Hi to all,
By way of introduction, I came back to film photography a couple of years ago with the goal of making my process more considered. It was an opportunity to embrace medium format when the camera of my dreams was at last affordable as digital crashed through the film world. Now, I'm thrilled to embrace large format which I never really believed I could. It always seemed so unattainable. I live about 50kms north of Sydney, Australia. As a retired person I have time to indulge my photography passion.
I'm a total large format newbie who joined this group a month or so ago after lurking about on and off for ages. I've finally taken the plunge after a local 4x5 photographer offered to let me use his camera which by chance is a Chamonix, the camera sharing the top priority spot on my wish list! No need to say that I'm totally besotted with it.
This Forum has been a fantastic resource, guiding me through the many questions I've had about cameras, lenses, choices that seem unique to me but of course many others have had which have been discussed here and helped me clarify my thoughts and ideas. Thank you to those who have already offered me huge shoulders to step upon.
My question for today is. . .I have purchased some secondhand 4x5 film holders that arrived today. Pristine condition. Imagine my surprise when I discovered they are all loaded with film! One sheet has been exposed. Film unknown. My thought is that if I assume it is B&W, then maybe if I expose one sheet at 100 ISO as a safe option, then develop it, I could use them. Also I hope I may recover the image on the exposed sheet once I'm confident that it's the right combination of exposure and development. I often use Rodinal at 1:50. It seems to me that Rodinal 1:100 stand development might be a good option (I've never used stand development before). Your thoughts/suggestions would be appreciated.
After all the research into what I would choose as my camera kit I'm taking baby steps towards pulling it together. My camera will be ordered today. I have purchased a Schneider APO Symmar 5.6/210mm lens which I hope will be my workhorse lens. It is large and bright which is what I need for my less than perfect eyes (it's an age thing!). I'll build on this once I figure out how large format fits in with my medium format and 35mm passions. I look forward to enjoying being part of this extraordinary community.
Lorraine
To Admin: If my question contained in this thread needs to be placed on another forum I'm happy to place it into a new thread.
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