Oct 11

Oct 11 Explained - Failed Provia 100f with the Canon A1 - Banff, Alberta

On this episode of Focal Collective we FAILED and over-exposed a roll of Provia 100f on the Canon A1 while backpacking around Banff, Alberta. This video gives a behind the scenes look at the photos taken with this camera and what the overexposed shots look like. The Canon A1 is a great 35mm film camera for beginners, though slide film still proves challenging to properly expose the highlights utilizing the camera's built-in light meter.

Canon A1

This is my first film-SLR camera - it’s the camera that kick-started my interest in photo and eventually video. With a built-in light meter, intuitive controls, and Aperture / Shutter Priority modes, it is perfect for beginners. It also looks great as an accessory / prop if you’re looking for that vintage vibe! Back in 2013 I bought the camera and lens used for $60 while I was living in Australia. Current prices on ebay are within the $100 - $200 range.

Shooting Slide Film in Banff, Alberta

Fujifilm’s Provia 100f is a slide film and was chosen since it has less saturated colors and contrast than other film stocks. Provia 100f replaced Fujifilm’s Provia 100 due to its improved color fading resistance. Overall, it was a solid choice to bring out the details in the Canadian Rockies.

Film Rating, Camera Settings, and Overexposure

The film is rated at ISO 100 and was shot at ISO 100. The camera was kept in Aperture Priority Mode with a relatively wide aperture. A lot of things can go wrong when shooting slide film, these film stocks are notoriously less forgiving than traditional negative film stocks. Overexposed slide film tends to discolor as well.

In this case, my light meter was likely metering for different areas of the scene inconsistently (midtone , highlight, shadow). The metering mode was not appropriately accounting for the amount of light in the scene and therefor the camera’s auto-features failed to find the right exposure. When shooting slide film it’s important to shoot in manual mode and pick a consistent area of the scene to meter for -(I. E only highlights). You can use light metering apps on your phone for more accurate readings.

Additionally, make sure your camera has fresh batteries. One of our YouTube subscribers pointed out that a low battery is likely to mess with your shutter speed despite what the camera sets it to during light metering.

Adapt Vintage Lens to Modern Digital Cameras

The FD 50mm f/1.4 Lens is a manual focus lens made by Canon in Japan. The best part about having this lens is that I can adapt it to my Sony e-mount camera bodies using the Fotasy Canon FD Lens to Sony E-Mount Adapter. If you are shooting other camera systems, I’m sure there are other adapters available for your needs. The lens, of course, remains manual focus.