best focus - like when we use a magnifying glass or other simple lens with little or no correction - like Blueberrydesk's photo of the barn with a Magic Lantern lens.
Is there another effect, which I have overlooked ?
I am a fan of the "Smooth" variety, and wonder which affordable lenses give an "Extra Smooth" result, other than the now-discontinued (and costly) Cooke Cooke PS945.
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Heres my first picture taken with a non name 6" f/6 Petzval on my 4x5.
HP5+ / Rodinal
3s
neg scan
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/uploads/6fd85188c7.jpg
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
It's not easy to go for the super soft look. My brain is usually saying, "Ahh, blur…you screwed up!" This is about all I have in that vein. Aren't most of those ancient brass lenses generally too long for 4x5 or am I crackers? This is with a decidedly non-antique Schneider 90mm.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2016/...15f2d02bbf.jpg
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
nathanm
It's not easy to go for the super soft look. My brain is usually saying, "Ahh, blur…you screwed up!" This is about all I have in that vein. Aren't most of those ancient brass lenses generally too long for 4x5 or am I crackers?
that is great! i love the subject :D
keep exercising that part of your brain...you are on to something! we know you have it in you!
many of those old brass lenses are just right for 4x5. keep an eye out for the 4-6 inch range if you want crazy swirls and all.....if you are not into swirl keep a look out for a rapid rectilinear up to 12 inches.....most are fairly small.
eddie
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ken Lee
There seem to be a few different kinds of blur effect we get with these vintage portrait and soft-focus lenses.
Is there another effect, which I have overlooked ?
Seems to me that you've made a very comprehensive list-
I wonder if anyone has tried to combine any of these distinct indistinct effects with motion blur?
Panning?
j
-
Re: post "in Galli style"
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ken Lee
A question, oh venerable ones. Is this correct ?
There seem to be a few different kinds of blur effect we get with these vintage portrait and soft-focus lenses. Different lenses and designs give us some combination of these:
"Smooth" - An out of focus disc looks like a disc, with no aberrations. This is what most people call "nice bokeh" when discussing lenses for 35mm and larger format. We see this with Tessars, Heliars, Elmars, etc.
"Extra Smooth" - lots of smooth blur in the out of focus areas, more than a "normal" lens would render - like we see in Jim Galli's photo of the lamp and books. It can sometimes be controlled by choice of f-stop, as with the
Cooke PS945 portrait lens.
"Swirly" - like what we see with Jim Fitzgerald's image of the trees, or Daniel Buck's photo of the truck.
"Halo" - an extra luminosity appears around the out-of-focus areas and in some cases, even around the in-focus areas. Jim Galli's White Roses shows this effect.
"Overall" - we see blur overall, even in the areas of best focus - like when we use a magnifying glass or other simple lens with little or no correction - like Blueberrydesk's photo of the barn with a Magic Lantern lens.
Is there another effect, which I have overlooked ?
I am a fan of the "Smooth" variety, and wonder which affordable lenses give an "Extra Smooth" result, other than the now-discontinued (and costly) Cooke Cooke PS945.
For the record, I'm not the Oh Venerable One but I'll try to answer.
I think you've pretty well nailed it. I seperate "the lenses" into three wide groups. 1) Petzval's with their distinct sharp center then lovely bokeh, with or without swirlies. 2) Smooooooth sharp. Your Heliars, Velostigmats, Cookes, et al. I hate to put Cooke in the same sentence with a Velostigmat. I may be stoned. 3) Purpose built soft focus lenses that by design are very soft everywhere wide open. Verito's, etc. 4) Perhaps a 4th group is emerging. Just plain weird stuff that is of the found variety like Mark Sawyer's Pinkham Bi Nocular lens or his 2F99 lenses. I've been playing with one of these.
This is done with a 13" f4 Achromatic (or is it?) no name meniscus that was part of a mis-matched Petzval I bought to have the shutter parts. Notice how the coma is directional (objectional). It bleeds left on the left side and right on the right side. Fun to play with but no match for a Pinkham & Smith.