slide photographs: Buen and Merv

Three years ago, I took some film photos for the Lopez Memorial Museum's Now/here, In Zero In: Extensions exhibit series. Our little group, Plataporma, did a series of exploratory projects for the show. The photos I took were for our "Mapping" project. I used slide film because the photos were to be projected onto a wall, and had the films processed at FotoFabrik in Quezon City. The exhibit photos are now the property of the museum (I regret not scanning them first), but I still have plenty left over that didn't quite make the cut. These mounted slides are mostly behind-the-scenes shots (haha) when the guys and I were resting after a whole day of walking around the metro.

These photos are of fellow Plataporma members Buen Calubayan and Mervin Espina. Mark Salvatus was away in Japan at the time.

start of the journey: Craig Street, Manila

lunch at Glorietta (and a serious Buen)

walking from the Lopez Museum

 

chilling at the Shangri-la food court after a long day

Merv with my Nikon F80

yawning guy.

I used my Canonet QL17 GIII rangefinder camera and Fuji Sensia film. I remember hoping for the best every time I clicked the shutter, since I wouldn't have second chances with this project. One of the things that terrify me about using film is also one of the best things I like about it: when you see the (film) photos you have taken and see a shot that looks really, really nice, you get this sense of accomplishment that you were able to capture a moment with just one, well-exposed and perfectly-timed shot. I think it's a feeling you don't (usually?) have when shooting digital--with digital I think, oh that's a nice shot. It should be, right, because you're shooting digital? Oh well, don't listen to me, perhaps it's just the film prude in me talking. :P These shots of slides were all wonderfully taken using a digital camera, so I'm not really one to complain. :)

a new (old) camera

When Tom sent me a message about giving me one of his father's cameras--a Voigtländer Prominent--I was ecstatic. I had first thought he was looking for someone to sell it, but I'm glad he cleared it up because I wouldn't know how to properly appraise something of that quality. I've never handled anything like it before. I mean, look:

A stunning Fifties-era rangefinder camera in awesome condition. Online sources say it's the first rangefinder featuring a leaf shutter and interchangeable lenses. 

Focusing is done by turning this knob. It takes some getting used to, especially when you're used to focusing using the lens.

Tom would like the camera to be in creative hands, and suggested it be used by our photo group. I thought it was a great idea, so as soon as I got it I posted a message on our group's Facebook wall. I'm happy to say we've got quite a queue lining up to use the camera next!

Halfway through my test roll the self-timer lever stuck (I think I did not push it far enough, so it didn't 'take'), so I took it to a trusted camera maintenance guy to have it repaired and make sure there won't be any more shutter problems while it's in use.

I used a Fuji Superia 100 to test the camera with. I've used it for testing another camera so the first shot's a double exposure. Here are a few shots from the test roll:

A rooftop birthday party. Voigtländer Prominent on bulb setting, 8 secs.

Laundry, hanging out to dry.

Metal candle holders.

My cat Raki in the laundry basket. She also likes paper and canvas bags.

Also, see how sharp the images are? Gotta thank that Ultron lens!

I call this kitchen windowsill kitty "Ingay" but everyone else calls him (yes, him) "Regine"--after the female singer.

Indoor shot. Sunday breakfast. My niece spreading butter on her chocolate pancake.

Barnaby chilling with the laundry.

Batman and Ampon.

Bilog II, looking at me disapprovingly: "Stop taking photos of my family!"

Following the Sunny 16 rule on one of our trees.

The Prominent doesn't have a built-in meter so I have to rely on my knowledge of exposure. This camera makes me want to practice more, as I have been using cameras with built-in meters to shoot with. I'm now on my second roll, and I'm going to take it out of the house for a change. After this roll the camera goes to another member of our group.

I really want to thank Tom for the camera. He made a lot of shutterbugs happy! 

disturbed

Supertyphoon Haiyan, Yolanda in the Philippines, leaves me speechless. The trail of destruction, the loss of life, the damage to property, the lack of immediate help. Several local and international groups have stepped in to provide aid. I have read numerous reports, seen the shocking videos, watched heart-wrenching slideshows. I have seen comments of people around the world, from the hopeful and heartwarming, to the downright nasty and spiteful. I have been trying to work this weekend but I found I could not focus on my job; every now and then I would refresh my browser for new articles and updates, hoping against hope that it's not that bad, it's going to be alright, the death toll is not that high, people have been mobilized to restore order and provide relief, international aid will come. It doesn't feel right that I am here, safe and sound, and all I had been able to do was repost a few help lines and donate online.

My heart goes out to all those affected. I've learned that thoughts and prayers, though intangible, go a long way.