Rodinal

4x5 for 365 project (361/365)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 (344/365)

An angel grave marker from 1946, found in Sacred Heart Cemetery, also known as Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.  

Technical details:
Sakai Toyo 5x7" large format metal field camera with 4x5" film back.
Fujinon-W 210mm F5.6 lens in Copal B shutter.
Wratten yellow # 8 filter on lens.
Kodak Ektascan BR/A single-sided X-Ray film shot at ISO 100.
1/15th second at F16.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:150 dilution for 6 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 (340/365)

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 (334/365)

"Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit; for, without being seen, they are present with you". ~St Francis of Sales.  As seen in Sacred Heart Cemetery, also known as Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.

Technical details:
Sakai Toyo 5x7" large format metal field camera with 4x5" film back.
Fujinon-W 210mm F5.6 lens in Copal B shutter.
Wratten yellow # 8 filter on lens.
Kodak Ektascan BR/A single-sided X-Ray film shot at ISO 100.
1/8th second at F16.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:150 dilution for 6 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)

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)

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 (330/365)

The chapel at Sacred Heart Cemetery, also formerly known as Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.   Any history on this building has been elusive to say the least.

Technical details:
Sakai Toyo 5x7" large format metal field camera with 4x5" film back.
90mm F5.6 Schneider Super-Angulon lens in a Copal 0 shutter.
Wratten yellow # 8 filter on lens.
Kodak Ektascan BR/A single-sided X-Ray film shot at ISO 100.
1/8th second at F22.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:150 dilution for 6 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 (329/365)

A cross gravestone spotted at Sacred Heart Cemetery, also known as Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Allentown, Lehigh County, Pennsylvania.   The late afternoon sun was casting some great shadows on Sunday.  I can't wait to get this negative under the enlarger in the darkroom later this week.

Technical details:
Sakai Toyo 5x7" large format metal field camera with 4x5" film back.
90mm F5.6 Schneider Super-Angulon lens in a Copal 0 shutter.
Wratten yellow # 8 filter on lens.
Kodak Ektascan BR/A single-sided X-Ray film shot at ISO 100.
1/8th second at F22.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:150 dilution for 6 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 (327/365)

A section of the carriage house building at the Cairnwood Estate within the Bryn Athyn Historic District in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. Cairnwood was the home of wealthy industrialist John Pitcairn.  The state was constructed from 1892-1895.

Technical details:
Sakai Toyo 5x7" large format metal field camera with 4x5" film back.
Fujinon-W 210mm F5.6 lens in Copal B shutter.
Wratten # 12 yellow filter on lens.
Arista EDU Ultra 200 (re-branded Fomapan) B&W Film, shot at ISO 160.
1/15th 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 (324/365)

The upper most section of our backyard waterfall that leads down to our small pond.  I decided to haul out the somewhat neglected Calumet 45NX monorail for this shot.  Now that things are getting much colder around here and I'll be driven back inside the home studio I'll be using that camera a lot more for portraits and still-life work.

Technical details:
Calumet 45NX 4x5 large format monorail camera.
210mm Komura Commercial F6.3 lens in Copal 1 shutter.
Circular Polarizer on lens.
Ilford Delta 100 B&W Film, shot at ISO 100.
1/8th second at F32.
Developed in Adox Rodinal 1:50 dilution for 11 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 (323/365)

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 (316/365)

Corn bales dot the landscape of this farm in Berks County, Pennsylvania.  In my never ending quest to fine tune my film development workflow I switched to a Beseler 8x10 color print developing drum on a Uniroller 352 auto-reversing rotary base for my 4x5 film development.  I was getting uneven development always on a single sheet when I was trying the Mod54 insert in the older screw-top Paterson tank on the rotary base.  Although the Beseler drum only handles four sheets at a time instead of the Mod54 six sheets, it is nearly foolproof and I've been able to use 80% less developer, stop bath, fixer and distilled water with each batch which is a huge advantage.  I also have a Beseler 11X14 drum that takes eight sheets of 4x5 but I think I need to locate or fabricate a missing sheet spacer insert for that drum before I use it for developing. Going forward, the Mod54 insert will be used mostly for processing the double sided Fuji HRT-30 X-Ray film I still have left.

Technical details:
Sakai Toyo 5x7" large format metal field camera with 4x5" film back.
Fujinon-W 210mm F5.6 lens in Copal B 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 (315/365)

A building shows its rafters at Waterloo Village in Byram Township, Sussex County, New Jersey.  Many of the buildings in the village are in various states of disrepair after years of inactivity and little to no maintenance.  Recent fund raising has been able to jump start some of the improvements and maintenance efforts but they still have a long way to go for many of the buildings in the historic canal town.

Technical details:
Sakai Toyo 5x7" large format metal field camera with 4x5" film back.
150mm Caltar-S II F 5.6 lens in Copal BT shutter.
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.

4x5 for 365 project (314/365)

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)

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 (312/365)

The Canal Society of New Jersey museum with its eclectic mix of historical canal equipment in the front yard.  The museum is located at Waterloo Village in Byram Township, Sussex County, New Jersey. CSNJ is a non-profit organization formed in 1969 to foster the study of the history of New Jersey's two towpath canals which included the Morris and D&L Canals.  The museum is only open during special occasions at Waterloo Village and by special arrangement for school field trips. The building contains artifacts related to the canals and canal operation.  More information on the CSNJ can be found at their web site CanalSocietyNJ.org

Technical details:
Sakai Toyo 5x7" large format metal field camera with 4x5" film back.
150mm Caltar-S II F 5.6 lens in Copal BT shutter.
Ilford FP4+ B&W film, shot at ISO 125.
Exposure was 1/4th 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.