Returning to film

keisisqrl

Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2021
Messages
17
Location
Seattle
Format
35mm
I didn't shoot film for most of 20 years (haven't done a ton of photography at all for a while), rediscovered it recently and got to shoot some black and white which I always wanted to but never could when I was a kid, and uh... yeah. You know how it is, growing camera collection and lab budget, rip

Greetings from Seattle
 

MattKing

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Apr 24, 2005
Messages
51,974
Location
Delta, BC Canada
Format
Medium Format
Greetings from just up the I5 and over the border.
Hope you enjoy your time here.
 

Down Under

Member
Joined
Aug 22, 2006
Messages
1,086
Location
The universe
Format
Multi Format
mshchem said:
Film is so much fun. Gotta get a developing tank and a frame to make contact proof sheets.
Click to expand...

Charity shops are ideal places to find old photo/darkroom gear. A few charge like wounded bulls, but many don't and old developing tanks, trays, safelights and other darkroom bits can be found. Not all are in working order, but occasionally a tank that is fully complete turns up, with reels, stirring rod et al.

Last week I scored a 1950s Paterson Universal II adjustable tank in its original box with the instructions. It was covered in dust and grime, but after a good cleaning it looks as if it hadn't been used in 60+ years. For all of A$6.00, so the bargains are out there.

As for frames, given the insane prices of enlarging paper I no longer make proof sheets of my films. Last year I sold a Paterson 35mm proof sheet frame on Ebay for A$75.00, which was probably more than someone paid for it in the 1970s or 1980s. I still have a 120 roll film one somewhere in the garage, but I'll be darned if I can find it...
 

Horatio

Subscriber
Joined
Mar 13, 2020
Messages
924
Location
South Carolina
Format
Multi Format
Welcome! I returned (to film) last year. I love processing black and white film. Check out caffenol if you’re concerned about using standard developers.
 
OP
OP

keisisqrl

Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2021
Messages
17
Location
Seattle
Format
35mm

Yeah, I may have to go scrounging at some of those. Unfortunately most close in to the city have gone away except Goodwill and they have a good eye for stuff to put up on their auction site.

I do know a couple of former film shooters though so I'll probably also try and ask around. Just that, soon as I start developing, I know I'll want a scanner, and... well, at least there's a public darkroom here I can book access to (and an acquaintance I ought to call).

I'll like as not do digital contact sheets with a light table and iPhone.
 

RalphLambrecht

Subscriber
Joined
Sep 19, 2003
Messages
14,567
Location
K,Germany
Format
Medium Format
Andrew O'Neill said:
Welcome to the forum! Start developing your own film. You'll be glad that you did.
Click to expand...
fully agree. Oh, I remember it well... I was scared to dev my own film; afraid to screw it up but now... I wouldn't rust anybody to dev my film. Nobody can do this better than myself and it is just part of our unique process.
 
OP
OP

keisisqrl

Member
Joined
Aug 31, 2021
Messages
17
Location
Seattle
Format
35mm
Horatio said:
Welcome! I returned (to film) last year. I love processing black and white film. Check out caffenol if you’re concerned about using standard developers.
Click to expand...
I have been obsessed with the idea since I learned about it. Dunno if it'll be my primary choice but to me Caffenol ranks up there with "I made ink from these weird things I found on an oak tree and some rusty nails" (haven't actually come across any oak galls to forage since I started looking, but y'know).
 

Andrew O'Neill

Moderator
Moderator
Joined
Jan 16, 2004
Messages
11,775
Location
Coquitlam,BC Canada
Format
Multi Format

Nothing wrong with Caffenol. There are several recipes that give impressive results.
 

removed account4

Subscriber
Joined
Jun 21, 2003
Messages
29,833
Format
Hybrid
glad to see you made it home
hope you have a blast! and share some of your
fun and enthusiasm

John

ps. lots of info in the caffenol cookbook if you hadn't discovered it yet...
 

John Phive

Member
Joined
Sep 19, 2021
Messages
61
Location
North Eastern USA
Format
Digital
I'm attempting to return to film myself with the use of the Holga 120N which has been slightly modified to suit my needs. Once my testing has been completed I'll be hopefully moving on to the Dore Goodman 3D camera. Same medium format, but with better results. But who knows I could get some good results with the holga.
 

guangong

Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2009
Messages
3,589
Format
Medium Format
Film Can be considered permanent compared to digital. I can print pictures taken 50-60 years ago. Acquire a camera not dependent on batteries, a light meter (or better still, download and print an exposure calculator), film, a developing tank, some chemicals, and you are ready to go. You can most likely get an enlarger for free, or go hybrid with your computer. Have fun!
 

TheFlyingCamera

Membership Council
Advertiser
Joined
May 24, 2005
Messages
11,546
Location
Washington DC
Format
Multi Format
Holgas can be remarkably competent little cameras, so long as you understand their limitations and use them accordingly.
 

Sirius Glass

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 18, 2007
Messages
50,150
Location
Southern California
Format
Multi Format
.





Welcome to APUG Photrio!!​
 

Drew B.

Member
Joined
Feb 25, 2005
Messages
2,310
Location
New England
Format
4x5 Format
Lots of great photo/camera shops all arouind the downtown. Visit my son in West Seattle several times a year and always drop in to several of them...
 

BradS

Member
Joined
Sep 28, 2004
Messages
8,110
Location
Soulsbyville, California
Format
35mm
Hello and welcome.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Menu
Log in
Register
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…