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NY/NJ trip

Hi Tom - I was hoping to shoot in the morning, then print in the afternoon. I'm interested in learning Azo/Platinum. I have a local darkroom available. If time does not permit, I was hoping this could turn into a monthly thing. Jim
 
I just contacted everyone who had interest in getting together. June 18th was the only date that wasn't mentioned as unavailable. Everyone seemed ok with Asbury Park, so I hope that works. There is also an old military bunker located at Sandy Hook. It is fenced in but I think it can be entered with permission. I am going to call the park and see if this can happen. It's a very cool place. I'm interested in Platinum/Azo...not sure what everyone else's ideas are. As mentioned, I can get darkroom access. So far 8 to 10 people are interested. If you can make it, please let me know and then we can finalize a plan. Thanks- Jim
 
Is that the military base around the lighthouse?

I have a very distinct memory of photographing that lighthouse. I was generally doing bird photography, but brought my 4x5" Gowland along as well, and I carefully composed a shot of the lighthouse with a fair amount of front rise and a 135mm lens, closed and set the lens, put in a filmholder, put on the lens shade (oops!), and took the picture, forgetting to check that the lens shade wasn't vignetting with all that front rise.
 
Yup, that's Ft Hancock on Sandy Hook. It was originally a coastal artillery base covering the approaches to New York harbor. There was also a proving ground for testing artillery munitions. Later, it was a Nike Ajax missile site for the defense of New York City. It's now part of Gateway National Park. There is a LOT of history out there...

Oh yes... This is the lighthouse! (shot on 5X7 Ektachrome)
 
Yes, much nicer without the "framing device" of the lens shade in the corners. I guess I could always say it was an hommage to Atget.
 
Hey Guys - One of my clients was recently at the fort. Very interesting spot. Old bunhers, gun emplacements, etc. I'll contact the park service tomorrow and find out if it's possible to get in. It looks like 1/2 the group wants to shoot, the other half wants to shoot and print. I am willing to print at night, so if people want to hang out, that can work. Like mentioned before, NJ Transit runs right to Asbury Park. It's about an hour and 45 minutes from Penn station. Driving from the city is ok if it's early. After 9:00, there will be much traffic. For those interested in printing, please let me know if you want to try Azo/Platinum. Thanks - Jim
 
Art--If I go, I can bring an extra LF camera if you want to experiment. You can bring a tripod.
 
I am so excited, it's going to be the first time I see LF in action. It will be a valuable lesson to me, since I am thinking about moving toward LF all the time.

I will be leaving from Bklyn, I can drop by to pick you up if any of you need a lift, let me know.
 
So it's looking like I can do it, but I'll have to be back in Manhattan by 5-6 p.m. or earlier. We've got some family passing through, so I need to be able to meet them for dinner.

If there will be a couple of people interested in experimenting with LF, then, I'll definitely bring a spare 4x5" camera.
 
If you are able to print the big negs HP, I don't think you will ever go back to smaller format!
 
I've shot there several times. I was last there during the last week of April. there were ugly orange traffic cones all around the lighthouse. looked like it was roadwork. maybe it will be completed by June 18.
 
I just checked with my wife, for scheduling conflicts, I'm good to go for June 18. Is it to be Fort Hancock or Asbury Park? I think Fort Hancock would be a lot more tripod friendly.

David, or any one else need/want a ride? I'm coming from Bergen County and can swing into the city on my way down.
 
Thanks, Tom, if it's not too much trouble, that would be great. PM me, if you need my address again.
 
Tom Duffy said:
I've shot there several times. I was last there during the last week of April. there were ugly orange traffic cones all around the lighthouse. looked like it was roadwork. maybe it will be completed by June 18.
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I was out there 2 weeks ago. The cones were out, but it had something to do with lighthouse tours. I can swing by and take a peek again this weekend and get an update.
 
Hi guys - did not get a chance to call the park service today...I will tomorrow or monday. I was thinking if we started early, we could hit AP in the morning, then other locations after. The fort is possible and also local parks, downtown Long Branch, etc. I can get a van and I believe Bob said he could get one. I will take some pictures of locations in Asbury and post them, so everyone gets an idea of what's here. With all the redevelopment going on, they won't last long! - Jim
 
David A. Goldfarb said:
Art--If I go, I can bring an extra LF camera if you want to experiment. You can bring a tripod.
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Wow! That's very generous. One warning though, I have no clue how to use the thing! I have a nice sturdy tripod.

What's the recommended 8x10 sheet film to bring?

Art.
 
I've only got one 8x10" camera so the spare will most likely be the 4x5" Gowland. I'm sure a few of us can show you how to use it. It's only got front movements and is kind of minimalist, but it's enough to start with. I lent this camera to a friend not long ago who used it for an architectural project for several weeks while his two Deardorffs were in the shop.

It's ultralight, so whatever tripod you use for your Hassy should be fine. It's probably easiest if I preload some film, so why don't you just reimburse me for film afterward. I've got B&W, color slide (Astia), and color neg (some outdated VPS III, untested, but should still be good) on hand--let me know what interests you. Alternately, if you want to shoot Polaroid, let me know, and I'll bring a Polaroid back, and you can pick up whatever Polaroid film you like. You can see what comes in 4x5" sheets at www.polaroid.com.
 
David A. Goldfarb said:
It's probably easiest if I preload some film, so why don't you just reimburse me for film afterward.
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OK, no prob.
I've got B&W, color slide (Astia), and color neg (some outdated VPS III, untested, but should still be good) on hand--let me know what interests you.
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Astia please. Tentatively, can you bring the B&W, as well? Read below...
Alternately, if you want to shoot Polaroid, let me know, and I'll bring a Polaroid back, and you can pick up whatever Polaroid film you like.
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I have a Polaroid 545i back for my Daylab 120. Will this fit? Plus I've wanted to try the Polaroid 55 film/print combo.

I may even bring some Type 59, my transfer kit and do some Polaroid transfers right there!

Art.
 
Bring the 545i back. It fits. Type 55 can be messy if you intend to process it in the field, but people do it (and if you can do transfers in the field, dealing with Type 55 should be a cinch!). You can remove unprocessed packets and pull them later, when you're in a clean environment for coating prints and have your tray of sulfite solution handy. B&H and Calumet sell a bucket with a rack and a cover for soaking the 55 negs in the field as well. Some people just keep a Tupperware container with the sulfite solution.

I've always got some Grafmatics loaded with B&W, so that's no trouble either.
 
I'm bringing my 5x7 Sinar P2, anybody want to carry it for me? Carrying it will be a better introduction to large format photography than actually looking through the ground glass.

I hope it doesn't rain after all this planning...
 
If anyone is interested in splitting a box of 50 sheet 8x10, let me know. I was going to order Efke 100 asa. - Jim
 
Hi Guys- I spoke with the superintendent of Sandy Hook today. She is sending me the permit info in the mail. If we do this, we must be accompanied by a park ranger and the fee is $45.00 per hour. I am going to go scout the area next week, take pictures and post them, so you can get an idea of what it looks like. From what I remember, it is a lot of of concrete bunkers, rusting staircases, etc.
 
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