Hello from Naples, Florida, USA

[Naples]

Greetings from Naples, Florida, USA.

I found this forum a couple months ago after hearing or reading somewhere that some (many?) people are going back to film. I did a search for “going back to film” on Google and found this site.

I have read much on this forum, and learned even more. In fact, after reading this forum it’s clear I know very little.

In any event, I have a Nikon N80 with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4D, and in the past few years have shot more B&W (Kodak T-Max 100 and 400) than color (Kodak Portra).

Here in my little corner of the world – Naples – we still have one pro lab left that develops B&W film, and I am thankful for that; however they scan and print digitally on a Fuji Frontier.

Thanks to this site, I recently sent a B&W 35mm negative to A & I in Los Angeles for optical reprints of a favorite family beach shot. They did a great job, though with shipping and all it was a bit pricey.

I am so thankful for this site. It’s reassuring to know there are so many avid fans of film out there. Walk into the Ritz Camera here in Naples and buy film, or ask them if they carry the Nikon F6, and they look at you like you just stepped off a spaceship.

In closing, I found amusing this recent “tutorial” I came across on how to use Photoshop to turn one’s digital images into film-look-a-likes: http://www.i-marco.nl/weblog/archive/2007/09/22/realistic_film_grain_for_digit

Cheers,

Naples

 

[roteague]

Welcome from the other side of the country, Hawaii. Glad you found us.

 

[juan]

Welcome from Jacksonville.
juan

 

[Mike Wilde]

I'ts a pleasure to find a community that welcomes you being out of step.

I too am still a happy silver addict, although I have never really left.

Now while there is a thread on support your local store, there are also many mentions of many good finds on *bay, as we call it around here.

Often just letting the word out that you shoot film, still, and are interested in using old cameras is enough to get them given to you.

In Florida there must be a whack of old cameras assessable though various retirement communities. Why not try putting a notice up in a few at the community halls, and you might have a dozen or two dozen or more cameras and associated bits for the price of one new bit of the latest Nikon fresh from the factory.

However you do it, enjoy the film experience.

 

[copake_ham]

Welcome to APUG from NYC.

 

[Ian Leake]

Welcome to APUG (from London, England)

 

[Dinesh]

Welcome, from the Canadian Riviera, Toronto.

 

[alexdz]

Welcome to APUG!

 

[papagene]

Welcome from western Massachusetts. Glad you found this site and that you are already enjoying your time here.

gene

 

[KWhitmore]

Welcome from Montreal. APUG rocks.


Kathy

 

[BWGirl]

Welcome to APUG! It's a grand world, indeed for film shooters! Be careful, though... if you hang out here long enough we'll have you developing your own film!

Good to have you on board!

 

[Black Dog]

Saludos amigo!

 

[waynecrider]

Welcome from Florida's east cost and right across the alley. You might consider Dale Labs in Hollywood FL, for any enlargements. Their prices are reasonable and shipping is next day. Thanks for joining us..

 

[Naples]

Thanks to all.

Thanks to all.

I'm getting addicted to this site.

Yes, BWGirl, I'm afraid some day I just may try to develop my own film.

And Wayne, thanks for the tip on Dale Labs across the alley. I'll check them out. Years ago (in the late 90s) I used Thomson Photo in Coral Gables for my B&W, and they did a terrific job; but I heard they closed and, sure enough, I haven't been able to locate them.

 

[Photo Engineer]

Welcome to APUG.

You should know that many retired Kodak people live in Naples Fla. Maybe that is why there is a pro lab there.

PE

 

[Christopher Walrath]

Well here's my two bits. Welcome to the group. May you live as long as you want and never want for as long as you live.

 

[Scott Peters]

Welcome, when I visit my folks in Naples, perhaps you can show me around for some good places to photograph? I can bring my larger cameras.

 

[Naples]

Engineer,

That’s interesting about many Kodak retirees living in Naples. Next time I’m in our pro lab I’ll ask the guys.

Scott,

Nature photography here is pretty much limited to the beach on the West and the Everglades in the East. For the Everglades I’d recommend taking US 41 (not I-75) toward Miami; US 41 is a “Scenic Highway” and truly beautiful.

I’d be happy to show you around, however I’m a 35mm amateur and you’re way over my head. As a LF user you may wish to visit our local version of Ansel Adams: Clyde Butcher. He’s based out in the Everglades in a hamlet called Ochopee, about 30 miles East of Naples on US 41: http://www.mapquest.com/directions/...pl=&2v=&2n=&2pn=&2a=&2c=ochopee&2s=fl&2z=&r=f

Here is Butcher’s website: http://www.clydebutcher.com/ I’ve never met him, but a friend who shoots MF and LF took some of his photos out to Butcher to look over and they had a grand time.

Cheers,

Naples

 

[MattKing]

Welcome, from the west (some would say wet) coast of Canada.

Matt

 

[spiralcity]

Welcome to apug.