A trip down memory lane

[rmolson]

Kept inside by a cold gray windy day lead to reading an old copy of Lootens I picked up a couple of months ago. It was the Bible when I was in high school far away on distant galaxy. But what it is even more interesting is that all his advice to simplify, simplify. One film ,one developer, one camera, one lens and one paper until you master your craft, is still good advice today. The digital folks are at a disadvantage actually, too many bells and whistles on the simplest of them.

 

[rhmimac]

Maybe I've got to sell a lot then. KIS, yes!

rhmimac

 

[Anscojohn]

I agree with OP. I don't know what happened to my copy of Lootens. Thinking back over several thousand negatives worth saving, I can pretty much date them by groups as to the roll films and film developers I used.
Tri-X and D-76 (1950s and 1960s); FP-4 and Edwal FG-7 (early 1970s). FP-4 and HC110 (late 1970s). FP-4 and FP-4+and D23 (1980s to Present).
I am now beginning to work with FOMA 100 and the Arista clone, and have gone back to FG-7 until (at least) the two 32 oz bottles are gone.
There was some smattering of Rodinal in there.have

 

[Christopher Walrath]

I started simplifying a year or more ago. I was bouncing back and forth between MF systems until I read Cheryl's article on advice to aspiring photographers. After all, I continually aspire. She advised to stop buying additional gear and to perfect what you already have. I couldn't agree more.
I still have the Minoltas and assorted paraphenalia. But I haven't even picked up the bag a handful of times since October last when I got my 4x5 press camera. I have fallen in love with it. I have three lenses but seldom use other than the Ektar 127mm and my Telek and Portra add ons. I have always processed HC110 and see no need to change. I am using Oriental Seagull RC VC II and absolutely love it. Still working on film. Going through some Ilford Keith (2F/2F) sent me and then through some Arista.edu 100 I got a year ago. After that, well, we'll see.

 

[benjiboy]

I agree with OP. I don't know what happened to my copy of Lootens. Thinking back over several thousand negatives worth saving, I can pretty much date them by groups as to the roll films and film developers I used.
Tri-X and D-76 (1950s and 1960s); FP-4 and Edwal FG-7 (early 1970s). FP-4 and HC110 (late 1970s). FP-4 and FP-4+and D23 (1980s to Present).
I am now beginning to work with FOMA 100 and the Arista clone, and have gone back to FG-7 until (at least) the two 32 oz bottles are gone.
There was some smattering of Rodinal in there.have

That's a blast from the past Lootens On Print Quality, I still have my copy somewhere John, if I remember rightly it was by J. Lootens and Lester Bogen, I'd forgotten I had it.