Okay...ready to go!

Stephanie Brim · Apr 11, 2008

Crown Graphic "view" camera: Check.
Gossen Luna Pro F meter: Check.
Film holders - 6: Check.
Red & yellow filters: Check.
150 sheets of J&C 400: Check.
Combi-Plan development tank: Check.
HC-110: Check.
TF-4: Check.

I think I'm good to go.

This weekend I'll be (hopefully) getting out to take some photos with this kit. I think the first problem I'm going to run into is that I have a very small amount of holders. One thing I didn't pick up this week that I should've was a changing bag, so now I'm going to have to come home if I want to change film out of holders. It's okay, but wastes precious gas.

The other problem I have is that I don't have printing stuff yet. I'm waiting on the tax rebates so that I can get my enlarger, paper, trays, tongs, etc. At least I have a timer and a safe light already.

I think this is going to be a blast. As long as the wind doesn't pick up on Sunday I should be able to get in a day of shooting.

mark · Apr 11, 2008

There is an entirely different mind set with 4x5 than with roll film in general. I find I spend more time thinking about the shots, and shoot less when I use the big cameras. The thought time increases as the film size increases. Put a roll film camera in my hands and I am a clicking fiend. I would be lucky to shoot 6 BW holders in a day.

YMMV

Nick Zentena · Apr 11, 2008

Ya six holders isn't bad.

Try some contact prints. Can be done even with one tray and a small light bulb.

Denis P. · Apr 11, 2008

Stephanie, I don't think you really need any more holders for the time being.

Unlike shooting in 35mm format or in medium format, I find that shooting LF means a lot more preparation (and/or "meditation"), and far less shots taken - but the hit rate is MUCH higher

Don't worry - 6 holders means 12 shots. Make them count.
(For me, 12 shots would suffice for almost week of shooting )

Regards and enjoy!

Denis

Stephanie Brim · Apr 11, 2008

Well, my first few shots I plan to take an exposure, then a + and -. I want to see how the film reacts to the developer since I've never used the film before. Gives me 4 shots before I have to go home. Most likely to be plenty for some time. Hell, this'll be the first time I've shot with this camera. Don't quite know HOW my mileage will vary.

If I see a shot I want to take and run out of film, I suppose I could always take a blanket or something to cover my hands and load the film in the camera bag to block even more light. I'll try it outside at home first to see if it ends up light tight enough. I just need to get a changing bag or some more holders...one or the other.

glbeas · Apr 11, 2008

I wouldn't risk it. Be patient, thats one thing LF requires in spades to do well.

Skorzen · Apr 11, 2008

I think a blanket would run the risk of introducing dust too, something that you @$#&*%$#@!@#$$%@ don't want when loading film holders. It will always find your best shots.

Akki14 · Apr 11, 2008

I only have 2 double dark slides. I've been shooting maybe one whole one (two sheets), develop those one at a time so I know what's going on with the exposures and developer and stuff. I've basically got Fomapan 100 and Rodinal down nicely now with my half-assed stuff-film-in-paterson-tank developing. Still playing with the ye olden tri-x ortho but I'm testing that one sheet at a time and keeping very close notes as I have only one box of that stuff (25 sheets minus 2 sheets so far). I find the two doubles is enough for maybe half a day. I'd kill for 6 But it'd probably make me procrastinate more with the development.

eric · Apr 11, 2008

Tripod? Changing bag just in case, torpedo level, rubber bands, some duct tape.
Good shoes.

ann · Apr 11, 2008

stephanie ,
check the classified for changing bags.

the art center was given about 12 a few months ago and we are selling them very cheaply.

ann

mark · Apr 11, 2008

Don't do the towel thing.

You've never shot the camera before, never developed the film before, and you are going out shooting. Could get very frustrating. Might be better to practice on something you do not mind getting messed up. JMO.

You still have the rest of today. Go out and shoot the wall and bracket it. Go in and develop it. See how the film acts that way.

Stephanie Brim · Apr 11, 2008

True...

I have a beautiful pear tree in the back yard that looks quite nice when the light hits it just right...but when it's cloudy it sucks. Like now.

I'll try and get Adam and Rinoa in some natural light before we head to the next town over tonight to get my insulation for the temporary darkroom walls and window coverings (don't ask, it was cheap at the time and all I could afford ). Then I'll develop tonight and see what happens.

rwyoung · Apr 11, 2008

Definitely do the first shots in the back yard within walking distance of your darkroom/chaningroom. Shoot a few, process and look. Repeat as needed.

And I've said it before, if you have some RC paper you can substitute that at ISO 8 for starters. Good for learning about camera movements and mechanical practice without breaking the bank. But not quite as glorious as seeing that film negative come out of the fixer.

Anscojohn · Apr 11, 2008

Stephanie,
Don't forget your grey card!. And, btw, you know you can do a rough and ready Zone I exposure test with a grey card and your Gossen Luna-Six. Zone I is about 1/5 stop more density than the unexposed, developed part of a sheet. Have fun. Take your time. Stay close to home; and shoot the pear tree, not the kids at this juncture.

John, Mount Vernon, Virginia USA

tommy5c · Apr 11, 2008

i don't think i would worry too much about having "only" 6 holders . I usually take ten and only shoot one or two holders in a day. as for bracketing, someone smarter than I gave me the tip. use one holder (two sheets) per shot at the same exposure. then back in development i process the first normally and see if all goes as plan. if i don't like it and want to increase/decrease development i still have sheet number 2. this has worked great form me and i have only had a couple of times where i lost a shot. onetime because of my own mistakes and the second because of dust.

then again i didn't say that all of the shots came out how i would have liked them, but that too is my problem

John Kasaian · Apr 11, 2008

Have fun! This isn't rocket science, keep it simple and enjoy!

arigram · Apr 11, 2008

... just don't forget to feed Rinoa and Adam. You know those babies can't take care of themselves, especially if one of them is a gamer.

Okay...ready to go!

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency