This is a small follow-up to Notting Hill Carnival 2023. I also carried with me the Leica M4 and Summicron 50mm v5 loaded with a roll of Kosmo Photo Agent Shadow.
This is the first time I use this 400 ISO film, and I don’t have a lot of info on it. Is it a knock-off of some existing formula ? I am not sure. It is said to be a 400-ISO panchromatic black-and-white film, so far so good. I read that the Mono 100 was some rebranded Fomapan 100, so it is likely to be a rebranded film, maybe Kentmere or Fomapan, I cannot find any decisive information.
The day was super bright anyway so al these shots were taken around F8 and 1/250th. I don’t this I measured for each shot, rather once for all.
These shots turn out to be quite pleasing to my taste, with good contrast and a lot of details. I would say probably a bit better that my average Ilford HP5 rolls, but once again the conditions were very good that day.
Last week end was Notting Hill Carnival in … Notting Hill area in London. The party last 3 days with the Monday, that falls on a public holiday being the “adult” carnival.
About two millions of people, converge to the area for a Caribbean, African, South American party.
It was my first time and as much as I like a street party this is a bit borderline. It was already very difficult to move where reaching Notting Hill gate, I was not sure it was such a good idea.
Very light closing, lot of booze, that shouted for a cocktail for a not so family friendly afternoon.
But then you go by the back streets ( because the wife said so ) and you get close to the action, people are cool and happy campers, music is loud and enticing.
So well you grab your Leica and lets the fun begin.
I carried the M262 and 35mm Summicron Asph v2 as usual ( I am boring ) and no change of lens. I also put in my bag a M4 with Summicron 50, but that will be for another time.
Once again the 35 is a great lens for such event where you can stand in the crowd. Compared with London Pride where you had to stay outside of the action, this is an opportunity for close encounters.
Moving location we found a nice spot where in between sound systems I met a group of film shooters.
The arrival of a Brazilian batucada was a welcome change in between blasting sound systems.
… temperature was rising
Photographer trying to convince a dancer to pose. This guys was doing some off camera flash shots and was pretty good at directing “models”.
Everybody was pretty happy to pose.
Above is a group of French speaking participants, the carnival is a real babel.
You already know I am not a mass shooter so all in all I shot below 200 frames in 2 hours, and maybe 3/4 of a fil roll, that is not very professional I know. But I am just a hobbyist. I will off course put 2024 Carnival in my agenda. Advise to self ( and others if they are interested ) : travel light, just bring the M262 and 35 and maybe the M6 and 50, avoid bringing a bag its hard to move with one in the crowd. Also pay more attention to the shutter speed, maybe it is time to play with the auto ISO.
So 4th of June 23 was a beautiful Sunday, where I forgot receiving an invite to join “Drum & Bass On The Bike” at 2pm at Wellington arch. But anyway as fate has it, by 5h30 I passed by the said arch and noticed there was quite a crowd.
Last week end (2nd to 5th of June) was the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, a celebration giving some picture opportunities.
Friday, all started by the air parade shot from my window with the crappy Canon Serenar 135F4 mounted on the Leica M262. The lens was already mounted on the camera, I was just playing around last week.
WWII planes, I think a Lancaster bomber and four spitfires
The city was generally dressed up in national colours and royal memorabilia’s. Here the newspaper kiosk on Sloane Square, shot with the Summaron 35mmF2.8, the M version with goggles. I really went al vintage lenses this week,
A couple of “street parties” happened through the kingdom over he week end, mostly involving food and drinks, here in Mayfair Friday.Paul Smith window in Marylebone.I was expecting more silliness in the street, but ok some people really played the game.
Friday a steel band was playing on Kings Road, a couple of ladies made their best to warm up the atmosphere.
The queen of the afternoon
But they were not alone.
Even the Chelsea Pensioners were out.
Some people were rushing to parties in the hood.
The party went on until Sunday.
Chinatown
People rushed to the Mall on Sunday morning to see the parade.
But I met Stan Laurel.
and actually walking against the flow, we reached Hyde Park Corner and met the parade, with no crowd at all.
Sunday I changed the lens for the Summaron 35mmF3.5 ltm, a better choice as it is easier to focus without the goggles.
After watching so many horses, we moved to the Belgravia street party on Elizabeth street (the well named).
God save the queenThe queen
And all finished with a bit of music (and beer)
If you are not bored by now, I will have some film shots from Saturday to post as well.
All shots with Leica M262, with in order the Canon Serenar 135mmF4 ltm, the Summaron 35mmF2.8 M, the Summaron 35mmF3.5 ltm
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