Star Trails Tutorial using 35mm Film (Part 1 of 2)

[AreaQNH870]

Digital SUCKS!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

*chuckles* Try telling that to DSLR users who claimed they did 8 hours exposure with absolutely noise free results. :)

[ParanoidGallows]

Can I do the same thing with my Kiev 88?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

That's a Hasselblad knockoff, we recommend using 35mm format for more rectangular images to increase the chances of getting the star trails within the frame.

[ParanoidGallows]

@Lilkiwiguy87 But it's medium format. The negative is bigger - 3 to 4 times bigger. I don't get how it would have less chance of getting star trails within the frame.

If I were to use a 35mm camera, which cameras would you personally recommend?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes, we know it's a medium format camera. We're talking about getting wider shots with a rectangular film (i.e. 35mm) with a wide angle lens. On a medium format camera, even with a wide angle lens attached, you'll still get square shots. In other words, you get more within the frame with 35mm film than with medium format film.

You can do this with any fully mechanical 35mm SLR. We don't know what's your budget, so, we can't make a recommendation.

[ParanoidGallows]

@Lilkiwiguy87 My budget would be about $700

[Lilkiwiguy87]

*rubs chin* Nikon F3HP and 24mm ƒ/2.8 AIS. Try looking on KEH because you can only find those used. Be sure to buy the lens in New, Like New, or Excellent condition, no less.  Good luck.

[ParanoidGallows]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Thanks! One last question: I found 6x4.5 film backs for my Kiev 88 on ebay. Would this work?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

With that camera back equipped, the top and bottom spaces of your film will be blocked and blacked out. That's it.  How about getting an ultra wide angle lens for your camera? It's another option to get more within the frame.

[ParanoidGallows]

@Lilkiwiguy87 The widest angle lens I have for my Kiev 88 is a 45mm lens which is equivalent to a 24mm lens on 35mm format. The only other lens available for this system which is wider is a Zodiak-8B 30mm fisheye which is equivalent to a 16mm lens on 35mm format.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Phooey, you're already set to go. Now, have fun! :)

[747todasky]

Intense, i have tried capturing trails before, now, i know what went wrong for me, i have learned much here, thank you

[ExpandedConsciousnes]

Hate to sound like an idiot..

but would this work with a cannon eos rebel g film camera?

[superkiwizorro]

@ExpandedConsciousnes no, you can't because it's powered by batteries, not mechanically.

[teknoplayer]

Will this work with a Minolta Dynax 7?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Nope.

[teknoplayer]

@Lilkiwiguy87 But, it's a film camera and i have a 35 mm lens. :(

[Lilkiwiguy87]

It's battery-powered and the shutter release button doesn't have a threaded hole for you to screw a shutter release cable in. You would need much, much older mechanic camera that can operate without batteries and has a threaded hole on the shutter release button.

[PS2Reviewer]

Will this work with a zenit ttl

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yep.

[stanfordcommajack]

which FM model is this? is it the FM2? Thanks

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Original Nikon FM (aka FM1).

[evjcc]

What nikon camera did you use to take these pictures?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

What computer did you use to type your comment?

[quintano20]

Great Video Tutorial! I have question pertaining about the camera. Is it okay to use a Nikon F100 camera to shoot star trails? I am just curious of it. Thanks :)

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Unfortunately, no, any battery-powered film SLR is not recommended to do star trails. The cold temperature can make the batteries drain faster, which means the long exposure won't last very long. You can try, though, by using fresh primary (non-rechargable) Duracell Coppertop AA Alkalines. Leave the camera in bag for 20 minutes to acclimate to the temperature change before using, you might have some luck.

[FatBoyPhoto]

Wonderful video!!! I had a question for you though. I own a minolta X700 I have the 50mm and the 28mm now to do these star trail amazing pictures..:D would you recommend I use the 50 or the 28? I've been researching this star trail stuff for awhile and I read that it s a good idea to find the north star and go from they is that true? Ok one more thing... :) what film would you recommend if you can't find the tungsten 64.. The one with the lowest iso possible? Thanks again and sorry for the long

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Definitely use the 28mm, the wider, the better. Yes, point at the Northern Star because it will stay in same place as the other stars will rotate accordingly with Earth's rotation. You could try FujiChrome Velvia 50 with KB12 (or 85) multicoated glass filter. This filter will convert the daylight color temperature into tungsten color temperature. Expect some warmth in the blue night sky.

[Tikalization]

Hey man how are you?

I'd like to ask you a question that I think you could answer without a problem. Knowing that your a re a pro.

I have a Minolta X-370 with a MD 50mm 1: 1.7 49mm, and I'm staring with photography. This is my passion and I like to know if for begginers this camera would work or maybe you have any suggestions in SRL 35mm film cameras that work just right for me. I'm very intersted in 35mm film cameras 'cause of my budget. Any tips would be great.

Thanks in advance!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Hah, we do not consider ourselves "pro" but thanks anyway.

Unfortunately, the Minolta X-370 (all models) does not have the ability to connect a shutter release cable. We can browse and recommend a different model for you. But, the question is, do you want to keep the 50mm lens? Or would you want to switch brands just for this application? Let us know.

[Tikalization]

Thanks man! Fantastic videos!!! You should do more tutorials of 35mm film.

[Tikalization]

I was watching the video, and my question is this. Are you actually using the camera without batteries. is it possible to take pictures without them?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Oh, yes, you could. The battery is for the camera's meter. Everything else runs mechanically.

[shaneuk666]

0:13, incredible. 

[Freakkk10122]

Okay...so I just bought a canon af35m and I was wondering if anyone can help! What kinda of film do I use, 35m film? Walmart doesn't develop anymore....so do I go to walgreens?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Why wasn't you paying attention? You use Fujichrome Tungsten 64 35mm film.

Many one-hour photo labs don't develop speciality films, have a professional printing lab do it for you for a little extra.

[madsadman]

Hey great video... Why did you remove the batteries??

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Some battery-operated cameras' shutter mirror will drop to end the exposure when the battery is running low or dead. Those coin batteries are easily drainable.

[Nachtwolke]

It is absolutly wrong that dslrs can not be used to do star trails. The opposit is right dslrs are great cameras for this kind of work, because they offer much more control about the resulting image, especially in lightpollutes areas.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Doesn't matter which DSLR are being used; none will survive an hour.

Why don't you try doing a 8 hours exposure to see for yourself?

[TenYearsGone10]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Hey, I usually get great results in my star trails, but I do not cover the viewfinder as you directed me to, and when the exposure is over 40 minutes (The Majority) I get white glare in the top corners. Does this sound like something that would be caused by not covering the viewfinder? Great Video, Thanks.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes. Light managed to enter the viewfinder during the long exposure. Please search "Viewfinder Cover Mini Explanation" on YouTube to learn more.

[TenYearsGone10]

@Lilkiwiguy87 Appreciate it.

[hybryd83]

I started star trail shooting about 4 years ago with Velvia 50. When Fuji announced the Velvia 100 as a replacement of the old 50 emulsion, I tried and found it very pleasing. I still have some rolls in the fridge but as soon as possible I'll ttry the new 50 as well. For me the Kodak ektrachrome 100 VS was a complete disaster. I found Canon's CMOS equipped DSLRs pretty usable for shorter exposures (less than an hour and NR OFF). One last question: DEW. It's a nightmare for me.

[SteezyyDeezyy]

is the nikon FE good?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yes.

[AsphericalElements]

Hi, what do you think about the Minolta SR1 35mm SLR camera with a 50mm Rokkor lens, is this camera and good and would it do the job?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

The SLR is fine. The 50mm would have to be either ƒ/1.7 or lower maximum aperture (to give you sharp results at F/8 while ƒ/1.4 models do not hold it up).

[Derikgolf78]

HI, I was realize and learn from you, about Star Trails Tutorial using 35mm Film show to how! so I want question about film use which ISO:50? or Tungsten-64 ? thank God I have 100 x 150mm ND2,4,8!

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Never use ND filters to do long exposures (it worsens the chromatic aberrnation, aka color fringes).

The ASA sensitivity is very much a user's preference, ASA 50 would allow you do much longer exposure than ASA 64 (Fujifilm Tungsten). The reason why I chose Tungsten-64 is because it makes the black sky appear more blueish rather than just black.

The lowest ASA sensitive, the longer exposure you can do. You can even use ASA 12 film to do 24 hours exposure in North Pole during winter. :)

[GizzmoSniper]

Could i use a Hasselblad?

i got Kodak portra 160VC

i might go buy slr camera. Wich model would you recommend, (I prefer Nikon so i can use Nikkor lenses)

I looked after Nikon FM and foud some. Top priority is Night and star trail photograhy.

[Lilkiwiguy87]

You could use a Hasselblad but it is too heavy (you would need a rock solid tripod so it won't wobble).

HARDCORE mechanical cameras are: Nikon F-Series (Prism / Photomic viewfinder), F2-Series (Prism / Photomic viewfinder), F3-Series, FM, F2MA, EM, EG, etc. No upper models because it uses a battery to work.

[C4dor]

does FM2 count? Thanks

[Lilkiwiguy87]

Yup, another hardcore mechanical camera.

[davorfilms]

Hey there, how is it with the FM3A?

[Lilkiwiguy87]

No problem with the FM3A, it could operate without any need for batteries.

[davorfilms]

Thanks for the info!

[Redblurz]

i think i will try this on my old Canon Ftb :D

thx for the great vid joey!

[canonsucks]

Great Vid joey, i can't wait to go out and try this.

oh and excellent choice in music for this video! Thieves Like Us is one of my all time favorite songs.