First negs from my Canham 5x12

Well, I just finished processing my first dozen negs from my Canham 5x12. Wow. Very cool. I'll post some scans tomorrow or sunday when I can get some prints made in pt/pd. Of course, I had to tray process, which is a major challenge when you're used to running everything in a Jobo drum, and/or handling smaller film in a more square proportion. Everything gets slipperier, kinda like trying to wrassle an eel. And of course, since this is the first time I tray processed in close to a year, the two negs I scratched would have to be ones with sky in them, and the scratches would have to be in the sky. But it's all good- I'm starting to get a feel for the format. Can't wait to get to try it on some grand landscapes.

I process 5x12 negatives in the Jobo 5 slot 8x10 drum. It works fine. The negatives stick above the drum, but there is room for the lid without bending the negatives. And with the drum horizontal, the development is uniform. I have no uneven development using a staining developer (Pyrocat HD).

Can't wait to see the images in the gallery Scott.

gene

Yes I would like to see your post. I was and still am softly but constantly attacked by the idea of replacing the 8x10 camera with a 5x12. I was thinking a 5x12 with a 5x7 back would be nice. I suspect it is smaller and easier to carry than 8x10 in the F64 backpack, but the availability of film and scanning options are surely limited. So 5x12 contact prints and 5x7 for enlargements?... Could be an option!?

ok- two shots posted to the galleries. Let me know what y'all think!

Scott,

You should take a look at Lois Conner's work if you haven't yet, a real eye opener. She works in 7x17, and the way she tells it, at first she was using it as she did her other cameras, with single subjects, more or less in the middle of the frame. Eventually she started using it more as a scroll painting, as a developing story accross the page, and she really does some very interesting things w the format. She usually has several elements that you can't take in (or predict) at one glance, which forces you to 'read' the photo back and forth. If (or when) I try my hand at a pano format, it would be with her example in mind. Take care, and keep em coming. I'm just starting out on 8x10 myself, so can identify w the feeling of newness.

saw your gallery shots....all i have to say is you need to send that camera to me....and do not forget to include the 5x7 back!

great stuff. can not wait to see more.

eddie