Blog Note: Lunar New Year

Also known as the Chinese New Year, this is the start of the lunisolar calendar, a calendar based on the cycles of the moon.  A number of Asian countries celebrate this day, including the Chinese.

LFF: Funky Large Format Sizes

Large Format Friday with Matt presents, Funky Large Format Sizes!  Did you know there is more to LF than just 4x5 and 8x10?  Sure you did, if you follow Ag+ Process on Twitter.  Lots of people doing 6x17, 5x7 and other formats.  Matt lists an extensive list of LF sizes including the standard plate sizes.

A standard plate is 8.5 x 6.5 inches.  From which a number of different sizes can be cut.  Check out the video for a full list.

Beware of old wood holders from before the war, the First World War!  They may not conform to modern standards.  Same for cameras from the earlier era, they may require matching holders, modern holders may not work.  Get the low down from Matt!

Bonus:  Matt makes a kallitype of a plate sent to him from Edinburgh.  Check it!

Enjoy!

Amateur Photographer: How to Maintain Your Film Camera

The Amateur Photographer magazine has a neat article on how to maintain your film camera for years to come.  A few tips can save you oodles of trouble and damage to your precious camera - because they are probably not making any new cameras to replace the one you likely have (unless it is a Leica...).

John Quantick, the author of the article, not only has tips on how to keep your camera in tip-top shape, but he also services film cameras in Bristol, England.

Read How to Maintain Your Film Camera at Amateur Photographer.  

The publication even has an entire section devoted to film photography, well worth checking out!

JCH: Buying a Used Film Camera

Japan Camera Hunter, Bellamy, has a great video on what to look for in a used camera.  Some great tips in this video, so be sure to watch all the way through!  Things like inspecting the camera carefully for dings and scratches, functionality.  Includes tips for looking at lenses.

Lomography Tipster: Developming Film with Red Wine

The Lomography Magazine Alternative Process Tipster shows how to process film with wine!  Similar to the Caffenol process, the wine contains caffeic acid, which is the active ingredient, just add washing soda and vitamin C (ascorbic acid).  

Check out the article for details and photos.

KosmoFoto: The Year in Review 2021

KosmoFoto has a detailed list of analog film events for 2021.  This review also includes a clip from the Youtube channel, Nicos Photography Show.  The clip is Nico's Top Ten list of photography news for 2021.  Well worth the listen, so the clip is shared here as well: