It is raining and cold today so I made some keyrings.
You can get yourself one from my Etsy Shop.
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Keychains or Keyrings
Developing Issues and Darkroom Courses
I recently switched from using Kodak D-76 to Ilford Ilfosol 3 to develop my films. I tended to reuse the D-76 and got used to that process. What I didn’t know or read was Ilfosol was a one use only developer. So when I started developing my own film again, the first one was great. The rest got lighter and lighter, tremendously so. I was increasing the developing time, thinking it was my fault. It was, but not in the way I thought. After the 3rd roll, I went back to the bottle and read the instructions…one use. Crap.
I managed to get images from all the rolls with a fair amount of post-processing, but they were obviously not the best negatives I have ever seen.
It was disappointing as I had just come back from Iceland and had been to a gig in Manchester.
For the busy negatives, they are OK. But the ones with sky you can see a definite issue.
The gig film was the last one I developed before checking the instructions. I actually thought it was blank and didn’t take too much care of it once I took it out of the wash. When it was dry, I saw a reflection of a faint image. To be fair the location was very dark and the singers were wearing black, but still, I expected more.
The first person with the drummer is from Hater, and the lady in the hat is Jennifer Castle. I actually liked both artists though they were quite different. I used my Nikon F2 for both locations, the gig used Ilford Delta 3200 pushed to 6400.
Luckily I did take a medium format and a digital camera to Iceland. I read the instructions again before I developed those…no development needed for the D750. If you want to see more results from that trip you can check out the iBook.
Download it on iBooks. (There are some errors in the description which I have corrected, but the new version has not updated yet.)
While I was contemplating the development issues I received an email from an outfit in London. A darkroom! Or rather a Bright Room. They run courses on developing and have darkrooms to hire. I am thinking I might take a trip to London and include this location as a stop. You can never stop learning apparently. But wait, they have a pop-up van…maybe they can visit me and some friends??
Delving into their website more, there is an Artist series, where you learn directly from an artist to see how they work. That is just up my street. OK time to save or sell more cameras to try one of those.
They did tell me they will be starting an online gallery on the 30th November 2018, but I haven’t been able to find a link online for that. Sounds interesting though as I love looking at other photographer’s work. I will look back at the end of the month.
I am glad I can develop my films again, I am relieved I know what the issue I was experiencing actually was.
Dual Dreams Zine
With the help of my friend Midori I have created my first zine. I created the photos using a Pentax ME Super, expired film, double exposure, and a little bit of luck.
Here are some sample pages from the 32 page zine.
You can order your copy here and on the stuff page.
Dual Dreams Zine
This is a 32-page booklet/zine that I created while living in Tokyo, Japan. It features double exposure shots of Midori, a model and friend who has her own unique style. The price includes shipping.
£5.00
New T-shirt line
I added a new design to the CafePress Store. While I was doing that I noticed I had my first sale 🙂 AND not to just someone in my country, but someone in my county. So I might see this shirt on someone one day.
Anyway, this is the new design. You can find it on T-Shirts and other merchandise.
I created the photo by double exposing a roll of 35mm film in the most awkward way. I am going to try some more double exposures using a Canon A1. That camera has a multi-exposure feature. That means I won’t have to fiddle about aligning the film precisely on the second sweep through the camera.
Analogue Wonderland and Street Candy
I do believe as part of the film community we should support each other, especially new films.
I recently tried a roll of Street Candy and immediately ordered more through Analogue Wonderland. They recently posted a great article detailing their rewards program.
But why was Street Candy my first order after joining the program? Well, I liked it, it is new. Though I did find the actual film very thin, very, very thin. In fact it was returned from the processing lab ripped and damaged. But I loved the contrast of those shots that did make it through and if I process it myself it should be ok. I just need to add a thicker leader.
Here are some shots, some with the damage.
Unusual Skin
I recently saw a camera with an usual skin. As I left all my Japanese print material in Japan I thought I would try some different approaches.
I still need to add a light coat of clear varnish, but I like it. I am going to do another one tomorrow. Plus I have a camera coming in the post that I got very cheaply due to the rotted skin. I might look around for other ideas…magazine cuttings maybe??
or maps!
Not a bad way to spend time when you have a cold.
Lomography Simple Use
This is one of two crossover cameras from Japan that I have yet to post about. As in, they had film in them when I came back so had photos from both continents. This one is also a kind of crossover camera. It is almost a throwaway camera and also not as you will see.
The design looks like a classic throwaway camera, but once you finish the film that comes preloaded you can reload it with another. Therefore they are essentially not disposable and are a cut above them. This is what was in the box.
You can find more technical details on the Lomography website.
I kept mine in my bag and just used it randomly throughout the last week I was there. The film counter counts back and throughout the film is returned to the cartridge. This means you can just open it up and take it out when you have finished without rewinding. It also means all your shots are protected if you open it early.
Here are the black and whites I got from the preloaded film.
As you can see the flash is quite powerful for the camera size. The battery is also preloaded when you buy the camera. The minimum distance is 1 meter and over that the f9 lens is sharp enough in the centre and tapers off to the corners. Given the loaded film is a 400asa, some of the outside shots are a little underexposed in the shade. The camera is not made for different situations. You need bright light or flash. However, I like the results when those conditions are met. The very last shot of the roll feels a bit loose and I wasn’t really sure I had finished the roll.
Then comes the interesting part, taking out the roll and inserting a new one.
Starts easy…
Then you put in the film and make sure the top is flush with the camera body.
The take-up column has no slot or slit, just one little nobble. Can you see it? It is very small.
You have to put a sprocket over this nobble, then keep your thumb on it to apply pressure. Then wind on some film until it goes around the column. It will not catch fully or be tight if you let go.
Wind on until you can see it go around the column and under the film again.
Now is the tricky part. You have to close it quickly so it doesn’t unwind too much…it will unwind a bit. Once the door is closed you have to wind the rest of the film onto the column. Remember, it counts down so you have to “preload” the camera again.
There is a switch next to the wind on wheel. Use your nail and push that to the left. Then you can wind on the film until the end.
It might get stiff, release the button wind on and try again. On the Lomography website they say…
- Reload if You Dare: if you’re feeling like an analogue superstar, you can try reloading your camera once you’ve finished the preloaded film. Be careful though, loading film can be tricky and it is not covered by any warranty!
OK, now it is reloaded with another roll of 400asa film to match the camera, off I go and take more photos.
I have a feeling the film might have been expired, it does look that way. I got it out of a gatcha machine so there was no box. Either way, the same issues arose. If the day is not sunny the camera just couldn’t cope.
For a day when you want a camera, you don’t have one and don’t want to buy a digital, this camera is great…as long as it is a sunny day or you are using the flash. There are a variety of films preloaded and you end up with a cheap camera. Much better than a regular disposable camera in terms of the environment.
Keep or sell – seems like a moot question, buy your own.
Cameras for sale
I have now added some cameras to my eBay account. I recently put some cameras in for CLA and decided to reduce my collection to pay for the servicing. Check out my current listings here.
There are some I said I would keep. When I returned to the U.K. I realised I had cameras that were slowly beginning to stick. They need using. Cameras are made to be used. I have too many to use them all regularly. It was hard to choose which ones to list and I did put some back in the drawer. I will keep those ones for now 🙂
