Comments on: Topmodel

By: LightningPaul

LightningPaul — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:26:45 +0000

“an irrational decision every now and then is a very wise thing to do”

I disagree with this because “irrational decision” and “very wise thing to do” don’t mix well. I’m pretty sure that buying this camera is a very rational idea. After all, it has at least two main benefits: it will make you a better composer and you’ll find more creative ways to produce images. Finally, also very important, you’ll have a fun

All the best with you new camera. For sure I’ll enjoy your reports on your blog.

By: Israel Zenteno

Israel Zenteno — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 04:51:24 +0000

Bert,

The first image is simply awesome, perfect in every aspect! thanks for sharing, I never use a MF camera when I used film, digital MF, I only wish I had that kind of money burning in my pocket…

Thanks for sharing.

By: Bert Stephani

Bert Stephani — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:04:25 +0000

Yes Carl, it’s magic!

By: carl

carl — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:56:52 +0000

I love the first picture and I’m glad to see you discoverd Film – Isn’t it magic ? ( voor zover mijn Engels op iets trekt…. )

By: Bert Stephani

Bert Stephani — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:16:10 +0000

@Matti: It does indeed feel like it’s build like a tank

@Moritz: Maybe we should indeed think more and guess less

@Teo: My wife is without any doubt my greatest inspiration

@Bastian: Sad that you can’t use the Hasselblads from work. I’m not an expert but if I’m not mistakes there are some less expensive MF options that give you pretty good quality too like Mamiya and then there’s some Russian Hasselblad clones

@Yusuf: That’s a funny story. My oldest daughter didn’t think much of the Hassy as it has no screen on the back but my son seems quite interested in that old mechanical technology.

By: Yusuf Hashim a.k.a Digitalartist

Yusuf Hashim a.k.a Digitalartist — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 10:58:38 +0000

Someone pointed me to your site. Just got me a 500 CM yesterday and didn’t sleep all night, playing with it and scouring Google for manuals, tips, tricks and everything ever written about the 500 CM. Got me some TMax, Neopan and HP5 and dumped them into the fridge in my study,where I also keep my Hershies, Mars Bars,Cadbury Bars and Kit Kat. The chocolates in the Fridge are the bribes I use to lure my grandkids to come straight to my study when they visit. Whaddaya know ? This morning, two year old Adam came into the study, gave me the usual hugs, then went straight to the Fridge and with the nice green boxed Neopan in his hand he says, “Can I have this one Gramps ?” I couldn’t stop laughing. Really made my day today. Yesterday it was Little Miss Hessey. Like most old geezers, I started shooting with film 50 years ago. Then when the Rat Race was the most important thing in Life, serious photography was placed on the back burner, but never forgotten. I became a collector of cameras buying a succession of Nikons, Olympus OM1, Pentax and finally the EOS SLRs when they were first introduced. I’ve always lusted for the MFs, especially Hessies, but never did take the plunge, until yesterday. I’ve been shooting digital the last 10 years in 90 countries, and I have a Lightroom catalog of more than 200,000 digital images in 10TB of Hard Disks, waiting for the day when I can extract a body of work for a book or at least a first solo exhibition….but….still I’m still waiting and waiting …Fact is, when shooting digital, the rate of keepers is probably under 3 percent. I remember when I was shooting in film, it was more like 30 percent. So I want to slow down and take more considered shots, and that is one reason for me going retro…..apart from sexy Miss Hessie…
I’ve got a location I want to shoot in mind. I’ll go there alone tommorow morning and evening and savour the picture making process in a slow, considered and careful way…unlike with digital when you even tend to use 8 fps in dim light, simply with the hope to freeze one useable frame..
This return to film with little Miss Hessie is getting me all excited. I think I know how you feel.

By: Iztok

Iztok — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:50:44 +0000

love the composition and the contrast…

By: Bastian

Bastian — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:34:43 +0000

I have 3 Hasselblad at work .. sadly I’m not allowed to use them outside of the studio….
It’s a great feeling to use them and I understand what you mean – taking pictures with film makes you think more before you push the button
As soon as I have enough cash for some goodies, I’ll get one for myself ….

Bastian

By: Matteo Cervo

Matteo Cervo — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:39:42 +0000

Bert,
the first and the third are my favourites. I love the composition and the contrast give you by the film. It is also nice that you meet the love for photography with the love for your wife.

Every time I take a look at Confessions of a Photographer I’m wondering of your work and the way you use to share it.
Thank you and as always, all my compliments!
Teo.

By: moritz

moritz — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 09:45:49 +0000

That reminds me of Zack Arias who makes his workshop participants shoot with taped over LCD screens on their cameras amazing how quickly we are getting used to seeing everything instantly.