I developed these today. I was real disappointed in the scans. There was a lot of noise in them. But other than that what do you think? They came out with a sepia tone to them so I adjusted some in Lightroom
Greg.

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/cosmonaut1959/hobodev01.jpg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/cosmonaut1959/hobosdev10.jpg

VERY nice Greg!!! Congrats on your first negs! I'm looking forward to learning along the way with you. This is gonna be fun :)

I like the second one the best, looks great. Why in this digital age are you doing your own film?

I like the second one the best, looks great. Why in this digital age are you doing your own film?

It's just something I have always wanted to do. If I knew it was this easy I would have done it a long time ago. It's a piece of cake.
Greg

I can't see them, here at work.
But I will say, WAY TO GO!
It's a very intimate process isn't it!
What's your plan now? Will you find a community darkroom or something to make a print now or what?
Keep it up!
Film RULES!
:thumbsup:
Brian

Hi Greg, Nice shots! Looks like you're off to a great start! :thumbsup: I'm so glad to see more people doing this. Did you shoot these with your Canonet?

Paul

I can't see them, here at work.
But I will say, WAY TO GO!
It's a very intimate process isn't it!
What's your plan now? Will you find a community darkroom or something to make a print now or what?
Keep it up!
Film RULES!
:thumbsup:
Brian

Brian, I actually have a room here at home that is dark enough. I used it to load my film in the developer. I bought an enlarger at a yard sale last weekend and it seems to work. I think I am going to do all of my B&W in house. Your right Brian there's nothing like pulling it out of the developer an seeing the negs developed. Thanks Brian.
Greg

Brian, I actually have a room here at home that is dark enough. I used it to load my film in the developer. I bought an enlarger at a yard sale last weekend and it seems to work. I think I am going to do all of my B&W in house. Your right Brian there's nothing like pulling it out of the developer an seeing the negs developed. Thanks Brian.
Greg
You Go Gary!!
I am working on a darkroom in my room too, but I see it taking a while to do.
I'll have to build a wall to close it off and a sink, plus some eletrical and plumbing work.
I have an enlarger, 16x"20" easel and a Gralab Timer.
I want to get a nicer archival print washer, and I'll need a safe light or two as well.
I have a post about it on my blog here, you can see what it looks like now and what I hope it will look like when it's completed.
I look forward to hearing more about your experiences with FILM!!.
:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
If you don't know about it, check out www.apug.org, it's a forum for film photography.
Brian

I'm so jealous of you guys that have space for a dark room. :cryin:

I'm so jealous of you guys that have space for a dark room. :cryin:

You're not the only one :(

Why in this digital age are you doing your own film?

Call me crazy but, I think the D50 is getting traded in for a medium format set-up :o

I'm so jealous of you guys that have space for a dark room. :cryin:

I never thought I'd have one, ever..
But when we moved into our house last year, it has this space that we didn't know quite what to do with, and all I could see was DARKROOM!
Read it my blog! Someday Soon This Space Will Be A Darkroom.... (http://forums.photographyreview.com/blog.php?do=showentry&e=265&enum=22)

Brian
:thumbsup:

Why in this digital age are you doing your own film?

This is just the humble opinion of mtbbrian, but I think that you'll see a renaissance of sorts in "analog photography" because of constant upgrades in digital technology.
I think people will grow weary of all of that and want to focus on just making images. Plus using an "analog" camera is lot simplier than your average dSLR, some people don't want a camera that has several buttons, menus and sub-menus and all that. Call me a luddite, and I don't eschew digital photography, it's just that analog is my preferred method of doing photography.
I feel that film is still very viable and won't be dieing as it is often argued to death in various places.
Brian

I never thought I'd have one, ever..
But when we moved into our house last year, it has this space that we didn't know quite what to do with, and all I could see was DARKROOM!
Read it my blog! Someday Soon This Space Will Be A Darkroom.... (http://forums.photographyreview.com/blog.php?do=showentry&e=265&enum=22)

Brian
:thumbsup:

I know, I've read it. That's why I'm jealous! :p If I ever move to another house that has a good spot for it, I'll build one too. Good luck with it!

Paul

Call me crazy but, I think the D50 is getting traded in for a medium format set-up :o

That's not crazy. My D70 gets very little use these days, but I just can't seem to let go of it. I figure with as little use as it gets, it should last me until I can buy a $500 consumer grade DSLR with the features of a D3 and the size of a D40. :D

To respond to Tyson's question... Although I seem to prefer the look of film over digital, it's not just that. I prefer the whole process. When I have only a small number of shots, and each one of them costs something in money and time, I think more about what I'm doing, and I think I make better pictures because of it. That doesn't mean it's better or I have anything against digital. I just think it forces me into the right state of mind...it raises the stakes. I've also begun to think that way about prime lenses. When I can't just zoom in or out, I have to be more creative with the field of view that's available to me. And last but not least, I love my RF and I can't afford an M8.

Paul

That's not crazy. My D70 gets very little use these days, but I just can't seem to let go of it. I figure with as little use as it gets, it should last me until I can buy a $500 consumer grade DSLR with the features of a D3 and the size of a D40. :D

To respond to Tyson's question... Although I seem to prefer the look of film over digital, it's not just that. I prefer the whole process. When I have only a small number of shots, and each one of them costs something in money and time, I think more about what I'm doing, and I think I make better pictures because of it. That doesn't mean it's better or I have anything against digital. I just think it forces me into the right state of mind...it raises the stakes. I've also begun to think that way about prime lenses. When I can't just zoom in or out, I have to be more creative with the field of view that's available to me. And last but not least, I love my RF and I can't afford an M8.

Paul

The way I figure, I still have a couple nice digital P&S cameras for bdays, holidays, etc when I'll want a bunch of snapshots. As for the process, you are right. I find myself paying much more attention to what I'm doing and looking at what I want to shoot from many angles and with different framing before I snap a single shot. Plus, there is absolutely no way you can compare the feeling of uploading pics from a memory card to pulling a freshly developed roll out of the tank. One big problem that I have discovered though is shooting digital and editing in Lightroom have set me up with A LOT of bad shooting habits :(

...One big problem that I have discovered though is shooting digital and editing in Lightroom have set me up with A LOT of bad shooting habits :(

This happened to me too. When it's easy to "correct" my mistakes, I have less incentive to prevent them in the first place. It's really just a matter of discipline, but I need that extra kick to keep me in line.

Paul

It's really just a matter of discipline, but I need that extra kick to keep me in line.

Paul

If I can help in this department, just say the word.......:devil: :wink: :rolleyes: :p :D :thumbsup:

Brian

Hi Greg, Nice shots! Looks like you're off to a great start! :thumbsup: I'm so glad to see more people doing this. Did you shoot these with your Canonet?

Paul


Paul. I shot this with my Rebel 2000. Some how the film in the Canonet got messed up in the cooking process.LOL.

You don't need a darkroom just a changing bag. Unless you are going to make prints
Thanks everyone. This is certainly fun. I read an artical in a magazine a couple of weeks ago that stated digital color was better than film? I always thought the other. I have been looking for the artical and was going to post it in VF and see what everyone here thought. The people that run the diital vs film test was Pop Photo.
For me I hope to shoot film and digital. But would like to do all of my B&W in house. I really love my 510. I don't see ever going back to film only.

You don't need a darkroom. A changing bag is all. Unless you are going to make prints.

Oh, I know. :thumbsup: I'm just talking about making prints. I developed two rolls of Tri-X in my kitchen last night, and I'll be scanning some of it tonight. :cool: Stay tuned...

Did your Canonet roll get messed up in processing or in the camera? Destroying some film is part of the learning process...and you'll never stop learning. :D

Paul

I think I cooked the film to long? I will try the Canonet agin....

Here is another from the same roll. This one I didn't do anything to other than crop and add a border.
Greg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/cosmonaut1959/clockdev01.jpg

My first "darkroom" was our bathroom and I stuffed a towel at the bottom of the door. Don't need hi-tech for film processing.

Just think, guys, after you do this a while, the next step is processing color E-6 transparencies. Not that much harder - just a few more steps.

And Aaron, if you do go medium format, the film loads onto the reels easier than 35mm :wink:


Glad to see the art still lives.

Good for you, Greg! Looks nice. Scanning has more of a learning curve than developing, IME. You'll get there. I agree with Brian about developing film being more interesting with all of the digital upgrades going on. A few years ago, I spent a fortune on a DSLR - twice as much as I spent for a new F100, in a camera with much lower capabilities. I don't regret it, but there's something a little disheartening about seeing it get obseleted a few times. Of course, if I really got into developing I'd need to build a darkroom and it won't happen at this house - at least for the time being (long story). Or, I could upgrade the scanner but again that's money...

And Aaron, if you do go medium format, the film loads onto the reels easier than 35mm

I found that too, with the 120 I used. The film roll is pretty short (12 exp of 6x6) but just be careful not to crease it. Once again, just a matter of getting the feel for it.


Glad to see the art still lives.

Yes, me too!

I must either have the greatest 35mm reel or the worst 120 reel, because I think 120 is much harder to load. My 35mm reel is made by Hewes, and it has little hooks in the center that hold the first few sprocket holes, so when you start winding the film it goes on straight and easy. My 120 real just has a spring clamp, so it's not held straight. I have a much harder time getting it started. When it's just a little bit crooked it gets all crinkled up. I've never had a crease mark on 35mm, but I've had several on 120.

Paul

Here is another from the same roll. This one I didn't do anything to other than crop and add a border.
Greg

http://i84.photobucket.com/albums/k35/cosmonaut1959/clockdev01.jpg

From this print I say that the negative is to thin or dark or not the correct exposure. The film you should see the negative image without any problems. If I have my home internet up I will post some photos of negatives. With film you have so much leeway, as you can take a thin negative and us a high contrast paper and the print will look just fine.

I've never had a crease mark on 35mm, but I've had several on 120.

There's a "touch" involved with loading film on a reel, and it's different between 35mm and 120. MF film is almost twice as wide and the film itself is a little thicker (120, at least - never used 220). Sounds like both of your reels are not the same style. Can you get a 120 reel that is similar to your 35mm? I have only used Nikor style reels (no relation to Nikon) which are stainless steel, and the film is only held on by a spring clamp in the middle. Since 120 is so much wider it's a little harder to judge exactly where center is so you can clip it in the right spot, but use the edges of the reel to help guide the film.

I have seen film guides for 120, which are a curved piece of stainless steel. Never tried one, but they're supposed to help keep the film from creasing and keep it centered. Maybe this would help - I've seen them on ebay many times.

This is just the humble opinion of mtbbrian, but I think that you'll see a renaissance of sorts in "analog photography" because of constant upgrades in digital technology.

I've been thinking about this a little more. For one thing, it's nice to give the computer a break occasionally... :) It is tough to be a photographer - especially one active on forums - and not do anything digitally so I think that a scanner is necessary. A digital P&S wouldn't do it unless that's the camera you choose to do serious work with (nothing wrong with them, btw) because then it might only be used for snapshots and you wouldn't have a way of showing your best work.

Fortunately scanners have seemed to hit a plateau (good as they're going to get, or are people not buying them anymore?) so there isn't a need for upgrading them everytime you turn around. A really nice 35mm scanner is about the same price as an entry DSLR, and judging by all of them that I see out and around it's a "reasonable" price for an amateur to spend on a piece of equipment. More reasonable for some than others, but hopefully you get my point... Two years from now there probably won't be a newer scanner made (and if there is it will only have slight changes) but the DSLR may have been replaced twice.

Only problem I have is that with B&W, it's hard not to want to get into the larger formats (6x6 or larger, medium format in particular). You're doing all that work, so you might as well have a big negative to work with. But - now we're talking two grand for a film scanner.

Of course a darkroom with a big enlarger would be great, but I just don't have the option right now. Since I do have a 35mm scanner, I suppose I should "put up or shut up" :D and try to pick up some more developing equipment. Sold all of it when I was convinced I wouldn't miss it, but times change. Good winter project?

I just hope this "renaissance of sorts" doesn't happen before I can get my hands on a Hasselblad 500c or 500c/m at a cheap price :D Just stick with the digital cameras people, stick with the digital...LOL

I've been thinking about this a little more. For one thing, it's nice to give the computer a break occasionally... :) It is tough to be a photographer - especially one active on forums - and not do anything digitally so I think that a scanner is necessary. A digital P&S wouldn't do it unless that's the camera you choose to do serious work with (nothing wrong with them, btw) because then it might only be used for snapshots and you wouldn't have a way of showing your best work.

Fortunately scanners have seemed to hit a plateau (good as they're going to get, or are people not buying them anymore?) so there isn't a need for upgrading them everytime you turn around. A really nice 35mm scanner is about the same price as an entry DSLR, and judging by all of them that I see out and around it's a "reasonable" price for an amateur to spend on a piece of equipment. More reasonable for some than others, but hopefully you get my point... Two years from now there probably won't be a newer scanner made (and if there is it will only have slight changes) but the DSLR may have been replaced twice.

Only problem I have is that with B&W, it's hard not to want to get into the larger formats (6x6 or larger, medium format in particular). You're doing all that work, so you might as well have a big negative to work with. But - now we're talking two grand for a film scanner.

Of course a darkroom with a big enlarger would be great, but I just don't have the option right now. Since I do have a 35mm scanner, I suppose I should "put up or shut up" :D and try to pick up some more developing equipment. Sold all of it when I was convinced I wouldn't miss it, but times change. Good winter project?


I suppose though you could have one of these...
A De Vere 504 DS Digital Enlarger (http://www.benboardman.com.au/bb/devere/dv504d.shtml) and make silver prints from 300 dpi TIFF or JPG files.
I have never seen a price listed for this, but I suspect it would cost quite a bit.
Brian

A few random thoughts for those shooting film (I was out this am early for a client using film on an ongoing project)

1. Don't expect every film image to be anywhere near as salvageable as most of the digital images you take.
2. Plan your shots both compositionally and in terms of exposure to force yourself to think about what 'should' be there when you see the results - - - later.
3. Many older cameras have failures or weaknesses and having even an inexpensive, but new, meter will be worth its weight in any valuable commodity to check what you are doing.
4. If you don't know how to ballpark your shutter speed in testing have it done and THEN checked by someone who does know how to ballpark one. They will vary in older cameras by easily +/- 20%. With negative film it falls within the acceptable exposure range, but if you shoot positive/slide film it can ruin exposure after exposure.

MF and LF film can always be contact printed. LF can get real expensive learning how to do that and get an even exposure across the face of the entire photograph!!

LF b/w is a religious experience. Even 4x5 sheets are entirely different than MF roll film.

Learning to process film is a learning curve and you will find out that you can do bad things like wash all the picture down the drain! I hated it when I did that!

Film cameras have one HUGE advantage that is not PC to speak of . . .

The right cameras keep shooting without batteries! You can pry my manual film cameras out of my dead, cold hands.

Best wishes burnin' film!

A few random thoughts for those shooting film (I was out this am early for a client using film on an ongoing project)

1. Don't expect every film image to be anywhere near as salvageable as most of the digital images you take.
2. Plan your shots both compositionally and in terms of exposure to force yourself to think about what 'should' be there when you see the results - - - later.
3. Many older cameras have failures or weaknesses and having even an inexpensive, but new, meter will be worth its weight in any valuable commodity to check what you are doing.
4. If you don't know how to ballpark your shutter speed in testing have it done and THEN checked by someone who does know how to ballpark one. They will vary in older cameras by easily +/- 20%. With negative film it falls within the acceptable exposure range, but if you shoot positive/slide film it can ruin exposure after exposure.

MF and LF film can always be contact printed. LF can get real expensive learning how to do that and get an even exposure across the face of the entire photograph!!

LF b/w is a religious experience. Even 4x5 sheets are entirely different than MF roll film.

Learning to process film is a learning curve and you will find out that you can do bad things like wash all the picture down the drain! I hated it when I did that!

Film cameras have one HUGE advantage that is not PC to speak of . . .

The right cameras keep shooting without batteries! You can pry my manual film cameras out of my dead, cold hands.

Best wishes burnin' film!

thanks for all of the advice. That's why I am here. I have shot film in the past but have never develpoed it. I can use all of the advice I can get. I ruined the first two rolls and had a couple of very good shots on them both:mad2: :cryin:

thanks for all of the advice. That's why I am here. I have shot film in the past but have never develpoed it. I can use all of the advice I can get....

+1 on that. Any and all film advice is appreciated. It's like a whole new world and I'm LOVING it :D Thanks drg :thumbsup:

Those are beautiful images, Greg. I really like them. The compositions are really nice, as is the tonal quality. You did good.

well done to all of those old farts who prefer "doing things the old fashioned way" oh wait ! that's a commercial isn't it ??

(i think those folks bit the dust though ~ dinosaurs !!)

:D :D :D


you keep taking and posting, an' i'll keep lookin'.

at least you have ONE person who'll look.

i'm old school, (fairly) recently converted to c.d's over albums and i STILL don't own an I-pod !!

:blush2: :blush2:

i do DO digital though.....

i do have room for a darkroom though, but it would mean i sleep on the balcony...

still the weather today was (and still is) 80-ish so perhaps the outside is the place to be... those mossies though are another kettle of fish...

:thumbsup: :thumbsup:

Come on 3L, the balcony can't be all that bad living in Houston...LOL My girlfriend has already been forewarned that once I get my Christmas bonus, I'm taking over the bathroom :D Though you don't need a darkroom to be able to develop and scan negatives :wink:

Come on 3L, the balcony can't be all that bad living in Houston...LOL My girlfriend has already been forewarned that once I get my Christmas bonus, I'm taking over the bathroom :D Though you don't need a darkroom to be able to develop and scan negatives :wink:

yeah great !! you will come home one day to find the hairdryer/curling iron plugged into the scanner outlet and her razor using the chemical trays to rinse ~ yeuch !!!!

:p :p

as the past few days have been fantastic. sorta like san diego without the chargers !!

today though up to mid 80's (global warming !!!) but tomorrow a cold front is coming in.

high of 68 lo of 52.

then it's back up to high 70's/ mid 80's down to mid 60's.

this is FALL !!!!!!!!

:eek: :eek: :eek:

My sister lives in Houston and we grew up here in Maine. You aren't fooling me...LOL

My sister lives in Houston and we grew up here in Maine. You aren't fooling me...LOL

no fooling !!!

Tue Nov 6 Showers 68°/52° 30%
Wed Nov 7 Partly Cloudy 71°/52° 0%
Thu Nov 8 Partly Cloudy 79°/59° 10%
Fri Nov 9 Scattered Showers 84°/62° 30%
Sat Nov 10 Isolated T-Storms 83°/66° 30%

say no more !!

not much chance of red/yellow leaves etc......... :

:cryin: :cryin: :cryin: