Shadowing affect on Agfa/Ansco 5x7

[mooresean68]

Hi All,

I think I'm going to be stuck on this one but thought I'd ask anyway: After fixing some light leaks and getting some new images I discovered a rectangle in the middle of the image (shot with a Nikon SW 90mm).

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I'm pretty sure it's due to the inner framing on the back which casts a shadow on the film plane. It's not terribly noticeable until you start mucking about with contrast and clarity then it can really stand out.

212541

So question 1: Is there anything that can be done about it? and 2: Are newer models of large format cameras susceptible to this same issue?

I realize I can always crop inside the shadowed area but that also puts composition at risk.


Thanks!
-Sean

[Conrad . Marvin]

I had one of these cameras years ago and it could be reflected light from the sides of the back on the outer edges of the frame. You could try some Really flat paint like chalkboard paint on the edges of the back. Or you might see if you can take the back apart. (screws on the back hold the back together) Maybe make the inner frame a little larger and paint black.

[mooresean68]

Thanks, black paint on order ... hope it solves the problem, I really dig the Agfa's

[mooresean68]

Argh! Well trouble shooting would help if I were actually looking at the right back! I realized this morning the images I developed were from my 5x7 with no front tilt before I swapped the bellows to the version with front tilt. And there it is, the reflection on the end edges. I see also that the inner frame isn't painted black at all either! There will be much painting to be had here :)

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[Wayne]

Interesting. I have a 5x7 adaptor back that looks like that for my 8x10, but I've rarely used it.

[Chauncey Walden]

I've always used Krylon's Ultra Flat Black.

[Willie]

https://www.culturehustleusa.com/products/black-3-0-the-worlds-blackest-black-acrylic-paint-150ml

If you want it black - this is the stuff! You can buy it as long as you are not Anish Kapoor.

https://www.fastcompany.com/90300113/move-over-vantablack-you-can-now-buy-the-worlds-blackest-black-paint

“By backing this project you confirm that you are not Anish Kapoor, you are in no way affiliated to Anish Kapoor, you are not backing this on behalf of Anish Kapoor or an associate of Anish Kapoor. To the best of your knowledge, information and belief this material will not make its way into the hands of Anish Kapoor.”

[Tin Can]

That's good stuff Willie!

But I use wide black magic markers

and have a bottle of India Ink that scares me

Both I get from here https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-black-cat-waterproof-india-ink/

[Willie]

That's good stuff Willie!

But I use wide black magic markers

and have a bottle of India Ink that scares me

Both I get from here https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-black-cat-waterproof-india-ink/

Just so you are not Anish Kapoor...

[LabRat]

Put camera on 'pod in darkened room, and with/without lens on, and with/without gg on, take strong flashlight and shine into camera from front off-axis so light does not shine directly towards back, and watch insides for any area glowing from beam...

These are areas that can reflect light to flare film... Treat these areas with paint, felt, grooved material, or add another piece on top that has an angle that does not allow reflection to film...

Happy hunting!!!

Steve K

[ic-racer]

I have a similar issue but I thought it was from bellows reflection.

https://www.largeformatphotography.info/forum/showthread.php?161402-Internal-Bellows-Reflections&p=1580053&viewfull=1#post1580053

[Tin Can]

Just so you are not Anish Kapoor...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50506525406_b1c8250dd9_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jX69ob)The Bean (https://flic.kr/p/2jX69ob) by TIN CAN COLLEGE (https://www.flickr.com/photos/tincancollege/), on Flickr