QVB On The Xpan

QVB on the Xpan

Early Experiments In The Lab

When we first set the lab up over three years ago we spent a lot of time testing the processes- some early results here-

Looking Through The Archive

Going through all the portable drives I had laying around the office and finding some files I havn’t seen for a long time.

The Xpan and Venice- perfection, this shot is similar to the one we had on the wall in the shop

Looking For A Film Replacement

Now my lab is gone, what to do? Experimenting with the X100T and some cross processing settings through Color Efex Pro. The X100T is the go-to camera for the moment but thinking of moving to the X-T1 with the 23mm f1.4 as I miss the Leica/Summilux combo- unfortunately I am no longer on a Leica budget.

These cameras are my own personal walk around shooting irons, still have the 5D three lens zoom kit for the commercial work.

Fingal Bay

Long exposure on the beach at Fingal

Cross process drums

Cross process bin

Cross process service station

Cross process carnival

Cross process tickets

 

Cross process mask

9D Cinema- cool better than 4K

Cross process laughing clowns

Cross process this high

Cross process hot dogs

H G Nelson

Shot on the Nikon 85mm 1.2 with FP4- my go to film when there is enough light. This was pushed two stops.

Newtown Dog No.4

Another Newtown dog shot on the NEX-7

Air & Water

This time the Leica M7 and the 35mm Cron- not sure what the onsies have to do with petrol but who cares?

Life Was Created Here

Shot with the LCA on Fp4 film- not a bad statement, hope they upgraded to a better mattress

Merry Xmas

Rockin the X100T with Ruff on Christmas Day

Fotoriesel- The Wrap Up

Over the last few years traditional models of photo retailing have become challenged buy the following-

• Lower margins due to manufacturers discounting to selected retailers based on volume deals
• Overseas imports or grey market
• Mobile phones taking over the day to day imaging  chores for most people
• Increasing costs in rent, wages and compliance

This has led some to reinvent and rework businesses that were locked in a pre phone world and attempt to bring them into the reality of today- this is what we attempted at Fotoriesel.

What Worked-

• Specialised products that others stores did not do
• Product knowledge at counter level
• Accessories that enhanced the photography experience
• High quality film printing and processing
• The new range of mirror-less cameras

What Failed-

• Attempting to compete with Canon, Nikon and Leica
• Stocking large ranges of low margin cameras
• Listening to the marketing spin from manufacturers
• Not capitalising on your core strengths
• Deviating from the business plan

In the end the debt from the previous years trading loss got us in the end and the restructured profitable business could not cover it quick enough- lesson for everyone there. The ideal future store would be-

• Printing & processing
• Film, paper chem
• Accessories
• Travel and trekking
• Second hand
• Mirrorless

If anyone have the funds to do this and needs some help give me a call, if not just buy Fotoriesel because its already there.

The Last Of the X100T

The verdict- Its good and the lens is great but in the end I think the A7s is better. For the money, its a great little camera but I keep thinking I was getting better shots from the RX100mkIII.