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Kodak Hypo Clearing Agent (HCA): Safety, Handling, Disposal

Most of us wouldn’t know use or even know about hypo clearing agents and what they do.
In this video, I break down the benefits and use case of a HCA, and talk about the Safety, Handling and Disposal of Kodak’s own HCA.
You can buy Kodak Hyper Clear here or the Liquid version as Ilford Wash Aid here.

00:00 Introduction
00:38 Legal Disclaimer
01:21 Background
05:44 Chemical Composition
06:49 Capacity
08:03 Shelf Life
08:52 Safety
13:09 Handling
14:14 Disposal
15:38 Cost
16:39 Conclusion

This video is kindly sponsored by The Photo Shop https://www.thephotoshop.ie/
Check out my social media and Patreon:
https://www.shaka1277.com
https://www.instagram.com/shaka1277
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1553073…
https://twitter.com/Shaka1277
https://patreon.com/shaka1277

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Ilford Ilfostop: Safety, Handling, Disposal

Ilford’s Ilfostop is a prime example of a modern, odourless stop bath. Let’s talk about what’s in it, and how to use it properly. You can order it here

00:00 Introduction
00:34 Legal Disclaimer
01:27 Background
09:05 Safety 11:24 Handling
14:34 Disposal
15:49 Cost
17:00 Conclusion

This video is kindly sponsored by The Photo Shop https://www.thephotoshop.ie/

Acid strength (simple Wikipedia): https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Str…

Acid strength (Wikipedia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid_st…

Check out my social media and Patreon:

https://www.shaka1277.com
https://www.instagram.com/shaka1277
https://www.flickr.com/photos/1553073…
https://twitter.com/Shaka1277
https://patreon.com/shaka1277

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How to Make a Short Roll of Film for Testing 35mm Film Cameras

How to make a short film roll

Learn how to create a short roll of film for testing 35mm film cameras using a used film canister and a new roll of film. This guide provides step-by-step instructions and essential tips for photography enthusiasts.

Introduction:

When it comes to testing 35mm film cameras or troubleshooting potential issues, creating a short roll of film can be incredibly helpful. This simple technique allows you to check the functionality and performance of your camera without wasting an entire roll of film. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making a short roll of film using a used film canister and a new roll of film.

Step 1: Gather the necessary materials

To begin, gather a used film canister and a fresh roll of 35mm film, tape, scissors and a film changing bag. The used film canister should be empty except for a small bit of residual film that is capable of securely holding the new roll of film.

Step 2: Prepare the canister

Ensure the used film canister is clean and dry. Take a moment to inspect the canister for any physical damage or debris that could affect the film’s performance or scratch the film.

Step 3: Load the new roll of film

Carefully unwind a small portion of the leader from the new roll of film. Cut it in a straight line and tape it to the small leader sticking out of the empty canister. Gently wind the film onto the spool, ensuring it remains taut and evenly distributed throughout the canister.

Step 4: Move the canisters into the darkbag

Pull the two rolls apart inside the dark bag to the desired length of the short roll, I find the width of film changing bag is perfect for a roll of about 12 shots. Ensure the film is fully protected from exposure to light, as even brief exposure can ruin the images.

Step 5: Label the canister

To avoid confusion, label the canister with essential information such as the film type, ISO/ASA rating, and the number of exposures. This labeling will help you keep track of the film’s characteristics during testing.

Step 6: Testing your camera

Now that you have your short roll of film ready, insert it into your 35mm film camera as you would with a regular roll. Follow your camera’s instructions for loading film, advancing frames, and rewinding. Use this opportunity to capture a few test shots in various lighting conditions and different settings. By doing so, you can evaluate the camera’s performance, exposure accuracy, focus, and any potential issues.

Conclusion:

Creating a short roll of film for testing 35mm film cameras is a practical technique that saves both time and resources. By repurposing a used film canister and a new roll of film, you can easily assess your camera’s functionality and troubleshoot any issues before committing to a full roll. This process allows you to fine-tune your camera settings and gain confidence in its performance. Now you’re ready to embark on your photographic journey with a reliable and well-tested film camera!

Remember to have fun and experiment with different settings and subjects to truly understand your camera’s capabilities. Happy shooting!

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Black and White T Grain Film: A Classic Look for Modern Photography

FujiGW690_Delta_tickknock23-1

If you’re looking to capture a timeless, classic look in your photographs, black and white T-grain film is an excellent choice. This type of film has been around for decades and is still popular among photographers today, thanks to its unique properties and ability to produce images with a distinctively fine grain structure. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about black and white T-grain film, from its history and characteristics to how to use it effectively in your photography.

History of T-Grain Film

T-grain film was first introduced by Kodak in the 1980s as a replacement for traditional grain film. Unlike conventional silver halide crystals, which are roughly cubical in shape, T-grain crystals are elongated and thin, with a flattened shape that reduces the appearance of grain in the final image. This allows for sharper, more detailed images that retain their clarity even when enlarged.

Ilford Delta400 in Kodak Tmax Developer
Ilford Delta400 in Kodak Tmax Developer

Characteristics of T-Grain Film

Black and white T-grain film has several key characteristics that make it a popular choice among photographers. One of the most significant is its fine grain structure, which gives photographs a smooth, almost silky appearance. This makes it an ideal choice for portraits, landscapes, and other types of photography where detail and texture are important.

T-grain film also tends to have a wide exposure latitude, meaning that it can produce excellent results even when over or underexposed. This makes it a versatile choice for a range of lighting conditions, from bright sunlight to dimly lit interiors.

Fuji GW690II Delta 400 in Kodak T Max Developer
Fuji GW690II Delta 400 in Kodak T Max Developer

Types of T-Grain Film

There are several types of black and white T-grain film available on the market, each with its own unique characteristics and properties. Some of the most popular include:

Kodak T-Max

Kodak T Max 100 in TMax Developer
Kodak T Max 100 in TMax Developer


Kodak T-Max is one of the most widely used types of T-grain film, known for its high resolution and excellent tonal range. It produces images with a smooth, fine-grained appearance and is suitable for a wide range of photographic applications.

Kodak T Max 100 in TMax Developer
Kodak T Max 100 in TMax Developer

Ilford Delta

Ilford Delta is another popular type of T-grain film, known for its sharpness and contrast. It has a slightly coarser grain structure than T-Max but still produces images with excellent detail and tonality.

Fujifilm Neopan

Fujifilm Neopan is a black and white T-grain film that is popular among fine art photographers. It produces images with a distinctively soft, muted appearance and has a slightly larger grain structure than some other types of T-grain film.

Using T-Grain Film in Your Photography

If you’re interested in using black and white T-grain film in your photography, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it’s important to choose the right type of film for your needs, based on factors like resolution, contrast, and tonality.

Next, it’s important to understand how to expose T-grain film properly. Because it has a wider exposure latitude than traditional grain film, it’s possible to over or underexpose it without compromising the final image. However, it’s still important to pay attention to factors like lighting, contrast, and shadow detail to ensure that your photographs turn out as intended.

Finally, when developing T-grain film it’s important to choose a developer that is compatible with its unique properties. Many photographers recommend using a fine-grain developer, which is specifically designed to minimize the appearance of grain in the final image. Some popular options include Kodak T-Max Developer, Ilford Ilfosol 3, and Ilford Perceptol.

It’s also important to pay attention to the dilution and temperature of your developer solution. Diluting your developer can help to control contrast and produce a more even tonality, while adjusting the temperature can affect the speed and efficiency of the development process. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and experiment with different dilutions and temperatures to find the combination that works best for your particular type of T-grain film and photographic style.

Conclusion

Black and white T-grain film is a classic choice for modern photographers looking to capture timeless, beautiful images. Its fine grain structure, wide exposure latitude, and excellent tonality make it a versatile

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The Ultimate Guide to Flic Film Elektra 100: A Kodak Aerocolor IV Colour Negative Film

Flic Film Elektra 100
Flic Film Elektra 100

Are you looking for a high-quality colour negative film that can capture natural colours in daylight conditions and provide enhanced sharpness and resolution for high-resolution scanning? Look no further than Flic Film Elektra 100 – a re-spooled Kodak Aerocolor IV colour negative film originally designed for aerial photography and reconnaissance.

In this ultimate guide, we will explore the features and benefits of Flic Film Elektra 100, including its exposure latitude, colour reproduction, T-Grain emulsion, red sensitivity, green saturation, and D-min values. We will also provide tips for loading the film in low light conditions to avoid light leaks.

Features and Benefits of Flic Film Elektra 100

Exposure Latitude

Flic Film Elektra 100 exhibits a wide exposure latitude, making it easy to achieve proper exposure even in challenging lighting conditions. This film can handle overexposure and underexposure better than many other films on the market, giving you more flexibility in your shooting.

Colour Reproduction

One of the standout features of Flic Film Elektra 100 is its true colour rendition. This film captures natural colours in daylight conditions, ensuring that your images look as true to life as possible. This makes it an excellent choice for portrait, landscape, and street photography, as well as any other situation where accurate colour reproduction is essential.

T-Grain Emulsion

Flic Film Elektra 100 uses a T-Grain emulsion, which is known for its ability to produce sharp and detailed images. This emulsion technology results in enhanced sharpness and resolution, making it an ideal film for high-resolution scanning.

Red Sensitivity

Compared to previous aerial films, Flic Film Elektra 100 has a 30nm-longer red sensitivity. This means that it can penetrate haze better and reproduce foliage more accurately, resulting in images with greater depth and detail.

Green Saturation

In addition to its improved red sensitivity, Flic Film Elektra 100 also boasts increased green saturation. This means that greens appear more vivid and lifelike in your images, making it an excellent choice for landscape and nature photography.

D-min Values

Finally, Flic Film Elektra 100 has lower D-min values than previous aerial films. This means that it requires less exposure to light in order to produce an image, resulting in faster printing times and less need for post-processing.

Loading Flic Film Elektra 100 in Low Light Conditions

While Flic Film Elektra 100 is an excellent film for daylight conditions, it is important to note that it has a tendency to let light travel up the leader and into the first three frames. To avoid this, it is recommended that you load the film in low light conditions, such as in a changing bag or in a dimly lit room.

When loading the film, be sure to handle it carefully to avoid touching the emulsion side. Once the film is loaded, advance it to the first frame and take a test shot to ensure that the film is properly seated and the camera is functioning correctly.

Development

Develop in C41 or E6 chemistry, for use as slide film a warming filter is recommended.