Nothing better than starting the day with some hiking and large format. Many of my favorite spots have been destroyed by the west coast fires but your video is a great inspiration to find some new spots to shoot!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Eric and I hope you're staying safe and have a chance to discover some new locations to photograph!

Those last two shots of the trees in the valley shot from the overlook were awesome! Love the fog and all the detail in the trees.

@MatMarrash

9 ай бұрын

Thanks! :)

Now I see the potential for my Blue filter with the 4x5. A shame I didn’t see the use when I was in Sa Pa, Vietnam last week as it was fog/mist city rolling down the mountain. Thanks for taking us along on your morning outing.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Of the big, glass B&W filters I use, the blue filter is one of my favorites. Even without the filter, I'm sure the views you got in Vietnam were great ones!

Excellent Matt. In this world of rushing and tearing around we all need to slow down. Look at our world and appreciate what we have and if we’re lucky make a picture. Zen and the Art of Large Format Photography.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks William, very well put!

Best video you have done.

Hi Matt, great video. I felt as if I was along with you for your shoot. Thanks.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Thomas!

Hey Matt, great content! To answer your question, my workflow has been forced to change as I have no room for a darkroom any longer. So, I develop in Patterson/Jobo tanks. I haven't made it to the final image yet. I plan on scanning negs in, and processing them in the Macchiato's, then either print them, or send them out for final prints. My big hurdle is, I cannot find a scanner. They are all sold out! Oh well... I may wind up contact printing them.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment Monty! I've noticed that scanners, especially Epson, have been in relatively short supply lately. Contact prints are always a really nice option.

I enjoy your shooting video's as much as your educational ones (maybe more). It's nice to hear your thought process on the subject, the lens you choose and other factors that play into your decision on your exposure. I hope you do more in the future. I've never used a blue filter before. You have given me something to think about using in the future. As I recall one of the things to consider when reciprocity failure comes into play is that it will add contrast to your negative, so on a gray day like the one your shooting I would welcome this. The one thing I was told about reciprocity failure is that you should decrease your developing times to compensate for the added contrast unless of course you were wanting that extra contrast. Clyde Butcher talks about how loves reciprocity failure and the changes it brings. One of the things he laments about now shooting digital--no reciprocity failure. I have heard that when determining your exposure when using filters it's better to get your reading without the filter then make your adjustment using the filter factor formula instead of taking your reading thru the filter. I know that when using a yellow filter there isn't much difference but when you using a red filter there is a 1-1.5 stop difference between those two methods. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Thanks again for a wonderful video and taking us along with you.

Great video Mat, I learned a lot and appreciate you sharing your knowledge and experience.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

Did you see the SIZE of that crazy mans backpack???!! You could put half of Marvels Avengers in that bad boy!!! AND he has that monster tripod weapon and a SIDE BAG!!! I think maybe he should check his radon detectors in his house... something is obviously affecting him..... I DO love his work though.....

Sharpening straight razors is still one of my best meditation activities but film photography is a close second.

The problem I have with state parks is that they often don't open early enough. We have a nice one in MD that would be get at sunrise but they don't open the park until 7AM. At least in the National parks one can camp so can be there overnight and up early.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Hey Eric thanks for the comment and good point. Not all parks have an early open time, fortunately around here I've only run into that in some of the super high traffic local parks. That being said, there's fewer National parks here in Ohio.

Great Video as always:) would love to see a field video with color film, keep it up!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

It's a good thing we've still got some time before Fall colors! ;)

Just a few days ago I was shooting mushrooms with my 4x5. Here in the HOH Rainforest when the Elk made a surprise visit. The big Bull surprised me when he started Bugling. Wow what a Beautiful time that was. After I develop that film today I will make a print and a video and load it here on KZread. :)

@tylerhuttosmith

3 жыл бұрын

I’ve learned so much from your other LFF videos, but something about these meditation videos helps the information stick more. I’m not sure if it’s seeing specific examples of you going through the process or something else entirely. Either way, thank you!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Yes, let's see those prints! :)

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Tyler, I really appreciate it!

Its like making a Japanese sword, perhaps you can make one just as fine in a factory, but its not the same as making it by hand. Taking care with details, not rushing, applying craftsmanship. And its not only about hammering white hot metal. Its all of the parts, the blade, she sharpening, the polishing, the handle, the scabbard. All parts of the process. Anyway I don't make swords, but a Japanese swordmaker is my inspiration anyway for my large format photography :)

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Klas this is an awesome analogy to the process of large format, thank you!

I didn't get up extra early to do it, but yesterday I loaded four film holders with fresh Fomapan and took myself and my Graphic View out. My first exposure was literally about twenty yards from the door; the last about two hundred yards up my road. Not counting the two misloads (still getting my hand back in on loading film holders after a dozen years away from it, I guess), I got six exposures, practiced using movements to control my plane of focus as well as spot metering to ensure good overall exposure. Developed the film last night, and discovered that my Yankee Agitank will under-agitate if it's over-filled -- so everything got what looks like N-1. Still salvageable, and I'm looking forward to seeing (after scanning) how well the focus came out on the shot of a gate into some vacant land where I had to use front swing and tilt for focus control as well as front rise to get the framing I wanted without keystoning the trees and gateposts.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a great day of practicing your large format craft. Good work, and the N-1 should scan up pretty well. Cheers!

@SilntObsvr

3 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash Yes, the negatives scanned nicely. I'm very happy with them. Now I need to do this more often.

Great video Mat. For me it is the complet process, from preparation, to shooting, to processing, then printing, and finally framing. Each one has its own magic, culminating in the final product.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Phillip, you're a true start to finish guy! Many photographers I know loathe the framing part of the process. ;)

@phillipmurray8848

3 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash hi Mat. You and I know what camera, lens, film, a apture, ect ect that we use. The client, viewer, only sees the final image. They do not now the long process we use. Two thumb tacks in a wall work, but even a symple frame from Ikea presents our work and elevates an image to a higher plane. Thank for your kind words Mat, and keep spreading the word.

Always loved the overlooks at Mohican. About 15 minutes from my house. The older overlook you shot at 11:00 minutes was the original built during the Great Depression with the works programs. Loved the shots.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Matt! Wow only 15 minutes away, that's awesome having such close access. There's way more to explore at Mohican that I haven't yet, and will probably be revisiting once the colors start changing.

One of the chillest LF videos I've seen, definitely enjoyed watching a nice calm paced in the field! I think one of the things I need to work on in making LF more meditative for myself is taking more time to plan and set up shots in the field, and just enjoy it, rather than "ok done, onto the next subject!".

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Nick! It's nice to slow down and shoot freeform, but I was only able to do so here because I'd been there several times over the years. I knew what to expect from conditions and experience, so there wasn't as much pressure as visiting a new location. One huge advantage you have is all the years you have to keep working at it, so keep up the good work!

Thanks Mat for taking us along. Nice work!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Wonderful video, Mat! Those 7th and 8th shots are absolutely gorgeous!

The two N+1 shots have really nice separation of the trunks and the different shades of leaves. Favorites from the set.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John, they're some of my favorites too! Btw, one of the photos has been requested enough that I'm offering prints on my site: marrash.com/prints/mohican

Loved the video and my wife got a kick out of the alarm!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Devan! Tell the wife I'll keep on adding obscure Easter eggs just for her!

You made my lunch better. I was stuffing last nights film processing into sleeves and really enjoy viewing your adventure!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael, hopefully I'll have more adventures to share soon!

I love those images wow

I love these kinds of videos! so relaxing coming home after a shoot!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Max!

Hi Matt, Can you share your planning process. How do you select location? Time of the day when are you going to shoot? Film selection for the shoot, filters, etc... It would be nice to see an episode on whole process.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion!

nice job, esp. when you say what you have, in lenses, etc. One Tip, at 6:40 or thereabouts you should take the lens OFF the camera, and add filters/holders then, esp. if off a balcony, ledge, bridge, etc. to save the loss of the item, if it slips from ones' fingers during instillation.

I have to learn how to slow down. My shoots, generally urban stuff, are usually surgical strikes, and quick in and quick out. I need to get back to landscapes where I can take it slow. BTW, loved the 7th and 8th shots (trees, no horizon, with fog and the few bare trees).

Not much to add to what others have said. Please keep making these meditation videos. It gets me excited to get out and I learn some technical details about your process. Great shots!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Peter, these videos are quite fun to make and I'm happy for their reception. There will certainly be more. :)

Im trying to make sense of how you got to a minute exposure when the blur filter meter reading was 8 seconds! So so curious!!!! Going to be 4x5 adventuring this weekend.

The last shot that which had the process in the video (1st Overlook, 2nd time) really reminds me of the look of Michael Miley on glass. I wonder how it might look on X-Ray, but then I think about the length of the exposure that you might need. As always, thanks for sharing your process in this meditation.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! It's always cool to hear what other folks see in your photographs. Since those overlook shots were made with a Blue #47 filter, using blue sensitive x-ray film would have a very similar exposure time and look.

Great video Mat...thoroughly enjoyed it! Have a good weekend!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Steve, you do the same!

Like you I love getting out and shooting. It's a great time to commune with nature and leave the world behind. The printing sessions are the second wave of mediation where I try to reproduce that feeling and emotion I was getting when I took the image. Sometimes I can find something different in that image that I wasn't cognizant of when I took it. My least favorite part is developing the negatives because it is more mechanical (important part) but not as much fun for me. I think filters are an important part of a B&W photographers arsenal. I am excited to get a blue filter and try things out with it now. I'm curious to know what you do with your wide angle lenses. Are. you able to use filters with them? Earlier this year I got a 210 mm Schneider Super Angulon lens. It looks like the filter size is a 127mm. I am struggling to figure out the best ways to adapt filters with it. I currently have the Wine Country filter system which was a good system for 4x5 but they don't have filters above 95mm

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Michael! There are a few filter holder systems that go up to the BIG size which is for 150mm filters. The problem with these and Hollywood matte boxes for larger filters is finding an adapter ring or a "donut" slip-on adapter to mount the holder.

Great images, Mat - really enjoyable to watch the process. Cheers!

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Many thanks!

Nice video. Those last two pushed photos (7th and 8th) from the overlook were the standouts for me.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Gabriel!

I loved it, thanks. As a 5X4 photographer I have a question. What is the cost of your set up?

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment. It's a hard thing to total up since I've been slowly accumulating my kit over the last decade. To ballpark it, the entire setup you see being used in this video cost less than a new full frame mirrorless with 24-70 and 70-200 lenses.

Thanks for the series. Love it. Question: trying to locate the blue filter has proven to be difficult. Any chance where to look besides eBay or Amazon?

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks John! I would recommend special ordering one from a brick and mortar store, and my specific filter is a Tiffen blue 47.

@johnstringfellow5097

3 жыл бұрын

Mat Marrash thanks. I found it in ny. I bought the wrong kind already.

I really like these "come along for the ride" videos because it reveals the thought process and considerations of the photographer. More, please! I, too, enjoy the meditation that LF photography instills, but, for me, it's as much about being out in nature and being keenly aware of things I might never pay attention to. After all these years shooting LF, I've come to the conclusion that it my excuse for being out in wilderness. One a totally different note... If you don't mind my asking, what is that quick release thing you have mounted to the tripod head?

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Alan, the outdoors aspect is another big reason I try to get out often with the large format kit. I'm a firm believer in the benefits of "forest bathing". The quick release is a nifty little piece from Novoflex called the Q=Base. They're awesome because they snap down like a Manfrotto QR, but then have a positive lock that allows you to shift the plate without it falling off the head.

@alanhuntley55

3 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash Thanks, Mat, I will look into the Novoflex.

Hey Matt, What is the brand name of the tripod head you're using? Best, Randolph

@MatMarrash

Жыл бұрын

Hey Randolph, the head I'm using in this video is a Majestic 1200 geared head. More info about it in this video here: kzread.info/dash/bejne/mKaVo6aucaSyqdI.html

Yeah, this makes me want to get out shooting. The shot at 14:53 is spectacular, Mat. Quick question: If you were reaching for a color film to shoot autumn foliage with on 8x10, what would you go for? I'm leaning towards Provia but might try some of the new E100, too. Thoughts?

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Christopher! My go-to Fall color film is Kodak Ektar 100, but the way I "see" the world is the palette of E100. If you're going to go chrome, my vote is E100 all the way!

Another one for the books,this was awesome, i also go photographing to clear my mind and bring some balance back after a long day at work. Q. When metering to photograph the trees did you meter for the shadows or for the highlights or mid tones , of all three and then take an average. I tend to have blown out highlights when I meter for the shadows.

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Kern! When I was "poking around" with the spot meter, I was taking multiple readings: brightest highlight I wanted detail, shadows with detail, and some midtones. The spotmeter I'm using allows me to plot out those values and visualize the dynamic range of the scene. From there, I'll expose for the shadows and use one of my favorite developers for retaining highlights.

Apologies if this was already covered in the comments, but when you changed to the wider lens, why did you move the rear standard forwards rather than the front standard backwards? Is that just the way your camera works or was there another reason?

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Great question Neil! Rack and pinion cameras have two ways to move the bed, I've found the sturdiest way is to use the rear standard. I used to push the front standard back and one day saw another photographer with a Deardorff use the rear standard. I've done it that way ever since.

@andyvan5692

2 ай бұрын

yes, there is a reason, for LF Field or 'bed' style cameras, NOT linhof Technika (which has a 15/30 degree drop bed feature); the wide lenses,

@andyvan5692

2 ай бұрын

one other neat trick for monorails, OR field cameras, if so movement equipped, is to do indirect rise, ie: move the bed/monorail downwards 15/30 Degrees and level up to 'zero point' with rise/fall and tilt axis. This gives the drop bed feature, but on a budget, or for occasions where more rise /shift is necessary than what the axis can provide otherwise.( swinging the rail, in the case of shift)- a simple, 90 degree alteration to the above trick.

Nice vídeo. That must be a heavy backpack with that tele lens ;) hiking this morning i found some cool waterfalls. Going back with my Technika and a good ND in some days. Any tip ?

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks! With four lenses including the tele, the backpack + film holders comes to ~ 30kg. Large format is also a good workout plan. ;) My biggest tip with waterfalls is to match your shutter speed to the flow of the water. Small trickles could take minutes of exposure, while rushing rapids only need a half second.

@dongxu2059

3 жыл бұрын

@@MatMarrash Thanks for the tip, I will try to match the flow of the water. Backpacking LF is definitely a workout

you said, 8 seconds of metered exposure, but really going with a minute. i didnt follow that. your close up of the spot meter reads f16 @ 8” so theoretically f22@16” & f32 @ 32” would you mind helping me understand 60”? love your vidz. watch them all the time. you and ben horne 💣 your hair down and damp👌

@MatMarrash

3 жыл бұрын

Denny thanks for the comment. What the close-up didn't show very well was that I was plotting the measured values along the bottom of the spotmeter's display. After that final reading in the shadows was obtained and the range plotted on the display, I move the arrows to change the time value and find where my exposure needs to be. Also, reciprocity failure of Ilford HP5+ played into the metered exposure versus actual exposure time.

I never aca