Rollei Auto, Fuji Reala

Finally I had a time to give the film from the Rolleiflex Auto to the lab for developing. The film was lying and waiting from the beginning of the October. I even forgot what kind of film it was – whether it was B&W or Color. Finally I’ve checked at the lab that it was Fuji Reala – very nice color film (i know from opinions of others – it was my first roll of that kind). At the film were photos taken during the Big Day and one week later during the photo session with our colleague who came especially for us from Inowrocław to Gdańsk to take some photos of us.

I’m really happy that all 12 photos were all right – correctly exposed and quite good. I hoped that everything will be okay – mostly because the event and moments captured on that film. For sure I wouldn’t be able to repeat those shots.
In fact that was the first film correctly installed in that Rollei – so that was the first not-test film. Previous two films where used mostly to get accustomed to the new camera, and I had to learn how to install film correctly.
Also those photos were the first real test of the new scanner Epson V500 – as I wanted to scan those photos by myself. I think that whole process passed that test.

Those photos are the first photos from the medium-format camera from which I’m really pleased of. The final effect: photos, colors, focus and quality is really good. Of course it’s not perfect, composition also may be improved, but as I remember I couldn’t completely focus on taking photos as we were always in a hurry or we were busy with other things (e.g. photossesion with a friend) – but for sure this time I put more effort to make those photos right. Especially that you have to remember about everything, and you cannot do it in a hurry – you have to measure the light, calculate and decide what aperture and time to use, whether to correct the readings because of the light conditions of the subject, set correctly and precisely focus with use of the magnifying glass, and of course during that time control the composition, horizon level and the subject… As you can see it’s not so easy as it looks at first sight.

Okay, now you can check the photos – I hope it’s a good sign for next films, and I will improve my techniques and photos will be better and better – especially that camera – Rolleiflex Auto with the good film installed takes really great photos – like for the 66-years old equipment.

First two photos were taken about hour after the wedding when we came to the Sobieszewo Island. There was wonderful and colorful sunset so I had to take some shots. First photo is converted to sepia, as it was originally little to dark.

Next two photos of the fishing boat were taken on the next day – in the morning at Sobieszewo Island, during the nice fog which was great for that composition.

Ania, about hour after the wedding at pier at the Sobieszewo Island

The portrait of the Bride at the sunset.

SWA-7. Fishing boat at the pier.

View at the Vistula river and the reeds covered with the fog.

Photos below were taken week later – during the photo session of the week older Bride and the Groom. During a few moments when the Bride was photographed alone – I had occasion also to take some shots. They are nice, but of course not perfect and could be improved. For example first photo should be better framed – too much sky, and feet not visible. Third photo is slightly out-of-focus. Even with use of the magnifying glass, sometimes it’s difficult to set focus correctly. I have to be more careful next time.

Ania at Brzeźno. [Rolleiflex Auto, Fuji Reala]

Photo session is under way. [Rolleiflex Auto, Fuji Reala]

The Bride. [Rolleiflex Auto, Fuji Reala]

The Bride. [Rolleiflex Auto, Fuji Reala]

Last three photos are from the same day. Two first were taken in the Brzeźno Park which was ours next location during photo session. The third was taken at the old currently not used SKM platform – Gdańsk Kolonia.

Photosession – Brzeźno, Park. [Rolleiflex Auto, Fuji Reala]

Beautiful apparition from the woods… dressed all in white…

Gdańsk Kolonia – at the platform. [Rolleiflex Auto, Fuji Reala]