James Wong Photography & Blog: Film Photography

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Night shoot with Olympus Om-1n

Giving myself a challenge. Just bring a manual SLR with 2 rolls of film, a OM28mm and OM50mm lens, mounted on a flexi-tripod. I am off to shoot the night scene of Geylang Seria during the month of Ramadan. Film speed was ISO200 & ISO100.

The Jobi flexi tripod is great for Urban shoot where spaces are tight. It can mount of railings of overhead bridges or lamp post or on just on the road.

Bulb mode were used for the long exposure shots. The time range from 20s to 30s based on my experience. There is no review of LCD and no technology to help. A mechanical cable release was used to keep the camera stable.

Monday, July 11, 2016

Penang Island with Xpro1 and OM-1

Penang island, one of the states in Malaysia. One of the place where heritage preservation that is well kept just like Melaka.

My family was there for a 4 days 3 nights tour and stayed at the beach area, north part of the island. I brought my Olympus Om-1 w 28mm and a few color films to the tour. To cover the standard view, I add the Xpro1 w 35mm lens.

In the end, I uses more of the film camera. The main area for photography which I am interested was the old town area in George Town, the capital city of the island. This is the only place I had fun shooting both digital and film. The OM-1 was necked sling and the Fuji Xpro1 was handheld.

Films used on OM-1 were Kodak Ektar 100 and Fujifilm color 200.

OM-1 w 28mm

For Xpro1, the film simulation is mainly Velvia.

The first half of the photos shown below are done by Om-1 and the rest were by digital Xpro1 and 35mm. Although both used at the same time, each has it's own character and style. The digital files nowadays look really clean and sharp. No grain at all compared to the film. However for film there is a retro feel to the photos.

Looking at both digital & Analog output, I seriously prefer both format as each has it's own finishing & feel. The Om-1 SLR is fun to use too. Love the handling and cranking of the film winder when preparing for the next shot. This process of cranking and rewind the film loader can never never be experience in any digital camera.