First images with the Mamiya

I'm not super-pleased with the first results I've gotten with the Mamiya C220. I don't think I'm being self-effacing when I say that the problem appears to reside with the photographer rather than the equipment. The images are too dark and the negs too flat to get an image I'm entirely happy with at first try. Here is an example of a B&W image I took with the camera:

First, let me say that this is a neg that I've scanned on my flatbed scanner using a piece of glass to hold it in place. Not ideal, but I don't have time to actually get in the darkroom today to make contact sheets and prints. The other problem with it is the fixer with hardener may be too old and appears to have left little "crystals" on the negative - some can be brushed off, some appear permanent (I spent a little time retouching in Photoshop but didn't want to do too much since I wouldn't print this from the computer anyhow). I used Rodinal developer with TMAX 400 film at a dilution of 1:50 for 10 mins. If I had a time base for TMAX 400 at 1:100, I would give that a shot since it might produce a better overall tonal range. I also need to get a better idea of exposure values using the Gossen light meter (something I'm not used to doing since I'm used to TTL metering).

It's not an awful shot, but I've got a long way to go to get a true understanding of the Mamiya. I'm hoping my color negs are more promising than this B&W roll. Lots more work to do.

Sunny days in the darkroom

This morning I took photos of my neighbor's kids who are all teenagers (well, the youngest is about to be one). It was a lot of fun for me since I was shooting with the Mamiya C220 (and my Holga and my Canon G9) that was loaned to me by a friend. I don't have any idea how the pictures will turn out yet since I haven't actually seen any prints from the film I've shot with this camera. Although I was claiming to swear off using the darkroom a few posts ago, I shot one roll of B&W film and developed it just an hour ago. The negs look a little over-exposed but I've never been greatest judge of negative quality, so I'm not really sure. Once the film dries I'll be able to actually look at the negs on the light table and see if I have a hope of success. Hopefully, the end result justifies the time I spent in the dark instead of out in the sun.

On a different subject, but one that still pertains to art: I just picked up a beautiful print of Mt. Rainier by artist Chandler O'Leary. I've gotten into the habit of buying prints for my husband at birthdays and anniversaries. In the past, I've tended towards Japanese prints but Chandler's work is so lovely and I like being able to support artists I know.

I haven't posted any pictures here recently, so I thought I'd post a picture of the cat who likes to climb onto my deck and occasionally sneaks into my house if the door is left open.

Sukey the creeper

Giving up on film?

I love my film cameras. When I say cameras, I'm not just talking about two or three. I own at least ten film cameras of different makes and models. Unfortunately, I find myself only shooting color film these days. There are a couple reasons for that: a) I find I can express myself better in color at this point in my life, and b) I've become darkroom averse (I could say "lazy" but I think there's more to it than that).

I used to adore spending hours in the darkroom and could completely lose myself in the process. Now, I find it confining, frustrating (perhaps because I'm so out of practice) and irritating to my senses (I can feel my nose hairs curling when I think of stop bath and fixer). I can count number of times I have been in the darkroom in the past year (uh...twice...maybe). Don't get me wrong. Every time I look at a Walker Evans, or a Diane Arbus or a Ralph Eugene Meatyard, I get the hankering to shoot B&W again and immerse myself in the dark, dank space between chemistry and creation. But, if I'm honest with myself, I can say that I'd much rather spend that time shooting pictures and poking pixels on my computer.

I don't expect to get rid of my film cameras any time soon (well, maybe I'll sell a couple of them - I should be able to get, what, $25 for my Nikon FE2...sigh). I can continue shooting color and working from digital copies of the negs. We might actually sell the darkroom equipment, as well, since it never gets used.

Change is hard, especially when it involves something you love and are committed to. I still have a few rolls of B&W film and lots of chemistry that I could have a final hurrah with. Plus, my friend lent me this bad-boy to try out:

Maybe one more year before I let go completely...