hopalonghowie Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 <p>Just picked up an AE-1P when suddenly I realized my apartment is too small for anything that resembles a darkroom. I have to go outside to change my mind.</p><p>Anyone have any suggestions at all for film processors?</p><p>Regards</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDMvW Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 <p>All you need is a sink, really.</p> <p>If you have a local camera store, go buy the stuff from them.<br /> You will need a "changing bag" (which any film user should have anyway in case the film breaks inside the camera or whatever). Think of this as your "bag of dark".<br /> Get some 35mm <em>daylight</em> developing tanks. You will load these inside the changing bag, close them up and the rest of the operation can be done in bright lights.</p> <p>Of course, you will also need chemicals (D-76) and such like, but that's not what you asked.</p> <p>The local library will almost certainly have some old photo textbooks that will detail how to load the film, and other similar topics.</p> <p>Fitting in an enlarger is another thing altogether, but old photo magazines had regular articles on how to rig a half-bath into a full darkroom with folding enlargers and all. I personally recommend a film scanner.</p> <p>Alternatively, if you still have C-41 chemistry processing locally, consider just shooting either color negative or "chromogenic" B&W (also C-41) film and take it in for processing and scanning. You won't have much luck finding anyone who will do real B&W emulsions.</p> <p>Even if you send the film out for processing, most places really would prefer to do C-41 to digging out the D-76 or whatever, and I think prices reflect that.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDMvW Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 <p>Congratulations on the camera, by the way. It is one of the dandies of the Canon line.</p> <p>You might want to look for a motor drive for it--it makes a very convenient package, and everybody made them, including Spiratone ( see my report at http://www.photo.net/canon-fd-camera-forum/00XFXF )</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopalonghowie Posted June 18, 2012 Author Share Posted June 18, 2012 <p>Thanks JDM loved my last AE-1 which was a tank but was stolen from my car back in 1991 and when I started looking for another film camera to replace my Minolta that got pilfered from a motel room last year I decided I was going to get either a Nikon F or an AE-1. Been awhile since I've processed film myself but I think my bathroom would be suitable just need to get some tanks and chemicals.</p> <p>And yes a motor drive is on my list along with a flash unit but I wonder if the flash I use on my T3i will work with it.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SCL Posted June 18, 2012 Share Posted June 18, 2012 <p>Howard - Due to space and the fact that I hate reels and changing bags, I use a Rondinax tank (find used ones on the big auction site), which doesn't require you to do anything in the dark, and it takes only 7 oz of solution to develop a reel.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
philip_wilson Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 As JDM says scanning is better than an enlarger if you are short on space. I always scan colour print or slide with my Nikon scanners. With black and white however I have never been happy with my scans (it may be my technique) and still do them wet with an enlarger. That said I batch them and dust the enlarger off infrequently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_cheshire Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 <p>Film processor: <a href="http://www.yorkphoto.com/york/welcome">http://www.yorkphoto.com/york/welcome</a></p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andy_burkholder Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 <p>Get Canon's Motor Drive MA - they can be had cheaply on ebay. If you don't like the heft of that motor, the Power Winder A2 is a good alternative and makes the camera nice to hold without taking 12 (!) AA's. These OEM motors are so inexpensive, I wouldn't even bother getting an aftermarket model if i were you.<br> I just started shooting film again myself (AE-1P x 2, A-1, AT-1) and just put together an AE-1P/Winder A2/FDn 50mm f/1.8 combo for my daughter... </p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopalonghowie Posted June 19, 2012 Author Share Posted June 19, 2012 <p>The one I just picked up is coming with 2 zooms a 35-75mm and a 70-210mm. I'll be loading up with a few of my favorite fixed focal length lenses because I just gots to have my 50mm, 35mm wide angle and 100mm f/2.8.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_cheshire Posted June 19, 2012 Share Posted June 19, 2012 <p>35-75mm? I smell a Tou 5 Star lens.</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopalonghowie Posted June 20, 2012 Author Share Posted June 20, 2012 <p>Got the camera this morning in really cherry condition with the exception of a dead battery but I had the foresight to get some ahead of time. Now I just need the film to arrive.</p> <p>You nailed it Tom but no name on the 70-210 was in its original box and just says Canon mount. ol</p> Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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