On Medium Format, First Snow and Getting Old

[gurtch]

I posted this on another Forum, but we can have some fun with it here as well.
Dave

The reason I love this forum is because it is not just about gear, it is also the comradery here. People helping people. Let me reminisce. I have been married 65 years. When we were young, I joined The Miniature Camera Club of Philadelphia, there, the older members taught me most of what I know about photography, and Darkroom Work. My wife would accompany me on photo shoots (mostly seascapes on Long Beach Island, where my Mom and Grandparents lived). We retired here. I turn 88 next month, my wife is 85. Well, yesterday we had our first snowfall of the year, about 4 or 5 inches, enough to beautify the beach but not so much that I could not get out. I announced last night that I was going to take my medium format outfit and go to the beach. Sharon insisted she would drive, sit in the car with her cell phone nearby in case I fell. I put on my real shoes (not slip ons), a real winter coat, ear muffs, and mittens with a flap to take your fingers out. Did I mention it was VERY windy? As cold and windy as it was, a flood of nostalgia swept over me....it also hit my wife. When I got home I took out the memory card and connected it to my PC: NOTHING ON IT! This has happened before (my age again). I tried card number 2 and guess what? Yes I did it again--recorded to the wrong card. Because of the cold and watering eyes, I am glad I had auto-focus, but I was sloppy. I used my usual f11 to f22 (I know, diffraction), but did not pay attention to my shutter speed. Because it was near dusk, my exposures ranged from 1/25th second to 1/12th second! I know IBIS is great but hand holding at speeds around 1/10 to 1/5th is pushing the envelope. I am thinking of down loading a trial of one of these "Miracle" AI Programs that promise to sharpen blurred images. Any suggestions? As much as I love my MF kit, I can see myself using my Sony A7RIV outfit more often. If anyone is interested, I will follow up and post several shots from today's outing. Advance Warning: Typical old timer camera club instincts still prevail: rule of thirds, super saturated, center of interest (red coat!), etc, etc.

Happy New Year

Dave Gurtcheff

Beach Haven, NJ

 

[gurtch]

As promised here are some images taken hand held (Not on purpose) at very low shutter speed, around 1/20 sec. The first image was shot 1/3 sec and was hopelessly blurry. I decided rather than try to fix it, I would cash in and use the blurry image to represent cold snowy, foggy weather. I added snow and the gull. Herring Gulls are here year-round. The other images were taken from1/15 to 1/20 second. Here the IBIS saved the day. At actual pixels, they are sharp enough to make a big print.

 

[jotloob]

Thanks Dave for your contribution . Very much appreciated .
And also a HAPPY NEW YEAR to you and your wife .

 

[4x5Australian]

Hi Dave. I enjoyed reading your tale of adventure and determination.

Your admission that a flood of nostalgia swept over me made me recall my own similar experiences on those occasions I've stepped back into specific locations that were important to me in earlier years. Thank you.

A few times lately I've made images at dusk with my GFX 50R handheld and was surprised at the low shutter speeds the camera initially delivered, like those you report here, despite having bumped up the ISO a few notches beforehand from the 100 I normally use. I suggest bumping the ISO up some more. Or a lightweight tripod.

As for medium format vs miniature format, I doubt the slightly smaller body of the Sony A7RIV would make any real difference for me. The GFX 50R fits my hands much better and securely and the rangefinder-style location of the viewfinder on the left corner enables me to push the camera leftwards against my nose, thereby gaining much more stability than other cameras that pivot back and forth on my nose.

Sometimes the feelings of being in a special place are reward enough.

Rod

 

[gurtch]

Thanks Rod. I do have a quick release on both my cameras, with a ball head on my monopod. It was so cold I didn’t want to take the time to mess with the monopod, etc. I should have. I will post some additional photos taken two days later that I was cognizant with ISO and shutter speed, and they all turned out well.
Best,
Dave