ƒ/D Spring Recap

I've put together a big recap of everything we've published on ƒ/D over the last couple months - take a look in case there's anything interesting you've missed.

http://fslashd.com/2016/05/spring-wrap-up/

Also, while I have some great photographers to feature in the coming weeks, and some article ideas, I'm always interested in hearing what questions are lingering in the minds of pinhole photographers. Alternatively, is there a photographer you'd like covered? Or maybe you've seen some pinhole images and you're not sure how they were done. I'm all ears - I'd love to dig into those questions!

[QUOTE="kier, post: 1798407, member: 18395"...I'm always interested in hearing what questions are lingering in the minds of pinhole photographers.[/QUOTE]

As someone new to pinhole photography, I'm curious as to your opinion on factoring in reciprocity for long exposures. Does it really make any difference? And what about long exposures with expired film (even heavily expired film)... as soon as the emulsion passes its expiration date, do all the reciprocity algorithms go out the window?

Great questions. Reciprocity absolutely factors in, depending on the length of the exposure and the film being used. For example, Fuji Acros 100 is famous for having very little reciprocity failure - none up to 2 minutes of exposure. On the other hand, reciprocity failure starts kicking in on Kodak Ektar after just a couple seconds. Reciprocity is of course needed to maintain optimal exposure, but many films have a great deal of latitude and a useable image can be recovered even if it's off by 3 stops in some cases. As to what reciprocity failure graph is right is up for debate though - the manufacturer's spec is a good starting point, but many photographers get to a point where they dial in their own graph based on their own testing - it's what works for them and their process. Personally, I'm happy with the manufacturer's spec and would rather be out shooting than in the lab testing for the perfect exposure.

As for expired emulsions, again, the spec is a good starting point, but it's a little bit of a gamble. A lot of times you can google to get some level of predictability. Most color films go through a color shift, and maybe lose 1/3 of a stop depending on age. But google will usually turn up some results of people talking through what they've found for a particular film. If all else fails, just try it following the spec and see what you get back, then shoot the rest of the expired batch with the learnings you got.

Keeping a semi-decent shooting record will help you improve, especially with the expired film. Thanks again for the questions - I'll note this as a possible article to expound on in the future.

Cheers!

Thorpelyon said:

... And what about long exposures with expired film (even heavily expired film)... as soon as the emulsion passes its expiration date, do all the reciprocity algorithms go out the window?

Click to expand...

I've been using 1998-vintage Kodak Pro 1000 film (ISO 1000) in my pinhole camera with very good results.

Back in 1998 I bought this film to use in my Hasselblad SWC for dark interior photos of a shop owned by a friend. I only needed one roll, so the other four rolls have been in my refrigerator for 17 years.

The expiration date is 1999, so I shot one roll as if it were ISO 400, then two more at ISO 250. Basically, on a sunny day, a 1-second exposure of a typical neighborhood street scene is sufficient. Indoors, in bright office lighting, anywhere from 45 seconds to 3 minutes, depending on the subject.

Even with this old film, the colors are good. The only indication of age is that you can see the film base isn't completely clear.

Reciprocity failure does need to be taken into account (somewhat dependent on the film's characteristics). For example, if I calculate the exposure would be 1 minute, then I give it at least a 10 minute exposure. I do that regardless of fresh or expired film.

very cool stuff on ƒ/d! nice

poppaneedsanap said:

very cool stuff on ƒ/d! nice

Click to expand...

Thanks!

thanks, i enjoyed it very much.

ive been so busy lately, havent had any time to get my pinholer going. i feel a bit inspired again.

paul ron said:

thanks, i enjoyed it very much.

ive been so busy lately, havent had any time to get my pinholer going. i feel a bit inspired again.

Click to expand...

Excellent! That's why I do it!