Not new to photography, but, new to LF

[PCC]

Thanks!

[PCC]

So, reading up on the "in "Galli style"" thread it occurred to me that I have two meniscus lenses that I had extracted from a photocopier lens (I used to repair them and, while doing a stint in the shop, was given a few photocopier lenses from junked machines). One of them has a red coating on it and the other has no coating. A bit of time on the mini lathe and I should be able to make something. Combine one or both with a bare shutter and I'm set. The problem is that bare shutters are about as expensive as a full lens with shutter so it's hardly worth it. The other problem is a severe lack of funds since my current job ends in about three weeks and then it's off to look for a new job. No excessive and unnecessary spending until I've secured a FT job. In the meantime, this camera is turning out to be a nice industrial sculpture that my wife absolutely hates.

[PCC]

I exposed my first negatives with this camera today. I still need to get a proper lens, but, I did get a Schneider Kreuznach Radionar 105mm f/4.5 lens from an unsalvageable Franka Rolfix folding camera and mounted it to the recessed lens board. I bought a roll film back from the Classifieds section so I'm able to make photos, albeit using a camera that is way larger than I need, on 120 roll film. It's a good way to learn the movements and go through the paces of using a LF camera without the expense.

[Sirius Glass]

Welcome to the Large Format Photography Forum

[PCC]

Welcome to the Large Format Photography Forum

Thanks!

[Randy]

Something you may want to consider, as like some of us (me) we have to be frugal when it comes to large format film - you can get 8X10 X-ray film in 100 sheet boxes for about $40, cut it down to 4X5 and your shooting now costs less per exposure than shooting with 120 film. Good times...

[PCC]

Thanks! That's good to know. Is X-Ray film sensitive to darkroom safe lights! I don't want to be cutting paper completely in the dark as I'm very attached to my fingers.

[Randy]

You can use a red safe-light as from my experience, the film is (at least mostly) orthochromatic. I process by red safe-light with no problem, but you will need to do a test to make sure your particular light will not fog the film.

[PCC]

Okay, that seems like the best way to go. Thanks!

[Sirius Glass]

Thanks! That's good to know. Is X-Ray film sensitive to darkroom safe lights! I don't want to be cutting paper completely in the dark as I'm very attached to my fingers.

I too keep my fingers close at hand.