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Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
I know some think it's "trendy" right now, but who cares! If you've got Aero-Ektar images (of any FL) post 'em! I'd like to see what you all are shooting.
Here's a shot from tonight. Random street performer.
Aero-Ektar 7" @ f/2.5 with Tri-X 320, pushed to 3200 in straight XTOL:
http://www.oceanstarproductions.com/...aring/0126.jpg
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Taken up the street from my house a few weeks ago.
Provia 100F 4x5 Quickload (expired 1998). Speed Graphic, 2 sec. @ f/2.5
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Ektachrome E100S 4x5 (expired 1999). Exposure info unknown.
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
They were trendy in 2006 ;-p
All handheld and rangefinder, guess-focused....
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
I thought they were still trendy? Or am I behind the times? :D I really like the second portrait Frank.
(I'm not sure anything large format can be considered "trendy" in today's world! My photographer friends think I'm nuts.)
Here's another, same as before. Handheld at 1/50 in a dim coffee shop:
http://www.oceanstarproductions.com/...aring/0125.jpg
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Frank Petronio
All handheld and rangefinder, guess-focused....
Frank, now I'm confused about your cautionary tales concerning rangefinder focusing with this lens! All of these are very nice, especially the second one. Did you go through many sheets of film and bracket focus for each of these?
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
I could hit focus maybe one out of four on average, I would usually shoot six sheets of a subject and often blow them all subtly.
With a tripod mounted camera and a little stern direction, I can usually get five or six out of six in focus.
Of course, shooting handheld is thought to be more spontaneous. With a heavy Speed Graphic and the associated operations necessary for loading a film holder and adjusting settings I don't think it is so spontaneous... a tripod mounted camera allows you to relax somewhat, and concentrate on your subject rather than worrying about camera movement inbetween focusing and shooting. I rather be talking and engaged with the person than to be all nervous watching my equipment.
A nice roll-film or digital camera is definitely more spontaneous and that's a large reason for their popularity. Why fight it? Go with each format's strength. So I now see large-format portraiture as something slowed down and more carefully considered. I try to shoot after exploring people with a smaller camera, then only shoot a couple of sheets as a large format portrait. By the time I get to the large format film, I already know what I want and don't need to experiment. This saves a lot of time/money/aggravation.
But to some people it is just a matter of getting an Aero-Ektar or a Verito or some other piece of equipment. Using toys is just as valid as anything else as long as you actually shoot. Knock yourself out and enjoy the ride.
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
I don't have an Aero Ektar, but I considered them for a while. And I shoot other very fast lenses. Definitely the problem is the super short depth of field. I know with some of my fast lenses it is just an inch or two of sharpness. You or your subject lean forward or back 3 inches after putting the film holder in, and your shot is out of focus. I like tripods and sitting models a lot for super fast lenses.
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Personally, the Aero/Speed is an experiment in hyper-speed shooting for handheld, spontaneous shooting in dim environments (bars, streets at night). Digital is superior but doesn't have the "feel" for me, and 35mm is a little too harsh sometimes. I will be trying out medium format for this instead though to see if the mid-sized film works out better compared to the cost/weight of the Aero.
It's also fun to freak out other photographers with this beast!
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
There are some fun medium format combinations that have similar effects. The old Graflex Norita 66 had an 80/2 lens. The Contax 645 AF SLR has an 80/2. I think the big Rollei 6008-series had a 80/2 Xenotar. Their were a few Russian-East German fast lenses.... Not sure if Mamiya had any fast glass.... The nicest combination might be the F-series (electronic shutter in camera) Hasselblads with the Zeiss 110/2.
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Frank, Mamiya has an 80 f/1.9 for the 645.
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Yes I'm trying to pick up the Mamiya 80/1.9. The Zeiss 110/2 is probably really nice but more than I can afford.
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Tom J McDonald
Frank, Mamiya has an 80 f/1.9 for the 645.
And it's a fantastic lens. You can see some of what I've done with mine on flickr here. Note: not all of them are wide open, so you'll have to browse a bit to find those, but 3 favorites: 1, 2, 3.
I also have the 105mm f/2.5 for the Pentax 67 and it is super sexy with a similar though equally characteristic look, though the camera (for me, anyway) leaves a lot to be desired, handling-wise.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Corran
Yes I'm trying to pick up the Mamiya 80/1.9. The Zeiss 110/2 is probably really nice but more than I can afford.
You really can't go wrong with the f/1.9. I love mine so much I want a second one, though FWIW I do know a guy who wants to sell his 110mm f/2...
I have a standing offer back in the US to trade my 105mm/Pentax 67 setup for a 178mm Ektar and I'm reeeeeeally tempted, though the Pentax is such a keeper I'm not sure I can go through with it!
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Corran
Yes I'm trying to pick up the Mamiya 80/1.9. The Zeiss 110/2 is probably really nice but more than I can afford.
The 150 mm f2.8 has the same depth of field at the same framing for portraits and closeups. You get less background, and a longer working distance than with the 110 mm f2.0. The only real problem is that indoors you can run out of space - in small rooms you can't back up enough to get the right framing - and some (not me) feel you end up too far away for rapport with the sitter.
The F 150/2.8 is so cheap now that I'm seriously considering getting a second one as a backup. FE versions - all FE versions - are still expensive though.
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Quote:
There are some fun medium format combinations that have similar effects.
Accounting for final print magnification and final print CoC, the only thing that affects depth of field is numerical aperture i.e. distance to subject and the physical diameter of the lens aperture itself. The hole in an Aero Ektar must be at least 1.5 or 2 inches in diameter. I can't imagine any medium format camera with a (non-relative) aperture that big.
That said, I had an AE but sold it to buy something else. It wasn't up my alley, but I hope someone out there is having fun with it.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by
Struan Gray
...the same depth of field...
Not looking for DOF, just speed :)
I shoot a lot in really dim places. 35mm is fun but sometimes I don't want the grain of 6400 ISO with such small film. Also I don't like flash.
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jcoldslabs
Taken up the street from my house a few weeks ago.
Provia 100F 4x5 Quickload (expired 1998). Speed Graphic, 2 sec. @ f/2.5
Amazing how landscape shots look with this lens wide open. The center is sharp and has what looks like infinite dof. This looks like the street depicted in my model rail road town, I mean it doesn't look real.
Cheers,
Gary
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
A lot of that can be the tilts and swings involved. Photographers have been getting similar effects with tilt-shift lenses on their DSLRs as well. Usually a straight shallow depth of field landscape won't look toy-like.
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Frank Petronio
There are some fun medium format combinations that have similar effects. The old Graflex Norita 66 had an 80/2 lens. The Contax 645 AF SLR has an 80/2. I think the big Rollei 6008-series had a 80/2 Xenotar. Their were a few Russian-East German fast lenses.... Not sure if Mamiya had any fast glass.... The nicest combination might be the F-series (electronic shutter in camera) Hasselblads with the Zeiss 110/2.
An RB67 with a 100-200 mm Zoom and a compendium is fairly impressive on the bazooka scene. "Handheld" (hefty neckstrap) with a left side adjustable grip. Katchunnk!!!
Love that sound!
/gth
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Who needs a Petzval? Instead of "swirlies" I get "blobs!"
http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/669---Back-Yard-Light.jpg
______________________________________________________________________
Jonathan
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Frank Petronio
I could hit focus maybe one out of four on average, I would usually shoot six sheets of a subject and often blow them all subtly.
With a tripod mounted camera and a little stern direction, I can usually get five or six out of six in focus.
Of course, shooting handheld is thought to be more spontaneous. With a heavy Speed Graphic and the associated operations necessary for loading a film holder and adjusting settings I don't think it is so spontaneous... a tripod mounted camera allows you to relax somewhat, and concentrate on your subject rather than worrying about camera movement inbetween focusing and shooting. I rather be talking and engaged with the person than to be all nervous watching my equipment.
A nice roll-film or digital camera is definitely more spontaneous and that's a large reason for their popularity. Why fight it? Go with each format's strength. So I now see large-format portraiture as something slowed down and more carefully considered. I try to shoot after exploring people with a smaller camera, then only shoot a couple of sheets as a large format portrait. By the time I get to the large format film, I already know what I want and don't need to experiment. This saves a lot of time/money/aggravation.
But to some people it is just a matter of getting an Aero-Ektar or a Verito or some other piece of equipment. Using toys is just as valid as anything else as long as you actually shoot. Knock yourself out and enjoy the ride.
sage advice
thanks frank wise words, i like reading your posts. it also reminds me of why our elders are important, as they "know stuff" that would be lost otherwise.
so thank you.
ps i have a new 300mm aero aktar, that i am trying to work out how to a, mount, b, find a shutter for, and am looking forward to posting it on this fred.
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
@ Frank: I really like the 3rd one. That shadow really sculpts the portrait.
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
My brother, who hates to pose for me, and his best fake smile. Playing around with some fifteen year old Portra 400, hence the color shift.
http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/AE-G-2.jpg
Jonathan
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
More expired Portra, this time from the front porch:
http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/AE-Front-...%28Dust%29.jpg
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Jonathan
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
178mm + Speed G + expired Ektachrome + Jack's Peak park in Monterey
Attachment 71612
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Jonathan, I love how the pink flowers look in the background.
John, that image you posted along with your FS ad made me want to shoot some color film with an AE. Almost have a camera finished to try it out!
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Bryan,
I've had no trouble shooting color with my Aero Ektar; in fact I shoot more color than B&W with it. Although, I did put my lens under a UV lamp for a couple of months after I got it and this reduced the "thorium browning" in the rear elements to next to nothing. Otherwise you just have a built-in warming filter is all.
Jonathan
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
john wood
178mm + Speed G + expired Ektachrome + Jack's Peak park in Monterey
nice use of shallow dof here
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Thank you; I miss the lens, but imagine it in Hawaii (buyer) and think it's probably happier there...
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Pushing the lens to its limits on the Speed Graphic:
http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/AE-Lamp-Post-v2.jpg
Jonathan
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2 Attachment(s)
Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Testing the tulips with my Anny G, FP100c.
Cheers,
Gary
Attachment 71985Attachment 71986
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I really like the "look" of your fotos
r
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
rpalm,
Thanks for saying that. It's funny, because lately I have been feeling like my photos are all over the place with out any sense of personal style. My Aero Ektar images tend to have more similarities to them, though, given how I tend to use the lens. Anyway, it's a kind compliment you've offered and I'll take it!
Jonathan
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Shot last week at a friend's wedding. Expired Ektachrome E100S cross processed.
http://www.kolstad.us/ebay/Wigger-We...O-2%20LFPF.jpg
Jonathan
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jcoldslabs
Those wedding shots you did are great Jonathan!
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Thanks, David. Now if only I can find the market for people who want large format images of their weddings. I'll call it "Old School Analog Pre-Instagram Wedding Photography" and make a fortune!
Jonathan
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jcoldslabs
Thanks, David. Now if only I can find the market for people who want large format images of their weddings. I'll call it "Old School Analog Pre-Instagram Wedding Photography" and make a fortune!
Jonathan
Nice marketing strategy!
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2 Attachment(s)
Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Not quite an Ektar - Pentac 8" f2.9 set to about f5.6 Attachment 73015
Expired Provia 100F (by about 3 or 4 Years) at 1/1000 sec
(oops not quite a good size, sorry it's my first image upload)
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
Have to say, I'm not crazy about the 'clumpy' bokeh. Totally subjective.
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Re: Aero-Ektar Images - post 'em!
It's the closest thing optically to Gaussian Blur.