Hello from Tokyo

[bence8810]

Hello all,

I recently started a thread here about some challenges I had with old Fibre paper in the darkroom and I forgot to properly introduce myself.

I am Ben - 35 yo and hail from Hungary.
Since 20 I've been on the road and currently live in Tokyo - Japan after a few stops in Los Angeles and Dubai.

I've started Film Photography in Dec 2013 (2 years ago) and have quickly ditched all my digital gear as I built up my addiction to the smell of fixer!
I started wet-printing in Jan 2015 and since have built my modest darkroom at home so I wouldn't have to rely on public or commercial darkrooms.

I shoot mainly 135 but have a Rolleiflex too for the occasional Medium Format shoot.
I do only black and white and I process everything myself at home.

I like to keep things simple and I have one camera body (Leica M3) and one Lens (Summitar 50 collapsible).
I shoot Kodak Eastman 5222 exclusively and develop it in Rodinal 1:50.
This simple setup means I get to spend more time with the hobby and less time fiddling and wondering about it.

Thanks for having me and looking forward to learning from all of you and hopefully contribute here and there.

Ben

 

[apkujeong]

Hello Ben,

Good to see someone nearby (sort of), I've been in Seoul a few years. Did you visit Korea? The overnight boat from Fukuoka to Busan is fun (the speed boat - not so much).

Peter

 

[bence8810]

Hello Peter,

Yes - I had been to Seoul 5-6 times on business so far but not as of late.
Would be great to meet up with fellow photographers if I have a chance to visit again.

The ferry sounds cool - too bad Tokyo is on the other side of the island - nothing direct I am afraid.

Ben

 

[mooseontheloose]

Hi Ben,

Of course I've been following your other thread with interest but thought I would welcome you here too. It's great to have another Japan-based Apugger here and I look forward to seeing more of your work.

Cheers.

 

[Sirius Glass]

Welcome to APUG

 

[Athiril]

I really want to go back to Japan. Welcome

 

[ericdan]

Hi Ben,

with (there was a url link here which no longer exists) that makes three of us in Japan.
I recently acquired some extra space where I live and am thinking about building a modest darkroom, too.
Would be interesting to know more about your setup.

 

[apkujeong]

Five or six times in Seoul? Quite a bit then. I've just been to Tokyo one time, confusing place to visit. I remember taking my (reluctant) girlfriend around a big camera shop in Osaka - tons of gear and lots of film types available, though that was a few years back (maybe 2008). It seemed like film paradise compared to Seoul.

 

[bence8810]

Hi Ben,

with (there was a url link here which no longer exists) that makes three of us in Japan.
I recently acquired some extra space where I live and am thinking about building a modest darkroom, too.
Would be interesting to know more about your setup.

Hi there Eric,

You still at the same place in Shibuya?

I'd be happy to show you my setup one weekend if we both have time. It's very simple and mostly a DIY job but works just fine and somehow blends into the rest of the room without being obstructive which keeps the wife somehow satisfied.

It seemed like film paradise compared to Seoul.

Tokyo sure is one of analog photography's capital but with the way prices have moved in the past year or so - film is hardly a thing to look for when visiting Japan.

Lots of galleries / exhibitions and like-minded people though so that makes up for it!

ben

 

[ericdan]

@(there was a url link here which no longer exists), yup still at the same place.
Let me know if you're free in December.

 

[bence8810]

@(there was a url link here which no longer exists), yup still at the same place.
Let me know if you're free in December.

This saturday until 14:00 - I live in Mitaka.
If you can make it shoot me a PM. If not this sat then one day during the end of year break if you aren't traveling back.

Ben

 

[mooseontheloose]

Hi Ben,

with (there was a url link here which no longer exists) that makes three of us in Japan.
I recently acquired some extra space where I live and am thinking about building a modest darkroom, too.
Would be interesting to know more about your setup.

Actually, there's five of us (at least, that I know of): (there was a url link here which no longer exists) and (there was a url link here which no longer exists) round out the group. (there was a url link here which no longer exists) used to live here but he's now living it up in Switzerland.

I have a modest darkroom too, maybe we could start a Japan group to share information and sources for these types of things.

 

[ericdan]

Not a bad idea!


Sent from Tapatalk

 

[bence8810]

Actually, there's five of us (at least, that I know of): (there was a url link here which no longer exists) and (there was a url link here which no longer exists) round out the group. (there was a url link here which no longer exists) used to live here but he's now living it up in Switzerland.

I have a modest darkroom too, maybe we could start a Japan group to share information and sources for these types of things.

Good to know there are others on this forum from Japan

Yes - let's do a group please. Would be nice having a platform where we can share tips that are specific for the Japan market.

Ben

 

[mooseontheloose]

Alright - I've just created a group here: (there was a url link here which no longer exists). I was hoping to come up with something more clever, but, I'm not that clever.

 

[ericdan]

Thanks!


Sent from Tapatalk

 

[fotch]

Hello Ben and welcome to APUG.

 

[bence8810]

Alright - I've just created a group here: (there was a url link here which no longer exists). I was hoping to come up with something more clever, but, I'm not that clever.

That's fantastic thanks! Saw you already posted some handy links...

Ben

 

[bence8810]

Hello Ben and welcome to APUG.

Thank you!

 

[papagene]

Ben - hello and welcome to APUG!!

 

[bence8810]

Ben - hello and welcome to APUG!!

Thank you!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Welcome, Ben! I lived for 12 years in Kurume, Fukuoka. I go back almost every year. Still have great ties there, friends, family, and photography!

 

[Black Dog]

Hello and nice to have you with us!

 

[ManicPixie]

Welcome to APUG, Ben!