User_1577653

<p>I am perhaps summarizing a few previous posters when I say that the answer is "it depends," and that really almost any speed film <em>could</em> be a good choice depending on what/how you want to shoot. In and of itself, the camera's age doesn't really factor in to it. True, that top speed of 1/250s is somewhat slow compared to more modern cameras, and that may tend to bias you towards lower speed films if you typically work in bright conditions. But you still have a relatively broad range of exposure settings available on that Retinette (it is not like we are talking about a single-shutter speed box camera here!). So assuming you were able to choose appropriate settings when using HP5, there is nothing to suggest that there would be anything wrong (at least exposure-wise) with those shots.</p> <p>I think Jochen gave some good examples of the ISO speeds that would be most appropriate for different scenarios. If you would like to provide more detail about what you like to photograph, and perhaps your methods and goals for your images (e.g., do you use a tripod or hand held? Is it important how grainy your images look? Do you like narrow depth of field or everything in focus at once? etc.) then we could probably refine our recommendations.</p> <p>But in general I just wanted to say that you shouldn't feel that you are limited to always using a particular (lower) speed film, or a particular type of film, just because it is an older camera. There is still a lot of flexibility here.</p>

<p>I could use some guidance fixing/upgrading a Light box (Logan Tru-View 16"x24") which I use for reviewing slide film. The problem is that it is typically very difficult to turn on - most of the time I can <em>eventually</em> get it to light up, but often only after depressing the ON/OFF toggle switch for an extended length of time, or else making use of a special technique I developed (which to give you a hint, takes advantage of the typical dry climate where I live). But I am tired of fighting with the thing, so it is time to fix it!</p> <p>Presumably this problem is due to the ballast, right (I replaced the bulbs a while back but it didn't help)? Any recommendations for a replacement ballast? From what I have read, it sounds like I should go for a rapid start electronic ballast over the old-style magnetic one in there now. Anything else I should be looking for which is important (ballast factor for example)? Should I also be thinking of switching from T12 to T8 bulbs? I ask because I read somewhere that T12's are being phased out, and I don't want to get stuck with needing bulbs that are no longer available. I should add that I am pretty comfortable with re-wiring, replacing bulb sockets if necessary, etc.</p> <p>Finally, any suggestion as to where to purchase appropriate color-balanced bulbs would be appreciated. I think I can get "daylight" bulbs at my local hardware store, although it is not clear to me how optimal these are for light box use in terms of color temperature and quality (e.g., 5000K vs. 5500K?, CRI rating, etc.).</p>