On the Rocks

This was shot with Fuji Velvia 100 (RVP 100), the new

replacement for RVP 50. Perhaps I need a period of acclimitization in

using this film but, so far, I much prefer the older RVP 50 emulsion.

I did a linear scan on this and perhaps that contributed to my

problems. I color corrected the original because there was a

pronounced magenta cast. Anyone else have any thoughts on this film?

Thanks to all for the visit, and have a very Happy Holiday! Regards.

What a beautiful capture this is, Fantastic colours and light. I also like the little bird on the stone. Very nicely done.Regards.

I bet Vincent will have some input on this film, Walter. Looks absolutely great to me. I love the bird on the rock - really makes this even more outstanding! Very dramatic and appealing landscape.

Excelente encuadre, perfecta luz, color y belleza de compiosicion, un cordial saludo Walter.

Hi, Walter.

I used the Velvia 50 for a while, and for some things (such as scenics which need some saturation) I liked it. Haven't used the 100, but most photogs seem to agree it's not as good as the 50. I have gravitated away from the Velvia to Kodak E100SW, which I think now is 100GX or something like that. Still nice color, with a more natural feel.

 

But to each his own. This is wonderful and, as others have mentioned, the bird is a great touch.

 

Best Regards

Thanks for the info Barry. I may try some of the Kodak next time I place a order. Regards.

Walter this is a very nice scene. Not sure if Velvia has helped you or hurt you, but the composition is very nice and I like the foreground with the bird. To add what Barry was commenting on, I've started shooting Fuji 160 print film. I haven't finished my second roll yet but the extra latitude is very nice. Danny Burk has some new images on his website using the Fuji and Astia. - Sean

Thanks Sean! I'll check out Danny's folder. Regards.

What a colorful evening here Walt. The addition of the lone bird is also a nice plus. Best viewed laarge for sure! I do like how you composed this just as is; though I get the impulse (as a photographer) to want to include a little more of the rocks on the bottom. I do see how doing that would come at the cost of some of that blue in the sky however. A bit of a tough call I guess. Though I think I'm still inclined to anchor the bottom a little more with those rocks.

 

This image, for me, represents one reason why I still choose to use 35mm equipment. The selection of quality wide-angle zoom lenses is huge. I believe a wider lens would have helped here even though minimizing the bird to a degree in the process. I can also shoot wide, short, slower, faster, bracket etc all in one shoot, and then have a wider selection to choose from when I do get to the lightbox. I am curious to know how many frames you took from this location Walter. Yes, it is true that none of those 35mm originals that I have would have the same capabilities as your 6x7 tranny Walt, that's a fact. But even so, I have yet to find a situation where my smaller original limited its usage yet. One image was even used for a tractor trailor ad. Something like 10x30 feet. I have considered getting into medium format, but just can't seem to find enough reasons sto give up those 35mm advantages.... at least not quite yet.

 

Yes Kim, I sure do have opinions on Velvia 50 vs Velvia 100. Hands down for me; Velvia 50 still rules. For one, it's noticably warmer than 100. For daytime blues and greens the RVP 100 is too cool for my tastes. I also like the fact I can slow down the action more with the 50 speed verses the 100. Waterfalls in the daytime blur better. Seascapes also get more time to slow down. Since I rarely go beyond 30 seconds I do not have the reciprocity failures that many loathe regarding the 50. I have shot many rolls side by side and no longer even buy the 100. B&H still offers 50, and it's even a bit less. I've also purchased many rolls on e-bay at great prices since quite a few are now into the digital world. Still if 50 does die-out, I will probably be able to live with RVP 100...

 

I've also tried the Kodak 100VS before. The reds and yellows are just about as rich as Velvia 50 in my opinion. The greens and blues are not even close. I ended up using that film exclusively for sunsets like this until it was gone. No more since. Velvia 50 is still the king, at least for me anyway.

 

Nice works as always Walt! Interesting discussion too. Aloha.

Those rocks! I wanted to include more of them in the lower left corner but just could not get the right framing. My 45mm lens is about equivalent to your 24mm; a 21 would have done the trick but none are avaiable for my rig. Next time I am going to jump into the water and set my tripod up where I can get what I need. As always, I thank you for the visit and your insite. Regards.

Some great colours here Walter but I not being a film person I won't get into that debate! I like the inclusion of the bird but I find the composition rather empty, the eye wanders a little too much with this one. Still, it must have been difficult to frame this scene, as it is there is nothing to crop away. The sky needs to be left as it is and I would not want any less of the foreground. Tough one!

24mm is pretty wide actually. I was guessing 28mm or even more. Yep, one of the keys for me to create better images is to do whatever it takes to get that extra edge Walter. Standing with bare feet in cold water has happened too many times to remember on the mainland. Climbing over railings, up trees, on pipe racks, using ladders etc is all part of what it takes I guess.

 

Bet that water would be cold though...

Thanks Bob! It is difficult to get a good solid foreground at this location; I feel a few more rocks would have strengthend the composition. But, to be honest, I rather like the empty feeling that this portrays.

Vince, tt would be colder then the shores of Kauai, no doubt about that! But I could take it if it meant a better shot. By the way, this was the last frame on a roll of ten. Aloha!

Hi Walter. Love the texture on the water in the bottom left--that's the 1st thing I noticed.

 

Vincent's comments sum up my feelings on 50 vs 100. The only thing I can add is that our Minolta scanners tend to turn Velvia 100 about 5-10% more magenta than I would like. It's the same problem I have with Velvia 100F. You already know all about that, though. It looks like you adjusted for that already in this one.

Thanks Dave for the Velvia info. I did indeed remove a whole lot of magenta from this one after the scan. The original RVP 50 was much less trouble for me. Regards.

Yep - another vote for Velvia 50 - though usually associated with outdoor nature shots - I preferred it for all the same reasons for still-lifes ..... Rich color and contrast.

 

Does anyone know their *logic* for doing away with it ?

 

Nice shot Walter - all the 4th of July colors right here ... !

As for the bird - well I usually carry a sling-shot in my bag .... (-;

Thanks Ken. The only thing the new RVP has over the old is an extra stop of film speed. That is handy at times, but not handy enough to replace what was the finest film for landscapes.

I'll give you a cigar if you can hit him on the first shot. Regards.

Bellisima, love the bird, wonderful colors, Walter, nice compositon!

Thank you much Mari. Regards.

Walter I've stopped using Velvia 100 for these early morning shots because of the magenta cast. As an example this shot was virtually unsalvageable. The lack of exposure lattitude seems more pronounced also with Velvia 100 than the 50ASA version. Lately I've gone back to the 50ASA for all early morning images and have also tried Astia which seems OK but can look a little flat.

Thanks Mike for the visit and info! I have never shot with Astia ; I need to find something else to use when all the RVP 50 dries up. Regards.

Walter, I missed this one...wow...just amazing, beautiful colors..and the bird adds to it all..I wish I could see more rocks like the discussion mentioned earlier but then again I have been in many situations where the background was so interesting I had to scarifice the foreground a bit....regards, Rajeev. 7/7

All of your photoghraphs are really beautiful and this one is absolutely perfect! It looks like the nature from Heaven. You are really the artist!