Captain Cook’s Monument & Roseberry Topping
The two icons make for a rather attractive pair; something I have tried to take advantage
of over the years!
1. 28 December 1999, Leica R6.2, Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/60sec @ f/4.5, Cokin Circular
Polarizer filter 164, Fujichrome Velvia ISO 50.
A ‘classic’ shot, a clear winter’s day allows the landscape to be bathed in low sunlight.
2. 8 October 2000, Leica R6.2, Apo-Macro-Elmarit-R 100mm f/2.8, 1/250sec @ f/4, Cokin
Grey Graduated filter 120, Kodachrome ISO 25.
3. 31 December 2001, Leica R6.2, Apo-Macro-Elmarit-R 100mm f/2.8, 1/500sec @ f/4,
Cokin Grey Graduated filter 122, Kodachrome ISO 64.
Very similar photo to the one above, but with the addition of snow, completely transforms
the landscape.
8. 31 January 1993, Minolta 9000, 28mm f/2.8 + 0.42 fisheye converter (effective
focal length 12mm), 1/30sec @ f/9.5, Fujichrome ISO 100.
There is a similar photo taken on the same day of the monument on its’ own. Note
my shadow; I usually try and omit these sorts of things out of my photos, but I think
it adds to this one.
10. 26 April 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/125sec @ f/4, ISO 100.
In this photo, the railings around the monument dominate the frame, with Roseberry
Topping in the distance.
11. 26 April 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/160sec @ f/6.8, ISO 100.
9. 26 April 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/200sec @ f/6.8, ISO 100.
A similar image to the one above, this time with a more ‘normal’ perspective. These
two photos are separated by 32 years!
12. 5 October 2024, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/250sec @ f/6.8, exposure
compensation +0.6 stop, ISO 100.
Yes, the monument is in the frame - at the very left!
7. 27 December 2000, Leica R6.2, Summicron-R 50mm f/2, 1/60sec @ f/9.5, Kodachrome
ISO 25.
I like the contrast between Roseberry Topping and the two smoke clouds. I believe
this photo was taken on the top of Clay Bank; the smoke will probably be from cooling
towers in the industrial area of Teesside.
4. 31 December 2001, Leica R6.2, Elmarit-R 28mm f/2.8, 1/60sec @ f/3.5, Cokin Grey
Graduated filter 122, Kodachrome ISO 64.
Switching to a wider view for this one, to show more of the surrounding Cleveland
Hills, which dwarf Roseberry Topping and the monument, to such an extent that they
are hardly visible.
5. 10 January 2010, Leica R6.2, Summicron-R 50mm f/2, 1/125sec @ f/9.5, Cokin Grey
Graduated filter 120, Kodachrome ISO 64.
6. 26 January 2013, Leica R6.2, Summicron-R 50mm f/2, 1/125sec @ f/9.5, Cokin Grey
Graduated filter 122, Kodachrome ISO 64.
One of those clear days that make walks in the countryside all the more special.
13. 26 April 2025, Leica SL(601), Elmarit-R 19mm f/2.8, 1/160sec @ f/4, ISO 100.
The monument looks quite majestic here, completely dwarfing Roseberry Topping.
14. 6 April 2026, Leica SL(601), Vario-Elmar-R 105-280mm f/4.2, 1/800sec @ f/4.8,
ISO 100.
Another ‘classic’ image of the pair, taken from the top of Clay Bank, which is around
five miles away.
