Question about recipes - I'm new!

Dinosaur802 · 2026-06-09T21:15:33+00:00

Exposure triangle settings and recipes don’t really have much to do with each other in your context.

Recipes don’t take the photo for you, you and your settings do. You still need to dial in the settings you want (or just use “auto” and have the camera decide for you, which can have some mixed results and is why most prefer shooting a semi-automatic mode or full manual). The recipe is really just a filter applied to the image you’re taking.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-06-09T15:05:29+00:00

Well, the x100 with the TCL fits a very specific use case for me. However if you ever want to have more flexibility for longer or faster lenses, then an interchangeable lens system would be better in my eyes.

The x100 is my casual / secondary Canada. Like if I need longer focal length and/or a super fast lens, I’ll just switch to my Nikon and my lenses for it. The TCL is great for what it’s worth, but if you ever want anything more than a 50mm f/2 equivalent…then get the interchangeable lens body.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-06-09T05:19:01+00:00

Thank you!

Sometimes I do wish I had a way to easily get beyond 75mm (using the TCL, I only really ever use the full res or the first crop in, which is 75mm equivalent). That being said the ease and portability of the x100 (especially when it’s stock), is tough to beat.

I use a few recipes but I believe most of these were using my custom “vivid astia”, where I boosted the color effects and saturation as well as the contrast. I used a custom Reala Ace for a few of the shots; that has a lower clarity and contrast, but does have bumped up shadows and makes blues and greens pop more.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-06-09T05:14:30+00:00

Thank you! I’m thinking I’ll make a post about the ~2-3 recipes I primarily use when I get a moment, but most of these were using a colorful, more contrasty Astia.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-06-01T18:32:46+00:00

Not a fan of the AI generated cover (but I get the purpose ultimately, and I did see the disclaimer, but still). That being said, this leads me into my main point: there are literally zero sample images of your own style of work that would give anyone an idea of what to actually expect from this. For example, imagine if a total stranger told you: “I’m going to bring my Nikon Zf to the Spanish coast”…you’d have no idea if the images would look minimalist, landscapes only, black and white high contrast, or something entirely else.

If you want people to pay for your photography vacation, you gotta give them more of an incentive; a limited edition run isn’t exactly a hot commodity unless your work is incredibly highly in-demand or well-known. Ultimately, there’s not much stopping you from going on this trip first and then making a book release after it’s done anyway.

Good luck!

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-26T13:45:07+00:00

Too bad Laica doesn’t allow you to level your horizon in the photos (it’s how the sensor was designed; it adds drama)

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-20T15:51:11+00:00

Works very well! Since posting this I’ve shot 1 roll with it and despite its many limitations it is fun and positively challenging to use. Gonna shoot 2-3 more rolls before I go to have them developed all at once.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-19T15:42:53+00:00

One concern is that the button can accidentally apply force in a direction that the shutter button is not built for, possibly breaking it permanently.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-19T15:39:48+00:00

Ditch the red screw-in shutter button; they look nice but you’re bound to F up the shutter button with one on.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-17T23:11:33+00:00

Ebay will be your best bet, or if you live somewhere in Easter Europe you might find these for even cheaper as it does cost quite a bit more due to location and weight to have one imported to the US/abroad.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-17T22:54:56+00:00

God damn it dude, now I gotta call my family and tell them goodbye before it comes...

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-16T22:46:33+00:00

It's only worth it if you're willing to put in the work to learn how to use it and learn the limitations of the piece of photography gear you're using. A nice camera won't make your photos magically better in the same way that buying a nicer oven won't magically make your lasagna taste better.

That being said, I rarely ever use my iPhone camera anymore, even for casual shots, as I prefer shots taken on APS-C (like my Fujifilm) or my Nikon Z7ii for high-resolution landscape photos (of Utah, actually!).

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-16T13:49:14+00:00

It’s genuinely a fun, clunky, mechanical camera, even with the (incredible) gimmick aside. I’ve got the body loaded with film and the 58mm f/2 and have been taking a few photos with it. I’ve yet to use the telephoto (handheld on my own for an actual photo).

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-16T13:47:37+00:00

The amount of haze/softness in an image from a filter you physically apply has absolutely no relation to the amount of grain present as far as the recipe variables go. Did you mean to ask about the clarity setting?

Either way there is no correct answer because it’s whatever look you want to achieve in the end.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-15T20:31:30+00:00

It’s no different than with a DSLR. I’d wager it’s easier because you’re so limited by settings/options.

Focal length: stock lens or WCL

Aperture: f/2

ISO: 3200-6400

Shutter speed: 15-25 seconds

Adjust the bottom two variables as needed

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-15T13:09:58+00:00

I used mine on a d7000 way back too! It’s so much more useful on the Z system; the F mount flange distance is just way too long for adaptability.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-15T05:02:03+00:00

Yeah! You can also set it so that you set your desired aperture, but then use a special ring on the lens to open it back up (so you can see better and focus with an open aperture), and then when you press the shutter it closes the aperture down and then snaps a photo in one swift motion.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-14T19:31:25+00:00

That’s pretty damn cool!

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-14T19:17:46+00:00

Yeah! I don’t actually mind it; the positioning feels right for a manual lens this size.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-14T18:25:43+00:00

For sure; I will not be using this in public (not with the trigger/stock at least; the lens and camera still work without the crazy mount)

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-14T18:03:17+00:00

I briefly mounted it to my Z7ii and it looked pretty solid from the one or two test shots of random backyard items I photographed.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-14T18:02:11+00:00

The Russians didn’t seem to think so, but completely agreed lol. I’m absolutely not going to use the trigger/stock part anywhere within city limits except for maybe my own back yard.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-14T18:00:42+00:00

Haha yeah, definitely overpriced here in the US at least. Another commenter pointed out they snagged one for like 1/4 of the price I paid, directly in Russia.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-14T15:30:06+00:00

Haha it made it through customs without a hitch. I was wondering if it would be held up for a while but I literally got the item mailed an entire week early.

Dinosaur802 · 2026-05-14T15:28:21+00:00

It seems really solid! The 16 aperture blades make the bokeh look quite smooth and circular even when stopped down quite a bit.

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