After my last post about printing a test of each of the whole number grades using Ilford Multigrade filters, I received a comment on Twitter about split grade printing. I was directed to Darkroom Dave, who is an Ilford Master Printer.
Read MoreNow that I’ve started printing at home, I’ve run into the challenge of determining what filter to use with variable contrast paper. My first few attempts at printing I used Grade 2 paper, but from everything I have read it seems that by using graded paper I’m really limiting my creative possibilities.
Read MoreWhen I first started with large format, I bought a Paterson tank and developed negatives in my bathroom with the lights on, and I used a mirrorless camera to “scan” negatives. But now that I’ve switched to tray developing and making my own prints, I had to find a better solution.
Read MoreWhile on my honeymoon I (of course) brought my 4x5 along with me. I didn’t take a ton of pictures, but I was really excited to get back and develop them.
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If you’re in the market for a Canon FD lens in the 100mm to 200mm range, you’d be better off spending more money and getting a higher quality prime lens, such as the 100mm f/2 or 200mm f/2.8. I simply haven’t had the best results with this lens.
Read MoreThe Canon nFD 28mm f/2.8 is a tiny, well-built, sharp, and cost-effective option for those looking for a vintage Canon FD wide angle lens. Wide-open it experiences significant sharpness dropoff in the corners, and vignetting is pretty apparent, but around f/8 through f/11 the lens is excellent.
Read MoreThe Slimlite Plano offers two power modes: USB and battery powered. The light table end has a micro USB port which is plugged into a standard wall charging unit. The two modes are toggled by a switch on the upper left-hand side of the unit.
Read MoreOnce you’ve decided to step into the world of large format photography, the first thing you’ll begin looking at is what camera you should buy. There are several options, and it’s not always entirely clear which is the “right” choice when you’re just starting out.
Read MoreHad I realized that not only would I have to buy a new camera, lenses, and film, but also film holders, shutter release, dark cloth, developer, fixer, stop bath, a tank for developing, a new backpack, a sturdier tripod head, a magnifying loupe, a new collection of filters, associated step-up rings, filter holders, a way to store the negatives, a light table, and a way to scan the negatives, perhaps I would have reconsidered.
Read MoreThe Canon FD 50mm f/1.4 is a small, sturdy, well-performing lens for an excellent price. Whether you're shooting an original Canon FD-mount camera (such as my Canon FTb) or a modern mirrorless (I use a Sony A7r), the cost-to-performance ratio is outstanding.
Read MoreThe day started off hot, bright, and windless. The lake was incredibly still and the bugs were already out to pester us as we attempted to dry our stuff before heading off. I burn easily so I was dreading what the day may bring, but shortly after portaging into Emerald Lake a thin layer of clouds rolled in, which certainly made me happy.
Read MoreQuetico Provincial Park is situated in northwestern Ontario, Canada along the Minnesota border. The nearest major cities are Thunder Bay, Ontario and Duluth, Minnesota, but when you're several days deep into Quetico or the Boundary Waters you're all on your own.
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