The Hasselblad Diaries: My Second Batch of Film:
It’s Sunday, and I finally got to take a closer look at my second batch of film I received from the lab. This time, I tried some Kodak 160 Portra and Tri-X film. I actually had plans to send a lot more rolls to the lab but I can be rather impatient sometimes (often one of my major weaknesses), and I ended up sending whatever I had at the moment. In fact, I’m not as happy with these rolls as last time, and that’s probably my fault since I just wanted to finish the rolls as quickly as possible, so I could see the results (with mailing and processing, it can take almost two weeks to see the photos: bad for someone who is impatient 🙂 ). The truth is, I’m still in the honeymoon phase with the Hasselblad, so I’m always eager to see my photos from it and to just shoot with it.
But that’s okay since right now, my main goal is to just get more familiarized with the 503CW because I want to take full advantage of some portraits shoots I have planned in the near future. So, I’ve been using the Hasselblad a lot; when I’m not using it, I’m thinking about it. Quite frankly, I am just loving everything about this camera from the process it takes to actually create a photograph to even the way strangers stare at it on the street. It can be quite funny sometimes.
So far, I’ve been getting more used to the camera. For instance, while it still does take some time to focus, especially at a large aperture, I focus the Hasselblad a lot faster than before. Also, I just noticed the other day that I hold the camera steadier. I know this sounds kind of weird but the camera is rectangular and you have to look down on it to see through the viewfinder making it very awkward to hold at first…at least for me.
One thing that I really had to get used to was how many people actually stare at me or/and the camera while I’m out on the street taking photos. At least this is what I’ve been experiencing. It’s funny because with the Leica, I am stealthier and I can disappear in the crowd where as with the Hasselblad, let’s just say it’s not the easiest to hide. If by chance, they do not see it, when I take a picture, they will definitely hear the authoritative yet magnificent sound of that shutter. I have to admit that I do feel a little self-conscious as I’ve been shooting with compact, inconspicuous rangefinders (and now mirrorless as well) since I could pick up a camera. In this respect, the Leica and the Hasselblad are almost complete opposites. But I’m getting used to it and the attention I’ve been getting has actually been positive for the most part; I think people are just curious as to what the heck the 503CW is, and I find sometimes people tend to let their guard down a bit more. A lot of people also seem to love the sound of the shutter 😉 . There have been also some decent conversations started by people who stopped me on the street just to ask me about the Hasselblad.
So, here are some of the photos I got back from the lab. I hope you enjoy looking at them, and as always, feel free to leave a comment below. It would be great to hear from anyone who has started back on this film journey as well. Thanks for stopping by!
I to share impatience with film developing espeically when I send it out. Why not develop it yourself? Color isn’t much more difficult than B&W. I’ve done it quite a few times. The downside is having to scan it in and the quite high intial charge in getting all the accesories that make it easy.
Hi Chris,
it’s great to hear from you. It’s funny that you mention that because actually, now that I’m taking this more seriously, I’ve been really considering developing it myself as you say. While initial cost may be high, I think in the long run, it’ll be cheaper too. I just don’t know if I want to add more time in front of the computer lol 🙂 (in terms of the scanning). But at this rate, I’ll most likely do it myself in the future. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Best regards,
Patrick
It’s still an amazing camera ….. looking forward to more photos. Have you tried other labs? (I mean film processors, not the dog.)
Hi inthedarkroom,
Yes it is, even after all these years. I haven’t tried any other labs yet (lab processors 🙂 ); I’m quite happy with this one although I think I still need to work with them a bit to get exactly what I want. Thanks for leaving a comment!
Take care,
Patrick
Patrick,
Photography certainly is about learning to live with frustration & satisfaction, not always in equal parts. But I really like the B&W’s & the dog photos. They almost never ask about the camera or shy away from having their picture taken! Except for our 6 mos. old puppy who still is testing the world one mouthful at a time, including my camera. But just hang in there with the Hassy! Cheers.
Hi Jed,
I think digital help make my impatience grow 🙂 . But it’s okay, because I really enjoy shooting with film again. Plus, if it didn’t take so long to process and scan the photos, I would probably be thinking about nothing else but film, which isn’t great for the digital content on my blog 😉 .
As for the golden retriever in these photos, she actually won’t sit still for them. I wish she did but unless I have a treat, she’ll run off 🙂 !
Best regards,
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
Thanks for sharing your Hasselblad experiences.
In what resolution is the lab scanning your photo’s and do you know what scanner they are using?
Cheers,
Philip
Hi Philip,
Thanks for leaving a comment and sorry for the late reply! To give you an example of resolution, the dimension of the photo with the golden retriever is 4787×4716. I’m also currently using the Noritsu scanner.
Best regards,
Patrick
Hahaha
labs 🙂 i did not even know that you guys use the word as a abbreviation for Labrador.
Hahaha :).