Expired Velvia 50 @ 40

[Katastrofo]

A friend gave me 8 35mm rolls of this that expired in 2005. This is my first
ever roll of Velvia using my Exakta 500 and CZJ Flek 2.8/35:






I almost wince posting these after seeing yet again, Laurence's excellent
work. Unfortunately, we don't have a 'wading pool' in this forum...

[Orio]

Wow, the last one looks great!
I always had trouble with Velvia, it always seems "too much" for me. But here it looks perfectly balanced.

[Laurence]

I agree with Orio. The images are all vibrant and NOT overcooked with
color. I think the Velvia, used in these kinds of subjects, gives an
additional "edge" to already gorgeous images. Velvia shot properly like
this always makes me go "Wow"!....every time.

And these are DEFINITELY "Wow" images, Bill. That "old" Exacta, along
with the Flek, makes it just that much better to me, because you are
using old-school equipment that is absolute perfection in mechanical
build and tolerances. I would think it must be a joy to shoot with an old
Exacta like that, knopwing that your results will be what you want them
to be.

With your abilities, and with Velvia in these types of images, I feel you
have gone a step higher yet in your professional renderings, PLUS you
are using a new "tool" in this film that makes the renderings shine like
colored stars.

For me, the purples and greens, such as the first two images, are simply
fantastic from using Velvia. That second image is REALLY a fine image
on its own, and probably would have been outstanding no matter WHAT
film you used. I love the depth of field, and three-dimensional aspect
you gave by shooting from a vertical perspective.

A lot of times we think we should always NOT just stand and point
down and shoot, but that image proves that there is a place for that
type of perspective. When I look closely, I can see the typical Velvia
displacement of tones in the green spectrum that it does so well, and
you picked the perfect subject to show those tonalities.

EDIT: One more thing, now that I'm looking at these for about the 4th
time. That first image, with the transition of colors from
reddish purple out to bluish purple, simply looks like it could be made
by painting a thick cream onto a piece of watercolor paper. That is
yet another thing I have always like about Velvia. Provia is also good
at that, but doesn't give quite the intensity of transition as Velvia. In
other words, films all have their "place", and certainly Provia has a niche
all its own, just like Velvia does.

(And this is EXPIRED film? )

[Jesito]

Thanks for sharing, Bill!.

Velvia is always a target to watch, (as Orio says, difficult to manage).

Fourth and third shots are my favs.

As more expired film samples I see, more I'm convinced that expiration is not so dramatic, trending towards "urban legend"

Regards.
Jes.

[symphonic]

[Attila]

I love Velvia I am glad you do start to use it.

[Katastrofo]

Orio, Laurence, Jes, Toni, and Attila, thanks folks for your comments!

Laurence, you are way too generous with your praise. I'm sure all of us
find your slide work (and anything else) an inspiration! The Exakta is one
of my fave cameras to use and I had a moment where I thought maybe a
better choice would have been the 4/135 CZJ Sonnar, but the Flek acquitted
itself, handily. These were scanned on my Epson 4490 and processing (mounted,
in box) was only $5.88 for 36 exp roll. Now that Walmart has ceased to process film,
negative film locally is $5.39 before tax, cut and sleeved, no CD. Certainly makes using
slide film more a better choice, despite the 2 weeks' turnaround.

The dandelion was taken in my back yard, the other three at a local nursery. The Rhodies
should be in bloom (if not too late) on Monte Sano, will see this weekend if the storm olbiterated them.

Thanks again.

[Schnauzer]

I like the first and second one Bill. Especially the second one. I like the way the tips are in focus and how it slowly fades away.

[Katastrofo]

Ron, thanks, recommend you try some Velvia, see how you like it.

[marty]

Great job. Excellent colors and dof choice.

Cheers, M.

[Katastrofo]

[fish4570]

lovely, lovely, almost pastel colors. tribute to the ex-500 and prim lens - and you ...

[Katastrofo]

Paul, thanks, way too kind. Are you going to the Hot Air Balloon Festival
in Decatur this Memorial Day weekend? I hope to shoot some decent color
photos of the balloons, will see.

[Schnauzer]

[Katastrofo]

Looking forward to those slides, Ron.