The Malvern Hills - Fuji 400H
The New Year tradition of a good winter walk had to wait a few days, but when the Malvern Hills were mentioned, and the weather forecast showing clear skies at sunrise we had to go.
The Malvern Hills are a series of small peaks (the highest being 425m) of igneous rock jutting up from the flat surrounding land, forming an eight mile long chain. With a north / south orientation, sunrise would be visible from anywhere along the hills.
Leaving home in the pitch black early January morning, it was only an 80 minute drive to the car park arriving half an hour before sunrise, with the dawn light revealing overnight snowfall on the peaks! What an unexpected bonus.
With expectations of golden morning light covering the eastern side of the hills, I chose one roll of Fuji 400H to shoot in the Fujica G690. Eight shots of 6x9 glory…
Fujica G690 BL - Fuji 400H
Within ten minute of summiting one of the lower peaks, there it was - not the most amazing sunrise I have ever seen, but still - sunrise is a magical time.
With the light getting better by the minute we continued on to the highest point - the Worcestershire Beacon. With the moon fading to the west over Herefordshire, you can see for miles up here - even as far as The Brecon Beacons’ snow capped peaks (which I imagine were rammed full of people for sunrise).
Fujica G690 BL - Fuji 400H
Looking North to the imaginatively named North Hill, we followed the path anti-clockwise around, with unbelievable temperature changes from pleasantly warm in the sun on the eastern flank with not a breath of wind to absolutely freezing on the western side with icy winds blasting you in the face! The ground was frozen solid and rather difficult to stay upright at times.
Fujica G690 BL - Fuji 400H
With thoughts of coffee and cake in the town, we headed back south along the ridgeline with spectacular views all the way - slipping and sliding in the realization that I need some new walking boots!
Although the 6x9 format really limits how many frames you have, this is actually a good thing making you focus on getting great shots, rather than good ones.
Fujica G690 BL - Fuji 400H
This is only the second roll through the Fujica G690, and the 400H was bought for one purpose - to see how good the G690 is for landscapes, and wow did it deliver. I could not have asked for better light and conditions. It is quickly becoming one of my favourite cameras, and produces some incredible images. With plenty more Winter left, I need to get some more of this film, and plan another good walk…