Hello from Croatia

[Denis P.]

After some lurking around, I think it's time for me to introduce myself properly.

I've started photography as a hobby about 20 yrs ago with a beat-up Yashica FR, but later had a long hiatus (university, later family, kids, work, you name it).

I rediscovered joys of B&W with a Nikon FM I got a few years back, but the real thing happened two years ago when I got an old Czech Flexaret TLR. Moving to medium format way a real eye-opener!

I got a very small darkroom set up at home, and I do my own B&W - mostly medium format. I've also got a 2x3 Speed Graphic, which I just love for the endless DIY possibilities it presents - see my DIY hacks here.

However, lately I find myself more of a collector and tinkerer than a practising photographer, although I still try to shoot with everything I have - which is getting increasingly difficult

My recent favourites are almost mint Rolleiflex T, and a strange beast in the form of a Russian Kiev 4 and two Jupiter lenses. Sample Kiev 4 photos here.

Denis

 

[Ole]

Hello, Denis P.!
Nice to have you here - I've started admitting I'm a collector/tinkerer myself, too. My first MF was a Lubitel... just enough to show me I liked the bigger format and slower working.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Welcome!

So are folks shooting Efke and other East European films over there or do you think the nostalgia for former-Communist photographic materials is mainly a strictly West European and American fetish?

When I was in Poland recently, I don't think I saw any East European films or papers in the shops--just Ilford, Agfa, Fuji, and Kodak.

 

[Denis P.]

Welcome!

So are folks shooting Efke and other East European films over there or do you think the nostalgia for former-Communist photographic materials is mainly a strictly West European and American fetish?

When I was in Poland recently, I don't think I saw any East European films or papers in the shops--just Ilford, Agfa, Fuji, and Kodak.

Well, the "old types" like myself are still shooting Efke, thank you very much
Most of the "analog" guys I know around here who do B&W themselves are using it. Most of those guys swear by Efke R25 developed in Rodinal 1+50.

I even bought a pack (10 rolls) of Efke R100 in 127 size a few weeks ago - even though I don't have anything to shoot it in )))
I'm thinking it will be a good excuse to get a Yashica 44 or even a baby Rolleiflex (provided I manage to get one without breaking the bank).

However, every now and then there's roumors that the factory will shut down - then I'm on the phone again, asking them (at Fotokemika factory) what's up.
Any every time I get reassured that they still plan to go on with production.
Still, I was surprised to hear that their main source of income is X-ray film (think hospitals). They've cut down somewhat the production of paper, but the film is still going strong (keep your fingers crossed, though).

But, their film is availably mostly direct from the factory - they recently closed down their last retail store in Zagreb :-(((

Regards,

Denis

 

[Eric Rose]

Denis, how much can you get 4x5, 100 asa film for?

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Thanks for the update, Denis! I really like Efke PL100 and would hate to see it go away.

 

[Denis P.]

Denis, how much can you get 4x5, 100 asa film for?

Well, I have relatively recent prices for their film, but no 4x5 format.
They do "Western" formats (e.g. 4x5) only periodically for large buyers - e.g. for "Fotoimpex" in Germany, and a lot of their stuff is later rebranded "Maco", I think.

The closest "European" format(s) I have listed are 9 x 12 cm and 10 x 15 cm.
(4x5 is approx. 10,1 x 12,7 cm).

9x12 is about $20-$22 (USD) for 50 sheets, and 10x15 is about $16-$18 (USD) for 25 sheets. The variation in prices refer to "floating" exchange rate of the USD.

Those prices are if you buy direct from the company (Fotokemika) - add to that also the postage (sometimes rather costly in Croatia), and you get the picture. If you buy in (retail) stores or labs which carry photo stuff, it would be a bit more.

I don't know why you're asking - if you're thinking of buying direct from them, forget it - I don't think they would sell retail abroad. Also, the postage would be outrageous (did I mention that postage rates in Croatia are among the highest in Europe?).

HTH,

Denis

 

[Ole]

Now the "European" sizes are what interests me...

I use 9x12, 13x18 and 18x24, but I'm having problems finding the bigger size without cutting it myself. Which is difficult in the dark. And then I have to load my plate holders, with a fiber plate behind the film, also in the dark.

so an order of EFKE PL25 in 18x24 would suit the bill quite exactly, I think

No, I don't believe Croatia has the highest postage rates in Europe. That "honour" surely belongs to Norway

 

[Denis P.]

Now the "European" sizes are what interests me...

I use 9x12, 13x18 and 18x24, but I'm having problems finding the bigger size without cutting it myself. Which is difficult in the dark. And then I have to load my plate holders, with a fiber plate behind the film, also in the dark.

so an order of EFKE PL25 in 18x24 would suit the bill quite exactly, I think

My price list has 13x18 - no problem there. Price is approx. $23 for 25 sheets (at current USD exch. rate).

However, 18x24 is a different story - but I think one of my colleagues mentioned they make it in that size, too - only not regularly. Probably when they produce the stuff for export. I can give them a call tomorrow and make inquiries, if you want me to - no problem.

Rgds,

Denis

 

[removed account4]

hi denis

nice to have you here!

i have to admit, i am a collector and tinkerer as well.
i used to buy falling plate cameras like the cyclone sr. - ( you load all the glass plates in metal septums inside the camera, make the exposure & wiggle a knob - the exposed plate falls to the bottom of the camera & you are ready to make your next exposure ). i'd fix the shutters, uses them for while and then re-sell them on FEEbay sewing machine oil does wonders with a guillotine shutter <g>.

- john

ps. thanks for the links!

 

[Aggie]

Welcome Denis. I have a friend here that is from Croatia. He taught me one phrase to use. It's not a good one. I also made platinum wedding bands, and an engagement ring for him. As part of my profit I get to use his families vacation home on one of the islands right off your coast. I just have to get there someday.