Renato Tonelli

I've gotten some good advice on using XTOL in the JOBO ATL1500 and TRI-X. I am

conflicted on the pre-soak information. The JOBO bulletin states that a pre-soak

is NOT recommended when using XTOL. Although I had wanted to use XTOL 1:3, I

have been dissuaded; so it's XTOL 1:1

20 micron or better. Delta CPM(?) makes them and you can purchase directly from them or from dealers like B&H and Calumet. If you don't want to install an i-line water filter system, they make one that attaches to any faucet.

I've been using Ilfochrome of late. If the transparency is not very contrasty, you will get incredible looking prints: they are absolutely unique. It takes a little time and effort to get started, the materials are very expensive but well worth it for some of us. I've printed both digital and Ilfochrome; for that special image, I prefer Ilfochrome. The prints are so deeply rich that nothing compares to them - they're simply different. The book recommended above is very helpful, by the way. Good luck.

Amund, your recommendation is very encouraging: what developing time have you selected for the X-TOL 1:1? I'm thinking of starting a round of E.I. tests using XTOL. Thanks again.

What developer have any of you tried and are happy with for Tri-X 4x5 in a Jobo

ATL1500 processor?

 

I have been using HC110 for developing my 4x5 TriX in the past (HP Combi Tank)

but I will now be using a Jobo ATL1500 which maintains a temperature of 24C/75F.

At that temperature, the developing time is extremely short and it's not even

listed as a developing program option.

 

What's important to me is good grain/sharpness and a smooth tonal range. I will

be doing some testing with the usual suspects (X-tol, D-76) but it would be very

helpful to learn of your experiences and advice.

Thanks.

A good paper to use is watercolor paper (e.g Fabriano or other brands). Immerse it in water until soaked, squeegee it and then apply the transfer.

You need to process the paper using Ilfochrome P30 chemicals (sold as a kit). B&H will not ship these chemicals; Calumet does ship them.

Does anyone have the developing time for Fuji Neopan Acros 100 4x5 sheet film? I

have Mirodol-X,and HC110. I have not been able to find information for the 4x5

version fo this stock.

 

Thanks in advance.

I have been looking for the same filters in glass instead of Cokin's resin which are quite delicate when it comes to scratches, etc. The only option I found is to buy Tiffen filters and have them custom cut and its edges filed so that they will fit in Cokin's filter holder. It's an expensive option and I have "opted" out.

Beautiful!

When I see images like this, it makes me want to go and photograph. Although I mostly use larger formats now, I've never given up my Spotmatic II and LX.

Keep shooting, please.

Apologies for previously posting this on the wrong forum (MF).

 

I recently purchased a step-up adapter for the Bessa II but it will not thread

on the lens (size-wise it fits).

 

Has anyone successfully tried filters made by B+W or others for this camera?

 

Thanks in advance.

I just purchased a filter step-up adapter (Cokin) in 35.5mm but it doesn't

thread on the lens. It seems that the threads are a different size. Has anyone

tried filters made by B+W or other that will thread on this lens properly?

Thanks in advance.

Ilford lists its 400 ISO film as available in 9x12 as well. Searches for a

vendor have come up empty. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Forget it: all metal reels become useless once they get bent. Film will bunch up and the sections that stick together will not develop. treat them with tender loving care and they will last a lifetime. Hewes reels are probably the best of the stainless steel type.

Thank you both for the useful leads (which now seem obvious): I've located 9x12 holders which will fit a 4x5 camera in Germany and Italy.

I am looking to shoot a large amount of 9x12 film that was given to me, with my

4x5 camera. The problem is that I have not been able to find 9x12 film holders

whose outside dimensions will fit a 4x5 cameras. Does anyone know of a source?

Thank you in advance.

As far as I can tell there are no 4x5 Readyload/Quickload film above ISO100...

Am I right? Thanks in advance.

K&M Camera at two locations in lower Manhattan.

I have been wanting to hike with my 4x5 as well but was always reluctant to try it beacuse of the weight. I am 5'10" (180cm) and weigh just under 140 lbs.

I have two very specific questions: how do you physically prepare yourself to carry such a load (about half your weigth) and what food and food gear do you pack. This is not mere curiosity.

 

Thanks and regards.

Yes, it can be broken doen into two-liter increments. I have been using it that way with the

CAP-40 processor.

No, Italy will win the World Cup.

 

BTW - I'm sick of this film doom thread. Yesterday I saw an excellent "film", at Lincoln

Center in New York City, shot on High Def. Digital Video but the image was not as good as

it could have been: not fuzzy but not really sharp either (mind you that this is a large

theatrical screen). The colors were not saturated and there was much color bleeding. The

look of the image bothered me and I was not alone. During the question and answer

period with the director, it was ascertained that he did indeed shoot it on High Def. Digital

Video. He talked of his next production and someone asked if he would shoot it on video

as well; no, he said - his next film would be shot on motion picture film. Applause from

the audience. Even people who should know better (directors, producers,

cinematographers) fall for the digital age advertising and super hype. In some formats

there simply is no contest. Film producers/directors come to me with their projects and

announce that they want to shoot on digital video (high def or not), for no good reason

other than jumping on the digital bandwagon, and ask what equipment/gadgets I will

need to make their production look like film. My answer is always the same: shoot it on

film. Why kid (or b.s.) anyone: each material has its pros and cons, advantages and

disadvantages.

 

OK, so maybe Brazil will win the World cup, again...

I have been making (New York City) a large run of 16x20 ilfochromes from 4x5 transparencies for the past two weeks using the CA40 processor. I had forgotten just what a beautiful print material Ilfochrome is. Next week I will start on the 11x14 but with the Durst Printo (dry to dry advantage). I hope demand for the materials keeps up so that the will continue to make it.

Grazie, Enrico.

Rumor has it that Omega/Satter will be Durst's distributor in the USA. I spoke to a

salesperson at B&H (NY) who said that they would consider special orders of Durst

products.

Dear Friends - my yearly trip to my hometown (Pontremoli - Tuscany) is upon me and... I

just heard that the nearest photo supply store in Massa no longer carries chemicals. Does

anyone know of a business in Italy that would ship B&W chemicals? An internet search

proved useless. There used to be a mail-order busness in Treviso bu I can no longer find

it. Thank you in advance.