A Tad About Robert from Utah

[Robert Maxey]

OK, here goes. I am a writer (working on a book about Vectographs) and before that, I helped bring the Palm PIlot, RIO MP3 players and a variety of PCMCIA products to life.I left photography, sold much stuff (all of it) Now I am back looking to replace a less varied collection of camera and misc stuff. Forgive me as I tend to ramble on and on and on ...

I am Robert Maxey and I was employed by Bill Shipler Photo here in Salt Lake City, Utah.

I sold equipment very few here remember. In fact, one of my last sales was a Kodak flash Pan, new in the box as well as other obscure stuff. BSP was established in the late 1800s and we never, EVER threw anything away. That is how I ended up with a relatively new Burke and James view camera, 200+ Kodak Dealer Coloramas and about 50 Kodak dealer advertising photographs too big to display.

I was a photographer on staff and ran the darkroom. I literally processed and printed tens of thousands of rolls of film. Minox, 110, 828, Instamatic, 35mm, 120/220, sheet up to 8X10/4X10 and some Cirkit, 8". Tens of thousands of prints as well. All custom processed and printed using a variety of papers and developers; usually, grade 2 or 3 Kodabromide. No automation, just a 23C, 45MCRX and a Leitz Focomat. Deep tanks for most; hard rubber tanks and miniature tanks you kids (Smiley Face Here) might not remember: Kodak "Kodacraft" tanks; still my favorite way to go. Any like minded tank lovers about?

There is much more to my tale, but I'll spare you all.

Glad to be here.

 

[BrianShaw]

Hi Robert from Utah… welcome to Photrio.

Interesting background!

A good friend of mine swears by Kodacraft tanks and Kodak aprons. I think he buys every one he sees on eBay. Maybe not, but I know he has some to use and some for spares… and knowing him he has spares for the spares.

 

[Robert Maxey]

Hi Robert from Utah… welcome to Photrio.

Interesting background!

A good friend of mine swears by Kodacraft tanks and Kodak aprons. I think he buys every one he sees on eBay. Maybe not, but I know he has some to use and some for spares… and knowing him he has spares for the spares.

Thanks for the welcome. I tried many Patterson, Nikor and all the rest. Never could claim a 100% success rate. Then I went to Kodak tanks and I had a 100% success rate, 100% of the time. I am researching the material used to make new aprons so I can make a few 5" aprons for long rolls of 5" film. Wont be a daylight tank, but i love the dark.

Cheers

 

[MurrayMinchin]

Welcome aboard!

You're even more welcomed aboard if you have an eclectic/eccentric/exceptional background.

Sorry, but I'm an open tray guy for sheet film.

 

[mshchem]

Thanks for the welcome. I tried many Patterson, Nikor and all the rest. Never could claim a 100% success rate. Then I went to Kodak tanks and I had a 100% success rate, 100% of the time. I am researching the material used to make new aprons so I can make a few 5" aprons for long rolls of 5" film. Wont be a daylight tank, but i love the dark.

Cheers

Welcome, I look forward to hearing more stories of your experiences. Darkroom work is fun.

 

[MattKing]

Welcome again.
If anyone comes across a 116/616 Kodacraft apron, I need to talk! They fit in the normal tanks.

Hope you enjoy your time here.

 

[Robert Maxey]

Welcome aboard!

You're even more welcomed aboard if you have an eclectic/eccentric/exceptional background.

Sorry, but I'm an open tray guy for sheet film.

I am (was, before I lost my way and stopped shooting altogether) as well. My job gave me the opportunity to shoot plenty of sheet film and like trays I do.. Well, depending on the run size. 200 at a time demands tanks and film hangers. Or you are developing specialty film like matrix film, then trays are a must.

Bob

 

[MurrayMinchin]

Just developed my own, so not like a lab for sure!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Welcome to photrio, Robert.

 

[BradS]

Hello and welcome, Robert.

 

[Robert Maxey]

Welcome, I look forward to hearing more stories of your experiences. Darkroom work is fun.

In retrospect .... it was a blast. At the time, it was "just a job." Now it is a fond memory.

 

[DonW]

Welcome back. It's amazing how many of us come back to photography after it is no longer a business. We remember why we got into in the first place, IT WAS FUN!

 

[Robert Maxey]

Welcome again.
If anyone comes across a 116/616 Kodacraft apron, I need to talk! They fit in the normal tanks.

Hope you enjoy your time here.

I am working out a way to make aprons for 5" film. It might be easier to make one than try to locate one. There was a time when all you needed to do is contact Kodak's parts department and order whatever you need.

Luck to you.

 

[Sirius Glass]

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Welcome to APUG Photrio!!​

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

You're not truly welcomed here until Sirius Glass welcomes you...even if it's a few months late

 

[Sirius Glass]

You're not truly welcomed here until Sirius Glass welcomes you...even if it's a few months late

Thank you for pointing that out.

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

If anyone comes across a 116/616 Kodacraft apron, I need to talk!

The old FR and Yankee tanks expand to take 116 film. Might be a cheaper way to go. If you get an FR tank be sure the reels haven't turned yellow and brittle.

 

[MattKing]

The old FR and Yankee tanks expand to take 116 film. Might be a cheaper way to go. If you get an FR tank be sure the reels haven't turned yellow and brittle.

I have that type of tank - in fact my first daylight tank was that style.
But this almost one handed photographer can't make them work with really curly old 616 film.
The aprons? I have no problem using them with just a little bit more than one hand.

 

[M.A.Longmore]

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Welcome Home Robert !

~ Ron
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