bill_lange1

I like the Maco film as well, but PLEASE don't be a dope like me and

forget to pre-wash/pre-soak the film before developing to get the

anti-halation layer off. I forgot this twice (duh!) and I can

guarantee you won't like the results.

<p>

I did read somewhere that you CAN pre-wash the ant-halation layer off

the film, dry it, and re-roll it before shooting if you DO want the

HIE clouding effect. That's a lot of work for 120, though. I might

have more patience for that in 35mm size, I guess. But then why not

just HIE!

I know this might seem like a turn to popularism or might even

seem lowbrow, but how a bout a critique of large format photos readers

send in. A few of the Brit magazines have this feature and one in

particular is very honest and sometimes cheeky - all for the beenfit

of the photographer and the reader, of course.

The best "sniping" is done far away from civilization. It usually takes two or more days of backpacking to reach the best snipe zones. The suggested equipment is usually an 8"x10" view camera (monorail) with a good sturdy tripod. Take plenty of film and a changing tent, of course. You've gone that distance you'll want to make it worth it. A multiple flash setup (w/umbrellas and/or softboxes) helps since this can help distract the snipe from really knowing where the photographer really is - you're behind that black cloth, out of sight, remember?

While baiting is an ethical concern, if you must do it, bring along thirty or forty pineapples, ten or twenty 24" hoagies/subs/torpedoes/po'boys, and several 2-liter bottles of Coca Cola. Be warned: their belching can be embarrasing.

BTW, the rainy season in the South or mid-Winter up North are the best times to hunt snipe.

Goof luck!

I just went to Bombay Hook today (November 19). Half of it was closed for hunting. The only open entrance is on Route 9 (Allee House), north of the regular entrance off of Rte. 9. This cuts off much of the prime waterfowl viewing area. CALL before you go to see if the entire refuge is open or not!!

Another suggestion would be Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge directly west of Bombay Hook in Maryland (Near Rock Hall on the Chesapeake Bay). Of course, it seems as if I'm pushing you further away from the area you'll be in (somehwere between Bombay Hook and Brigantine?).

Good luck.