10^3 Words

D3200 @ ISO1600; Canon P, Canon "Serenar" 135/4
pro lab developing in Xtol

I was able to capture this image while sitting at a wedding (on the bride’s side, if that matters), using a long lens on a rangefinder. The Canon P has framelines for 135 mm lenses, and they came in handy for this moment. The lens I was using didn’t have great light-gathering power, but shooting Ilford’s Delta 3200 certainly helped. I usually rate it at ISO1600, which depending on who you ask is actually a push; its “true” ISO is known to be less than 3200, probably more like 1200. The Unblinking Eye, among other places, has some good information on exposure and development for this film.

I’ve always liked D3200 for its push performance, which it’s obviously designed for; in my experience, contrast stays manageable and the texture can’t be beat. Since this is a relatively low-light photo, grain tends to be exaggerated; this gives an atmospheric quality that I like.