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03/01/2009 09:45:41 PM · #1 |
I plan to join  Mephisto's side challenge, and for my first trick: an old-fashioned, Quaker Oats pinhole camera.
I need some help shopping. I'll probably order from Ad*rama (masked lest Helen O'ster, the Ad*rama forum genie, show up).
The photographic paper I've chosen is this:
Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast Black & White Enlarging Paper - 5x7" - 25 Sheets - Pearl Surface
I hear it's easy to manipulate and good in multiple lighting conditions. And pearl won't reflect light like the glossy.
Also, I need help with the chemicals. For the developer and fixer, I hear Kodak chemicals are the best (Dektol for instance). I can choose between powder and liquid. Any thoughts? I don't expect to be developing very often, if that's a consideration.
What about stop bath? I read that I can use tap water or mix my own. Or I can order a dedicated chemical.
Thanks in advance for any guidance. This is all very new to me.
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03/01/2009 09:54:09 PM · #2 |
The Ilford Pearl is a nice surface. The Dektol is a fine all-around developer. The liquid version is much easier/less messy to mix, but the powdered version has a much longer shelf life. Stop bath = acetic acid + water, I forget the concentration now. There are dedicated solutions, but acetic acid is fine. Some people just use plain water for the stop bath; you just have to change it frequently. An acetic acid stop bath can be left in its tray with a lid on it and sued for some time. If you're breaking down the darkroom after each session, that's obviously not much of an option. Anyway, acetic acid is cheap...
R.
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03/01/2009 09:57:01 PM · #3 |
bvy-
wow, its been several years now since I have been in the darkroom, but from what I remember, Ilford paper came out pretty darn grany looking when processed in kodak chemicals. Directly through a pinhole, I doubt that this would be an issue, but if you are planning on also using film on this, I would hold out. May want to take a look at Rodinal by Agfa. Ilford and Agfa papers were definately my favorite- mmmm especially with neopan film- what a combo! get a dedicated chem for your stop- trust me its worth it. Kodak stop works fine here, its really not nearly as important as your developer. |
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03/01/2009 10:49:43 PM · #4 |
mmmm darkroom, I might get back in the dark room at my old school over Easter - that's if they let non-students use it!
I love doing the test strips for exposure, they're cool.
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03/02/2009 10:31:38 PM · #5 |
Thanks to all so far.
B&H has Rodinal. Is it good for occasional use?
Also, what about fixer? Surely they're not all the same.
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03/02/2009 11:05:05 PM · #6 |
honestly I have never used more than a kodak fix, so I dont know- its the developers that I have really played with. From my recollection, rodinal has a decent shelf life. Any fixer, after a while, will go bad- most of em are good for a bit though and rodinal holds true to that.
Let us know how it goes :) |
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03/03/2009 04:45:20 PM · #7 |
Okay, I'm about ready to order:
-Ilford Multigrade IV RC Deluxe Resin Coated VC Variable Contrast Black & White Enlarging Paper - 5x7" - 25 Sheets - Satin Surface
-Ilford Universal Paper Developer 500 Milliliter
-Ilford Rapid Fixer 500 Milliliter Bottle
Obviously I'll be making some local purchases also for this starter darkroom. I'll need trays, safelight... What else?
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03/03/2009 04:51:19 PM · #8 |
| You might look for, The Darkroom handbook By Michael Langford and Alfred A Knopf. I don't know if it's still in print. |
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