Thanks a lot for putting this video together Martin, I'm really glad you're enjoying using your SnapShot. The images you've shared in the video are lovely too. I'm a massive fan of Acros too, so am equally gutted about it being discontinued! Cheers, Steve
Martin, you always put together such great videos and as I commented before in one of your prior videos, I always find them informative and interesting. And now I really, really want to get a Chroma SnapShot now that I have gotten into 4×5.
Martin, you are my favorite photographer. You are a master with any camera. You certainly make the Snapshot camera step up its game. Your images are mesmerizing. Every day I treasure my copy of "Shapes." It gives me inspiration, as you do. Thank you.
Martin this is the third time I watch this video. I learn something every time I see it. Thanks for your time, and for sharing your knowledge. Knowledge, the best gift a human being can give another. Stay safe. Your friend form Miami, Florida, USA.
I've looked at a couple of dozen videos by people using similar 4X5 cameras recently. Your video is by far the best. Your video shots, and explanatory comments display and describe the device and activities with a precise clarity that held me for the entire video. Thank you for your efforts on our behalf.
Flashlight is sometimes great (no way to light anything very far) and laser pointer can be used for checking focus and limits of aiming. Tiny bulbs like a minimaglite without reflector also makes a nice point source. More work than in the day. Bellows extension with any measuring device can be used for scale focusing too. Tape measure and calculator work for any focal lenght and one can always make a focusing scales too. Range finder is a nice idea, if you have something with distance scale.
Lovely shots! That makes me want to shoot large format B&W in night too! I've not shot too much at night lately and mainly color only (in medium format).
I’ve just bought a used chroma carbon. Mint condition. Now looking for a lens! Totally agree with Ffordes review. They are a great company. Loving your night images. Superb. Keep up the good work in 2022. Regards Neil (Dorset)
Lovely shots! The music was so fitting as well. Your videos are so genuine and enjoyable. I gave up on film years ago but always think about dabbling again. This camera is intriguing. Keep up the good work.
A very useful video, thank you for this - I'm thinking about getting one of these and you've helped tip the balance in favour. Your night photography is just beautiful, with those gorgeous tones and atmosphere, love them.
They are great for scale focus and better used with wide angle for hand holding, the great thing is you can also use the ground glass when mounted on a on a tripod
Rather, it is I that thank you Martin! Your posts are always spot on with your style of teaching. Much appreciated. Happy Holidays to you as well. Best, Anthony CT. USA
An excellent set of images as usual, Martin. In the past I haven't really understood the appeal of the snapshot-style LF cameras, but you've explained the advantages for night photography very well. I'm a big fan of the Viewfinder app, and always use it with my Intrepid to select a composition and focal length before setting up the camera.
Always enjoy your videos Martin, great pictures and very inspiring. I consider myself quite experienced in large format, having used one for past twenty years, but would never have thought to use one at night as its difficult enough to see the image on a dull winters day. The Snapshot camera does look really good though. I'm also a fan of Ffordes having bought and sold many items over the years through them.
Absolutely great Martin…what a great simple camera and basic technique ! Incredible compositions at night! You are an inspiration to me and I thank you for that… I am so glad I found your channel ! Thank you and of course be safe. Cheers..
So, one cannot view what they are going to shoot through the ground glass. They have to use an app? Not fun at all. Can one have a Chroma camera custom made for a 210mm lens for portraits?
A brilliant video Martin 🙂 Awesome photo's........ I'm on a bit of a flat ebb with photography at the moment....... But this video has put some heat into a spark!! Thank you mate 🙂
Really enjoyed your video. The Snapshot looks like an almost perfect travel 4x5. I thought I was gonna get an I trepid, but i may have changed my mind. (I already have a monorail?
Thanks for sharing, Martin ! I am sure you know about some competitors of the Croma Camera you bought. (Mainl US and Italian 3D printed ones). Thinking that those spacing bolts and the overall camera build making a big difference...Now I have to think again on what and how to do this....Keep up the good work, and stay safe. Merry Christmas !
Hi, Martin - absolutely brilliant night photography images you have created. Just wonderful tones and compositions, too! After watching this video, I made the decision to purchase a Snapshot by @Chroma Cameras. So I've done that, and it's hopefully on the way soon. I also am down to my last three boxes of Fuji Acros 4x5 sheet film, which I've stored in the freezer. Can't wait to put it to use in the Snapshot. One thought I've had regarding the starbursts you mention: I'm wondering if using a Black Pro Mist filter on the lens might eliminate any unwanted starbursts from those light sources. I've seen other vids where such filters are demonstrated and light sources such as street lamps, etc. are softened. Just a thought - perhaps worth a try. Cheers from the state of Iowa in the US!
Fine review of a radical camera - and outstanding images, esp the final one. What's going on in the U.K.? Intrepid, Walker Camera, now this. When I stayed in Scotland, there were less than 20 large format shooters in the country. What has changed since then? I share your heart break regarding Acros. Loved the spectral response, grain, and minimal reciprocity. Bought a small freezer full of it in 120 and 35mm just before demise. Have tried the Acros II and its not as good... sigh. Happy Holidays!
you my friend, are a lot of fun. i have done a lot of large format stuff, over they years, but not so much in the past 10-20. makes me want to dust off the old camera. on the Snapshot, it is a great idea, just wonder why the designer didn't figure out some kind of rough view finder. but it is what it is. i have a graphic 4x5 (ala Wiggie) with a view/range finder, that does not weigh very much. and perhaps it is time to mess with that a bit. your vids are inspiring, and makes me want to get off my ass, and get out a bit at night again. a magic time to shoot. especially in a large format. zone system, and expose for the shadows, develop for the highlights. you have created a few very nice shots. and i really get the "getting old" thing. was a lot easier, to carry all that stuff around. now not so much...anyway, i ramble. have a great holiday. and dood luck in the comming year.
Hi Bob. The main reason for not including a viewfinder with the SnapShot is that it can mount any lens from 65-210mm (or 47mm with a fixed cone), and each lens would need a different field of view. There are three cold shoes integrated into the top edge of the camera, allowing for any accessory viewfinder to be fitted as required. Cheers, Steve
@@chromacameras1715 yes, i get that. i have 4? 4x5 cameras, but only one (graflex) has a viewfinder. so i know where you are coming from. your cameras are a nice idea, and could help some folks get into the larger format. Haha, kind of wish were available when i was younger. in my day, there were not many "less expensive" options. maybe i will see one, if ew ever get photoexpo (NYC) going again........good luck with them.
Really enjoyed this, and the images, though it’s worrying that it might be something else to spend money on! As for starbursts, imho, they actually suited that photograph really well, adding visual interest in the otherwise dark top of the frame. One man’s meat etc.
Very excellent video with great information, nice images. Good to see a manger! Interesting how the haze came into the first photo, it didn't look like there was much haze in the scene from the video itself, perhaps the long exposure added to the haze? I would be curios how to meter for such dark scenes, you have a gigantic range of light and dark? Also it is interesting that exposures with film are the opposite of digital usually, in terms of treating the highlights and shadows. Good video, best wishes. Stay safe!
Hi Thanks, I think the haze is movement in the air captured over a long exposure, I don't meter them now, as a I said I go by my notes from previous outings, using negative film always best to expose for the shadows that you want detail in and develop for the highlights, yes I agree it is different working with digital as highlight take priority
Thanks for this, Martin. I've ordered a Snapshot (my second Chroma camera!) from Steve. Mine won't have the movements, it'll be a fixed version with a 90 f6.8 on helicoid. The lens is in a cue to get CLA'd before sending it to his shop. Really excited to use it around Chicago and out on road trips.
24:25 May I ask folks...Mr. Henson explains he is using a "rangefinder" to measure 16 feet from the subject. Do folks know what type of rangefinder device he is using? ...especially one that works for close distances like the Nativity Scene he captured? :)
I have a handheld 3d printed camera that I got from Italy a few years ago. I am using a 150mm lens on it. I also have the app "Viewfinder", but it only covers 35mm. Is there an app as you mentioned for the 4x5? That would definitely make it a lot easier to handle.
Thanks. Would like to find more info on suggested long exposures settings and reciprocity factors for LF night work. Also beware of these Apps because of privacy issues with accessing ALL of your phones photos.
Its not a straight forward answer, it depends on your aperture, type and intensity of light, film your using, the best advice I can give is give more exposure, if you develop correctly there is no need to worry about the high values, also take notes of every shot, that way you will end up with enough practical knowledge to guesstimate from previous outings at night
Another excellent video, thank you! Out of interest, in your night shots would you consider or recommend spot metering a highlight area (such as a street lamp glow) to set up the exposure? I'm thinking of cases where your main subject may be further away than you want to walk to get an incident reading!
Yes I have done that before , however, the reading varies so much with slight movement of the meter, I think that taking notes and using you own judgement a better way if working, thanks fir commenting
Martin I have been looking into getting a 4x5 camera, seeing this video has more less made my mind up to get one, great shots and like you I like night shots, so on the look out for a Snapshot. Martin what does a Lens cost for these.?
The vary, mine cost me £500 a few years ago, however, they don't make bad LF lens so I am sure you could pick one up much cheaper, do remember that the rear element must not exceed the width I have stated or it will not fit into the helicoid hole, thanks
Another great video Martin..thanks for sharing. As a side note what tripod clamp are you using. I could do with a good one for my heavy 5x7 linhof as it's difficult to line up with the tripod screw. You see many cheap ones on eBay but I'd hate for the camera to fall off. Other ones are over £300 which is far too much for what is nothing more that two metal plates that lock together. Have a lovely Christmas and don't forget we will never be out of the woods till we burn all the dead wood that's in government. Long live the revolution!!
@@martinhensonphotography thanks. It says only up to 2kg. How do you find it to be. You just placed it on a separate ball head. It's cheap enough. I just received a bag that I can put in my rucksack that shows it having insert dividers. The Chinese company show the product with the dividers and when it arrived without them there excuse is we don't sell dividers! Needless to say I don't like buying from China!!
@@martinhensonphotography thanks Martin. I looked at the listing but as I'm in France they don't post to me. I found something like it from Germany so no import duty thank god.
Yes I still use 4x5 cameras, when I heard that acros in 4x5 format would cease production I bought a few boxes, I’m down to my last one now, hopefully Fuji will reintroduce it, but I doubt it will
