Bronica SQ-A Test Roll

  I recently bought a Bronica SQ-A system and shot a few rolls of colour film.  However, since my chemicals always expire before i have enough film developed i have decided to store my exposed film until i have enough to develop over a period of a week or so, thus ensuring i dont waste precious chemicals.  This has meant, however that i havent yet seen any results from my new camera!  So a few nights ago i decided to shoot and develop a roll of TRI-X 400 to see the results.

  Now im not really a massive fan of TRI-X.  i have used it once before and the pictures came out very grey; i  prefer to use Ilford HP5+  as i like the tones and contrast more.  But this being a test roll i didnt want to waste any so in went my second roll of TRI-X.  I set up my camera on the tripod, plugged in the cable release and started firing away.  Heres the results:

  Im pretty chuffed with how they came out to be honest, considering i blasted them out rather quickly.  I still think im going to stick with the HP5+ though.

Instant Gratification II

  I recently came into possession of a Polaroid 640CL camera which has built in flash, auto exposure and also a macro lens fitting.  I also came into 19 boxes of twin pack expired Polaroid 600 film for a ridiculously low price.  I shot the first pack with my new camera and these are some of the results:

  I'm rather pleased with how they came out as i was a little worried the expired film would result in poor colour quality.  I'm looking forward to shooting the next pack now.

Return To Huncoat

  Another trip back to Huncoat Power Station, this time with my good friend Paul in tow.  Paul had never been before so i said id take him round and show him the sights.  The man was keen.  He was clearly into it when we got there, kneeling in all the crud on the floor just to get the shot he was after.  I had a great day there to be honest, i saw so much i had missed on previous visits.  You should check Pauls shots out; he shoots digital but i suppose we can let him off this once.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/pauljohnberry/

  I have been having trouble lately with my black and white shooting/developing technique so i decided to try a new approach.  Using some Ilford HP5+ i decided to underexpose by 1 stop then overdevelop accordingly, thereby boosting contrast.  Using a red filter whilst shooting and a 1:25 mix of rodinal when developing meant id get even more contrast without losing details in shadows and highlights.  For the first time i also used a grey card with my light meter for exposure, and im never going back now, it really helped so much.  Im really happy with how the shots came out, exactly like i saw them in my mind.  Looking forward now to getting back out and shooting some more.

Jess

  Time again for some more portraits with my wife.  Unfortunately i once again had some messups during processing and the negatives didnt come out perfectly, but i  guess we learn by trial and error.