Is This Camera the Future of Film Photography?

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00:00 - Intro
00:22 - Film Is Not Dead
00:46 - Panoramic Film Camera Prices
01:43 - Why Shoot Film?
03:01 - Noble Designs 617 Panoramic Film Camera
04:58 - The Viewfinder
06:06 - Artist Viewfinder App
06:34 - Loading Film & Shooting
08:39 - Getting the Film Back from the Lab
09:57 - Final Thoughts
13:13 - Sponsored Message
14:10 - Thank you

#LandscapePhotography #FilmPhotography #iPhone

[thomascuffari]

I had a 30 year career with Fujifilm in the US starting in 1975. When Fujifilm introduced professional films for the 1984 LA Olympics I was assigned the task of introducing those films to the press working the Olympic games. Soon after we introduced professional cameras and I was fortunate enough to get the first G617 sample camera. I can't tell you how many hundreds of rolls of film I put through that camera (all at 4 shots per roll) and how much I enjoyed getting the film back and seeing what I got since with the original G617 you were never sure until you got the film back. I think the use of the iPhone with the Noble camera is a brilliant idea. I wish I had it back in the 80s when the camera was first introduced here in the US. When Fujifilm introduced digital cameras I was moved over to that division. Hearing you talk about the feeling you get when you pull out a film camera in front of all those digital shooters was the antithesis of what I experienced when I pulled out a digital camera with all film shooters around.
Perhaps still a place for both but I've gone total digital now. For what it's worth, I enjoy shooting multi-shot panos and stitching and processing in Photoshop. Enjoy your channel.

[michaeltucciarone]

Love the video. first. You're not in a wet dark room anymore, so the images are processed in photoshop or light room and printing on a digital printer, you are also not developing the film, you're sending it out, and scanning it into the computer. Don't feel guitly about mixing up analog and film photography. You're doing it already with the other film cameras you have. Enjoy the experience.

[NicholasMichalenko]

This thing is bridging the gap. We all want film to stick around and the next generation of young photographers have so little experience with film, especially any format larger than 35mm.

Phones are ubiquitous. If this keeps the format alive, I’m all for it. If my kids were old enough to shoot with me, I’d definitely consider using this to teach them about the format.

[curlyhead]

A company trying to lower the price and availability of a film pano camera shows a real passion for film photography. Using a digital viewfinder is required in film cinema cameras so you are in good stead using the phone. The weight and cost of the camera should be enough for you to get over the clash of technologies. Else there is always hypnosis. Thanks for bringing this camera to light.

[SeeMick]

I've used my iPhone with a viewer app to find compositions when shooting 4x5. It makes it easier than setting up the camera, looking through the ground glass, only to find that you're not happy with the composition. I've even used the level function on my phone to make sure the camera is set up flat.

[AmpedGaming]

A few years ago, I definitely thought that film photography was 'pure' and unadulterated, but I have come to realize that ultimately the pictures you take are YOURS and you can do whatever you need to do to them to achieve your artistic vision. There is no right or wrong way to approach film photography - some highly accomplished film photographers physically cut their negatives to use on collages or develop them in film 'soups' to get weird effects; I personally would never do that, but it's their photography, and it helps them achieve their vision. I don't think using a IPhone as a viewfinder and meter really detracts from the image itself, since you still have a beautiful 6x17 negative!

[jamesromanoski]

The results that you produced with Big Bertha are gorgeous. I'd gladly take her on most any hike. She's worth it.

I think old film cameras are like beautiful old classic cars. They should be cherished and revered.

[aromaticsnail]

Considering how unattainable a pano film body is nowadays, this seems a really good option. An optical viewfinder module (preferably with a built-in meter) would be welcomed.

[joshzamor]

I rented an XPan not too many years ago and loved it. Shortly after the rental company stopped renting it and the used prices went crazy. That was a super fun little camera. For the viewfinder you could always go the cheap and lightweight route: some card stock, cut a rectangle in it matching the "film" size, then attach a pre-cut string to match the focal length of the lens. Hold it up to your eye, using the string to gauge the focal length. I still have that for my 4x5 to make "seeing" easier.

[LynneE-mcye]

You are so right about film cameras being ‘cool’! As I am now too old to carry heavy digital systems, but enjoy the process of photographing when out and about, I have treated myself to a couple of folding medium format cameras, one from about 1937 and the other from the 1950s. Lightweight, portable, fun to use, produce great photos and enhance my image as a mad old woman 😂! Love your videos - so ‘real’ and unpretentious.

[guillaumebouqueau]

Personally, I think this hybrid method is not that bad. For newcomers, learning how to shoot film can be quite a brutal experience: committing to 10 to 36 shots and knowing weeks later if you were in the right ballpark slows down the progress. If this can help people to continue to shoot film and get camera companies to build new gear, I’m all for it.

[young-geezer]

GREAT conversation, and amusing. Wouldn't argue any thoughts you've entered here about anything, agree w/ the temper of your enthusiasm, love it.

[kamilbandura]

In amateur digital photography 'coolness' of gear creeps in the same way like in film photography. Difference is, you want newest gear instead of oldest gear.
That intro before logo was magic 👌

[craigallenphotography]

My 4x5 always draws a crowd for sure. And let's not even get into how pleasurable it is to put the transparencies/negatives on the light table. Excellent video Mr Heaton.

[joerglemann]

I totally get the special feeling when shooting with such iconic analog cameras. This “Noblex” seems to be able to become a functional no nonsense tool for shooting analog panoramic pictures though

[hettekloosterman]

I think its awesome that film photography is making a comeback, and that there still are new brands coming out making them, one thing im not sure of is using your phone as a viewfinder, the idea using an app for your settings and getting a preview is great but it does makes film photography seem less ''magical'', I understand they also want to attract a younger audience but I think most of them including me actually prefer a ''oldschool'' viewfinder. Technology is great and all but everyone wants a break from it sometime. We already spend so many hours on our phones to keep our social lives together I dont need another thing to be run by my phone.

[MrAlexander]

Love your video. I'm an old man.Many years, in the darkroom many cameras fils and lenses.Lihnof 6x17 was my goal.But i had sinar for many years.Thank you so much, now i feel better.Greetings from Capri, in Italy

[MatthewRaifman]

I totally agree it’s mostly about having fun BUT I’m going to take the nay side on this one. I see a parallel with how we navigate while driving on a road trip. Bear with me…when I am on a road trip, one the best parts is the meditative aspect of total immersion in the environment, the observations, the mind wandering, the getting lost and finding new things. When we navigate with a physical map (the analog) we can achieve those things most trips. When we navigate with a gps/phone (digital) we often cannot. I suppose you could expand to hiking as well, with topo maps vs something like AllTrails. So I actually say: stick with full analog if what you are seeking is full disconnection and immersion without distractions.

[dianneturner]

Another great video and didn't even know they still made film cameras. So there you go! Must say that first shot of the wind turbines was amazing. I like the film photographs, it makes a change to see something that just is!

[MacOSTen]

So, I’ve been shooting (and processing film in my darkroom) for over 40 years and shooting digital for 20 years. When I rock up at a location / event I don’t really take much notice of what other folks are using nor does it make me feel cool / superior / inferior if I’m using my film camera instead of my digital camera. I’m only really bothered about coming away with some decent pics. I enjoyed your video and sharing your thinking…interesting to see these “trauma’s” you have. Plus I’d never heard of that camera so I defo learnt something new.