Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

By Anton Yakovlev

A couple of words about myself first. I’m a hobbyist photographer with about a decade of experience. I come from the “digital generation”. My first camera was a Panasonic FZ-something-superzoom I acquired somewhere about the year 2004. Ouch. This makes it 16 years old. Quite a painful discovery that is…

I tried film once before, in the mid 2000s, but failed miserably, as I lacked knowledge and experience. I also prefer computer screen to printed images, and options for scanning film were limited here back then. But I returned to the idea about a year ago and now shoot film almost exclusively. So now I want to share the story of the troubles that I’ve created for myself and attempts to overcome some of them…

Stage I: Medium Format TLR

One day I woke up with an idea to start shooting film. To make things worse, the next moment I’ve decided to do it the hard way. I want a fully manual camera. No electronics and no automation. And at least medium format. To hell with half-measures! A couple of hours with an online auction, travel to the train station to meet the seller and the deal was done. I had a Mamiya C220 (pictured above) complete with 135/4.5 lens. The seller asked if I have experience with MF cameras and I answered “yes”. I’ve read the manual and watched YouTube tutorials… What could possibly go wrong?

Expected Trouble:

I thought the biggest problem will be light metering. I used to shoot in aperture priority mode, applying exposure correction if necessary. How can I do it myself if I can’t even see the results right away? I installed a light meter app on my phone, took a deep breath and started shooting. When I received the first roll from the lab, I was expecting my shots to be all white or all black. Or, most likely, all weird. To my surprise, they were all properly exposed. And nice looking. One roll of 12 images had more “keepers” than a hundred digital shots I made in the same session. Wow.

Unexpected Trouble:

The biggest problem was, quite surprisingly, aiming my camera. In waist-level viewfinders the image is mirrored, so moving the camera towards desired composition is… Counter-intuitive, to put it mildly. I knew about that, but I expected this problem to be quickly resolved with practice. Looks like something’s wrong with my brain, but no amount of training was of any help.

Luckily, there was a ready solution. I found a “porrofinder” for this camera – an add-on pentamirror module. One produced by Nippon Kogaku Corporation, better known as Nikon nowadays. It was very dirty inside, but very easy to disassemble and clean. Works like a charm.

Second problem is specific to this exact camera model. It doesn’t have an infinity stop. You must guess when the camera is at the infinity looking in the viewfinder or the scale on the side. Both methods are not very accurate. Split prism on the ground glass would be nice, but only the later or more expensive models had original interchangeable ground glass including the split prism options. Custom aftermarket glass for my Mamiya 220 did exist, but not anymore.

Stage II: 35mm rangefinder


I like the images from Mamiya a lot. And I like the camera itself. It looks nice and is fun to use. People smile when they see me taking pictures. But it has an obvious weak spot: portability. I needed something smaller for my upcoming trip, as my dear wife said it’s either me going there or my brick of a camera. I had two days to find a suitable replacement and next to zero money to spend on it. Mission impossible?

At work we have a corporate message board, so I asked my colleagues if they have any old film camera I could borrow for a couple of weeks. Next day I had four cameras. And all their owners said I can keep that junk if I want. I’ve got a scale focus Smena-2 (broken), Kiev-4 with its Contax-mount Jupiter-8 lens (bent aperture blade), FED-3 with Industar-61 LTM (stuck focus ring, RF misaligned vertically) and Zorki-4 with Jupiter-8 LTM (fine lens but RF spot badly deteriorated). A big heap of scrap metal.

Then, just as I lost hope, a miracle happened. Some guy asked if I’m that strange person looking for old useless cameras. I said yes and he handed me over a gem. Canon VL2 rangefinder from the fifties, all shiny and in perfect working order. For the price of a bottle of beer. Wow.

I mounted Jupiter-8 from Zorki on it, checked rangefinder accuracy – perfect! – and praised God.

Expected Trouble:

I thought that focusing using rangefinder will be slow and inaccurate. Once again, there was a pleasant surprise. Focusing this way on my typical (more or less stationary) subjects is even easier than using ground glass. I actually experienced fewer errors with RF, than I did with modern digital systems. I can always see where exactly the focus is. Focus trapping allows me to capture fast-moving subjects, including those moving randomly at supersonic speeds (i.e. my daughter).

I was also afraid that old soviet lens is too bad. I checked it on a Fuji mirrorless with an adapter, and image corners were ugly up to about f/8. On 1.5 crop that is. But it was a problem of a digital camera, not the lens. Looks like a lot of those rangefinder lenses with short flange distance perform this way on digital sensors. With film it was just fine, punchy and contrasty, and sharp in the corners.

Unexpected Trouble:

The lens cap. It is very easy to take a shot with the cap on. And it is very embarrassing. Very. I found a solution when I saw an old compact camera, where lens cap blocked the viewfinder. I glued a strip of tape to the cap, long enough to see it through the viewfinder if the cap is on. And voila! No more blank frames!

Other than that, I can’t really find any problem with this setup and I love using it, just as much as the Mamiya.

Stage III: The Bellows


Soon I felt that my transition to film was going too smoothly. Looks like MF TLR wasn’t enough. And then I experienced the sudden attack of that infamous Gear Acquisition Syndrome. I saw an interesting camera: Horseman 970. It is a modular system, that can be configured as medium format or (using an increasing back) large format camera. And this one even has a rangefinder! The camera itself and one 6×9 roll film back were offered almost for free. The reason for that was simple. The bellows were badly damaged, gears were stuck, rangefinder out of alignment and film back missing a dark slide.

Temptation was too strong. I ordered this “kit”, 105/3.5 lens (45/1.5 equivalent for 35mm), rangefinder cam for it, and replacement bellows.

Expected Trouble:

I was afraid of starting the repair. I had no disassembly manual. Zero information available online. I’ve never tried repairing cameras before. But there was no reason be afraid. This camera is as simple as a Kalashnikov assault rifle. In a couple of hours, I replaced the bellows, cleaned and lubricated the gears, and the camera worked like new. Luckily nothing was broken, just stuck with rust and old lube turned to stone.

Rangefinder adjustment was even easier. I didn’t even have to remove the top cover. Set lens to infinity, unscrew one little bolt on front panel, turn another bolt inside until images coincide, done.

I was also afraid that the camera will be too unwieldy. But, once again, my fear was unfounded. It just works like a huge rangefinder. I don’t even need a tripod for it. The biggest problem was releasing the shutter, as you need to turn a small lever right beside the lens, very hard to find by touch. And very easy to leave fingerprints on the lens when trying to do that.

I resolved the problem when I got an original cable release. It smartly fits into a slot on either side of the camera, very comfortable to use.

Unexpected Trouble:

It turned out, that system is not much of a system. Film backs are not interchangeable with later models. Camera is missing a ground glass module, that is never sold separately. And later models also don’t fit my older 970. Buying another camera just for ground glass sounds weird, but it looks like there is no other way to get one. Even cable releases for Topcor lenses are proprietary. So, system is coming together slower than expected. Without the ground glass I still haven’t tried camera movements. But even in its basic ‘’big rangefinder” mode the camera is surprisingly pleasant to use.

Summary

Don’t be afraid of shooting film. That is much easier than it seems to be. And even if it is challenging, that’s great! No pain, no gain. And when you prevail, the result will be worth all the effort.

That’s All, Folks!

If you want to see more of my work, steer here:

Instagram: @verfolger82
500px: https://500px.com/avjaxon

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About The Author

By Anton Yakovlev
Hobbyist photographer from Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Turned to film recently, as it seems to be three times the fun of digital.
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Comments

Nicholas on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 08/01/2023

of course like your website however you need to test the spelling on several of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling issues and I in finding it very bothersome to inform the truth however I'll surely come back again.|
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Michael Gayler on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 27/03/2020

That was a really good read. As someone with severe GAS it's good to see an objective view of different camera types' foibles from a digital aficionado.
It was nice to see Phaphos Castle in there!
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Anton Yakovlev replied:

Comment posted: 27/03/2020

Hello and thank you :) Paphos is a very nice town. Especially when you don't stay in beaches and other tourist areas and go around the corner :) I found the museum of the ruins of Mycenaean fortress right next to my hotel purely by chance :) I know Greek alphabet so I could read the sign saying Παλαιόκαστρο and guessed that it means "ancient castle" :)

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Xiong Chiamiov on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 26/03/2020

This is scarily similar to my past two months.

I fought off GAS so well for my digital equipment but film caught me by surprise and breached all the defenses.
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Anton Yakovlev replied:

Comment posted: 26/03/2020

Same here. All the digital cameras now look the same to me. Why to get another one? And every film camera offers a different workflow, different results and a different way to have fun.

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Neil Oxley on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 24/03/2020

I agree with all the above comments, you write very well and capture the essence of using film. Lovely pictures - I really like the one of the parked cars.

I have the Horseman too but I find the rangefnder almost impossible to use as I wear glasses. I also had a Mamiya C220.

All those pictures were processed and scanned by a lab, yes? Do you find this expensive in your country?
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Anton Yakovlev replied:

Comment posted: 24/03/2020

Hello All images are processed by a lab, yes. I scan 35mm by myself (Plustek 7600, Lightroom NLP). Medium format goes to a lab for scanning too. I shoot 1-2 rolls a week, so that's not too expensive. Development basic scan of a roll is about 5 USD (number of shots doesn't matter). High quality (4800 dpi) scan is about 1 USD per frame.

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Neil Oxley replied:

Comment posted: 24/03/2020

I meant to ask - what film are/were you using?

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Anton Yakovlev replied:

Comment posted: 24/03/2020

I like experiments, so I use a lot of different film stocks. Photos in this article are: Mamiya: Ektar, FOMA 100, TriX 400, Ektar Canon: All Ektar, except parked cars - Kodak Gold 200 expired 2011 Horseman: Rollei 400, FOMA 400, FOMA 400, FOMA 100, Rollei 400 Last shot of my daughter made with Contax 167, Yashica ML 50/1.4, Ilford PAN100, I believe.

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Harry Machold on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

What an enjoyable read this is...on this Saturday night, right before a late dinner, with some wine on the side and knowing, that I have another 2 weeks in quarantine here in Austria.... I started with film of course, due to my "extended" age but went and tried digital, starting with a Leica M8-2.
Hamish was the man, without knowing, who got me falling for an CCD Leica...thank you for that, Hamish...
I would fall for all of your gear, especially the Canon with the Topcor lens; it is a long time that we had one at Leicashop here in Vienna. But like you, I also love the Mamiya 6x6 so much. your pictures are composed in a very stylish way; you are a true film photographer, Anton. I educated myself to take digital images the way I take pictures on film; very selectively, keeping in mind that a roll of 120 film has 12 exposures only...
All the best, Anton and keep enjoying your little daughter; she has a strong will I guess...
The GAS I admit, I will suffer from til my last moment...and with great delight!
Best for tonight Harry
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Anton Yakovlev replied:

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Hello, Harry, and thank you! Looks like quarantine has its positive sides :)

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Hamish Gill on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

That Topcor lens... if you ever feel like parting with it, let me know ;)
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Anton Yakovlev replied:

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Last Will and Testament of A. V. Yakovlev 1. I leave everything I own to my daughter Serafima, with the exception of one item: Topcor 50/2 photographic lens 2. I leave the aforementioned Topcor 50/2 lens to Hamish Gill. Will that suffice? :)

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Gil Aegerter on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Very fun post! I have shot a total of one roll of medium format with varying results but you give me new inspiration to try again.
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Des McSweeney on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Anton, stuck at home on a cold winter's day, I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Well structured with your problems and fixes and such great photographers. You have patience, good writing skills and an observational eye. Well done and thank you!
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Anton Yakovlev replied:

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Thanks :) Yeah, winter is here too. Frost, snow, wind and social distancing. February 50th, 2020...

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Khürt Louis Williams on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

The gist of this article is that you decided to do photography the hard. You get a sticker.
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Nick Lyle on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Great story and photos. Well done.
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Jackson McDonald on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Excellent article about your photographic evolution. I enjoyed your photos, too, including those on 500pix.com.
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Anton Yakovlev replied:

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Many thanks for your kind words! :)

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Kodachromeguy on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Nice job, Anton! You have a good eye and you did well with all 3 cameras. You wrote, "One roll of 12 images had more “keepers” than a hundred digital shots I made in the same session. Wow." It's amazing how many photographers who take up film discover this truth (I have used film since 1965, so you do not need to convince me...). Cheers!
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Anton Yakovlev replied:

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Thanks. There is definitely some magic in film.

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Wim van Heugten on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Hi Anton,

Thank you for your great writing! Just ask myself how you know about the details of a Kalashnikov...

Regards,
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Anton Yakovlev replied:

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Hi! Thanks! Well, I live in Russia. A lot of people in this country can disassemble and assemble Kalashnikov when blindfolded :) We still have conscription and obligatory military training course in universities for male students. When I was in school, we even had primary military training lessons in 9th grade :)

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Ross Attix on Conversion to Film: The Expected and Unexpected – by Anton Yakovlev

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Anton-Thanks for putting this together. I really enjoyed reading it, and loved some of the images, especially the one with the dogs on the dirt road.

If you add a ground glass on the Horseman, you will be using it for tripod mounted shots right? In that case, and one of the biggest advantages of having a bellows is the ability to swing and tilt the lens board for a better degree of control over focus. But unless you have had some direction on how to use that capability, it can be confusing.

So, if I may, let me quickly give a very basic intro. This can be much more involved and complicated, but all this is meant to be is a basic orientation.

Assume you have set up at some angle-other than perpendicular-to a wall or fence. In this example, think of that subject as being to your left. Assume you want to carry focus along that plane. Your film plane and the plane of that subject-think of them as lines-intersect somewhere to your left in an imaginary spot. You would loosen the lens board, and slowly rotate it counterclockwise until it’s plane intersects the other two.

That spot is imaginary, but this explanation makes it easier and more intuitive to know how to approach the focus. You will know you have hit the right correction when you see that wall/fence in sharp focus at both ends. Then if you stop down the aperture, the dof will extend toward you 1/3, and away from you 2/3 consistent with that new focus plane.

The same principle applies if you are tilting the lens. The ground is one plane, the film plane intersects it, tilting the lens board forward to interest those two will carry your dof deeper without having to stop down as far.

Again, thanks for showing us this work. It was a great way to start my day.
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Anton Yakovlev replied:

Comment posted: 21/03/2020

Thanks for your explaination. I'm going to upgrade my Horseman and try lens movements as soon as this goddamn epidemic winds down. For now I have a suitable lens (W-Nikkor 180/5.6), but my increasing back is stuck in the Customs...

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