Busch-Pressman-D

4x5 for 365 project (361/365)

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Another two cameras that I really look forward to using more in 2015 are these two Zenobia 645 medium format folders.  They were made from 1952 to 1957 by Daiichi Kogaku, later Zenobia Kogaku and shoot a negative of 6 x 4.5cm, giving 16 shots per roll of 120 film.  They are Japanese clones of the German Zeiss Ikonta "A" folding cameras. Each one has a Neo-Hesper, 75mm F3.5 lens with speeds that range from 1 second to 1/500th and bulb mode.  I picked up two because they were dirt cheap, in great condition and I could set one up with B&W film and one with color or one with 400 ISO B&W and one with 3200 ISO B&W film to have a street photography kit that would cover most lighting and subject situations.  I added the accessory shoe rangefinder to the one on the left because these cameras are zone focus only and the rangefinder can accurately give me the feet distance to the subject to then focus the Zenobia's lens, an arrangement that sounds complicated but works surprisingly well in practice.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
150mm Caltar-S II F 5.6 lens in Copal BT shutter.
Ilfor Fp4+ B&W film shot at 125 ISO.
1/30th second at F22.
Lighting from a bay windw across the room.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:50 dilution for 7 minutes and 20 seconds @ 20 degrees Celsius using a Beseler 8x10 print drum placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.


4x5 for 365 project (360/365)

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One of the things I really look forward to spending more time doing once this 365 project is over, is getting caught up with the various unique cameras I have been acquiring over the last year.  I bought this Kodak Recomar 33 9x12cm plate camera back in July.  It dates back to around 1932-1938 and was made in the Nagel factory in German after Kodak purchased the Nagel Camera Company in the early 1930s.  This one pictured came with two 9x12cm plate holders and I quickly found an additional nine plate holders in almost brand new condition, all with the hard to find sheet film sheaths.  Shortly after that initial camera purchase I was lucky enough to acquire an additional two Recomar 33s for next to nothing.  One of those has a fully functional 120 roll film adapter (included in this picture) and the other Recomar had been customized by a previous owner to take 2 1/4" X 3 1/4" (6x9cm) sheet film holders.  The condition of all three of the Recomar 33 bodies is excellent with supple leather bellows and no light leaks.  I've loaded a bunch of the plate holders with Foma 100 ISO film and I'll be enjoying these cameras in the coming months.  Five days left in this year long project !

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
150mm Caltar-S II F 5.6 lens in Copal BT shutter.
Ilfor Fp4+ B&W film shot at 125 ISO.
1/30th second at F22.
Lighting from an Alien Bees B800 at 1/2 power shot into a 36" Photek Softlighter umbrella softbox positioned to camera left.  A 30" white reflector was held just off to camera right. Strobe triggered with PocketWiard Plus IIs.  
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:50 dilution for7 minutes and 20 seconds @ 20 degrees Celsius using a Beseler 8x10 print drum placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (348/365)

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These vine like plants seem to take a liking to our backyard shed.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Fuji Super HR-T 30 medium speed double-sided green sensitive X-Ray film rated at ISO 100.
1/15 second at F22.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:100 dilution for 7 minutes 20 seconds @ 20 degrees Celsius in Mod54 daylight developing tank.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (346/365)

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A gear and piston from a replica of the John Stevens "Steam Wagon" which he built in 1825. Stevens built the original Steam Wagon as a proof-of-concept and ran on on a small circle of track in Hoboken, New Jersey. He also chartered the first railroad in Pennsylvania in 1823, though it was never constructed.  Image shot at the Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Ilford HP5+ B&W film, shot at ISO 400.
1 second at F22.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:50 dilution for 7 minutes and 25 seconds @ 20 degrees Celsius using a Mod54 six sheet insert in an older screw top Paterson System Tank # 4 placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (345/365)

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Passenger's trunks stacked on a baggage cart at the Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  There are several such scenes like this setup at the museum that represent things that would have been witnessed in and around an old passenger or freight railroad station.  Just 20 days left in this 365 project.  I might just make it :)

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Ilford HP5+ B&W film, shot at ISO 400.
Exposure was 5 seconds at F16 after adjusting for reciprocity compensation.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:50 dilution for 7 minutes and 25 seconds @ 20 degrees Celsius using a Mod54 six sheet insert in an older screw top Paterson System Tank # 4 placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (340/365)

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A look at the barn found at the historic Daniel Boone Homestead in Exeter, Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Wratten yellow # 8 filter on lens.
Arista EDU Ultra 200 (re-branded Fomapan) B&W Film, shot at ISO 160.
1/8th second at F32.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:50 dilution for 7 minutes, 20 seconds @ 20 degrees Celsius using Beseler 8x10 color print drum placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (332/365)

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A winding walking path meanders through the quiet grounds of the Daniel Boone Homestead in Exeter, Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Wratten yellow # 8 filter on lens.
Arista EDU Ultra 200 (re-branded Fomapan) B&W Film, shot at ISO 160.
1/8th second at F32.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:50 dilution for 7 minutes, 20 seconds @ 20 degrees Celsius using Beseler 8x10 color print drum placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.
Cropped to desired size in post.

4x5 for 365 project (331/365)

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Sheep graze in a field at the Daniel Boone Homestead in Exeter, Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Arista EDU Ultra 200 (re-branded Fomapan) B&W Film, shot at ISO 160.
1/15th second at F32.
Wratten yellow # 8 filter on lens.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:50 dilution for 7 minutes, 20 seconds @ 20 degrees Celsius using Beseler 8x10 color print drum placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.
Cropped to desired size in post.

4x5 for 365 project (323/365)

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A split rail fence lines one of the paths found at Daniel Boone Homestead in Exeter, Berks County, Pennsylvania.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Arista EDU Ultra 200 (re-branded Fomapan) B&W Film, shot at ISO 160.
1/30th second at F32.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:50 dilution for 7 minutes, 20 seconds @ 20 degrees Celsius using Beseler 8x10 color print drum placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (320/365)

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Beautiful Autumn foliage lines Wheatfield Road on the way towards Little Round Top in the Gettysburg National Battlefield, Adams County Pennsylvania.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Warming polarizer filter on lens.
Kodak Ektar 100 color negative film shot at ISO 100.
1/4 second at F32.
Developed using Unicolor C-41 color developing kit and Beseler 8x10 color print drum placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.  
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.
Cropped to desired size in post.

4x5 for 365 project (314/365)

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A knuckle coupler joins two freight railroad cars at the Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County Pennsylvania.  Each knuckle coupler, depending on the model, weigh between 400 to 700 pounds.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Kodak Ektascan BR/A single-sided X-Ray film shot at ISO 100.
Exposure was 12 seconds at F22.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:150 dilution for 5 minutes @ 20 degrees Celsius using Mod54 insert in an older Paterson System Tank # 4 placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.  
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (313/365)

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A pair of canon surround the monument to Clark's Battery, Battery B of the 1st New Jersey Light Artillery on the Gettysburg National Battlefield.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Yellow # 8 series VI filter on lens.
Ilford FP4+ B&W film, shot at ISO 125.
Exposure was 1/25th second at F22.
Developed in Rodinal/Adox Adonal 1:50 dilution for 15 minutes @ 20 degrees Celsius in Mod54 daylight developing tank.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (311/365)

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An old milk can and passenger's steamer trunk share space on a baggage cart at the Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  There are several such scenes like this setup at the museum that represent things that would have been witnessed in and around an old passenger or freight railroad station.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Ilford HP5+ B&W film, shot at ISO 400.
Exposure was 15 seconds at F32 after adjusting for reciprocity compensation.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:50 dilution for 7 minutes and 25 seconds @ 20 degrees Celsius using a Mod54 six sheet insert in an older screw top Paterson System Tank # 4 placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (310/365)

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A wheel from the original John Bull Locomotive No 1 built in 1831 by Robert Stephenson and Company is displayed next to a full working replica of the locomotive built in 1939 by the shops at the Pennsylvania Railroad in Altoona, Pennsylvania.  Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County Pennsylvania.  A walking bridge at the museum allows visitors to walk above and over the locomotive and casts a shadow down on the scene during the day, making for an interesting compositional element if you embrace it.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Kodak Ektascan BR/A single-sided X-Ray film shot at ISO 100.
Exposure was 2 seconds at F22.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:150 dilution for 5 minutes @ 20 degrees Celsius using Mod54 insert in an older Paterson System Tank # 4 placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (309/365)

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Part of the drive train and motor from the Leetonia Shay No 1 steam locomotive at the Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County Pennsylvania.  The Shay Locomotives were the most widely used geared system locomotives and were built to the patents of Ephraim Shay. This particular Shay was built in 1906 by the Lima Locomotive Works in Lima Ohio, was in use up until 1964 and weighs in at a total of 136,000 pounds.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Kodak Ektascan BR/A single-sided X-Ray film shot at ISO 100.
Exposure was 1 second at F22.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:150 dilution for 5 minutes @ 20 degrees Celsius with a Mod54 insert in an older Paterson System Tank # 4 placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.
Negative cropped to square dimensions in post.

4x5 for 365 project (308/365)

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A store front from the faux railroad station setup inside the Railroad Museum Of Pennsylvania in Strasburg, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  

This was my first experiment with using rotary processing for film development.  I bought a cheap used Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing roller base off of eBay and an older model Paterson Tank System 4 which features a screw on lid instead of the modern ones that have the press on lid.  I inserted the loaded MOD 54 six sheet 4x5 film insert that I already had into the Paterson tank with 1000ml of diluted Rodinal developer and placed a one gallon jug of water to the left of the roller base to block the Paterson tank from creeping off the roller base as it rotates.  The MOD 54 site states that the MOD 54 wasn't designed for rotary processing but it worked out perfectly in this test.  The key is to use that older tank with the screw on lid.  I used the processing times suggested by the Massive Dev Chart for HP5+ in Rodinal 1:50 dilution for a JOBO rotary processor, 7 minutes 25 seconds, and I got proper negative density with even development.  I'm a very happy camper.  I'll have to experiment a little more to see what the actual minimum amount of chemical is that will fully cover all three sheets of film on each side of the MOD 54 since one of the goals of this exercise is to cut down on the amount of developer, stop bath and fixer that is used per developing batch.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Ilford HP5+ B&W film, shot at ISO 400.
Exposure was 12 seconds at F32.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:50 dilution for 7 minutes and 25 seconds minutes @ 20 degrees Celsius using a Mod54 insert in an older Pattern System Tank # 4 placed on Unicolor Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (307/365)

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A look towards the northwest from atop Little Round Top on the Gettysburg National Battlefield.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Yellow # 8 series VI filter on lens.
Ilford FP4+ B&W film, shot at ISO 125.
Exposure was 1/8th second at F32.
Developed in Rodinal/Adox Adonal 1:50 dilution for 15 minutes @ 20 degrees Celsius in Mod54 daylight developing tank.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.
Cropped to desired dimensions in post.

4x5 for 365 project (303/365)

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A fence row with a monument honoring New York's Excelsior Brigade in the background.  The monument was dedicated in 1893 by the State of New York. Found on Wheatfield Road within Gettysburg National Battlefield, Adams County, Pennsylvania.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Yellow # 8 series VI filter on lens.
Ilford FP4+ B&W film, shot at ISO 125.
Exposure was 1/15th second at F32.
Developed in Rodinal/Adox Adonal 1:50 dilution for 15 minutes @ 20 degrees Celsius in Mod54 daylight developing tank.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (300/365)

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A canon overlooks the Devil's Den section on the Gettysburg National Battlefield from atop Little Round Top.   

This is day # 300 of the project.  Just 65 more days to go. 



Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Yellow # 8 series VI filter on lens.
Ilford FP4+ B&W film, shot at ISO 125.
Exposure was 1/8th second at F32.
Developed in Rodinal/Adox Adonal 1:50 dilution for 15 minutes @ 20 degrees Celsius in Mod54 daylight developing tank.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.

4x5 for 365 project (298/365)

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A piece of a fence row on the Gettysburg National Battlefield.  The rustic aesthetic of this particular portion of fence sort of appealed to me for some reason.

Technical details:
Busch Pressman Model D 4x5 large format press camera.
Graflex Optar 135mm F4.7 lens in a Graphex shutter.
Yellow # 8 series VI filter on lens.
Ilford FP4+ B&W film, shot at ISO 125.
Exposure was 1/15th second at F22.
Developed in Rodinal/Adox Adonal 1:50 dilution for 15 minutes @ 20 degrees Celsius in Mod54 daylight developing tank.   
4x5" negative scanned with Epson V600.