First 4x5, first develop, and first scan

[Michael Lloyd]

I don't have a wet print darkroom. Actually I don't have a darkroom period. I have a changing bag.
This is a scan from a 4X5 negative. I opened the file in Photoshop and tweaked it to get the image.
Film: Ilford D100.
Camera: Linhof Master Technica

I'll save you the boring long story about how I got to this point, I'm just happy that I'm here

I have to say... I'm simply amazed at how much information was in the file. Honestly... I thought that I was a couple of stops toward overexposed. Actually I was but the shadows had a lot of detail. I understand why people shoot film...

[Ken Lee]

Congratulations - that's a superb start.

And it's going keep getting better as you get better acquainted with the process.

[Michael Lloyd]

Congratulations - that's a superb start.

And it's going keep getting better as you get better acquainted with the process.

Thank you.

Not to sound like an arrogant axx but when I finished the image I just stared at it for the longest time. It's not that it's the greatest there ever was or anything like that. It's the process and the result. It's very satisfying to know that I didn't convert it to black and white, I captured it that way. On purpose. With thought. And then I processed my own film. We won't get into the fact that 4 out of 6 of the negatives were hosed up (by me) either when I loaded the holders or during the developing process I think the scanning process was the hardest part if you don't count film holder loading paralysis

I couldn't have posted this image without the help of a lot of people on this forum. Thanks to everyone that replied to my long winded emails.

Now if you'll excuse me I have to go load film holders

[Leigh]

Well done, Michael. Composition and exposure are both spot on.

Excellent work. The first of many, I'm sure.

- Leigh

[chassis]

Great job. Let's see more.

[Michael Lloyd]

That was it. Out of 6 sheets of film that's the only one that survived my "special"
darkroom skills. Soon though...

[Leigh]

Out of 6 sheets of film that's the only one that survived my "special" darkroom skills.

Nothing to be ashamed of. Sheet film is tricky stuff. It takes practice.

Permit me to suggest...
If you're going for long tonal scale (detail in both shadows and highlights), you might try Fuji Acros.
No other film comes close in that respect.

- Leigh

[Michael Lloyd]

Thanks Leigh. I'm open to all suggestions.

One thing about messing up a couple of sheets... I have something to practice with now.

I put a post about chemistry (simple question) in that section of the forum. I didn't really elaborate but tonal range and contrast is what I'm looking for. The Delta 100 didn't really seem to have it. Granted that could be how I shot it and how I processed it. I don't know.

If I don't end up with an 8x10 camera within the next year or so I will be amazed. I definitely want a darkroom. The change bag is fine for me right now but it's already getting tedious

[Leigh]

One problem with Acros is that it's not available in 8x10, only 4x5.
I don't know why not. The 8x10 size is available in Japan.

Here's an Acros density curve that I posted recently.
Unlike other films, the high-density end of the curve just continues up in a straight line, rather than leveling off.

Click on image for larger size.

- Leigh

[Michael Lloyd]

One problem with Acros is that it's not available in 8x10, only 4x5.
I don't know why not. The 8x10 size is available in Japan.

Here's a density curve that I posted recently.
Unlike other films, the high-density end of the curve just continues up in a straight line, rather than leveling off.

Click on image for larger size.

- Leigh

- Leigh

I'm not in any hurry to get into 8x10. I have a lot to learn about 4x5 first.

Wow. I see why you like Acros.