Avoiding harassment when shooting in the street

[Maximo]

Hello To all.
General Inquiry as follows:

I checked the forum through, only once. I would like to inquire where to purchase exposed sheet film for 5x7 and 5x4?

I need it for 4 reasons. (Encouraging and discouraging inputs /opinion no problem, are welcome)

1) For people who might harass me on public space, to indicate that I am not a terrorist and I simply cannot run and duck with LF equipment. ( I am Asian/Chinese/Filipino 5'4" scrawny and male)

2) To illuminate people if need be, that I am using and jumping into LF, 54 and 57 and I simply will only take 4 or less than 6 sheets of whichever film I take, on site hence the setup and slow process of LF is not what people think, machine gunning with a LF camera is not possible.

3) To provide contrast to dimwits who will tell me to buy a digital MF or similar, i.e. I am learning for personal knowledge and experience how sheet film behaves and that technology is a matter of some physics, optics and chemistry.

4) to practice loading 54 and 57 (I can always try and purchase the cheapest B&W at BnH. ( I live in Jersey City, N.J.)


If not then I have no choice but to purchase a set of 10 for 57 and 54 sheet film, and waste at least two sheets.

If anyone has an idea, I am willing to pay for postage. (Jumping to 54 and 57, currently doing 69 on horseman convertible)

Thank you for any response.

Max.

P.S.

Also I would like to add that, since I read some of the threads from 2004 regarding people harassing and assuming LF and photography in general as suspicious,

I wonder if it helps if you look puny and everyone considers you to be a minor or no threat at all, since I made the mistake of using a 35mm on tripod and took pictures of the Holland Tunnel in 2016 and someone called the PATH police. In 5 minutes two police officers , one in a cruiser and other in a patrol car came up to me.

Gave my id checked the routine went through my stuff and was told to stay near the lighted areas or gas station. I was out at around 8 in the evening almost fall.

It was my first time, I thought I was about to be arm-bent face on the pavement then thrown at the back of a cruiser.

I've never had any sort of interaction with any law enforcement unit in this manner until August 28, 2016 to be exact, around 8:40 - 9:30 PM.
I had just returned to shooting film and presently I have mustered enough guts to go 6x9 then to 57 and 54.

The pictures are not good I was doing bulb with a pentax honeywell, arista 100 b&w

[Larry Gebhardt]

Buy a box and waste a sheet practicing loading it. Once you factor in postage it will be the cheapest way.

[Maximo]

Ok, this one I understand.
noted. And for the admins, thank you for moving the thread.
I was not expecting a lot of response.
Will do for the sheet film, have to dive, my best 10 years is now at 39 years of age.
Have to do this.


Noted: Gebhardt post.

[Steve Goldstein]

Perhaps buy some way-outdated film for cheap on eBay, or on this forum or Photrio?

[Paul Ron]

when you start loading n shooting, you will make plenty of mistakes. use those mistakes for practice.

one sheet is not such a big sacrifice to practice loading.

[Tin Can]

Hire off duty cops in uniform

I was forced to hire them 24/7 by ARTIC

as I was a Grad student shooting inside my old AVION all comers got 3 min video, 100's

cost of permit $25 was low, compared to manditory event Insurance

Downtown Chicago, I parked my Airsteam for 3 weekends

Basiclly a movie or stills shoot is always welcome

[Richard Wasserman]

In my limited experience the police know the laws pertaining to photography much better than the average citizen. I have had several pleasant chats with officers from various jurisdictions—a couple of them had suggestions for new places to photograph that I hadn't thought of. I have never been directly harassed by anyone, but have noticed lately that in rural areas people tend to be more suspicious than they used to be. (This could devolve into a political discussion which I won't go into). Maybe go out with a friend for moral support?

[Jac@stafford.net]

[...] have noticed lately that in rural areas people tend to be more suspicious than they used to be.

I'm a former rural guy. Lived on 5,500 acres of beautiful rolling land 600' up overlooking the Mississippi River. My driveway was 1.9 miles long. Once a guy pulled up to the side of the drive and asked gruffly, "You ain't surveying are ya?" I sure don't blame his suspicion. I just said, "Just taking record pictures of my land. As far as you can see is mine. Stop by the house at the end of the road for a beer later if you like." Good folks here. I love Minnesota. Our Chief Sheriff would slowly drive around the property just to see the wildlife. Gosh, those were good days.

[BrianShaw]

I have no idea what you are carrying on about, Max. Just take your camera and shoot some film. Most of that stuff you seem concerned about rarely happens.

[invisibleflash]

I have no idea what you are carrying on about, Max. Just take your camera and shoot some film. Most of that stuff you seem concerned about rarely happens.

Concur...OP sounds like an overthinker.

If you must, carry a 5x7 pocket portfolio to show off your photos.