kesselfallklamm Steiermark – Austria, Ilford HP5+ with Ilfotec DD-X

Even those a grey and weary day was an upon us, photography was at hand. The results from the gloomy weather were a wee treat for the film camera. This time around the Yashica TLR Japanese camera from the 1970s was loaded with the formidable Ilford film.  In these conditions and light a tripod is certain. Along with a cable release to ensure a sharp image. I used mainly the light meter built into the camera. Which works reasonably well. On occasion I did use the handheld light meter when I am in doubt of the light or wish to capture the scene in a more selective way. But I’ll speak about that later in the post.

A little about the location

The Kesselfall is a small gorge in Southern Austria, through which the Rötschbach falls into the Augraben. There are several waterfalls, rapids and basins. The route through the canyon is secured with bridges and ladders. The Kesselfall or Kessel waterfall is close to the city of Graz. It’s also a kind little brother to bigger and better known Bärenschützklamm in Mixnitz.

For me it’s a comfortable 30 minutes drive by car from where I live in the centre of Graz. Which indeed is quite handy when you need your nature fix.

As you can see there wasn’t too much water available in the canyon. Previously before I had photographed the gorge in with my full frame digital many years ago. That time there was plenty of water on show through out the canyon. However only small dribbles of streams were to be photography on this visit. Nonetheless it didn’t deter me from exposing the entire roll of HP5 Ilford medium format film.

The above image the rock structure and leaves, was the interest. Just to see how the film would render this rather noisy and detailed scene. I was curious.

This one more was more selective in terms of composition and light. I use the light meter to get what I wanted. Definitely happy with the outcome of the image and it’s contrast.

While thie one, I guess this isn’t so interesting as I expected. But you live and learn. Perhaps a yellow filter to make the leaves pop may have helped here.

As you can see there wasn’t too much water about. Actually bugger all, nonetheless we carry on as they say well at least in the UK.

Kesselfall – Yashica Ilford HP5, DDX

Again a yellow filter would have helped a great deal on this image to pop the leaves on the tree. But this is what you learn by doing.

While images of the bottom of the canyon and the walkway on the left certainly came out lovely with a mysterious feeling to it. Which is probably my favourite capture of the day.

Developing the Film with Ilfotex DD-X

Massive Dev Chart for HP5+ IlfoTecDDX

How to load the Yashica Mat with Film

Below are some images to illustrate how to load medium format film into the Yashica.

Insert the film and ensure it sits inside the camera correctly. Once it’s ready, turn the handle to advance the film until the arrow aligns to the red arrows on the side of the camera body (see image below).

Final note

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