110/16mm Camera Image Quality

[Donald Qualls]

You can get whatever you want in 16mm/110 size by slitting 35mm -- or 120 (which gives you 3 16mm slits or 4 15.25mm slits)

You do have to watch the orientation if you cut 120 into four strips. They'll work in cameras that don't require perforations, but the edge markings will be somewhat intrusive in those that don't offset their frame to clear perfs, and more so if you get them on the wrong edge of the film (load them by the bridge in Minolta style cartridges, where the perfs on single-perf cine film would go).

 

[xkaes]

I thought the appeal of 16mm was the lo-fi images, increased grain etc.
I’ve been following this thread of late and could be tempted, but when I started looking at the cost of film and lack of film development equipment for the DIY’er it has lost some of its appeal.

I'll admit that there is some appeal to using 2475 Recording film in a Minolta 16 MG, but I'm more likely to use Agfapan 25 in my Minolta MG-s -- with it's larger negative size. You wouldn't believe how big an enlargement I can make.

The cost of film is cheap because you cut it yourself and use much less! As to processing gear for 16mm and 110 film, you can get it for about the cost of shipping on EBAY, etc.

 

[Cholentpot]

I'll admit that there is some appeal to using 2475 Recording film in a Minolta 16 MG, but I'm more likely to use Agfapan 25 in my Minolta MG-s -- with it's larger negative size. You wouldn't believe how big an enlargement I can make.

The cost of film is cheap because you cut it yourself and use much less! As to processing gear for 16mm and 110 film, you can get it for about the cost of shipping on EBAY, etc.

You have a source for 16mm/110 reels that are affordable? I've been looking for years.

I get it now you've mentioned it. I guess for me and film it’s about getting the characteristic film look. I don’t want clean negatives, I want very lo-fi.
Weird hey!

HP5+ expired and pushed a stop in Rodinal in a Minolta 16 II will do it for you. I've done it, it looks like a bowl of rice crispy.

 

[Steve@f8]

I'll admit that there is some appeal to using 2475 Recording film in a Minolta 16 MG, but I'm more likely to use Agfapan 25 in my Minolta MG-s -- with it's larger negative size. You wouldn't believe how big an enlargement I can make.

The cost of film is cheap because you cut it yourself and use much less! As to processing gear for 16mm and 110 film, you can get it for about the cost of shipping on EBAY, etc.

Thanks.
I can’t see me cutting in a dark bag, I’d probably lose a finger. No darkroom unfortunately and nowhere to make a darkroom, it’s a smallish house that we have.

 

[xkaes]

HP5+ expired and pushed a stop in Rodinal in a Minolta 16 II will do it for you. I've done it, it looks like a bowl of rice crispy.

If you like that Rice Crispies look, there are LOTS of options -- and inexpensive.

 

[Cholentpot]

If you like that Rice Crispies look, there are LOTS of options -- and inexpensive.

The photos 'pop'

 

[Steve@f8]

You have a source for 16mm/110 reels that are affordable? I've been looking for years.



HP5+ expired and pushed a stop in Rodinal in a Minolta 16 II will do it for you. I've done it, it looks like a bowl of rice crispy.

I’ve got expired film alright, but fridge stored. A few years back I asked on here about ageing film and among the replies someone suggested leaving it on a radiator for a few days or more.

 

[xkaes]

You have a source for 16mm/110 reels that are affordable? I've been looking for years.

The YANKEE MASTER developing tank has reels that collapse to 16mm/110. I think the YANKEE CLIPPER tanks do too. I don't know if they are interchangeable. There are other options, as well. It's easy to chop down plastic reels, such as Peterson, to 16mm/110 size:

http://www.subclub.org/creative/reel.htm

 

[xkaes]

I’ve got expired film alright, but fridge stored. A few years back I asked on here about ageing film and among the replies someone suggested leaving it on a radiator for a few days or more.

If you want AGED film, you don't need to DIY. There's always a ton of it on EBAY, and with some benzotriazole (optional) it's likely OK -- AND CHEAP. Best to test the ISO first.

 

[Steve@f8]

If you like that Rice Crispies look, there are LOTS of options -- and inexpensive.

I‘d like Rice Crispies grain. Any pointers?
I have the 1/2 frame Pen FT, but the shortest focal length in my kit is the 40/1.4 (also have the 90/f2). I thought of shooting with a wide angle then severely cropping, as I believe Trent Parke did for his series ‘Sand Creatures’. Expired / heat damaged film and Rodinal maybe good - but what dilution for visible grain? Someone on another photo sharing site (Instagram maybe) suggested hot developmen, eg 30C for B&W. Thoughts?

 

[xkaes]

Thanks.
I can’t see me cutting in a dark bag, I’d probably lose a finger. No darkroom unfortunately and nowhere to make a darkroom, it’s a smallish house that we have.

All you need is a closet or bathroom at night -- and films slitters are completely safe. Development is done in a DAYLIGHT tank, and if you have room for a computer, you have room for a film scanner -- no enlarger needed.

 

[Donald Qualls]

I can’t see me cutting in a dark bag, I’d probably lose a finger.

Lots of film slitter designs (I have one up on Thingiverse to 3D print) that are reasonably safe to use in a changing bag. Or there are places that sell pre-slit film (search for SUBCLUB, you'll find links there for both slitters and pre-slit film).

 

[xkaes]

I‘d like Rice Crispies grain. Any pointers?
I have the 1/2 frame Pen FT, but the shortest focal length in my kit is the 40/1.4 (also have the 90/f2). I thought of shooting with a wide angle then severely cropping, as I believe Trent Parke did for his series ‘Sand Creatures’. Expired / heat damaged film and Rodinal maybe good - but what dilution for visible grain? Someone on another photo sharing site (Instagram maybe) suggested hot developmen, eg 30C for B&W. Thoughts?

The grain is inherent in the film. There is only so much you can do to increase or decrease it. So use the highest speed film you can get, and crop it -- either take the picture from a distance or use a wider lens. You can also add grain under the enlarger (screens) or with computer manipulation (software).

 

[Steve@f8]

Thanks guys, food for thought.

 

[Cholentpot]

The YANKEE MASTER developing tank has reels that collapse to 16mm/110. I think the YANKEE CLIPPER tanks do too. I don't know if they are interchangeable. There are other options, as well. It's easy to chop down plastic reels, such as Peterson, to 16mm/110 size:

http://www.subclub.org/creative/reel.htm

I have at least 4 of these. They're not really a legit option. One roll at a time and a good amount of times the film does not go in normally or gets bunched up. I've now got two 3D printed reels and a stainless I found. I can develop three rolls of 110/16mm at a time. So much better than one at a time.

I’ve got expired film alright, but fridge stored. A few years back I asked on here about ageing film and among the replies someone suggested leaving it on a radiator for a few days or more.

Push it a stop and use massive agitation.

 

[Steve@f8]

I have at least 4 of these. They're not really a legit option. One roll at a time and a good amount of times the film does not go in normally or gets bunched up. I've now got two 3D printed reels and a stainless I found. I can develop three rolls of 110/16mm at a time. So much better than one at a time.



Push it a stop and use massive agitation.

Thanks
What brew and dilution? I have HC110 and Rodinal to play with.

 

[Cholentpot]

Thanks
What brew and dilution? I have HC110 and Rodinal to play with.

1:100 semi stand with rodinal will get you there. One hour with a flip at 30 min. Or you can go the 1:25 and carry out a standard development just give a little extra ommph on the agitation.

 

[xya]

I made my reels from ordinary Jobo duo reels. They are cheap second hand https://www.subcompactcam.com/110_16mm_jobo_reel_diy.htm

 

[gone]

I have a few 3 1/2" x 4", 110 color lab machine prints, they look fine at that size. Once saw a Warhol exhibit in Las Cruces, lots of BIG enlargements of shots he had taken w/ a Pen half frame camera. On the one hand they looked like hell, on the other hand they looked pretty cool too. Lots and lots of grain, but it was OK in that display setting.

 

[flavio81]

I thought the appeal of 16mm was the lo-fi images, increased grain etc.

I thought the appeal was very very compact cameras!

 

[xkaes]

I have at least 4 of these. They're not really a legit option. One roll at a time and a good amount of times the film does not go in normally or gets bunched up. I've now got two 3D printed reels and a stainless I found. I can develop three rolls of 110/16mm at a time. So much better than one at a time.

You must be using a different tank than mine. Mine takes two 16mm/110 rolls at a time. I have two tanks -- if I need to do mare than two rolls -- but I can't remember the last time I needed to do that.

 

[xkaes]

I thought the appeal was very very compact cameras!

The smaller cameras let you go either way. The smaller cameras are often mediocre, and have ended up with a bad reputation, but as you know, there are lots of great small cameras that can create great pictures when combined with great film. If someone what "LO-FI" that real easy.

 

[Cholentpot]

You must be using a different tank than mine. Mine takes two 16mm/110 rolls at a time. I have two tanks -- if I need to do mare than two rolls -- but I can't remember the last time I needed to do that.

You're right, I have yankee clippers. Time to scout out Yankee Master tanks.

 

[Huss]

The photos 'pop'

I prefer mine that snap and crackle more

 

[Cholentpot]

I prefer mine that snap and crackle more

They're Grrrreeeaaat!