I'm thinking about planning a trip to Rome to photograph its fountains with an 8x10 Toyo MII for alternative – kallitype/salt – printing. Due to the subject matter I envision bringing all of my 8x10 lens (9) which range from 120mm to 760mm in focal length and are stored in a Pelican 1550 case. The camera is currently stored in a Kalimar case but I would probably need to upgrade the case for international travel. I would necessarily need to bring my big Lowpro Trekker 600 AW which will carry the camera, tripod, a few lenses holders, etc., for short walking distances to the sites and the cases that I currently store 8x10 (10), 5x7 (10) and 4x5 holders. I'm thinking about bringing the 5x7 and 4x5 reducing backs for the possibilities those formats offer with respect to color and B&W film for enlarging. This concludes the gear portion.
Next up is the B&W film processing considerations. Processing the negatives on the same day that they are taken not only insures image quality but also frees-up the holder for use on the following day and avoids the transport of undeveloped negatives. I can probably bring the Jobo 3005 drum but certainly not the processor. Could I roll the drum back and forth on the floor or find a local facility/lab to process? I can bring the powered ID-11 1-liter kits and powered ingredients for HCA along with 2-500mL bottles for the developer and 1 250mL bottle for HC agent and I assume can source the fix and PhotoFlo locally. I can bring the Harrison 8x10 tent for loading/unloading. Color would require either having the negatives processed locally or ringing back home to process.
For local transportation I am thinking of either renting a car or motorcycle/scooter with a side car for transporting the camera. I briefly thought about bring my bike and a rear trailer but Rome is a big city and from past experience they don't allow bicycles on the subway – especially with a trailer.
Finally there is the housing question. I will be looking for a relative safe place where I can operate out of and develop my films. That rules the campgrounds out. I'm looking to staying 30 days on this project in Rome before returning home. I know that this whole trip is going to cost me but I am trying to limit the cost as much as possible without sacrificing the plan.
Any ideas anyone?
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