(D)SLR photo challenge

[Kenzie]

Having recently used a couple of film cameras and enjoyed the slower pace, I have come to realise how much we take digital cameras for granted and just snap away. I am setting a challenge for you to get you back to basics.
You can use your dslr but only as an slr.
The camera must be in manual mode. That includes shutter appeture and focus.
You must pick your iso and stick with it.
You can choose colour or b&w but you have to stick with your choice.
You have 24 shots only. No deleting allowed.
The lcd can only be used for shutter speed/appeture settings and not reviewing the photo.
No image stabilisation allowed.
No editing/cropping/retouching
No time limit but post up your results.

What are your thoughts?


Sent from my Xperia T

[jambo]

I like this. It is, of course very much an honesty based system, but I like it.

I'm not sure if full manual means quite what it might in this circumstance. Almost all SLR cameras back to the 70's have some kind of automation, but it's more an exposure control thing to stop you shooting a roll of white / black. My 1980's Canon A-1 that I own because it's about the same age as me has Shutter priority / Aperture priority / Programmed AE on it, and I don't have a stand alone light meter.

So are we just trying to remove the full-auto experience, or are you after what people can do in full manual with only (perhaps) an exposure meter in the viewfinder?

Jambo

[carelesschucca]

I only have a bridge camera so might struggle.

[Brettus]

Originally Posted by carelesschucca

I only have a bridge camera so might struggle.

you've still got manual mode on the bridge camera. and all the other applicable settings. Perhaps manual mode challenge might be more inclusive and descriptive.

I like the idea of this, I'd imagine I'd go gung ho though and shoot a roll in a day or so trying to get my eye in. Perhaps this is best done over time.

Just thought of a highly impractical but interesting wrinkle to this, you send your raw files to another ORGer for processing. Hoping the results are like you wanted

[Mark_h]

Originally Posted by Brettus

Just thought of a highly impractical but interesting wrinkle to this, you send your raw files to another ORGer for processing. Hoping the results are like you wanted

Need to send the SD card in a colourful envelope to another .orger who will ignore it for3-4 weeks then send the images back curled up, stuck together with stickers on anything vaguely artistic.


If anyone wants to make me an offer for a Canon AE1-Program and a bag of lenses, you can do it for real...

[Kenzie]

Just bought one of these for a laugh:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2617154469...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The thought behind this is to get people to think about what they are doing, how they are doing it and slowing things down.

[Littlepeahead]

I'll post up an article I instigated for the next issue of the magazine I work on once it's edited. I asked cricket photographer Patrick Eagar to talk about how photography has changed since the days of silver processing right up to the modern day with wifi beaming images from camera to sports picture desk editor in an instant. The schemes used to get films back from far flung Test matches is entertaining.

[Bluepete]

.

Originally Posted by Kenzie

Just bought one of these for a laugh:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2617154469...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The thought behind this is to get people to think about what they are doing, how they are doing it and slowing things down.

That's brought back some memories! I started out with a Kodak 110 camera. Looking at the specs, it's hard to believe I ever got an exposure correct.

If you want to slow down, get a plate camera. I've still got my great Grandpa's Rochester Camera Company (later to become Kodak) 5*4 inch plate camera. It will work with modern film stock, but processing and printing is an expensive deal. The original plates were for the albumen silver process, ie, egg white with silver nitrate mixed in! You can't beat setting up on a tripod with a cloak over your head though! The image is upside down and back to front.


http://www.historiccamera.com/cgi-bi...y&login=poco_3

I'll be tempted by your idea though, I've just bought myself the 50mm f1.8 plastic fantastic Canon lens and this project would be a good way to get back to taking pleasure in taking photos, rather than "spray and pray" digital prayers.

Pete

[Kenzie]

I think I am trying recreate using the old film cameras I have. Fixed shutter speed, fixed aperture, no metering and the feeling you get not knowing if anything will come from the film.
Enjoying using this at the mo:

[Sir Trev]

Next time I'm in the high street I'll ask the guys at Jessops if they still do wet processing/printing. If it's not stupid expensive I may fish out Lady Poppy's Pentax and try it for real. Needs a fresh battery for the light meter and some film of course.