Analog photography and I have a love/hate relationship. When we click, the satisfaction is unparalleled in ways I don't easily get from other mediums. Getting a roll of film back from the lab and finding out that the image I was looking forward to seeing most turned out precisely the way I wanted feels wonderful. The vision was realized as intended, giving me a sense of pride and confidence in my work. Searching further through the roll and discovering a throwaway frame at the end of the roll is actually my favorite, though—that's even better.
Of course, there's always a flip side to that coin. Half the time I get a roll back, I don't find a single one I think is worthy of a second look. Too often, I'll question why I even bothered, why I spent money to shoot, develop, and scan such mediocrity. I remember my mirrorless Z6 is "free" and instant, devoid of the problems posed by analog, and far more forgiving. The frustration of trying and failing deals a blow to my pride and confidence in my work, leading me to wonder if I should try again or give it a rest. It's a brutal reminder that I have much to learn despite knowing how to work the device and understanding the principles.
The simple concept of risk vs. reward is the best way to describe it.
While I've played with a variety of 35mm film stocks over the last few years, I don't think any of them mirror my love/hate relationship with analog photography better than Ilford HP5 Plus. I don't like it as much as Kodak's Tri-X, nor do I prefer it over Ilford's FP4 Plus or PAN F. It's grainy with a dirtier, softer look and mid-range contrast. In fact, it's my least favorite monochromatic film stock that I've personally run through the OM-10. That said, I keep buying it because when I do get an image I like, it reinvigorates my interest in film photography. 23 of the 24 frames could be a dull mess, but if that remaining photo is a hit, the roll was worth it and I forget the bad in favor of celebrating the good.
Below is a collection of HP5 images that I like. Not all of them will be to your liking, nor should they be. They're just the ones I think about when I consider buying another roll and snapping it into the OM-10. All photos were made in Cincinnati.
Race and Liberty, Over-the-Rhine
Looking north on Main Street, Over-the-Rhine
A group of women order drinks from the bar at PINS, Over-the-Rhine
A fire hydrant with a sticker. I don’t remember taking this photo or which neighborhood I was in.
Annie leads Charlie past the Dunlap Cafe, Over-the-Rhine
Colby Alley, Over-the-Rhine
A study in contrasts, Central Business District
Race Street, Over-the-Rhine
Berry Avenue, Bellevue
Court Street, Central Business District
Ashley in our former apartment, Central Business District
Looking south on Main Street, Central Business District
Washington Park with Music Hall in the background, Over-the-Rhine
Findlay Street, Over-the-Rhine
E 3rd Street, Central Business District
A man walks alone on Race Street, Over-the-Rhine
Yeatman’s Cove at the edge of the Ohio River, Central Business District
Findlay Market on a busy Sunday morning, Over-the-Rhine
An autumn pumpkin sits on a porch, Bellevue
Butler Street, Central Business District
E 5th Street, Central Business District
Dunlap Cafe, Over-the-Rhine