Now you've done it...

[another view]

I stopped at the local camera store today to see what they had for used processing equipment. When I sold the small amount of stuff I had last year, I hadn't used it in awhile but I miss doing it so I'm going to try it again. Unfortunately they didn't have much and told me that they ended up throwing a bunch of it out. I did get a 2-reel stainless tank brand new for $10 because it had been there for awhile, and I guess I'm trying HC110 and Ilford HP5 film because that's all they had (other than Tmax which isn't my favorite, but I think HP5 is similar...). They only had one used stainless reel and I really didn't want to spend $28 each on new ones! Bummer. Off to ebay to pick up the rest of the stuff!

I'm going to stick with 35mm for now but have other plans down the road...

[Xia_Ke]

Welcome back to the Dark Side I'm loving HC-110 so far and if you use dilution H, it's lasts a LONG time. Let me know if you have any questions on it. HP5 is actually the Ilford equivalent of Tri-X and Delta is their TMAX equivalent. I tried one roll of it a while ago and it was very nice. The combo is a little grainy IIRC but, grainy in a good way. Here's the data sheets for you if you don't have them already:

Ilford HP5+
Kodak HC-110

[mtbbrian]

I'm going to stick with 35mm for now but have other plans down the road...

That's because you are FINALLY going to pull out that Canonette(sp) right?!
Yeah!!
Brian

[another view]

Thanks guys - Aaron, I was thinking that HP5 was closer to Tmax but I'm glad to hear I was wrong on this. Tri-X in D-76 is just a classic look; basic as it gets but I like it. I had meant to try HC110 when I was doing it before and now's my chance. Eventually I'll try it at 1600 but that'll be on an old Nikon FA I have laying around here. The Canonet only reads up to 800 IIRC.

Brian, I hope to get more practice with the RF but I'm thinking bigger - as in 4x5. I have played with a 4x5 once a few years ago and that style of contemplative photography has always intrigued me. A friend has shot LF for many years and he says it'll make me a better photographer. I might go out for a morning and shoot four sheets of film, instead of 4G of cards or 100+ images on a 35mm. I'm looking forward to the challenge.

I'm hoping to develop my own 4x5 and this for now is practice for that - but good in it's own right. Also looking forward to seeing big chromes on a light table (but I'll send that out for developing). If you guys haven't seen what it actually looks like, it can't be explained - you just have to see it. But LF for me isn't really about that huge piece of film; it's the camera movements and most importantly the slowing down and thought process of figuring our what I'm really trying to do. I have my work cut out for me...

[photophorous]

(Darn it, sorry Paul. I knew that was going to happen sooner or later. Accidentally hit Edit instead of Quote )

[photophorous]

I just figured out Aaron was trying to censor me by deleting my post, so I figured I better respond with something even more edgy and controversial. Um...down with digital? Does that work? How about this, Steve, I'm glad you decided to start doing REAL photography again. Ok, I'm just kidding. It was an accident, but I have to pick on Aaron a little.

Steve, congrats! I had a feeling you would be joining us in our fixer-scented world after your participation in the new forum discussion. Glad you decided to jump back in.

What you said about slowing down with 4x5 is a big part of the reason I like shooting film. Just shooting 35mm has slowed me down a lot compared to digital. Last time I went out shooting landscape stuff, I took all morning to shoot about 24 images, which was really more like 8 images with lots of bracketing. It's not just about film though. Using a tripod, a cable release, 35mm film, and prime lenses, I'm already in a much more contemplative state than I ever was shooting digital. I hope to try 4x5 one day too, but I want to improve my skills before I start wasting film of that size.

Paul

[Xia_Ke]

It's okay, I can take my beatings...LOL

"Thank you sir may I have another?"

[another view]

I used to rely on my spot meter quite often with 35mm film - usually the built-in spot meter in the camera - but found myself "cheating" with digital. I'd look at the scene, take a quick measurement and then shoot. After reviewing the histogram I'd make a compensation. To me, that's cheating in the sense that I wasn't relying on getting it right before I shot. This won't work in every situation and I'd either lock the tripod down and remove the camera (Arca Swiss is really handy for this) to use the spot meter or use a separate hand-held meter which is even better. I'd do an adapted version of the Zone System (quick and dirty method) and with time I got pretty good at it. Shoot this way for awhile with slide film and don't let yourself bracket, and you'll get there. But with digital it got so easy just to instantly review the end result...

Nothing against digital here, and since I'm doing it for fun I can do it on my own terms. And that's where I see it going. Sheet film is expensive when you look at a per exposure cost, but I expect to shoot a whole lot less; quality (hopefully) vs. quantity. I decided this is a better bet for me than another DSLR at this point, but I still have my Coolpix for at least some of those situations. Between buying all the stuff and learning how to use it, it's gonna be awhile - but I'm looking forward to it!

To re-learn the processing stuff I've started to put together some 35mm developing gear to use with the FA that I have (long story, may be a post at some point...). Eventually I'm planning on developing 4x5 b&w, and sending out 4x5 chromes.

[mtbbrian]

Brian, I hope to get more practice with the RF but I'm thinking bigger - as in 4x5. I have played with a 4x5 once a few years ago and that style of contemplative photography has always intrigued me. A friend has shot LF for many years and he says it'll make me a better photographer. I might go out for a morning and shoot four sheets of film, instead of 4G of cards or 100+ images on a 35mm. I'm looking forward to the challenge.

You Go Steve!
I look forward to seeing what you come up with.
It kind of sounds like you are contemplating a lot more than photography.
Which is GOOD!
I'd recommend Tri-X and D-76. I believe 4x5 Tri-X is actually ISO 320. Right?
Good Luck!!
:thumbsup:
Brian

[mtbbrian]

(Darn it, sorry Paul. I knew that was going to happen sooner or later. Accidentally hit Edit instead of Quote )

I think we can let Aaron slide this ONE TIME...
I know I have hit "Edit" instead of "Reply"
Oh The Power!!!
Just watch it Aaron, next time I can see us giving you the gift that keeps on giving..
You know the "****" gift!

Brian

[photophorous]

Just watch it Aaron, next time I can see us giving you the gift that keeps on giving..

You're talking about a one year subscription to the Jelly of the Month club, right?

[mtbbrian]

You're talking about a one year subscription to the Jelly of the Month club, right?

No, I was actually thinking the "Panty Of The Month Club"!

Brian

[Xia_Ke]

Ha, ha, ha This part of the hazing you mentioned Brian?...LOL

No, I was actually thinking the "Panty Of The Month Club"!

Brian

Could be worse. Thought you meant a meant a subscription to Digital Photographer or something...LOL (Just kidding people )

[another view]

It kind of sounds like you are contemplating a lot more than photography.
Which is GOOD!
I'd recommend Tri-X and D-76. I believe 4x5 Tri-X is actually ISO 320. Right?

Guess I am contemplating life in general - happens once in awhile. On another site, I came across Mike Stacey's work, and it's the kind of stuff I've always loved. I think he's in Australia but I may wind up with one of his prints some day. And also contemplating getting to your book - crazy around here lately...

Tri-X is only available in 320 for sheet film. This is TXP (Tri-X Pro) and it's available for Medium Format as well (as is regular ISO400 TX). With 35mm, only TX is available. I have never used TXP but I'd bet it has a similar look although with a negative that big the grain won't be as noticeable. TX + D-76 is my favorite, sorry (and surprised) to see that the local place carried neither these days.

[mtbbrian]

Guess I am contemplating life in general - happens once in awhile. On another site, I came across Mike Stacey's work, and it's the kind of stuff I've always loved. I think he's in Australia but I may wind up with one of his prints some day. And also contemplating getting to your book - crazy around here lately...

I think you and I are about the same age, so I more than understand.
Interesting stuff you posted there, I have never been much for shooting landscapes, but I can't wait to see what you can do.
Yes, I log on everyday waiting too see your thoughts on the book.
No Worries! Take your time.
Brian
:thumbsup:

[another view]

Yes, I log on everyday waiting too see your thoughts on the book.

The pressure - it's killing me!

You guys do know what I'm talking about, don't you? Brian's book is available and I bought a copy. I've only had a chance for a too-quick review of it but I'll say that the reproduction quality is excellent, good thick pages and nice hardcover binding. Blurb is a "print on demand" place and I have seen other photo books available but never been very impressed with them. This book has the quality of an art book that you'd see at a specialty book store. Really nicely done. More to come...

[mtbbrian]

The pressure - it's killing me!

You guys do know what I'm talking about, don't you? Brian's book is available and I bought a copy. I've only had a chance for a too-quick review of it but I'll say that the reproduction quality is excellent, good thick pages and nice hardcover binding. Blurb is a "print on demand" place and I have seen other photo books available but never been very impressed with them. This book has the quality of an art book that you'd see at a specialty book store. Really nicely done. More to come...

It's not my book entirely, to be more specific it's the group exhibit I was a part of this past month.
The group is a great group to be a part of, I am very honored to be a part of it.
You can check out our website at Salt Lake Seven.
I appreciate your kind words now and those that follow Steve!
On a film note, five of the six of us, shoot film!
Brian
Read the "History" page to see why I said six..
:thumbsup:

[photophorous]

Hey Steve,

I spent about half an hour on Mike Stacey's website last night. I see why you like it. I really like his style too. Simple compositions that rely a lot on texture. I've always tried to use texture as much as I can, but you really need large format to make that work, IMO. People say you can't tell much about image quality by looking at small photos on the web, but those 4x5 shots on his website look better than any smaller format or DSLR shot I've ever seen on the web. Just when I start thinking my Bessa makes nice slides, I see a website like Mike's and I start to think I'm wasting my time trying to make landscape photos on 35mm. Even medium format seems like a wasted investment because it's almost as difficult and just as expensive. At this point all I can do is resist the temptation for as long as possible and hope that it eventually goes away.

Paul

[Xia_Ke]

Guess I am contemplating life in general - happens once in awhile. On another site, I came across Mike Stacey's work, and it's the kind of stuff I've always loved. I think he's in Australia but I may wind up with one of his prints some day...

He has some excellent work on his gallery! Another 4x5 photographer, who I met over at APUG and whose work I have admired, is John Brady. Compositions aren't quite as simple as Mike Stacey's but, think it might be right up your alley a_v :thumbsup:

[another view]

People say you can't tell much about image quality by looking at small photos on the web, but those 4x5 shots on his website look better than any smaller format or DSLR shot I've ever seen on the web.

See "contemplation" above...

I think what you say above is more of a case about the photographer really taking the time to get the image exactly how they want it, even if that means coming back several times so that the conditions are right. This can be done with 35mm or anything else - but the temptation is to shoot anyway. At least that's been my experience!

One of my all-time favorite shots is by William Neill, and very much along the lines of a couple of Mike Stacey's shots. Let me think about it, but I think this might be an interesting Viewfinder thread - thinking along the lines of the photograph than the method (film or digital).

Thanks for the info about John Brady, I'll check out his work.

[Asylum Steve]

I stopped at the local camera store today to see what they had for used processing equipment...

Steve, I still have virtually all my b&w darkroom gear boxed up, both film and print. At this point, I seriously doubt I'm going to set up shop again, and any thoughts of selling it all for big money went out the window long ago...

I have no problem letting some of it go to a good home gratis (not bilingual? look it up...).

Tell me what you need, and I could probably bring it with me to Chicago.

[another view]

Gratis, you mean like you come to my house and teach me everything you know? Oh, right. If you don't want to carry it with you I'd be glad to pay for the postage but I'm still planning on being in Chicago.

On my list at the moment are a changing bag, thermometer, graduated cylinder(s) and film clips. I think I have the other stuff other than storage bottles which I'll pick up locally to keep it easy.

Thanks for the nice offer! I promise to put it to a good quantity of use - good quality, we will have to see...

[Asylum Steve]

"Gratis, you mean like you come to my house and teach me everything you know?..."

Trust me, that wouldn't take long...

"On my list at the moment are a changing bag, thermometer, graduated cylinder(s) and film clips..."

Is that all? No tanks or reels? Well, I'm hanging onto my one changing bag. Thermometer, sure, but IMO you'd be better off getting a new one (kinda important). Cylinders? Well, I use graduated plastic beakers. Film clips out the wazoo...

[another view]

I had a gift cert. to the camera store, so the tank came out of that and then I found a couple of reels that I like on ebay so that's done. At some point I'll be looking for a 4x5 daylight tank but I don't remember you talking about shooting LF so I didn't bring it up.

Clips and graduated cylinders would be great, but if you maybe have a four-reel stainless tank (based on 35mm) and any stainless 120 or 35mm reels I'd be interested (would be glad to buy them from you, of course). I may wind up with a MF again at some point, who knows... Right now the focus (hey, a pun!) is 35mm to get used to the process again, then 4x5 for the control.

[Frank Tuesday]

Hey Steve,

I spent about half an hour on Mike Stacey's website last night. I see why you like it. I really like his style too. Simple compositions that rely a lot on texture. I've always tried to use texture as much as I can, but you really need large format to make that work, IMO. People say you can't tell much about image quality by looking at small photos on the web, but those 4x5 shots on his website look better than any smaller format or DSLR shot I've ever seen on the web. Just when I start thinking my Bessa makes nice slides, I see a website like Mike's and I start to think I'm wasting my time trying to make landscape photos on 35mm. Even medium format seems like a wasted investment because it's almost as difficult and just as expensive. At this point all I can do is resist the temptation for as long as possible and hope that it eventually goes away.

Paul

If you want to try 4x5 sometime, I'm in South Austin and have a Cambo monorail, Speed Graphic and pinhole 4x5's. I had to leave my enlarger at my folks house when I moved down here, so I haven't used them much lately.

I'm not doing much to help you resist the temptation, am I?