Merry Christmas and Seasons Greetings!

Enjoy the holidays!

Here is an advertisement from the 1950s for the Kodak Brownie movie camera.  Keep the memories rolling!

KEH: Top Used Camera Sales 2010-2019

KEH is a noted used photography source in the industry.  Carrying everything from cameras and lenses to tripods and more, this icon has it all.  It also has the list of top selling cameras through its storefront.

While the list includes both digital and film cameras, one notable thing from the list, is that that the SLR format has dominated the 2010s.  With the exception of the Mamiya, all are full frame format or smaller SLRs (35mm film is by definition full frame).

While Nikon and Canon dominate the list, in the film category, Pentax claims second place with the venerable K1000.  The Canon AE-1 runs away with top film camera spot while the iconic Nikon F3 rounds out the podium.  Minolta claims a spot in the top ten list as does the aforementioned Mamiya with the RB67.

Read on for KEH's Best-Selling Cameras Of The Decade (2010-2019).

LIsticle: Ten Movie Film Formats that Shook the World

An article on Empire Online lists ten movie film formats that shook the world, starting from the beginning, with Étienne-Jules Marey’s chronophotographic gun in 1882.  Includes photos, notable films that used the format and more.

Studio C-41: Ektachrome Announced for 120 and 4x5 Formats

Our friends at Studio C41 have a story on Kodak's announcement on December 10th on E100 becoming available for 120 format and 4x5 format starting December 20th.  See the article for samples, test photographers and more!

Film Ferrania: P30 is Available

For those in Canada and the USA, the Film Ferrania shop is now stocking P30.  Not P30 Alpha, but the real deal.  At $9.50 for a 36 exposure roll, plus shipping.  ISO 80, with rich blacks and wonderful tonality.

Film Ferrania has previously explained their rationale for producing P30 over immediately fulfilling colour E6 slide film perks for their Kickstarter patrons. 

With one more film for photographers to choose from, this does provide an upside for backers, though perhaps not what was initially expected.

With success in this area, the ScotchChrome slide film may just be the next step.  The project, if one were to follow along, has had a long, complex and winding road to travel.  Lesser mortals would have surely quit in the face of recurring, but different, issues with the building, supplies and suppliers.

Congratulations to Film Ferrania for their progress to shipping actual product.

Newspaper: Discover the zen of fim photography

The Times and Democrat, a newspaper (remember those?) in South Carolina, gives a modern day perception of silver halide photography from a reporters perspective, in the article: Discover the zen of film photography.  With a local twist, the paper interviews what is suspected to be the last full service camera shop in the state.

Kickstarter: Film Ferrania Speaks

Our friends at Studio-C41 have reported on a short video that Film Ferrania released this week about the progress of the project over the past half a decade.  The project will be taking comments from backers and giving a response in another video next week.

Read the article, FILM Ferrania Release Q&A Video Series on Kickstarter Series, at C41 Studios for a rundown and play the first video in the series at Kickstarter Q&A at Film Ferrania.

Kodak Alaris: XTOL Developer Issue

From Kodak Alaris, "We've recently become aware of complaints for inactive development, [with] 2019/08/09 date coded KODAK PROFESSIONAL XTOL Developer."

"If you have a problem, please contact them at ProPaperChem@kodakalaris.com."

For now, check the date on your packets of XTOL developer.  Until further details are released, hold on to the developer, but avoid using it if date coded 2019/08/09.

Emulsive: Ilford Photo in the News

Here is a quick post with three articles on Ilford products, some of which were released near the end of last month.

First up, a review of the new Harman Reusable Camera, by Aislinn Chuahiock.

Next, coverage of the rest of the reveal on 2019.10.24 by Emulsive, which includes a new Ortho 80 film in 35mm and 120, the new Multigrade RC Generation V paper and the reusable camera, already mentioned.

Finally, a review of the Harman Direct Positive Paper, which has an estimated EI of 2.  Philip Harrison made several shots in his Intrepid 4x5 camera.

Bonus, Lina Bessonova gives a hands on review of the new Ilford Multigrade RC paper, testing the claims that Ilford makes step by step with hands on prints:

Ilford: SIlver Ticket

Some have asked Ilford where the Silver Ticket might be in the packaging.  Turns out, for 35mm film, the winning ticket will be in the tub holding the film.  For 120 film, the ticket will be outside the film wrapper, in the box next to the film.

So, there you go.

Emulsive: Why the Ilford Washing Method Works

Ribnar Mazumdar walks through the chemical processes taking place from the initial exposure of silver halide film to the final washing step in the article, Save the Planet - Understand Film Washing Kinematics.

Thanks to Ribnar for republishing the article originally from May 2015.

Kodak: Tri-X roll film is 65!

Tri-X was released in November, 1954 in 35mm and 120 format.  It had been released in 1940 in sheet film format.

Ilford: New 35mm/120 Film, Fifth Gen Multigrade RC Paper

Ilford Photo announced, amongst other things, Ilford Photo Ortho Plus, an orthochromatic B&W film that can be handled by red safelight, a new fifth generation Multigrade paper, a reloadable camera styled after a single-use camera (already reported by Your Blogger) and a B&W starter kit in conjunction with Patterson.

Check out the Emulsive article for more details.

Tim Rudman reports that the new MG paper is easy to print with and has a smooth transition between grades.    More on Tim's newsletter coming.

The new emulsion on the venerable paper has been reformulated to use modern emulsion making methods.  It  took eight years of R&D to produce the formula.

Ilford: New Product 24.10.2019

Ilford Photo  is building the suspense for the release of a new product on October 24th.  A posting on social media (also available on the web, scroll to the bottom of the page) shows 3 stark outlines of parts of the product, look for the 24.10.2019.  Some guess a new sheet film, others a new camera.

We will see.  A new 35mm camera of pro quality would be much appreciated.  Ilford did recently introduce a reloadable version of its disposable camera.  That camera has only been available at select retailers.  Thanks to KosmoFoto for this tip.

Kickstarter: Thingyfy Pinhole Zoom Lens

Leave it to the Canucks at Thingyfy, they have created a 2x zoom lens featuring a pinhole.  The Kickstarter campaign was funded in 5 hours.  The campaign has closed now, but Thingyfy is using the IndieGoGo InDemand service to collect requests for perks from those whom were left out.

If you are interested in an 18 - 36mm pinhole zoom lens, check the IndieGoGo InDemand campaign here.  Note that while the Kickstarter page includes a button that supposedly links to the IndieGoGo page, it draws a blank.

Mounts are available for popular cameras, including those that use film SLR lens mounts, such as Sony A, which is the same mount used on Minolta A mount camera bodies.  While Canon EF and Nikon F mounts are supported, check with Thingyfy that your camera is compatible with modern versions of these lens mounts.

This would be Thingyfy's third pinhole lens venture, the previous two were successful for Thingyfy and backers.  Note that crowd funded ventures have risks, even for successful campaigners.

PolaroidOriginals: Festive Edition

The Polaroid Originals team have festive goodies already.  A limited edition red OneStep 2 i-Type camera and two new boxes of instant film with festive frames, Gold Dust 600 and Festive Red 600.  Free shipping on the camera within the US.

Check out the sample frames from photos taken by four different photographers.  Just click the stack icon below each of the pictures to cycle through the photos.

Read on at Polaroid Originals.

Article: Photographer Develops Film in Green Tea

Daniel Keating posted an article on his experiments with developing film in green tea and peppermint extract amongst others on DIY Photography.  Daniel points out that it is the phenols in green tea and coffee that do the work to develop film.  His results look great and he lists formulas for the developing agents of choice, so the Kind Reader can mix their own developers to try a roll or two.

This can be of interest to those wanting a natural product to work with, or to those who cannot source commercial chemistry.

For the latter, keep in mind that stores that supply chemicals for pools or for fish tanks will carry sodium thiosulfate, which can be used directly as a fixer.  In the comments, he posts a link to a supplier. That link also explains typical uses of the chemical, so that you can ask for it at the store.

Keep in mind, that commercial fixer includes sodium sulfite to preserve the fixer.  Otherwise, the fixer will oxidize rapidly.  Richard Knoppow of the pure-silver mailing list gives the following formula for plain fixer, mix and use immediately:  "240 grams of crystaline thiosulfate in 1&nbspliter of water."
Simple.  A acid hardening fixer can be made with the addition of two more ingredients.

Read Daniel Keatings article for the details, photos and more!

Blog: Kodak Print Ad for Film

Kosmo Foto features an article on the full page advertisment by Kodak for print film on the back cover of PhotoKlasik International magazine.  The magazine is dedicated to analogue film photography.  It describes itself as "...  an independent print magazine about analog photography, distributed internationally. The magazine is not a translation of the German PhotoKlassik."

Read about the advertisement on Kosmo Foto.

Blog: Alex Luyckx on Film Formats

Alex Luyckx gives a run down on the various film sizes over the years.  Roll film, such as 120 format film, was given a format number by Kodak many years ago in order to simplify and identify what type of film a camera used.  Some formats, such as large format film and plates, used agreed upon size designations to accomplish the same task.

Read about it all in this post on film formats.

Kickstarter Health Check, September 2019

So, how many film photography related crowd-funded projects are there?  Well, your blogger does not know exactly, but there are five projects that are going to be looked at in this report:  Film Ferrania, Silberra, One Instant (Save Pack Film), pixl-latr and the latest of them all, ChromaGraphica, the dry plate holder for large format cameras.

Film Ferrania

The last heard from Film Ferrania was a tweet on July 15th, with random scenes from the factory.  The last news update was on May 14th, in Meet Daniele.  Hopefully, they are making progress now that summer is over.  While some people on the Kickstarter site are not happy with the introduction of P30 B&W film and no E6 film rewards to date, getting a regular production of P30 might keep the factory running and increase the chances of a run of transparency film.  This is a truly monumental project that involved reclaiming equipment, refurbishing an entire building and figuring out how to produce film from scratch.

Silberra

The last update for the Silberra project was December 23rd, last year.  Your blogger was a backer for this project, so will not be commenting further.

One Instant

The One Instant has been posting updates all summer, the last was on August 29th.  There is also a counter showing the number of instant film packs that have been manufactured.  On September 9th, the counter showed 1321 packs made.  On August 29th, when the counter was introduced, it was listed as having 985 packs made.  There are supposedly 18,000 packs to be produced.  So, if the Kind Reader were to do the math, it is going to take a while for all the packs to be made at this pace, but they are making progress!

pixl-latr

The pixl-latr project has regular updates, the last on September 13th, which detailed a hiccup with the making of plastic injection molded parts.  While Paterson, the big-name maker of photographic equipment such as Paterson developing tanks for film, Benbo tripods, lighting and more, has been helping out on the project, even their experience and knowledge is not enough to get the project on track.  This just illustrates how difficult even a seemingly simple project can really be.  Good luck to Hamish Gill, of the 35mmc blog - a blog to follow if the Kind Reader follows film related blogs. 

ChromaGraphica

The ChromaGraphica project was fully funded just on September 10th.  The project will produce film holders for large format dry plates (glass negatives).  Best wishes to this project, and may they make some spares for those whom missed the opportunity to buy holders during the campaign.

FPP: Low ISO B&W Slide Film

The Film Photography Project has a bunch of new films available for the Fall.  One is a low ISO slide film (ISO 0.8!) that can be processed in the usual B&W chemistry to give a positive image, or slide. 

BW Super Positive Slide Film is available at FPP in 35mm format for just under $8 a roll,  get it at their online store.

They have plenty of other film stocks available, and if you are interested in Regular 8mm movie film, they have some of that too!

FPP: Review of the NEW HC-110 Developer from Kodak

The really well tried and true Kodak HC-110 developer has a new formula.  Kodak claims that the updated developer has all the same developing times for its many dilutions and that one can trust the revamped product to perform as it ever did.

The Film Photography Project reported on this updated developer, including a sample comparison of the same film processed in the older, syrupy HC-110 and the new HC-110.

It looks like afficianados of HC-110 can look forward to using the new product with confidence.

Read the article at Film Photography Project, HC-110 - New Formula for 2019!

Resource: Film Types

First, Ag+ Process hopes that the devastating hurricane has spared you and that you are safe.

If you are an adventurous or new film photographer, FilmTypes.com lists an ever expanding list of silver halide films available today, along with a short blurb on the characteristics of each film, contributed photographs shot on each film and at least one external link to a review of each film.

Quite impressive, just with the selection of popular films that they have now.

Visit FilmTypes.com for details!

C4 Precision Optics: 4.9mm f/3.5 fisheye

Wow.   This lens is so wide, it can literally see behind itself.  Weighing in at 25 lbs, the lens produces a circular image that contains almost everything around it, except for what is directly behind the lens.  The makers put the lens on a stool facing up, and then photographed everything from the floor to the ceiling.

Read more about this amazing and unique lens on PopPhoto, Widest Fisheye Lens.

Ilford Inspires: Love Stories

In a fantastic short film in the Ilford Inspires series, we are taken behind the scenes in a wedding photographers life.  One who uses Ilford black & white film to photograph the colourful weddings of India.

Ankita Asthana loves the emotions and expressiveness captured by B&W, leaving the colour to be a memory and not the focus of the event.

Another worthy segment, view on:

Ciniestill Shortage!

Having recently used up the supply of Cinestill 800T here at Ag+ Process HQ, a purchase seemed in order.  However, on checking the supplier's website, this film is listed as on back order for both 35mm and 120 format!  Not only that, but Cinestill 50D in 35mm format is also unavailable.

The Cinestill website lists these films as unavailable.  The BWXX film in 35mm format is still listed as available.

Your blogger will post when these fine films become available again.  The creamy colours and high speed are a favorite here!

Blog: Storing Your Gear

KEH, a major retailer of used camera gear and accessories, has a blog with tips and advice.  Two articles stand out for the well equipped film photographer, What Can Happen to My Equipment in Storage? and the follow up article, How To Store Your Gear.

KEH stores loads of used gear, so they should know a thing or two.  Dessicant, usually silica gel, is your friend in for the photo cabinet and film storage areas.  Read up, and use the gear that you've got!

New Film, Old Film

First, new film.  The Lomography project has yet another fully funded Kickstarter for yet another silver halide film.  The previous three Kickstarters for film have yet to fully deliver rewards, with Film Ferrania and Silberra going radio silent months ago, and Save Pack Film still working on prototypes.

But this is Lomography, the master of Kickstarters.  Plus they have made unique film before, LomoChrome Purple and LomoChrome Turquoise.  So, with some trepidation, may we present:

LomoChrome Metropolis XR 100–400 Film

But wait, there is more!  Remember New55 4x5 instant film?  Shutdown in the midst of a Kickstarter itself back in December of 2017?  Well, here is the old film part, New55 FILM, Inc. has been formed to bring back 4x5 instant film.  Investments have been secured, machines, reagent and materials tested and planned for production, it looks like it is coming together.  Check it out at:

Famous Format, home of New55 FILM, Inc.

Famous Format was formed initially to sell FF No. 1 Monobath, an improved formula over the R5 Monobath film developer, which has been discontinued. 

Ilford Photo: Silver Ticket

Ilford Photo is celebrating 140 years strong of film photography products.  To celebrate, they are including a Silver Ticket in one box of specially marked Ilford Photo film.  The ticket will be in a box marked with the Ilford 140 year logo on the box. 

Check the Ilford Photo Silver Ticket Competition page for details such as which boxes may contain the Silver Ticket and contest rules and regulations.

The prize includes transportation to accommodations, 4 nights of accommodations, £140 of Ilford products, a tour of the Ilford factory and more.  Check it.

Ilford Photo Silver Ticket Competition

Video: Ilford Photo: Behind The Film

This amazing video of the process behind making Ilford Photo film and papers is a must see for the analog photographer.  The competition, e.g. Kodak, has similar processes, as described in Robert Shanebook's book, Making Kodak Film, but this film brings the process to life.  Set aside 20 minutes to view this!

You may also like:

* How Film is Made: Kodak 1958 Factory
* Profile: Foma

FPP: Low ISO Film

The Film Photography Project has an article on low ISO film.  What is low ISO film and why would one shoot it?  FPP defines a low ISO film as one rated (even if experimentally) as ISO 6 or less.  Properly, if the film speed is not determined by ISO methods, the rating should be called an Exposure Index or EI number, but hey, it is FPP calling the shots in the article.

So, why would one shoot low ISO film?  For the magical effects, cites FPP.  Work with the material, discover its abilities and be creative with what is captured.  Low ISO films tend to require long exposures, can have interesting colour response and may have super fine grain.

Where can you get these films?  Well, FPP has a store of course, which has stocks a number of these emulsions:

* KODAK 2254 LOW ISO COLOR
* KODAK 2238 PANCHROMATIC BW FILM
* KODAK 2366 BLUE SENSITIVE BW FILM

and more!  See the article for details.

#FridayFavorites: Texture

Ilford FP4 Plus, from 2018.  Getting the scan right is a bit tricky, this is where I left it last year.

YouTube: Film Review Guide

While browsing for film reviews, a video popped up from YouTube by Denae and Andrew with reviews for every B&W film available in North America in ISO 100 and ISO 400 speeds.  The YouTuber also has a review of a number of developers and a C41-process colour film guide.

His reviews include time stamps to find the relevant parts of each review, should you wish to skip ahead or rewind to review his methodology and results.

He has strong opinions and does not hold them back in the conclusions.  For example, he pans Fomapan Classic 100 for having uneven, unpredictable grain.  While this look may be disappointing depending on what one wants out of a photograph, it does lend a classic look to the finished prints.

There are lots of comparison photos and closeups of grain to see.  He has organized the film types by a signifying letter in each photo.  Note the letter on the pics you like, then compare to the list of films that correspond to the letters.  You may be surprised.

Check out a list of his film reviews and guides here.

The ISO 100 B&W film reviews are here.

The ISO 400 B&W film reviews are here.

EMULSIVE: Breaking, Fujifilm Acros II Announced

Brand new film from Fujifilm, Neopan 100 Acros II announced, begins shipping autumn 2019.

For those whom missed the loss of Acros since Autumn 2018, Emulsive is reporting that Fujifilm will release a brand new version of the film in the next few months.

Read on at Emulsive for more details.

Kodak Ektachrome: Now Available in 16mm

Kodak recently announced that Ektachrome 100 is now available in 16mm motion picture format, in 100 foot spools and 400 ft rolls.  See Kodak's Ektachrome page for (scant) more details.

Kodak also announced that they are working on larger format still film, such as 120 format.  A coating trial of 120 film is planned for July, so stayed tuned for further updates!

Camera: InstantKon MiNT RF70

The makers at MiNT, the small camera company that has customized Polaroid SX-70 cameras, built the MiNT TL70 TLR camera for Instax Mini film and even produced a photographer oriented watch, has now introduced the InstantKon MiNT RF70.

While pricey for an Instax camera, the camera has been boasted as the best Instax camera available.  It features a 3-element, multi-coated lens with glass, aspherical lenses, with both shutter control (timed from 1s to 1/500s plus bulb) and aperture control (from f/5.6 to f/22).  An Auto mode is also available with plus or minus 1 stop compensation.

Focusing is with a builtin rangefinder system, and an 0.44x real image viewfinder.  The RF70 uses an accordion bellows for a traditional look.  MiNT makes the bellows in-house.  No bag bellows here.

The camera uses Instax Wide film, for the largest image area available currently for Instax film.  Your blogger certainly enjoys Instax Wide with a lesser camera, so this offering should be no less exciting.

Visit MiNT for more information and pricing.

Last Chance: Ilford ULF Orders!

Today, May 24th, 2019, is the last day to place orders for unusual sizes and large sizes of Ilford sheet film.

Contact an Ilford dealer to place your order.

More details at Ilford ULF.  Look here for a directory of dealers and list of ULF products (doc format)..

Ferrania: More Updates for 2019

While some film making crowd funding projects have gone silent, ahem - Silberra - the Film Ferrania project has produced a couple of short clips showing their, perhaps meagre, progress so far.  One cannot imagine that the funds from the original Kickstarter campaign have survived the past 5 years, but the project certainly should receive accolades for perseverance.

Your blogger has sampled some of the early P30 production thanks to the online shop, and from the few shots that were exposed and developed correctly, the film is just amazing.  In the cameras your blogger used, an EI of 100 seemed to produce better exposed photos.  Ferrania rates P30 at ISO 80.

The Film Ferrania team introduced Antonio to the team back in March and Daniele last week.  Antonio was formerly a technician with the original Ferrania and brings experience with the materials and procedures for making film. 

While Daniele is a machinist who will be updating and maintaining the machinery in the plant.  Some of the parts are of quite high precision and require experienced hands to maintain. 

Hopefully, the team will actually start producing film for backers and for sale, before the money runs out and creditors come to the doors.

Ilford: Wednesday Wisdom

"Photography is more than a medium for factual communication of ideas.
It is a creative art."

   -- Ansel Adams

World Pinhole Photography Day 2019

This Sunday, April 28th, is World Pinhole Photography Day. On that day, make a photograph (or more if you wish). Then develop and scan your photos. Select one or more then submit one at http://pinholeday.org.

This is not a contest, so feel free to upload the image that pleases you most. Read about how to submit an image, which includes the instructions for scanning and submitting your photo.

The rules for WPPD are straightforward. Take a picture on or during April 28th, 2019, with a pinhole-type lens on the media of your choice, then register and submit your single entry by May 31st, 2019.

Your blogger leaves you with a (not eligible for WPPD) pinhole photogragh taken with a Thingify 37mm focal length pinhole lens on Ilford Delta 3200.  Even in bright daylight the exposure was relatively long.  Since the picture was taken handheld, there may be some additional softness from the length of the exposure.

Kodak in the News: Ektachrome in 120 and Sheet Film Format

PopPhoto reports that Kodak is working on producing Ektrachrome 100 in 120 and sheet film formats. PopPhoto learned from the Sunny 16 podcast that the film base used for 120 and sheet film is different than the base used for 35mm film, so the formula for the emulsion has to be reworked. Release will be later this year as testing progresses.

PopPhoto also learned from the same podcast that Kodak P3200 may become available in 120 format.

MiNT Camera Blog

Looking for info on instant photography from a seller and maker of instant cameras? Try Gary Ho at MiNT Camera, he has recently started the MiNT Camera Blog.

MiNT Camera reworks the Polaroid SX-70 camera by putting new electronics in the camera and refurbishing the body of the camera, which is then sold as the MiNT SLR670. The SLR670 comes in a few variations, so one can pick a camera that fits one's taste. Of course, if you want an original SX-70, they refurbish and sell those.

Gary designed and now makes the MiNT Instaflex TL70 camera, which uses Fujifilm Instax Mini film.

Check out the MiNT Camera Blog!

World Pinhole Photography Day, 2019

Just a short note that April 28th is World Pinhole Photography Day! Just visit the Pinhole Photography Day site for more details.

Film Photography Project: New Film: DEREV PAN

The Film Photography Project is offering a new line of films, called Derev Pan.  The film is hand-rolled, fresh scientific aerial photographic film.  This film is not an expired film, but a currently manufactured film from the Ukraine.  The name of the film comes from the Ukrainian for tree. 

The film will be available in ISO 100, 200 and 400, and is a fine to extremely fine grain film.  The price is an affordable $5.99 per 36 exposure roll.

See some tests here, where Alex Luyckx proclaims of this film, "I knew I had a winner as soon as I pulled the film out of the tank, and was blown away when I the images up onto my screen. The images have that typical brightness I find when processing in Pyrocat-HD not to mention a good tonality and smooth contrast."

Looks like 2019 is not going to slow down adding new films for analogue photographers to try.

Kindle: Free and Convenient Storage fo eBooks

Yesterday, this blog published an article with a link to an e-book by Tim Layton.  Grab that book from here, if you do not already have it.

Today, your blogger will reveal a great way to store and organize any and all e-books, data sheets and any other electronic document in e-book or PDF format to a central location accessible just about anywhere.

Amazon Kindle devices are probably well known to just about anyone, but Amazon actually offers the Kindle service free to just about any device or computer.  There are free apps for iOS, Android and Windows.  It is also possible to access your Kindle content directly over the Web with just about any popular web browser.

There is no fee to sign up for a Kindle account and one can easily email content to a special email address that will automatically send content to your managed devices.

This video will show you how to sign up for an Amazon account and get started adding books to your Kindle account.  There are plenty of free Kindle books, if you wish to browse and add books from Amazon.

If you already have an Amazon account, sign in and go to Accounts & Lists.  There will be an option to Add Kindle Unlimited.  Sign up there.

If you already have a Kindle account, sign in and go to Accounts & Lists, then select Manage Your Content and Devices.  Click on the Devices tab to see the email address to send content to your Kindle account.

Store all your data sheets, formula e-books and other electronic documents related to photography on your Kindle account for easy access at any time, whether on a photography shoot or while planning a scene.

Tim Layton: Debunking the Myth of Aging D-76

Tim of Tim Layton Fine Art debunks the myth that D-76 changes pH after two months by measuring the actual pH of a solution of fresh D-76 developer against a bottle of the developer left on the shelf for two months.

The reason one would leave D-76 to age in an attempt to increase its pH is to increase contrast in the negative developed in the agent.  If the pH is higher, then there will be more contrast.

By mixing up a solution of the developer two months in advance, he was able to measure the pH against a fresh batch of D-76, and therefore assess any possible increased potency of the developer.

The result?  The pH was nearly the same for both batches, well within measurement error.  The conclusion, contrary to the forums, was that D-76 aged by two months does not increase the contrast of negatives developed in the solution.

As a bonus, Tim gives us free access to a collection of formulas he has put together into an e-book.

Check out his video here.

YouTube: Tim Layton, Fine Art in Botanicals

Tim Layton gives an instructive session with large format dry plates, including printing the sample dry plate that he exposed.

Tim lays out the three options for large format glass dry plates today.  The first and easiest to to buy the plates already coated.  There are no large factories pumping out millions of glass plates today.  However, Jason Lane of Pictoriograhica (Etsy store front) makes pre-coated dry plates for a reasonable price.  Tim plans to review some 8x10 plates from Pictoriographica in the future.

Second, is to cut your own glass and then coat the plate yourself.  He recommends a product called Ag-Plus, no relation or affiliation to this blog, and will offer techniques and tips to coating the plate.

Third, Tim actually has made his own dry plates from scratch, mixing the emulsion himself to meet the requirements for light sensitivity and speed that he wants.  Again, a later session will describe how to make the dry plates and measure the EI (speed) of the plates once they are made up.

Tim also has an ezine called Darkroom Underground.  This zine comes out quarterly and has an annual subscription rate of US$89 a year.  The zine contains technical articles from a wide range of experts, essays and tuturials.

Click on for an expert demonstration of split grade printing in action!

YouTube: Film Rescue International

For all those times that one would need to develop an old roll of film that has been in storage or the attic for some years, if not decades, then Film Rescue International is the answer.  In particular, if the film is Kodachrome, which can no longer be processed traditionally.

Film Rescue will process Kodachrome film such that a B&W image is obtained.  Better than no image, as the people in this video will attest. 

Film Rescue International to the rescue!

35mmc: Reading for the Long Weekend

The 35mmc blog posted a wrapup of articles this week.  From Kosmo Foto's new 120 film, a review of Kodak E100, a review of a sharp Ricoh lens on a Leica, some Konica point & shoot cameras worth looking into, a darkroom timer from Maya with all the features one would expect from a modern computerized timer, and a perspective on the Kodak Brownie.  Oh, and more good news on Tetenal.

Read on!

Link: How Film Develops

One photographer set out on a mission to determine when he could take the film out of a the processing tank and look at it under room lighting.  To do this, he found out the simplified chemical reactions involved in processing a roll of film.

If you can remember your high school chemistry, you should be able to follow along.

Check out Film Photography Blog's article, Film Processing Chemistry, How Does It Work.

Oh, and the answer to his question?  It is at the end of the article.

Tetenal

The news has been around the web on the demise of Tetenal GmbH.  This is the German arm of the conglomerate that originated in Germany and has been around since the late 1800s.

However, Tetenal UK has announced that it is fine and doing well.  There is also a North American supplier of products from Tetenal, so the familiar C41 and E6 home processing kits should remain available for the time being.

As this story unfolds, sites such as emulsive.org and so on should have the latest news.

For now, no reason to panic, despite the loss of part of a company that is core to colour film processing.

Ilford Photo Global Film Users Survey 2018

IlfordPhoto, the blog by the makers of Ilford B&W film, released the Ilford Photo Global Film Users Survey for 2018.  This self-selected, online survey asked photographers about their use of film or digital, darkroom processing or printing and more.

Interesting stats, such as the fact that 57% of film photographers surveyed were either returning to analog photography or taking it up for the first time.  There were 43% surveyed whom never left film photography.

Over 90% of respondents used 35mm film, and over 77% used 120 format.  There were differences based on age, with the line drawn between under 45 years old and over 45 years old.  For example, 31.4% of those under 45 said they shot instant film, while only 20.7% of those over 45 said so.

Read on for more!

Kosmo Foto on Poundland Power Geek Film

Kosmo Foto reports on the new Poundland film, labelled Power Geek.  The film is suspected to be a Fujifilm product that has been rebadged.  At £2 for a 10-exposure roll, some question the dollar-for-dollar value of this offering.

For those not in the UK, Poundland is a discount retailer that aims to sell items for a pound sterling (the British unit of currency) or so.

Read on for details.

Kickstarter: The Continuing Saga of Film Ferrania

First, a nod to Doc Kaps on the full funding of the Save Pack Film campaign.  Hopefully, we will see colour pack film delivered to backers post-haste.

The Film Ferrania saga evolves with another posting which came out over the holidays that said... nothing.  Pretty much, anyway.  The upshot is that the project has more work to do, that perhaps their building is under more construction, and they will go silent until there is something more to report.

It would be fantastic if they could produce more P30.  Sales would help their cause, and your blogger would certainly buy this product if it ever becomes available again.

FPP: Interview on Street Candy ATM 400

FPP interviews Vincent Moschetti on his recently released Street Candy ATM 400 film.  It is a surveillance film still produced today that he hand rolls onto recycled canisters.  As a contrasty, wide latitude film, this emulsion is great for street photography.  It processes similar to Ilford HP5 for ease of handling and can be pushed one stop without extensive work in post.

Vincent switched to film photography only a few years ago and does not regret it.  His site and gallery can be found at http://www.onfilmonly.com/.

He has gallery of Street Candy ATM 400 photos from Iceland with a write-up.

Another year, another new film.  There is no shortage of choice in silver halide going into 2019.

The Progression of Camera Shutters

T Rand Collins, MD, maintains the blog, Through a Vintage Lens.  His article on the progression of shutters through history gives a glimpse at early attempts through to near modern times.  It seems that faster emulsions forced the need for accurate shutters, leading to the spring-powered shutters still used in large format photography today.

His article, simply titled "Shutters," has an extensive bibliography.  While the article is informative in itself, the bibliography does not have live links.  While it is possible to cut and paste the links, it is not as easy as clicking them.  These links will be reproduced below for ease of perusal after reading.

References by T Rand Collins MD, from the article, Shutters, on Through a Vintage Lens:

Cosens, Robert. “Photographers of Great Britain and Ireland 1840 – 1940: William England.” http://www.cartedevisite.co.uk/photographers-category/biographies/england-william/.

“Diaphragm or Leaf Shutter.” Living Image Camera Museum article. http://licm.org.uk/livingImage/Shutters-Leaf.html

“Early Photography.” http://www.earlyphotography.co.uk/index.html.

“Exposure.” Wikipedia Article. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exposure_%28photography%29.

Kingslake, Rudolf. “A History of the Rochester, NY Camera and Lens Companies.” http://www.nwmangum.com/Kodak/Rochester.html#Ilex.

“Leaf Shutter.” Camerapedia article. http://www.camerapedia.org/wiki/Leaf_shutter

Ludwig, David Tristram. “Antique Cameras.” http://www.dtristramludwig.com.

Lungov, Wagner. “Photographs of my Family and Other Adventures.” http://www.lungov.com/wagner/index.html.

Purdum, Ernest. Online posting for Large Format Photography Forum. 2006. http://www.largeformatphotography.info/shutters-history-and-use.html.

Reiss, Klaus-Eckhard. “Up and Down with Compur: The Development and Photo-Historical Meaning of Leaf Shutters.” http://www.kl-riess.dk/compur.eng.html.

“Reprinted Company Catalogs.” Craig Camera Web Page. http://www.daguerreotype.com/lit_catalogreprints.htm.

Urban Exploration Forum. “Wollensak, the Time capsule.” http://www.uer.ca/forum_showthread_archive.asp?fid=14&threadid=44384.

Wikipedia article. “Focal Plane Shutters.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Focal-plane_shutter.

“Wollensak Lenses and Shutter Catalog, 1919.” http://www.cameraeccentric.com/html/info/wollensak_13.html.

Profile: Rudolf Kingslake, Optician

One can read about Rudolf Kingslake, born Rudolf Klickmann on August 28, 1903, in this biography by The Optical Society. In fact, this article will consist of mostly links to follow to learn more about lens making, the early days of photography and the works of Mr. Kingslake, an eminent academician in lens design and figure in the field of photography.

Kingslake has published books on lens design that are still sold today, such as Lens Design Fundamentals (click look inside for tribute to Rudolf Kingslake), originally printed 40 years ago.

Of special interest is his article, A History of The Rochester, NY Camera and Lens Companies, that traces the early beginnings of the photographic industry in and around New York. Companies such as Kodak and Baush & Lomb, still around today, have their humble beginnings documented. Brands such as Graflex, Ilex, Wollensak and more, still well known by large format photographers, are included in the list.

Coming soon, an article on shutters, some of which is based on Kingslake's article, with plenty of links to follow.

Hope you all had a good holiday season!