Hello from Historic Hillsborough

[Zergling Rusher]

Hello everyone, my name is Daniel. I am 17 and I reside in Hillsborough, North Carolina. Rather than most members here I have yet to go deep into the field of film photography, but I am using this community as a source of education in the matter.

Being an apprentice of local photographer Kent Murray I have heard the many ways that film can help one in the field. Not only do I think I can learn from the use of film, I aspire to craft my image, rather than let the machine do the fun for me. I wish to have the intimate artistic moments of creating art, rather than spending seconds with a digital camera.

I hope to soon make a purchase that will change my view on Photography; but this is where I need your help...

Being 17 with little financial standing to my name, I wish to take the most economic approach to 4x5 photography. What all do I need to capture the image and develop the film?

I know I need:
Camera (going for a cheap monorail View II)
Film (Recommendations?)
Water
Developer (Suggestions?)
Stop Bath (" ")
A room to work in (CHECK)
Three trays

Anything else?

Thank you so much,
Daniel

 

[guitstik]

Welcome to APUG. It sounds like you have a good idea of what you are wanting to do and how to get there. I would suggest rather than going for a 4x5 get a good 35mm. That will give you the experience in developing film without a lot of the technical foundation that 4x5 would require. Starting with 35mm is easier than 4x5 film. This is just my opinion but one garnered from experience.

Good luck and it's good to see someone young getting into film.

Joel

 

[Zergling Rusher]

Thank you for replying so quickly- I have previously thought about doing 35mm due to it's cost, but I also wanted to dive straight into large format. Seeing as I already do own a 35mm SLR, I don;t see how it would hurt for me to get a dark bag, chemicals, and a drum. Is there anything specific that you would suggest to a 100% newbie for equipment? What sellers do you prefer?

Thanks very much,
Daniel

P.S.
I'm the youngest person I know who is aspiring for film photography- I hope to change that. Even the photographer I apprentice for moved to the easiness of digital. I think it's a shame, personally .

 

[M.A.Longmore]

.
Welcome To APUG Daniel !

Borrow a 35mm camera, get a roll of Kodachrome 64 !
You really should not miss that experience.

Hopefully, you will have the rest of your life to use the 4X5,
and whatever film is available in the future ...

OK, just saw your response about having a 35mm. camera.
Now you just need a roll of Kodachrome, only two weeks left.

And then you can get a copy of Using The View Camera, by Steve Simmons.
There are many different opinions about equipment, at least you stated your
age, so hopefully someone won't recommend a Sinar P2 !

 

[Zergling Rusher]

I have shot some 35mm in the past, just not developed (and I was about 12). I have a fair knowledge of exposure and such, but I know film will give me a far better understanding. I also want to be ahead of my class when I'm taking classes next year.

Thanks for the reply!

Daniel

 

[M.A.Longmore]

.
A few more weeks of APUG, and you might be the photography teacher next year !

 

[Jeff Kubach]

Hello and welcome to APUG! You might check out KEH Used Cameras. Good prices and a return policy.

Jeff

 

[Steve Smith]

Welcome.

I admire the attitude of wanting to go straight to 4x5 (or 5x4 as we call it here!). That is what I would do too in your situation.



Steve.

 

[Rick A]

Welcome to the clan. I admire your decision to delve into real cameras, great way to learn the basics. The inverse is, its also a good way to become frustrated. Keep your eyes open for a Calumet CC-400(standard bellows) or CC-401(long bellows)4x5, they usually run well under $200(with accessories). You will definitly need a sturdy tripod, a handfull of film holders, and a decent quality lens. I used to develope film in trays, it works well if you dont mind spending long times in pitch dark.
Get some D-76 developer, stop bath(or water), fixer, and a rinse agent(I prefer Edwal LPN)and dont forget to get a good darkroom manual.

cheers

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

Welcome to APUG. Personally, I'd skip the D-76 and start with Adox Adonal (aka Agfa Rodinal). It is a highly concentrated developer that lasts FOREVER. Use it highly dilute (1:50 or even 1:100). Read up here on Semi-Stand development (there's lots of threads and articles about it). For film, you can't go wrong with Ilford FP4+, although a good budget alternative is Arista.EDU Ultra from Freestyle Photo (an APUG sponsor). Actually, Freestyle is a great place for you to shop because they have a lot of supplies aimed at students on a budget. For fixer, Kodak Rapid Fixer is a good choice. Photo-Flo (a rinse agent to keep water spots from forming on your film when it dries) is a necessity.

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Hi and welcome to APUG. It's christmas and I'm feelin' generous. Send me an address where you can receive some UPS and I'll give you some film, an old homemade 4x5 to get started (it's homemade so you'll outgrow it quickly) and a tripod. Welcome to APUG. Oh, and a couple of holders. As to chems, I would start out with versatile liquid chemistry list HC110. Less mess and fuss. Get around to the powder later.

 

[Chazzy]

Welcome to APUG. It's great that you're diving into 4x5.

 

[papagene]

Hello and welcome to APUG from western Massachusetts.

 

[one90guy]

Hello, you have come to the right place for advise and learning.

David

 

[Zergling Rusher]

Thank you so much everyone, I was hoping to find great advice, but I am completely overwhelmed from all of your kindness. Thanks for the boost in my morale

 

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

Welcome among friends in APUG. You do the correct thing with learning swimming in ocean not a pool. I had a Kiev 88 and a lot of lenses when I was 17 at the university. I want to thank Christopher here for his helping hand.
PM me your email address and let me send you scans of famous American photographer Ansel Adams books Negative , Print and the Camera. I will let you know how you will open the documents. I hope You have a fast internet connection. If you have no space at your email box , register to gmail with a email address , secret question and a password you can remember everytime.

And ,

Look for Ansel Adams , Edward Weston websites.

Umut
Istanbul

 

[Black Dog]

Welcome to APUGland and good luck with LF!

 

[Zergling Rusher]

Thank you