Does Type 55 p/n require a uv filter?

[dealy663]

Hi,

I've uploaded a scan of one of my first Type 55 negs. All of my shots outdoors with this camera and lens have blank skies like this? I wasn't shooting with a UV filter, does T55 require one?

Also notice if you can the dark areas between the masts of the ships. This is probably a result of my hanlding of the film in the sodium sulfite. I really had a hard time getting all the goop off of the film and eventually had do squeegee it off with my fingers. Is that likely what caused the dark areas between the masts?

Is type 55 not a good idea outside in bright sunlight?

Any suggestions would be appreciated?

Thanks, Derek

 

[pgomena]

Polaroid B&W film in general tends to be very UV sensitive. A UV filter or a light yellow filter will definitely help. Also, Polaroid 55 is pretty contrasty stuff. This translates to it having a fairly limited tonal range. You have to walk the line between loss of detail in high values or in the shadow areas. Lovely stuff, though. Takes practice.

As for the smudgy marks, it's pretty hard to tell from scanned image. Could be mishandling, could be roller or processing problems.

Peter Gomena

 

[markbb]

Derek,
I always find the black glop comes off really quickly in the Sodium Sulphite solution. Are you sure it's mixed up correctly and at the right strength? for what it's worth I've never had problems washing type 55 in straight warm water, so long as you are careful and don't scratch the emulsion.

 

[dealy663]

Markbb

I was wondering about my sodium sulfite solution also. I don't have the original container any longer, but I think it was 1 lb of Edwal Sodium Sulfite, and that it was supposed to be mixed with 2 litres of warm water. I believe I used either A. Adams descripiton for mixing the solution (from his book on Polaroid Land photography) or the description from the T55 tech sheet. I'll probably mix up a new batch before my next attempt.

On another note, I'll be coming to London in the second week of January (to work, but I'll take a couple of days off too). I haven't decided whether or not I'll lug my 4x5 camera with me. Is there anything you suggest I should go see and shoot while I'm there?

Derek

 

[markbb]

Derek,
by co-incidence, they may be a small gathering of LF/ULF photographers in a Church in the (City of)London mid January, Sunday around 12. Mail me direct for info.