My first image...

[Ariston]

I am thrilled. Using an Anniversary Graphic that someone here on Photrio basically gave to me, I have finally made time to take my first test image. The bellows had pinholes everywhere, so I painted them with liquid electrical tape, then wrapped a cloth around the camera for good measure.

This is also my first time developing sheet film, which I did in trays in my bathroom. I am going to provide all the details below. Please, no comments on the subject matter, as it isn't the point. This was my first shot, meant as a learning experience, not for its wow-factor.

Anniversary Speed Graphic
Ektar 127mm Lens
f/32 at 1/50
HP5+ shot at ISO 400
Developed in HC110 in trays, vinegar water stop, Ilford Rapid Fixer


There are light leaks in the corners, which I take to mean my film holder has issues. Please let me know if you agree. I think it would be on the loading hinge side.

Also, the negative seems a little thinner than what I am used to with my 120 and 35mm film. I am not sure if this is a development issue or if I underexposed, but I checked my exposure with a DSLR, if that means anything.

I cannot overstate how much I enjoyed this. I would like to thank the person that hooked me up with a Speed Graphic at such a low price by name, but I don't know if he would be afraid that others would start asking for similar treatment, especially if he decides to sell something here.

Anyway, I could not have had success without a lot of help from everyone on Photrio/APUG, so thanks to all. I will have lots of questions in the future, I'm sure.

(The image below is a little bowed on the light table, and I had to use a screen clip because the full size image would not upload.)

 

[KN4SMF]

That's a perfect negative. Don't change a thing. Nice job.

 

[Ariston]

Thank you for the kind words!

 

[Paul Manuell]

The negative looks awesome as a photograph in its own right, has an almost infrared look to it. Hope you're going to post the positive here too when you've printed it.

 

[mark]

Looks good. You’re in trouble now. That 8x10 will calling your name very soon.

Yep the holder has issues. Good 4x5 holders can be found very cheap on eBay and sometimes here.

 

[removed account4]

Hi Ariston:

I'm glad I could help you out with the camera

Happy photographing !
John

 

[Ariston]

Thanks again John!

 

[Luckless]

Congratulations on the successful run through the large format workflow.

Looks like a perfect scene to experiment with, with lots going on to explore in detail on its own to see how different methods react.

As for the film holder, double check that there isn't any gunk near the hinge. One of mine had some dirt that kept the flap from folding all the way shut, but has been perfectly serviceable after swabbing with q-tips and rubbing alcohol.

 

[Ariston]

Thanks, Luckless. I'm going to look closely once I shoot the other sheet. It is an old holder I got off ebay. I don't know how to be sure I'm buying a light tight holder. I think the seller had 100% rating...

 

[MattKing]

Congratulations - it looks good.
FWIW, that negative doesn't look "thin" to me. The shadow areas may need more exposure, but the highlights look great, so your process seems to be working well. You just may need to make some artistic choices about where to place Zone V.

 

[winger]

You're off to a great start! As has been said, rabbit hole, here you come.

I also think that's a great scene for testing - there's a ilttle of everything.

And I kinda wonder if the corner leaks are because the holder wasn't quite tight enough in the camera back. My Speed graphic is tough to get the holder in just right.

 

[Ariston]

Everyone is right about the rabbit hole. I have never enjoyed taking a single image so much... and it was just a test image.

Winger, I think the leak was on the side with the hinge. Also, if the holder isn't in all the way, wouldn't the image fail to cover the whole sheet?

 

[shutterfinger]

Now that you have the negative put it back in the holder, emulsion side out, and see if the load door closes flush with the sides. If the film is not fully seated in the holder it will hold the load door open.
Next remove the screw top and bottom that hold the focus panel on. Inspect the corners of the back and the light trap grove for any debris build up. The edges should be perfectly smooth and flat all the way around. Clean as needed then reinstall the focus panel.
Anniversary Speed service manual. http://www.southbristolviews.com/pics/Graphic/manual-pdf/AnniversaryService1.pdf pdf page 14.

 

[Ariston]

Thanks shutterfinger. I will do that once I shoot the sheet in the other side.