Tag Archives: Nikon F3
Film Photography: Jaume Plensa’s Gigantic Head
After helping our friend Jaimee spend some money* at Adorama on used Nikon gear (a refurbished D90, Nikon 50mm f1.8, and two zooms – Nikon 18-55 and a 70-300), she and I made it up to Madison Square Park where the rest of our group had already snagged a place in line at Shake Shack. I was glad that we converged here, because earlier in the week, I’d seen something huge being erected in the park and read later that it was going to be a giant head.
When we reunited in line I zipped over to the head planted right in the middle of Madison Square Park to check it out. It’s certainly big – 44 feet tall. But it’s more than just big, it’s almost ethereal for such a large, solid object, especially in contrast to its suddenly green surroundings. As I stood there looking at Spanish artist Jaume Plensa’s Echo, I realized it had an effect on me. I felt so peaceful. Even resizing these files for upload, I feel peaceful looking at the pictures. Apparently the work, titled Echo, is inspired by the face of a young girl in a dream state.
I’ve been kind of a wreck lately, maybe I need to go spend some time at the feet of the big head.
This first shot is with the Haselblad 501cm and the new Kodak Portra 400 film.
Jaume Plensa’s Gigantic, Almost Ethereal, and Super Peaceful Head in Madison Square Park
The following shots are with the Nikon F3 and a 50mm f1.4 Ai lens (wish I had the 28mm at the time) on Kodak Portra 400 film.
Crowds Around Jaume Plensa’s Gigantic Head in Madison Square Park
Looking Up at Jaume Plensa’s Gigantic Head in Madison Square Park
Jaume Plensa’s Gigantic Head with Empire State Building
I’m not sure how long this will be up, but I definitely recommend visiting Plensa’s Echo if you get a chance.
*I didn’t spend a dime. Probably the first time I’ve visited Simon at Adorama and not bought used gear!
Film Photography: Today at Ground Zero
Today at lunch I meandered the few blocks to the Ground Zero/WTC site to see what the mood was like. I didn’t really plan on taking a lot of pictures, but grabbed my camera bag anyway. I had nine exposures left on a color roll in my Nikon F3 and four left on a black and white roll in my Nikon FM2n.
As a contrast to the party atmosphere last night, the mood was subdued. WTC workers still competed with tourists for lunchtime real estate. Sellers were hawking WTC wares. There were a lot of photographers and news crews. I took out my camera and shot the rest of my color roll first, then my black and white roll. This was what I ended up with. I offer these pictures without excess comment or judgement. It was a weird day.
Color film is the new Kodak Portra 400 in Nikon F3 with a 50mm f1.4 Ai lens
Family Holding Newspaper with Bin Laden Death Headline Across from WTC Site
WTC Construction Worker Resting by Statue
Man Selling WTC Programs
NYFD Leather Vest
Men holding up Papers with Bin Laden Headlines
Photographer Chimping Instead of Paying Attention
Business as Usual for these WTC Workers
Freedom Tower Rising
NYPD Hat and Flag
Black and white pictures are Nikon Fm2n and Nikkor 28mm f2.8 Ai-S lens on Kodak Tri-X 400 pushed to 1250 and developed in Xtol developer for 8.5 minutes
Young Guys Celebrating Across from WTC Site
Man with Bible and a Warning Across from WTC Site
Man Waving Flag from Mercedes Moon Roof
Men Exchanging Information Across from WTC Site
Film Photography: One Foggy Block in the Financial District
Photographers are a sucker for inclement weather. Yes, the weather is bad, but bad weather can make interesting pictures. So, if it’s snowing, I’ll usually grab my boots and a camera and head out. Same thing if it’s raining.
On Tuesday, towards the end of the day, I looked out and noticed how foggy it was. I could barely see Brooklyn from our window. I shut down my email and grabbed a camera. I wanted to stick close to home, so I decided to restrict myself to a radius of a block each way from our house. Since we live in one of the densest blocks of Lower Manhattan, I knew there would be plenty to occupy me.
My first stop was the Elevated Acre, an acre of elevated astroturf that overlooks the east River and Brooklyn. This is the park that I see when I look out of our window every day. They show classic movies there once a week in the summer. This park is also the most militant anti-dog park I’ve ever seen. Kate and I have tried several times to take Chloe over there, but each time we are busted by a security guard.
Brooklyn Bridge and Brooklyn in Fog
Hanover Square from Elevated Acre in Financial District
Empty Tables and Chairs on Stone Street in Financial District
On nice evenings you can hear the roar of traders and finance workers letting loose when you step out our front door. Stone Street is really gorgeous, but we rarely go here. I have been known to order the occasional take out pizza from Adrienne’s Pizza here.
Buildings in Fog from Water Street in Financial District
From the Elevated Acre, Financial District, Manhattan
Looking Up into Fog, Elevated Acre, Financial District, Manhattan
Slanted Building in Fog on Elevated Acre, Financial District, Manhattan
You cold easily pull a Spider-Man and scale up the side of this angles building. I didn’t; there was a security guard watching me take pictures.
Curved Stairs of Elevated Acre, Financial District, Manhattan
3 Hanover Street, Financial District, Manhattan
All images taken with Nikon F3 and Nikkor 28mm f2.8 lens on Ilford HP5+ 400 speed film developed in Kodak Xtol developer for 8.5 minutes.
Film Photography: Brooklyn Flea Market
There’s something special about the Brooklyn Flea when it finally sheds its cramped indoor winter skin and stretches out in its normal outside home in Fort Greene* each Spring. Unfortunately, we missed the first weekend, but trekked out this past Saturday to reacquaint ourselves with everything the flea has to offer.
The Brooklyn Flea is the perfect mix of vintage, craft, food, and drink. You always know your old favorites will be there, but this year we were surprised by some new-to-us vendors in the line up, most notably the excellent Good Fork restaurant from Red Hook, who were frying up amazing three-cheese fritters. We washed the fritters down with Flea stalwart People’s Pops plum shaved ice.
B&W images are from Nikon F3 and Nikkor 50mm f1.4 Ai lens on Kodak Tri-X 400 film developed in Xtol developer for 6.75 minutes.
Color images are from Olympus XA and Kodak Portra 800 film developed at Duane Reade.
Vintage Matchbooks at Brooklyn Flea Market
Hotel Room Number Keys at Brooklyn Flea Market
Old Ball Jars at Brooklyn Flea Market
Kate Browsing at Brooklyn Flea Market
Vintage Underwood Typewriter at Brooklyn Flea Market
The vendors at the Flea, always a friendly bunch, were in a talkative mood on Saturday. A guy at the vintage typewriter stall was marveling at how much business had picked up since the NYTimes article on collecting vintage typewriters. He even copped to writing a novel on one of the typewriters and tried to convince me of how much using a manual typewriter, instead of a computer, made him focus better. As a film shooter I understand slowing down to create better work, but the thought of returning to White Out just made me cringe.
Ice Block at People’s Pops
After grabbing two plum shaved ices at People’s Pops, we found an out-of-the-way spot to devour our treats. We were right in the middle of Totally Bruce’s stall and almost immediately noticed the proprietor heading our way. Instead of shooing us out of his spot, he just wanted to shoot the breeze about the turnout, the shaved ices, and the Flea in general. We enjoyed our ices and his company and discovered that the Totally Bruce shop is in one of our favorite neighborhoods (Red Hook).
New Edition Vinyl Record at Brooklyn Flea Market
Framed Aristocats Record at Brooklyn Flea Market
Custom Animal Pillows at Brooklyn Flea Market
Kate at Fort Greene Ice Cream Stand
Yes we had already technically had dessert at People’s Pops, but on the way back to the subway we passed the General Greene’s new ice cream stand. For the sake of research, we stopped and had a scoop of salted caramel ice cream. It was ridiculously good.
French Garment Cleaners Company Sign above Stuart & Wright store in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
Classic Liquor Store Sign in Fort Greene, Brooklyn
New York City Honey Truck Sign at Fort Greene Farmer’s Market
Obelisk at Fort Greene Park in Brooklyn
*On Sundays the Flea will be at a new Williamsburg location by the waterfront.
Film Photography: Leftover Edition
Since I’ve been out of commission with the flu, I’m forced to load up a handful of random shots from late March. These are with the Nikon F3 and either a Nikkor 28mm f2.8 Ai-S lens or 50mm f1.4 Ai lens on Kodak Tri-X 400 film. I’ve pretty much switched to Xtol for my developing, so these are all souped in Kodak Xtol developer.
I promise I’ll be back next week with new stuff.
Lit Trees at Night on Maiden Lane, Financial District
Ray of Light at 5:30pm in the Financial District
Night in Red Hook, Brooklyn
Kate Approaching Tara Donovan Installation in Chelsea
Tara Donovan Installation Up Close
Giant Rat Outside Apartment Building on Wall Street
Crystal Clear Ice, Lower East Side
French Albums in Heavy Rotation on the Regp P1 Turntable
Flea Market Chair in Williamsburg, Brooklyn (You’ll never get texture like that with a digital camera.)
Film Photography: Abandoned, Overgrown Navy Housing in Brooklyn
On Sunday, Brooklyn photography pal Joel Zimmer and I met up in Dumbo to spend a couple of hours walking around taking pictures. Joel has a much better feel for Brooklyn than this Manhattanite, so when he mentioned a side trip just outside of Dumbo to see some abandoned Navy Officer housing I was all over it. Little did I know that it would be *this* abandoned and over grown.
Abandoned Navy Officer Housing in Brooklyn
Color shot are from Nikon FM2n and Nikkor 28mm f2.8 Ai-S lens on Kodak Ektar 100 film developed at Duane Reade and then rescanned by me on an Epson V500 flatbed scanner.
Black and White shots are with Nikon F3 and Nikkor 50mm f1.4 Ai lens on Kodak Tri-X 400 film exposed and developed at box speed in Kodak Xtol developer for 6.75 minutes
Film Photography: Something Different for Roll 50 of 2011- People
When I realized this weekend that I was loading my 50th* roll of film of 2011 I thought I should try something different with that roll. I decided to concentrate on taking pictures of people in the street. This isn’t something I’m new at or something I never do, but that’s not why I’m out there taking pictures. I like to record the faces of the city itself – its buildings, signs, store fronts, random weirdness, and whatever strikes me. Sometimes that’s people, but usually not. I’m usually more interested in inanimate objects.
But the people of NYC, both those who live here and those who visit, are a part of what makes New York The City. I am fascinated by them. You never know what you’ll see here and you can never be prepared for it. With this roll of 36 shots I tried to capture people as they go about their business. These are not stealthy “from the hip shots.” These are me seeing something, raising the viewfinder to my eye, focusing, and pressing the shutter. Of course since I was shooting in a hurry, some of the shots came out blurry. About half of the roll was shots not of people (I still couldn’t resist taking pictures of things while I was out and about). Here are 13 shots from this 50th roll that feature people as the subject.
All images shot with Nikon F3 and Nikkor 50mm f1.4 Ai lens on Kodak Tri-X 400 film exposed and developed at 1250 ISO in Kodak Xtol developer for 8.5 minutes.
My first stop was the East Village as I was about 15 minutes early meeting Kate. I used those 15 minutes to take pictures of people.
A crowd of people at a busy East Village crosswalk
People waiting on french fries at Pommes Frites in the East Village
As I was about to snap this picture, I noticed the guy glaring at me. I snapped it anyway and smiled as I lowered the camera. I don’t really care what people think if I’m taking pictures on the street. They are in public. I have a camera. I’m not being sneaky. I’m recording life as I see it. I never glare or flinch when someone takes our picture (for some reason that happens a LOT).
Man and woman ordering at Ray’s Candy Store in the East Village
Haggard Washington Redskins fan walking on St. Marks in East Village
As I was walking down St. Marks, I noticed this guy careening toward me. He looked pretty out of control, so I prefocused and raised the camera for a shot. I do have some qualms about photographing people who are homeless or mentally ill. There’s a part of me that feels like I’m taking advantage of them if I take their picture, so most of the time I don’t. But as you can see, sometimes I do.
Man and boston terrier ordering at Deli in East Village
I was kind of hurried here and didn’t take the time to make sure the dog’s feet were in the picture.
Couple walking by graffiti in East Village
I love this type of shot (the person walking by an interesting wall shot). I take a lot of these and it’s normally more about the wall than the person. The people are just decoration. This one is probably cheating and not really of people.
People in front of Moishe’s in East Village
This is one of the many storefronts that I love in the East Village, but I only stopped to take the picture because of the people in front of it.
Man on Scooter in the East Village
Man out front of building in Nolita
Now, we’re west of the East Village in Nolita. I had met Kate and she was inside the vintage clothing store Ina shopping. As I stood out front waiting for her, I couldn’t take my eyes off of this guy who was kind of leaning backwards. I liked this image because he was leaning the opposite direction that the tree was. This would have been better without the other guy in the background, but there were a lot of people walking and I didn’t know how long the older gentleman would be leaning back like that.
Woman watching Men arguing in Union Square
This type of shot is not recommended. Usually if people are fighting in the street, it’s a good idea to just ignore it and walk faster. But as I approached them, I thought that the woman holding the umbrella watching them provided a nice framing device for their confrontation. I pre-focused for distance and hoped the aperture and shutter speed were correct; I did not have time to adjust them as I wanted to keep walking. It’s a little underexposed and dark, but it still works.
Men unloading truck in Union Square
Woman resting and woman walking in Gramercy Park
I saw this woman sit down by the garage door and she looked so tired. At the same time I noticed another woman walking towards her and thought the two together would make a good contrast.
Man in cape walking at night in the financial district
I had the camera in my coat pocket as I walked to the grocery store and this guy in front of me had an enormous cape. This was the last shot of the roll.
*50 rolls of film seems like a lot, but really it’s only 1800 pictures. In the past if I was shooting digital for a day, I would often come home with 300 pictures on my memory card – just from that day. I like that film slows me down a little. It’s rare for me to take more than 15-20 pictures on a weekday and maybe just a little more if it’s the weekend.
Color Film Photography: Roll 49 of 2011, Kodak Ektar 100 and Nikon F3
I haven’t been able to grab any of the new Kodak Portra 160 lately (even Adorama and B&H are out of it), so I just grabbed a few rolls of Kodak Ektar 100 color film in the meantime. I’ve used Ektar in 120 format in the Hasselblad 501cm, so I knew what to expect from it – very fine grain and true color for most subjects. These pictures were scanned at Duane Reade, so they are little more saturated than they would be if I scanned them, but I’m too lazy to forgo the cheap scanning when I drop a color roll off at Duane Reade. Still, these are more true to life than Portra VC and comparable to Portra NC film.
I snapped this roll (roll number 49 of 2011!) in Williamsburg last weekend, while Kate was getting her nails done.
All images are from the Nikon F3 and Nikkor 28mm f2.8 Ai-s lens on Kodak Ektar 100 film developed and scanned at Duane Reade
Classic Blue Volkswagon Under Bridge in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Abandoned Staples Cart on Marcy Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Kam Sing Restaurant on Corner of Bedford Ave in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
New York Deli and Grocery on Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Thank You Shark on Roebling Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Crumbling Building Detail on Marcy Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Red Building on Meeker Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Street Art and Early Moon off of Marcy Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Liquor Store on Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Street Art off of Metropolitan Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Film Photography: Trees in Brooklyn on Kodak Plus-X 125 Film
Still trying to settle on a low to medium speed black and white film that I’ve liked enough to stick with for several rolls. I’ve found that Ilford Delta 100 is a mess in 35mm for me, but tolerable in 120 format. I liked Fuji Neopan Across 100 for a few rolls, but it’s so low contrast compared to my go to B&W film (Kodak Tri-X 400). So, I finally picked up five rolls of Kodak Plus-X 125. I love the tag line from the web page for this film, “When people say black and white, this is what they mean.”
I only shot one roll this weekend, but I like it so far. These pictures were all taken in harsh mid day sun, but I used a medium yellow filter to tone the brightness of the sky down a bit. I like the low grain in this film, especially when paired with a fine grain developer like Kodak Xtol.
Trees lining McCarren Park in Williamsburg, Brooklyn on Kodak Plus-X Black and White Film
Stuffed Teddy Bear chilling in tree, Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Tree on the corner of Grand Street in Williamsburg, Brooklyn
All shots were with Nikon F3 and Nikkor 28mm f2.8 Ai-S lens with a medium yellow filter on Kodak Plus-X 125 film developed in Xtol developer (stock solution) for 5.5 minutes.
Color Film Photography: Weekend Version with Nikon F3
These are the first shots from my new to me Nikon F3 that I picked up at Adorama. After considering selling my Leica M6 for a couple of months, I finally did. Then I used a tenth of the funds from selling the Leica to pick up the Nikon F3 and a fistful of film.
I’ve been struggling with this decision for some time really. I loved my Leica M6, but I think I loved the idea of it more. It gave me gorgeous pictures and felt solid in my hands, but as I started using my Nikon FM2n I found my style was more suited to the Nikon. I never liked taking vertical shots with the Leica; it always felt awkward when I did. Even worse, the LED circle metering system on the M6 TTL never felt as intuitive to me as an analog needle (Olympus OM-1) or the +/- (Nikon) display. When I shoot with the FM2n, it feels like an extension of me. I don’t have to think. It’s indestructible and doesn’t draw a lot of attention like the Leica did.
Most people told me “You don’t sell Leica. You don’t sell a classic.” But sometimes you do. And I did. I haven’t regretted it for a moment. A camera is just a tool to help you make the photograph that you want to make, but it’s got to feel right in your hands. Sure the Leica looked cool on the bookcase (which is where it spent most of its time lately), but my cameras are not made for display. They are made to be used and used hard. I’m a photographer, not a collector.
So far, I love the F3. I’ve only run one roll of color through it, but it’s every bit as solid as the FM2n. These are low resolution drug store scans, but I have a roll of Tri-X 400 in it now, which will give me a better idea of what it’s capable of producing.
Wet Pavement, Red Lights, and Girl with Umbrella walking in Nolita
Vintage Green Cadillac in East Village
This is the very first picture I took with the Nikon F3. I can’t imagine anything better for a first shot than Kate sipping sparkling rose at Barbuto in the West Village.
Roa Bird on the side of a building in the East Village
Paramount Textile/Boltex Textile’s Green Wall and Door in Tribeca
This lion water fountain was one of my favorite things in my favorite park as a kid. Now, every time I see it on the back of this truck, I stop and Kate say’s “Go ahead, take a picture of it.” And I take another picture of it. I’ve probably taken 8-10 pictures of this thing that all look the same. I like this one the best though, even if it’s slightly askew.
Jane Knox Clown Art on The Mars Bar Wall East Village
All images shot with the Nikon F3 and Nikkor 28mm f2.8 Ai-S lens on Kodak Portra 160NC film developed at scanned at Duane Reade. These are very low res scans, but I’m happy with the F3.