On a Roll in Québec Pt. I — Montréal

While planning a recent trip to Québec for some exploration & connection I wondered what camera to bring. I traveled around México earlier this year and took around 1000 shots with my Fuji digital setup. Two lenses, minimal fuss and an attempt to slow down and take stock, not drop the hammer on the shutter every block. Trust me, I could have taken 10x that amount in those two weeks, easy.

This time, I opted to go even slower and more minimal. I took one analog camera, one lens and one roll of film (plus my iphone of course). My trusty Pentax was the right choice paired with my Sigma Mini-Wide 28mm/f2.8. And the film? Why not take an untested, limited edition experimental colour film from Harman Photo, perhaps better known for their legendary Ilford B&W films? Top it off with a light meter not functioning as desired and I stepped into an eight day trip with a 36-image cap rattling around in my mind. At some point I thought, why didn’t I bring two rolls? And maybe something I have shot before, understanding how it exposes and what colours will pop. Nah, let’s go back to basics and just feel it out.

I mostly used the Sunny 16 rule — 1/ISO and f16 in full sunlight and adjusting as needed for cloud, shade or indoors. I downloaded a light meter app, double checked a few shots and confirmed I was in the ballpark with my estimations. I also planned to ‘pull’ the shots in development, so I shot this ISO 200 roll at 100. So many ways to mess this up but it was time find some pics!

Montréal ended up with 20 of the 38 frames I got out of this roll. Fair enough, lots to see and do in this fine town. We rode Bixi from Chinatown to Villeray for brunch, walked Plaza St. Hubert, then rode down to Mile End to compare bagels and lounge around like the locals. Later, we walked to the Tam Tams drum gathering and then climbed up Mont Royal, panting as we checked out the cityscape, and Leonard, from the top. Another day found us riding Bixi from Old Montréal to Verdun, a relaxed ride along the Lachine Canal and towards the St. Lawrence where everyone was out sunning after a cool spring. Montréal has a great vibe and these unique neighbourhoods combine for a very mellow scene when the sun is out on a Sunday afternoon. Lush greenways are a pleasure to cycle and there is always a café or bakery nearby (we call this fuel). Montréal is very bike-friendly, as advertised.

The Harman Phoenix Colour Film I brought is indeed experimental and the results are interesting. Super deep, rich colour in full daylight when underexposed; flare and halation in the reds on reflected surfaces, faded skies and hazy shadows when over. I am not sure what the best lighting is for this film, but I am quite happy with some of these (unexpected) results. Full frame scans below, thanks to local developer Mr Consistent. See what you think below and let me know what pops for you!

More from this analog set coming up soon. Please click the first image to view large as a slideshow.

Montréal, Québec, 2024.