With my return to Large Format I have realized a few facts before doing it.
1: I had no camera but 20 boxes of film in a drawer.
2: I love the creamy spacious tones of larger film and as much as a 6x6 tlr captures it a bit, there's nothing like iso 100 b&w sheet film for the feeling of space.
3: Large Format shooting is incredibly calming and more satisfying than most other forms. Due to the planning and low number of shots there to use (everyone who has used 35mm, 120 / digital must have had the "must finish the roll / card" feeling at one point)
4: It's really dirt cheap if you already have chemistry and a scanner. £150 got me an Arca-Swiss Pro1, lens board, 127mm ysarex from a polaroid (and the 110a body) and a double dark. Along with a cheap fresnel I had from a flash extender. I have a lightweight compact system to meet all my needs.
5: Using the rubber-band taco method of developing in a daylight tank is the easiest and less problematic way of development. 4 sheets in. Diafine in. Fix in. Wash ... scan and contact print. No problems. I must admit it has given me a new lease of life over the Jobo reel that so graciously made me tear my hair out.
So I'd like this thread to be a little bit of why others have come back around to shooting it again. We all know there is that time of thinking "too much hassle" sell everything then have a dark feeling that the decision was wrong. Time passes then a new system is assembled and off we go again.
Finally attach the first picture from your rejuvenated interests. Just the one, so we can try and keep the thread tidy.
Great to back again and looking forward to seeing what people offer up.
Steven
(ps first shot. Friend on the local pier, little bit of negative tilt. EraPan 100 at 125 in Diafine on the 127mm at f5.6)
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