Shaka1277The new CS-LITE+ is distinctly better suited for colour negative (CN) film scanning than the original CS-LITE, or any other broad spectrum white light source, really. There's only single catch in my view, at least when using Negative Lab Pro: a distinct teal-cyan cast in the highlights of most films employing an orange mask. That's readily dealt with using presets on an interpositive, like the ones linked below. Otherwise, it's just straight improvements across the board, and I'm consistently closer to a finished product after just NLP conversion and de-tealing.
Cinestill CS-LITE+ - Better scans with a better light sourceShaka12772025-10-03 | The new CS-LITE+ is distinctly better suited for colour negative (CN) film scanning than the original CS-LITE, or any other broad spectrum white light source, really. There's only single catch in my view, at least when using Negative Lab Pro: a distinct teal-cyan cast in the highlights of most films employing an orange mask. That's readily dealt with using presets on an interpositive, like the ones linked below. Otherwise, it's just straight improvements across the board, and I'm consistently closer to a finished product after just NLP conversion and de-tealing.
00:00 Start 00:24 Introduction 02:03 Camera Scanning 04:08 CS-LITE vs CS-LITE+ - Hardware 09:09 Results - Colour charts 14:36 Results and thoughts - Real photos 18:19 ConclusionRollei Distagon 40 mm f/4 HFT - The TankShaka12772025-10-17 | Being an older Zeiss optical design, the original 40 mm lens for the Rolleiflex SL66 system has its limits and is substantially hefty, but there's no denying that it performs both optically and compositionally when used right.
00:00 Start 00:00 Lens overview 06:11 Pros 09:28 Cons 14:56 ConclusionMy First Roll of Lucky Color 200, in the Leica M4-2Shaka12772025-09-26 | I was fortunate enough to get my hands on a roll of the new Lucky Color 200 thanks to my friends at Reflx Lab. It's by no means perfect, but unlike the Phoenix or Orwo NC films, it sits in the uncanny valley which I think might hinder it - "suffering from success" as such.
00:00 Start 00:20 Introduction 01:07 Film overview 07:14 Shooting details 08:29 Pros 12:28 Cons 16:02 Deep Dive 18:04 ConclusionPairing the Wista 45RF rangefinder to your lensShaka12772025-09-19 | Since there's no helicoid in a regular large format lens, the Wista 45RF needs to be "paired" to your lens of choice by setting the infinity hard stop and replying on the focusing bed to act as a helicoid stand-in. It's a bit finicky, but by no means a complex process.
Links referenced in the video: https://www.ebay.ie/itm/286766624632?_skw=rangefinder+cam+graphic&itmmeta=01K4TTJ2BS26RYQ3PEYMKDE4FY
00:00 Start 00:25 Introduction 03:14 The pairing process 12:44 ConclusionVoigtlander 35 mm f/1.4 Nokton Classic MC II - Probably not the droid youre looking forShaka12772025-09-05 | The 35 mm Nokton Classic is a very tempting yet polarising lens. Many end up considering - or buying - this optic because of its specs without really being aware of what the point, and so the compromise, of this lens is.
00:00 Start 00:19 Introduction 00:28 Lens overview 05:44 Pros 11:12 Cons 15:34 ConclusionLucky New SHD 100 - A solid enough performerShaka12772025-08-22 | Lucky New SHD 100 is a bit of a tough sell, at least in Europe, but it definitely has some physical and performance advantages over the budget films like the Kentmere and especially Fomapan lines. The price just gets a bit too close to FP4 for my liking, by the time you bring it in. Regional distributors would sort that.
00:00 Start 00:22 Introduction 00:46 Film overview 02:40 Pros 05:51 Cons 09:20 ConclusionTHD CPLift - My thoughts after 100+ rollsShaka12772025-08-08 | The CPLift from Takumi Home Darkroom is a rotary film and print processor, akin to a Jobo CPE-2 or the like, enabling huge throughput with high chemical and temporal efficiency. It does make some sacrifices to meet a price point approx half that of a new Jobo, but I think the trade-offs were made where it makes the most sense.
00:00 Start 01:15 Overview 05:53 Pros 16:54 Cons 24:22 ConclusionLomography daylight developing tank - Compact and convenientShaka12772025-08-01 | The Lomography daylight developing tank is a small and quite affordable solution for developing film at home. I got to try one for a while, and it made a nice accessory to my main developing rig.
00:00 Start 00:17 Introduction 00:50 Overview 04:29 Pros 07:15 Cons 12:44 ConclusionRollei Colorchem C-41 kit - Safety, Handling, DisposalShaka12772025-07-25 | In this video I talk about the 2-bath "Colorchem" C-41 kit from Rollei, in the context of Safety, Handling, and Disposal.
This video was sponsored by ThePhotoShop: https://www.thephotoshop.ie/
00:00 Start 00:28 Legal disclaimer 02:47 Background 07:12 Chemical composition 16:14 Capacity 17:49 Shelf life 18:40 Documentation 21:04 Safety 25:47 Handling 36:05 Disposal 40:08 Cost 41:34 ConclusionThypoch Simera-M 75 mm f/1.4 ASPH - I couldnt let it goShaka12772025-07-18 | As a huge fan of the 75 mm focal length, I was very eager to try this lens out. Lighter and sharper than the Nokton, and not much heavier than the Ultron, while being more attainable than Leica's own offerings? Yes please.
00:00 Start 00:19 Introduction 01:03 Lens overview 07:16 Why 75 mm? 09:23 Pros 14:41 Cons 21:01 Comparisons 23:19 ConclusionHarman Phoenix II - Pushing, pulling, cross-processingShaka12772025-07-17 | Three standouts for me with my Mastering Harman Phoenix project were push processing, pull processing, and ECN-2 cross-processing. In this video I see how Harman Phoenix II performs in each of these arenas.
00:00 Start 00:16 Introduction 00:46 Testing methodology 01:35 Pushing Harman Phoenix II 03:30 Pulling Harman Phoenix II 05:28 Cross-processing Harman Phoenix II 08:17 ConclusionHarman Phoenix II - Evolution without losing soulShaka12772025-07-16 | Harman Phoenix II is a huge step up from the original film. All of its weaknesses have been tackled, with the biggest emphasis on improving grain, resolution, and exposure latitude. Of course this second-generation film can't match Pro400H or Ektar, but it still represents a huge evolutionary step in the right direction. They managed to keep the "essence" of Phoenix, but make it better at the same time - the best case scenario, if you ask me.
00:00 Start 00:16 Introduction 00:51 Harman Phoenix 02:46 Film overview 05:33 Pros 09:19 Cons 13:07 ConclusionHow to use the Lomography daylight developing tankShaka12772025-07-11 | The Lomography UK team loaned me a copy of the daylight developing tank for a while. Though I normally default to large-volume processing (currently rotary with the CPLift), I can definitely appreciate the convenience that it offers, particularly when I have than one roll that can't go in the larger tank with the others.
00:00 Start 00:17 Introduction 01:51 What you need 02:17 Preparing your film 03:10 Loading your film 05:44 Developing your film 09:24 ConclusionCanon New F-1 - BatteriesShaka12772025-07-04 | The battery situation with the Canon New F-1 is a little complex, and I've been asked about it on more than a few occasions. I figured it couldn't hurt to make a short video breaking it down - including some of the odd quirks.
00:00 Start 00:15 Introduction 01:12 The hybrid shutter 01:48 Battery types & life 02:34 Battery insallation 03:19 Battery check 04:07 ConclusionAerochrome & HIE on the Atlantic coastShaka12772025-06-27 | Last year I went on a couple of trips one week after the other, both on the Wild Atlantic Way. I broke out some of my fanciest IR film to take advantage of the weather and I'm very happy with the results!
00:00 Start 00:18 Introduction 01:53 Achill Island - Day 1 05:18 Achill Island - Day 2 12:47 Achill Island - Day 3 17:08 Kerry - Day 1 23:55 Kerry - Day 2 28:31 ConclusionNikon Zf - The film photographers digital cameraShaka12772025-06-20 | The Nikon Zf is a firmly imperfect camera. Though it has both objective and highly subjective flaws, I think the hate is a little overblown. From my point of view, the Zf is chonky but still represents the "full frame Fuji" that people have wanted for years. And let's be honest, the Z mount is arguably the best possible mount to have when adapting your film lenses.
00:00 Start 00:21 Introduction 01:42 Camera overview 07:24 Pros 13:37 Cons 17:47 ConclusionMy First Roll of Harman RED in 120, in the Mamiya RB67Shaka12772025-06-17 | Harman RED is an excellent option for 35 mm redscale, but it does suffer with regards to resolution and grain. When Phoenix was released in 120 the film was much better received due to the larger negative mitigating the apparent grain size, increasing resolution, and moderating contrast through smoother tonal gradations - and now we have all of those benefits in the much less well represented 120 redscale corner of the market. Is it for everybody? Nope, but it is for me and I'm delighted it exists.
00:00 Start 00:26 Introduction 00:56 Film overview 02:41 Shooting details 03:24 Pros 07:26 Cons 10:35 Deep Dive 12:52 ConclusionTH Darkroom CPLift - Unboxing & assemblyShaka12772025-06-13 | The Takumi Home Darkroom CPLift is a rotary film and print processor reminiscent of a Jobo CPE2, at a fraction of the cost. While I work on my full review I want to put out this unboxing/assembly video and open a dialogue with you, the community, in case there are things you'd specifically like me to try or have a look at when doing the full review. :)
00:00 Start 00:21 Disclaimer 00:46 Overview 02:54 Unboxing 12:55 Assembly 15:21 ConclusionA look at Flic Film’s Aurora 800Shaka12772025-06-06 | A surprisingly common request was for me to look at Flic Film's Aurora 800, and try to shed some light on what it is. The best I could do was prove what it definitely isn't.
00:00 Start 00:22 Introduction 02:31 Testing methodology 03:20 Results 06:58 ConclusionTTArtisan 100 mm f/2.8 bubble bokeh - Character meets rangeShaka12772025-05-30 | Though not a focal length I would typically go for, this trioplan lens from TTArtisan was honestly a ton of fun to use. It takes a bit of getting used to, and the M42 version is the best option for most people, but it's something I've really come to appreciate - particularly for photographing flowers.
Thanks to TTArtisan for sponsoring this video: https://ttartisan.store/?ref=shaka1277 https://ttartisan.store/products/m42?ref=shaka1277 https://ttartisan.store/products/100mmf2-8m?ref=shaka1277 https://ttartisan.store/products/light-meter-ii?ref=shaka1277 https://ttartisan.store/products/ttartisan-75mm-f1-5?ref=shaka1277
00:00 Start 00:21 Disclosure 00:55 Lens history 03:11 Lens overview 08:00 Pros 13:41 Cons 18:49 ConclusionTechart TZM-02 - I love it in spite of itShaka12772025-05-23 | This Techart autofocus adapter is janky, uses a crap port for firmware, has questionable software support, and doesn't work well with all lenses. Even so, I absolutely love the thing and it reinvigorated my passion for digital photography.
00:00 Start 00:25 Introduction 01:25 Overview 02:53 Using the adapter 05:07 Updating the firmware 05:30 Pros 08:07 Cons 14:54 ConclusionColour temperature & film scanning (ft. Cinestill CS-LITE)Shaka12772025-05-16 | It's commonly known in the "DSLR-scanning" world that you need a light source with a high colour rendering index (CRI) to furnish a high quality scan. This scanning method trades the absolute purity of result of an RGB scanner for flexibility and to an extent, speed, but CRI isn't the only relevant factor. In this video I have a look at the importance of the light source's colour temperature/white balance, and how that affects the accuracy of a scan, even when CRI is decreased.
00:00 Start 00:19 Introduction 01:35 Cinestill CS-LITE 03:33 Colour rendering index (CRI) 06:23 CS-LITE colour modes 09:12 Testing methodology 10:12 Results 14:41 Conclusionf/i were smart - Kentmere Pan 200Shaka12772025-05-13 | In this episode, Brendan and I chat about the new Kentmere Pan 200: what it's like, how it prints, and what makes it different beyond just the number on the box.
This is the full, uncut Instagram Reel without any chapter markers or the like.Kentmere Pan 200 - A glowing endorsementShaka12772025-05-08 | I was unsure what to expect when I heard of the plan to launch Kentmere Pan 200, but to say I was pleasantly surprised would be putting it very lightly. I think this film has a very strong place in the black and white market, especially for fans of Eastman Double-X in 120.
Links referenced in the video: https://www.foma.cz/en/catalogue-bw-film-324
00:00 Start 00:25 Introduction 00:56 Kentmere products 02:32 Film overview 04:43 Pros 09:34 Cons 11:30 Shenanigans 15:49 ConclusionSolinon Optik 18 mm f/5.6 asph - A new default ultrawideShaka12772025-05-02 | I jumped for joy when I first read about the new 18 mm f/5.6 aspherical lens from Solinon Optik, and so did my debit card. This lens offers astounding performance and value in a well-made and miniscule package. For prospective buyers not in need of a fast max aperture or special features (UWA macro, tilt/shift) it stands as a modern default choice in the UWA segment.
00:00 Start 00:22 Introduction 01:35 Lens overview 07:34 Alternatives 09:57 Pros 16:52 Cons 19:50 ConclusionAdox XT-3 - Safety, Handling, DisposalShaka12772025-04-18 | In this video I talk about Adox's XT-3, a refreshing and broadly improved variant of Kodak's Xtol developer. I love this developer, just not its marketing.
This video was sponsored by ThePhotoShop: https://www.thephotoshop.ie/
00:00 Start 00:31 Introduction 01:23 Background 03:36 Chemical composition 06:38 Capacity 07:58 Shelf life 08:19 Safety 11:32 Handling 13:59 Disposal 14:24 Cost 15:51 Conclusionf/i were smart - Pinhole photographyShaka12772025-04-15 | In this episode, Brendan and I chat about pinhole photography: how it works; considerations when making your own pinhole camera; and simply the "why" behind it.
The last Sunday of April is WPPD! pinholeday.org Join our Ireland Analog pinhole-focused photo walk that day.
This is the full, uncut Instagram Reel without any chapter markers or the like.Godox iA32 - Superb value & near perfectShaka12772025-04-04 | The Godox iA32 is incredibly useful and my favourite flash when I don't need to minimise the size of my kit. Icould have been the perfect EDC for - frankly - thousands of people prioritising size and weight over specifically having TTL support, mainly film photographers like myself. Even in spite of its imperfection, I absolutely love using it both on digital and film cameras.
My sincere thanks to LetWell for making this video happen! Godox iA32 (the flash mentioned in the video): Amazon US: amazon.com/dp/B0DRCT4N8T Amazon UK: amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DRCT4N8T Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0DRCT4N8T
00:00 Start 00:21 Introduction 01:13 Flash overview 09:32 Pros 14:03 Cons 17:21 ConclusionGodox iM20 - Quite petite, very potentShaka12772025-03-21 | I may not be the target market for Godox's iM20 and iM22 flashes, but I can absolutely see the appeal. To me, these are less so weaker iM30s than they are significantly more powerful counterparts to the Reflx Lab Mini Flash.
00:00 Start 00:21 Introduction 01:33 Flash overview 07:48 Pros 10:55 Cons 14:55 ConclusionA look at the Rodinal familyShaka12772025-03-14 | Brendan suggested that I should compare some different rodinal-type developers, and I have to say that R09 Spezial and Bellini RDL really surprised me. They're different, but in a good way.
00:00 Start 00:25 Introduction 01:06 The differences (on paper) 03:47 Testing methodology 04:32 Results 07:30 ConclusionThe benefits of ECN-2 filmShaka12772025-02-28 | Buying and developing ECN-2 film can be a hassle, but in this video I want to show you that it really is worth it, both in terms of image quality, and net cost.
00:00 Start 00:25 Introduction 01:49 What is ECN-2 film? 05:10 Advantages of ECN-2 film 08:56 Testing methodology 10:48 Negatives 15:41 Results 17:22 Grain & resolution 18:14 Colours 19:22 Exposure latitude 21:26 Latitude - ECN-2 films 23:02 Latitude - C-41 films 25:16 Misc comparisons 25:49 ConclusionHarman RED - I told you soShaka12772025-02-14 | Harman sent me a few rolls of Harman RED, a commercially redscaled run of Harman Phoenix 200, to test out. Smug validation aside, this is easily the best overall option for redscale photography available on the market today!
TIMES 00:00 Start 00:18 Introduction 01:36 Mastering Harman Phoenix - Redscale 03:23 Film overview 04:50 Pros 08:56 Cons 11:21 Shenanigans 14:15 ConclusionOne month with the Leica M4-PShaka12772025-02-07 | My friend Dan loaned me his Leica M4-P for a month to try it out. I really enjoyed using it, and finally "get" the Leica experience.
00:00 Start 00:16 Introduction 00:55 Camera overview 04:56 Pros 09:34 Cons 15:57 ConclusionFoma Ortho 400 - The unsung hero of B&WShaka12772025-01-31 | Foma Ortho 400 is a - frankly - hilariously high speed orthochromatic emulsion with a gorgeous aesthetic, albeit different between formats. I genuinely adore this film and hope I can convince you to give it a go, if you haven't already.
00:00 Start 00:23 Introduction 00:46 Film overview 07:06 Pros 13:09 Cons 17:13 ConclusionFerrania P30 vs Ferrania Orto vs... P30Shaka12772025-01-17 | There's a lot of speculation about Ferrania's "panchromatic" claims regarding P30, so I had a look into it myself.
00:00 Start 00:20 Introduction 01:00 Ferrania P30 02:09 Ortho vs Panchromatic 03:08 Ferrania Orto 04:02 Testing methodology 05:04 Results 06:51 Conclusionf/i were smart - Choosing a developerShaka12772025-01-12 | In this episode, Brendan and I chat about the factors that go into choosing a developer for your black and white film.
This is the full, uncut Instagram Reel without any chapter markers or the like.Godox iM30 - My new EDCShaka12772025-01-10 | The Godox iM30 is far more versatile that it seems, and has fully earned its place as my new everyday carry flash unit. Manual flash isn't scary!
00:00 Start 00:19 Introduction 01:53 Flash overview 07:06 Pros 13:09 Cons 15:37 Alternatives 17:13 ConclusionGoals & Gear - 2025Shaka12772025-01-03 | To start the year off I'm going over my goals for 2024, talking about some new gear, and setting myself some goals for 2025.
00:00 Start 00:19 Introduction 00:45 Goals for 2024 04:08 New Gear 10:39 Goals for 2025 13:08 ConclusionThe Atlantic Northwest, with the Fujifilm GFX100sShaka12772024-12-20 | The first major DFB trip was a long weekend trip to the Northwest of Ireland, travelling around Sligo and Donegal - the place most of my family hails from! I suffered a minor disaster that more or less negated the XPan II's presence in my bag, but my GFX100S came through and I feel a lot more confident and comfortable shooting under crappy overcast conditions as a result.
TIMES 00:00 Start 00:18 Introduction 01:10 Day 1 04:53 Day 2 13:14 Day 3 18:47 Day 4 21:16 ConclusionPatching a pinhole in my SL66 shutterShaka12772024-12-06 | When I got my Rolleiflex SL66 kit, one of the issues that made it such a deal was a small pinhole in the first curtain of the shutter, causing light leaks between exposures. It was tiny, but enough to be a problem, so I had a go at patching it with liquid electrical tape.
This will never substitute a proper repair, but it'll help postpone sending it away for a little while longer. Almost a year later, it's holding up! Ish.
TIMES 00:00 Start 00:15 Introduction 01:14 Patching the shutter 05:09 ConclusionIlford Ilfosol 3: Safety, Handling, DisposalShaka12772024-11-22 | In this video, I talk about Ilfosol 3, a simple and frankly uninspiring but extremely dependable and easily-used developer from Ilford, in the context of Safety, Handling, and Disposal.
00:00 Start 00:30 Legal Disclaimer 01:33 Background 04:02 Chemical Composition 08:38 Capacity 09:00 Shelf Life 09:42 Safety 15:41 Handling 19:13 Disposal 20:33 Cost 21:26 ConclusionTTArtisan 75 mm f/1.5 - A legend rebornShaka12772024-11-08 | TTArtisan sent me a copy of their new 75 mm f/1.5 swirly bokeh lens - a modern recreation of the beloved Carl Zeiss Jena Biotar 75 mm f/1.5. This TTArtisan lens isn't the first recreation, but of those that made it to market, it offers by far the best value for money (assuming you don't shoot Nikon F mount!).
If you decide to buy the lens, please consider using my affiliate link - it doesn't cost you anything extra. https://ttartisan.store/products/ttartisan-75mm-f1-5?ref=shaka1277
TIMES 00:00 Start 00:22 Disclosure 01:02 Lens history 03:41 Lens overview 08:56 Pros 15:03 Cons 20:15 ConclusionHow to redscale colour film at homeShaka12772024-10-25 | I really enjoy redscale photography, but few options are available commercially. In this video I demonstrate how to make your own redscale film at home, with varying levels of difficulty.
00:00 Start 00:16 Introduction 02:16 35 mm 04:21 120 07:03 Sheet film 07:58 ConclusionTwo weeks with the Pentax 17Shaka12772024-10-11 | Thanks to ThePhotoShop, a long time partner of my channel, I was able to borrow a Pentax 17 for two weeks to try it out. This camera greatly exceeded my expectations in many ways, but still met a few of my negative expectations too. It's an incredible camera, but not for me.
00:00 Start 00:28 Introduction 01:27 Camera Overview 07:55 Pros 14:18 Cons 19:13 ConclusionZone Imagings 510 Pyro: Safety, Handling, DisposalShaka12772024-09-27 | In this video, I talk about Zone Imaging's 510 Pyro, a staining developer originally formulated by Jay DeFehr, in the context of Safety, Handling, and Disposal.
This video is kindly sponsored by The Photo Shop: https://www.thephotoshop.ie/
00:00 Start 00:30 Legal Disclaimer 01:33 Background 04:02 Chemical Composition 08:38 Capacity 09:00 Shelf Life 09:42 Safety 15:41 Handling 19:13 Disposal 20:33 Cost 21:26 ConclusionReflx Lab Mini Flash - Meek, but powerfulShaka12772024-09-13 | The Reflx Lab Mini Flash is not very powerful, being a recycled smartphone flash, but I think the compact size, fair price, fasy recharge, and broad compatibility make up for that. They say the best camera is the one you have with you, and I always have this flash on my camera.
00:00 Start 00:22 Introduction 01:38 Flash overview 04:02 Pros 07:01 Cons 10:12 ConclusionHarman Phoenix in 120 | Chatting with ThePhotoShopShaka12772024-09-06 | I was able to have a live chat on Instagram with Brendan of ThePhotoShop about Phoenix in 120, answering the questions our live audience had.
https://www.thephotoshop.ie/
This is the full, uncut Instagram Reel without any chapter markers or the like.Phoenix is here in 120!Shaka12772024-09-05 | ...Harman Phoenix 200 - Finally in medium formatShaka12772024-09-05 | Since the original launch last year, I have wanted to try Harman Phoenix 200 in medium format. Grainy, contrasty films benefit from a larger neg, and Phoenix is no exception. There is a distinct lack of options for colour film in 120 these days so ANY new addition is welcome, and Phoenix is actually really good in medium format.
Huge thanks to Harman Photo for sending me a few rolls to try this film out! I hope that you find the video useful (as I always hope), and that if you try 120 Phoenix, you get amazing results with it.
00:00 Start 00:39 Disclaimers 01:15 Just an excited lil guy 02:02 What is Harman Phoenix? 04:17 Initial rolls 05:39 Overexposing 08:45 Pull processing 10:54 Pushing and cross-processing 12:37 ConclusionHasselblad 2000FC/M - Best of both worldsShaka12772024-08-23 | Sharing my thoughts on the Hasselblad 2000FC/M, the first member of Hasselblad's second attempt at employing a focal plane shutter, this time with much greater success than with the 1600F/1000F.