I hate 35mm

Ian Grant · Mar 26, 2011

David A. Goldfarb said:
Start shooting 8x10", where every sheet is the same as the area of a 36 exp. roll, and you'll stop worrying about the unexposed frames on your rollfilm cameras.

Don't exaggerate David, there's a far simpler answer. I'm known for dropping coins and them landing on the back of my neck as I look for them

The OP should switch to Exakta's Varex/VX series, the built in blade allows the frames used to be cut off and processed separately.

I was just as tight when shooting half frame, it's the Scots blood.

Ian

jordanstarr · Mar 26, 2011

NormanV said:
Jordanstarr, I'm easily bored with a subject. You sound like a perfect candidate for digital.

That's hilarious that you would say I'm a perfect candidate for digital. The amount of photos one takes of a subject is a very subjective response. I like to really explore a subject/situation I find interesting 'cause there's always more than one way of looking at it. I don't fire off 9 frames per second like some digital photographers. I take a shot, take a step forward, a step back, switch the angle possibly, catch another moment of the situation evolving, etc. I think it was Freidlander who said "I like to throw a lot of balls in the air to see which one I catch". There's no problem in taking more than one shot of a subject. Sounds like you would be the perfect candidate for something other than photography if you "get bored easily with a subject".

NormanV · Mar 26, 2011

I don't hate 35mm. In the 1970s when I used nothing else, a Contax II, I created some great pictures. These days I have terrible problems with dust but digital editing makes it relatively easy to get rid of that problem.
My real gripe is with these lovely (fondle, fondle ) 35mm cameras that make me go click, click , click. When I am using 120 I have no problem with controlling myself. My success rate is higher with 120 so I plan to stay with it.

NormanV · Mar 26, 2011

Ian, i have seriously given though to an Exacta. Trouble is, even though I am left handed I find them really difficult to handle.

NormanV · Mar 26, 2011

Jordanstarr please don't be offended, I started this thread as a bit of fun. (I am a trifle pissed as I am celebrating a life changing event that I do not wish to discuss)
Everyone has their own approach to any subject, I tend to take few pictures and then regret afterwards. But that's how I am.

Sirius Glass · Mar 26, 2011

NormanV said:
Ian, i have seriously given though to an Exacta. Trouble is, even though I am left handed I find them really difficult to handle.

But the Exacta is a left handed camera. That is one of the reasons that I have seriously [Siriusly] considered getting one. Instead my girlfriend won a 35mm to 300mm AF zoom lens, and I ended up getting Nikon cameras to replace my excellent Minolta X-700 camera.

I use 35mm, 120 6cm x 6cm [read: Hasselblad, {yes Quite Ghastly Quarrelsome Gnome (may you burn in Hell :devil: you Troll!), I know that technically it is 56mm x 56mm so shove it up your a$$! }], and 4"x5" [in the UK 5"x4", is that Imperial or US Standard inches?] based on what I want to do rather than the number of exposures.

Steve

Bill Burk · Mar 26, 2011

NormanV,
Thanks for starting a fun thread.
I try to use 36exp because being out of film is a much worse problem.
When I'm done shooting, I don't care where the roll is, when I want to see the shots I'll rewind it and develop.

Gerald C Koch · Mar 26, 2011

I have gone back months or years later and found negatives that I liked better than my first choice. Usually an opportunity lasts but a few minutes so it is better to take more photographs than fewer. I have never regretted taking too many photographs but I have certainly regretted taking too few.

Ken Nadvornick · Mar 26, 2011

NormanV said:
I hate 35mm film! I have just counted and found that I have six cameras with part used film in them. I have no idea what is on these films.

[...]

I don't know what to do.

Not the film's fault...

Ken

Toffle · Mar 26, 2011

NormanV said:
I am a trifle pissed as I am celebrating a life changing event that I do not wish to discuss.

Just going out on a limb here... how was your vasectomy?

railwayman3 · Mar 26, 2011

NormanV said:
I have just obtained a Watson loader and will start loading my own film when my present stock has run out. I think 15 might be a good number. But I don't know, decisions, decisions. Maybe 12, or perhaps 11.

Didn't Agfa once market color neg in "weekend" 15 exp cassettes, with the gimmicks that it was "12+3 free" and just enough shots for a couple of days away.

NormanV · Mar 26, 2011

But just think how much work is involved. I am a lazy git. I just want to develop perfect pictures, nothing less.

2F/2F · Mar 26, 2011

Then move to Mars. Perfection is not possible here among mere Earthly mortals.

Seriously, is this such a big deal? Just figure it out. For now, I'd suggest that you just start snipping off your shot frames in the dark (to go along with the recent snipping of your vas deferens ).

blockend · Mar 26, 2011

It depends what's happening. If I'm street shooting people at an event I can get through a 36 roll every 10 - 15 minutes. You need to remember 35mm was invented as a miniature camera format and clicking away at the possible's and maybe's is as important as the definite's, if only to get you in the zone. Looking at old negatives there's a definite peak to the better shots preceded by a warm-up phase and a fade-out. Maybe I just resigned myself to a low score of hits, or my standards are too high but if I get a memorable shot once every three films I consider it a good day.

NormanV · Mar 26, 2011

For the record, I had my vasectomy over a year ago. (surely six kids is enough? Don't call me Shirley.)
I am not happy trolling through loads of negs. I prefer to choose from a few 'goodish' pictures that I produce.
I do it all for pleasure, as do many people. Just do it how it pleases you, I never try to impose my wishes on another. Except when I am right!

Thomas Bertilsson · Mar 26, 2011

To OP: I hope you find a way around it. Much good advice has been given.
1. Use shorter rolls with less frames.
2. Use 100ft rolls and bulk load at home. You can easily make it 10 frames per roll.

Or just do what I do. When I take my camera out, I shoot frames from the roll I'm using, but don't feel bad about cutting it short and just developing what's there when I come home.

Or, take notes. Put little post-it notes on your cameras of what you've shot. Especially lighting conditions would seem highly pertinent to me.

Or just use the Mamiya. I love to use both 35mm and 120. Sheet film is a whole other type of shooting, and most of the photos I make I just couldn't do with my 5x7, so it rests for the most part.

Good luck!

lxdude · Mar 26, 2011

I remember when 35mm came in 12 exposures. They must have been thinking of you, Norman.
You really could just use a changing bag or darkroom and cut off what you've shot, cut a short leader, and keep going.

NormanV · Mar 26, 2011

I started out to be contentious. I think that I have succeeded.
It has made me think though. When my present stock of HP5 (Ilford forever!!!!) is finished I will use bulk film and load 18 frames in each roll. That still leaves me with a problem as my Patterson tank is biased towards standard (36) exposures per roll of film. It is a waste of chemicals but nothing is perfect.

IloveTLRs · Mar 26, 2011

Be thankful you don't shoot half-frame. A friend of mine used to, and insisted on using 36exp rolls. Let me tell you, it took him forever to shoot 72 pictures

Or, you could get yourself the Fuji G617 - I think it gives you 2 or 3 shots per 120 roll

hpulley · Mar 26, 2011

IloveTLRs said:
Be thankful you don't shoot half-frame. A friend of mine used to, and insisted on using 36exp rolls. Let me tell you, it took him forever to shoot 72 pictures

Or, you could get yourself the Fuji G617 - I think it gives you 2 or 3 shots per 120 roll

4 pictures actually but who's counting?

I do love the old 12 rolls. I still shoot old VP126-12 packs, great length though my GE Flipflashes only have 8 bulbs and sometimes they shoot two at once

2F/2F · Mar 26, 2011

Maybe 6x4.5 is the format for you when you do not want to use your 6x9. It's nearly as convenient as 35mm (though not as good for low light); it provides much more "image quality," and you get only 15-16 shots per roll. The pix will also blend a bit better with your 6x9 shots, qualitywise.

hpulley · Mar 26, 2011

I'm getting 6x9 shortly so I'll see how I like 8 shots per roll. So far 10 per roll 6x7 feels just about perfect though there are days when even then I have a shot or two sort of left over.

Brian Legge · Mar 26, 2011

I tried a half frame camera and sold it after the first roll. I was surprisingly happy with the shots I got out of it, but I just don't take enough pictures to finish a roll in a timely manner.

Vilk · Mar 26, 2011

get a motor drive

tomalophicon · Mar 26, 2011

Use 1 camera.

I hate 35mm

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