Recent content by stephen

Sue and I normally go to Scotland for a couple of weeks each year. I found that a field camera set up with lens and sitting on the back seat of the car was very fast to set up (and, with a quick release plate) fast to pack up as well. This year although I took medium format as well, the large...

Have you tried using a different magnifying lens in the finder? If you have a simple magnifying glass, try holding that above the finder to see if it makes a difference. I assume from the reference to age that you are having problems in accomodation; are you normally long or short sighted? I...

Will you be adding go faster stripes as well?

Almost always 150. Sometimes (rarely) 210. For some reason, my choice of "preferred" lens becomes less wide angle as I move up in format. I have no idea why this should be.

I'm also interested.

I've been using Ilford film since the 60's, and can't recall any problems. But I do weight the end of 35mm and 120 films and dry at room temperature. Unweighted 5x4 hasn't presented problems.

Serious tip: make sure that you have a spare bulb for your enlarger. They never fail at the end of the last exposure that you were going to make..

Congratulations from a miniature film user....

My guess is the agitation, but I await the evidence... Don't let this put you off though. My first film was far worse..

East Sussex any good?

I certainly do. Thanks.

Another thought, having just browsed my bookshelves... Take a look at "Post Exposure" by Ctein. And if anyone can tell me how to pronouce that name, I'd be grateful!

Welcome from me too. I also like Aaron Sussman's handbook, and also recommend Ansel Adams trilogy. You might also like to take a look at Carson Graves' "Elements of Black and White Printing". I've just seen the reply above. Take a look at "The Film Developing Cookbook" for an entertaining...

I haven't used a "universal" developer for film since the 1950s, and I've never used Paterson Universal for anything - not a condemnation, just that I've always used other products and I'm overly conservative. The best developer to use is the one that gives you the results you want when used in...

I generally use PanF in 120 size and FP4 in 5x4. PanF is 50 iso (I nearly typed ASA!) and FP4 125. I'd suggest trying both and see what you think of them.