[Q] newbie: what do I need
Vladik
You probably see this type of questions once in a while:
but I did search the web as well as web sites mentioned
in rec.photo.darkroom FAQ and could not find exactly
what I would like to know
I would like to start developing film and printing myself
(as a hobby at home).
Below is a description of what I have (or plan to do)
Film size:
35mm and Medium format; mostly color, may be lith (I just read about
it today and it sounds interesting), and may be black and white;
type of photography:
portraits, wild life;
size of paper:
I would like to have a choice of sizes, the more choices
the better, also I would
like to print on irregular shaped paper;
paper type:
again the more choices the
better: but something like fiber-based
or the likes (I do not really know all the diff. types, I just
read that some last longer, some reproduce color better)
budget around $1300 to start.
I have never done this before, so I fist tried to find a comprehensive
book or tutorial on color processing -- but most of the books talk about
black and white only. And if they mention color -- they do not really
talk about how to use things like Jobo processors, various enlarge heads,
etc. Are there any books on this?
I also could not find anywhere a comprehensive comparasing between
different enlargers: something I can look at and say: "Ok this is
what I might need -- let me look at Shutterbug for prices'. Beseler,
Durst, Saunders -- which one, I have no clue. And how do I make sure
that the one I buy can be extended, enhanced in the future.
And what exactly is a Jobo processor for (I read that after a paper
has been exposed, you process it through Jobo -- is that right?) --
I read that I really need it?
And what are Nova processors for (I did go to their web site, but
still cannot exactly understand at what step in the whole process
they are used).
The
http://www.open.org/hughesa/darkroom/index.htm
site provided with a lot if info, now I am looking for something
that can patch the holes and close the loops in my understanding
of what to get and why.
Well, I guess I am asking a lot of questions, I would appreciate
if someone could at least answer some of them or point me
to one (or many) web sites to look this stuff up.
In return, I can help to identify what computer hardware (Intel-based) is
needed for a particular application(s) if any one has a question
on that :-)
Thanks in advance and happy holidays,
Vladislav
Francis A. Miniter
It is superbly illustrated so that you see what is expected, and it gives
equal weight to color and black and white. It even covers printing from
slides. It can be found at Borders or Barnes and Noble.
Get a sturdy enlarger, e.g. Beseler 23C, whichever series you choose. The
older ones are fine. So you can save some money buying a used one and spend
it on good lenses. You will need a 50 mm for 35 mm format and a 75 to 90 mm
for 6x6 to 6x9 format. Your budget may even permit you to plan in advance
and get a 4x5 enlarger.
As for color, temperature control and more darkness are the only variables.
The Jobo processor is designed to give you a constant temperature water
bath. I have not found it necessary to reproducible results. I use a drum
and motor base for color printing and keep the chemicals in a water bath
until needed at about a degree above the stated temperature. Given that the
drum is already hot, and the new chemical is there from 45 seconds to 1
minute, the temperature is reasonably stable.
For color development, I just keep the developing tank in a separate water
bath from the chemicals.
Good luck.
Francis
BRKHAVEN
I ran a darkroom for several years and I would like to offer the following
thoughts: I started with B&W because it was a pain to do color 15 years ago.
That has changed a lot. I enjoyed the "process" and the obvious advantages of
controlling my prints from start to finish. It is however, a self gratifying
experience. I visit homes and businesses regularly, seeing work I did and
forgot about long ago. It gives me a good feeling that it has been saved and
appreciated by so many.
Many of the pictures were not perfect and when I broke into color, it was an
education in itself. Once I "learned the color process" I dropped it like a
hot rock. Here's why: I was spending way too much time working on each print,
and far too little time making more. I take fewer pics now and miss the
darkroom. It is all within 50 feet of me, but it was a part of my life that is
past. I learned a lot ( more about life than photography) and would not trade
the experiences for anything. At one point I was running about 60 rolls a
week, of 35 and medium format. Plus some 4 x 5. (I had a real job too!)
If you pursue this avenue, understand that it will not last forever and it may
now be your turn to record a little history for yourself and a few around you.
Concentrate on the business of making history and less time on technique. Use
your imagination more and the rule book less. You will be happier.
E-mail me when you get going and tell me how you did....
Vladik
I am re-thinking now. The variable I did not include in my initial
set of question is "how much time per 24 exposures roll it will take
for the first 3-5 month". Based on responses I
received -- it will probably take around 15 hours a week. Currently,
I cannot afford that much time (may be later when things get easier),
as I work about 55 hours a week + family + exercise.
I first wanted to do that because I thought it is significantly
cheaper, and then because it is fun. But it looks like commercial
developers will be able to process color film for less money.
My questions then are
1.
if most of the time I really want to keep 1/6 of my shots (per 24 exp
roll) (with time I hope the ratio will improve),
can I setup some kind of agreement with a photo-lab I choose,
that he first presents me a summary of pictures (for example all in one page)
and then I choose the ones I want and I also choose what paper to
print on.
And what is the approximate price for a) 35mm 24exp, b) medium format
12 exp (on legal size paper).
2.
What are the characteristics (or the questions I should ask) when
choosing a photo-lab. And does any one know/have opinions on labs
in South-Florida (West Palm Beach) area
3.
Is there a place on the web I can read more about the photo-labs.
Again,
I really appreciate the time that all the people took
answering my questions.
Regards,
Vladislav
P.S. I will still save the replies and get the books people recommended me,
just in case. :-)