michael_oneill2

Yesterday I processed a role of T-max 100 in T-max developer, 20 degrees

celsius, 1:4 for about 7 minutes, using the standard agitation. The film came

out completely clear, not even the markings on the frame. My controls are good

and I've used this method in the past with good results.

 

I mixed the developer fresh. The only thing that I can figure out is that the

measuring cup I used to mix the developer probably had some photo-flo residual.

I had last processed film about a week ago, and the container was dry, but

there were a lot of sudsy bubbles when I poured the developer into the tank.

I'm guessing that I hadn't rinsed the container after using it for the photo-flo.

 

I'm pretty sure it was a developer problem because when I poured it out of the

tank it was very dark, something between purple and black. Usually it's much

lighter.

 

I am sure that I did not "develop" with fixer, because I always process one shot

and mixed the batch directly from the manufacturer's bottle. The stock was

relatively fresh, I've had it about a month. I used it last week without incident.

 

I've googled this site and the internet and cannot find any other reports of

this happening. Anybody else have this experience, or am I missing something?

If any of you were in the south west corner of Central Park yesterday about 6 in the evening, you might have noticed me using a black plastic suit bag courtesy of Mo Ginsburg as a dark cloth. Worked fine for me.

Hi Jesse,

 

Like you, I bought a used calumet 400 about a month ago, in my case, off ebay. Like you, I decided to get into large format and this was an "inexpensive" way to get started.

 

I have not had much problems getting parts and accessories. I'm in NYC. There is a calumet store here, and I was able to get ground glass and lenboards without any problem. I bought a lens on ebay, and film holders at B&H and here and there. In about three weeks I had everything I needed. Late yesterday I was in Central Park shooting pics for the first time with this old monster.

 

I had film processed today, but no prints. Everything seems to be fine. (I'm very forgiving of certain mistakes, but I did get about six good shots from my first box of film) I don't have a polaroid film holder or roll film holders (yet), so I can't comment on the limitations of the back. These strike me as non-essential items, albeit conveniences, and the suggestion about door springs from home depot seems like a good one.

 

If I had to do it over again, I would seriously consider doing two things differently. First, I would not have bought the camera without lens, film holders, etc. It makes a lot more sense to buy an "outfit" as you save a lot of money this way. Second, if you're just getting into 4x5, I would think about getting a Speed or Crown Graphic. I bought one myself and I love it, and although I'm not ready to give up on the calumet, I think that I could explore large format with the Graphic for quite a while before getting into a rail system.

 

Considering that your investment in the camera is minimal, I see no reason why you might not start over with a different strategy. For what you're going to pay getting a back and all the rest for that camera, you'll be able to buy a complete calumet outfit for the same price. you might even get a technica, guaranteed you'll get a graphic in very good shape. You'll save time and you'll be taking pics that much sooner.

I'm not sure I have much to add to the previous comments, all of which are very accurate. If you're going to be in North West New Jersey, there's no law against crossing state borders and exploring Pennsylvania and New York. Layton is very close to the Delaware River and High Point, which is quite special. I can suggest two excursions.

 

Go to Port Jervis, which is at the point where New Jersey, New York and Penna all meet. Although you might find Pt. Jervis itself interesting to photograph (sort of a dissonant combination of quaint and rural poor), go up the Delaware Valley. The 30 or 40 miles past Port Jervis on the Delaware is very scenic.

 

Or....

 

Go South to Route 80 and drive into Penna. Exit around White Haven and get directions for Jim Thorpe. Yep, used to be named Chauk something but changed its name in honor of its most famous native son. Called the Switzerland of Pennsylvania, used to be a resort for the rich. Beautiful scenery and old victorian mansions.

 

Truth is, as some of the comments have suggested, there's just so much in this neck of the woods that you won't lack for things to shoot. I'm sorry I'm going to be gone for all of August, or it would be fun to accompany you on a shoot.

 

Enjoy

 

Mike<div></div>