I really enjoyed Kevin Bourque's "right on" article on the Large Format Home Page about being a recovering magic bullet chaser. It kind of got me thinking ---is there really even a "magic bullet" ---a piece of gear that enables us to produce a "keeper" photo that would differ from what we'd expect if we had to go without the "bullet," and if so, what is it?
Maybe its not the obvious---for example I have favorite lenses but none are "magic"(I can take a lousy picture with any of them!) I have an excellent light meter too, but while it is easy to use and more sensitive than a teenager with the wrong sneakers, it isn't magic either, If I left it at home by mistake I could still get by and the results wouldn't suffer as long as I can 'sunny 16' it(this I know from experience!). Even my fancy italian loupe which I enjoy using a great deal, dosen't really do much more than the plastic $9.00 Agfa loupe that I used for the half dozen years prior.
I think what has helped me most, at least in consistency, is a rotary processor for souping film(even if it is a Unicolor, the poor man's Jobo.) Another "magic bullet" in my bandoleer would have to be a small shop vac dedicated to cleaning film holders---dust problems are zero zip since I started using a vacuum. I realize these things aren't as exciting (or expensive)as a new 'puter designed Schneikkor XL with giga coating and made with glass that has it's own little box on the periodic table, but I find that they make a real difference for me.
I'm curious, what is your "magic bullet?"
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