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D/FW LF GROUP, RAILROAD GATHERING. . . WE MET, DESPITE THE HEAT!

It is near impossible for me to get motivated in the heat. This Texas summer started early this year and we are in a period of above normal temperatures. The D/FW LF Group made the trek to The Dallas Museum of the American Railroad last Saturday. It was an incredible adventure just to look at all of the rail cars, and I found myself in complete fascination with the steam locomotives, especially the Big Boy.

The trouble was no matter how much I tried, I just could not get past the heat and bring myself to drag out even a 4×5 camera. In fact, I barely mustered the enthusiasm to use my digisnapper. All I can say is I certainly hope we get another opportunity to photograph at the museum. Hopefully by this winter they will have completed their move to their new location and we will try again. Lunch was a high point as usual.

I would like to thank everyone for an interesting day. Thanks Michael for making the arrangements, and Bob for lunch. Thanks to Robert and Mark for braving the heat with their cameras. Hope you guys made some good photographs!

Next outing will be Sat, 07/30/2011 in Pilot Point. This will be an early shoot so we can stay ahead of the oppressive Texas heat, and of course, we will conclude with brunch at the local greasy-spoon on the town square. Hope to see everyone there! In the mean time, keep your film cool!

JB

July 6, 2011 | Categories: D/FW LF GROUP, Events, Photography | Leave A Comment »

MEASURING PAPER FOG

I was recently asked to test some Kentmere paper for fogging. A friend had shut down his wet darkroom and had several packages of paper he wanted to sell, but wanted to know if it was still useable. I agreed to test for him and if you wonder how to check for paper fog, here is the process I use.

Begin by cutting off a strip of the paper to be tested in very subdued safelight to total darkness. Since the paper I was testing was 16×20, I cut off a strip across the short side about two inches wide. I then cut the strip in half. This gave me two pieces of paper 2×8 inches. On the back of the paper I mark one with the letter ‘F’ and the other with the letter ‘D’ and place the latter into a light-tight box.

The strip marked ‘F’ is placed into a tray of fresh fixer and agitated for five minutes. Then it is placed in a tray of running water. Next the strip marked ‘D’ is placed into a tray of developer, agitated for two minutes. . . stop for thirty seconds. . . and fixed for five minutes. I use my standard print developing chemicals and the normal times. If you use different materials, use your normal times. Once both strips are in the wash tray, turn on the lights and wash for thirty minutes. Remove the test strips and dry as usual.

What has happened here is I have cleared the test strip marked with the ‘F’ which stands for fixed only and I have developed the strip marked ‘D’ for developer as usual. All that is needed now is to measure the reflected difference. I used an X-Rite 810 densitometer to measure the difference and found it to only be about 0.003, which is nothing to worry about. Keep in mind that all light sensitive materials, film or paper, will have some amount of base fog when developed.

Fortunately I was able to report to my friend that his paper was in excellent condition and he was happy to be able to sell it to another photographer. Hopefully this batch of paper will live on to produce some beautiful prints.

Also keep in mind that you do not need a densitometer to run this test. If you cannot see any appreciable difference in the two test strips, you can assume the paper is in good condition. If you have some old paper that shows signs of fogging, you can experiment with adding a restrainer, like Benzotriazol, to your developer to see if it will help. Never throw out printing paper just because you have had it on the shelf for some time. Test it first. . . you may be surprised to find that it is in good condition and useable.

JB

June 7, 2011 | Categories: Darkroom, How-To, Photography | Leave A Comment »

JB & SUSAN HARLIN UPCOMING EVENTS

Here is our current calendar of upcoming events.  More information available by clicking on the event below.  We invite everyone interested in film photography to join us, though we specialize in LF and ULF, we love film.  Hope to see you at one of our gatherings!

 

 

May 29, 2011 | Categories: AT THE TOP, D/FW LF GROUP, Events, Film, Photography | Leave A Comment »

DFW LF GROUP, WET PLATE CAMERAS WITH TY GUILLORY, Saturday, August 20, 2011

On Saturday, August 20 we will head east to meet Ty Guillory on his ranch in Mineola, Texas. Ty is one of only two craftsmen still handcrafting traditional wet plate cameras. Although there will not be time to see him mix the chemicals and prepare the plates, we will see how the camera is used to capture a couple of images and how the plates are then developed and varnished.

Once the demo is done, we will spend time in the workshop learning about the wet plate camera, we will enjoy burgers and hot dogs, and then have an opportunity to photograph on Ty’s 25 acre property. Ty would love some of us to photograph his family on Large Format as this has never been done before. Consider this our contribution to a fun-filled outing.

Ty’s cameras are historically correct, built from plans from the George Eastman House Museum of Photography. Many of us saw the story a few months ago about Ty and his studio on Texas Country Reporter and this should be a very interesting trip.

Mineola is about 2-1/4 hours east of Fort Worth, 1-1/2 hours from Dallas on US 80. We are limited to 12 photographers due to the size of the studio where Ty builds his cameras. Please RSVP by e-mailing Michael directly at: michael@kan.com.

As soon as we reach 12 participants, he will place additional names on a waiting list in case there are any cancellations. Again, RSVP only through e-mail! Directions (and caravan point of departure for those who want to ride in a group) will be e-mailed to you closer to August 20th.

Here are some great videos of photographer Luther Gerlach practicing the art of wet plate photography:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JuuCDXR6-I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-d89SSKedA&feature=player_embedded

This gathering will fill quickly, so be sure to e-mail Michael at the address above to reserve your slot.

For more continuing information and discussion, drop by the Large Format Photography Forum.

Looking forward to another great outing!

JB

May 29, 2011 | Categories: D/FW LF GROUP, Events, Photography | Leave A Comment »

DFW LF GROUP, MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN RAILROAD GATHERING, Saturday, July 02, 2011

Though not exactly posted here in order, the D/FW LF Group, by popular request, has added more summer events. The Dallas Museum of the American Railroad, located in Fair Park, will open their doors a bit early this July 2nd morning to allow our big cameras in for some peaceful photography. Once the doors open at 10, we will still be able to take our time to take photos, but there might be foot traffic between you and your object!

The museum is located at Gate 3 in Fair Park. We can begin entering the premises at 9AM.

A couple of things to consider:

1. Everyone will need to sign a standard waiver stating that the photos will not be used for commercial purposes.

2. There is a $7 admission fee. Since they are opening the doors a bit early and have additional costs involved with this, We am asking you to make an additional contribution to the museum. This can be any amount you feel comfortable with; it is just a friendly gesture of thanks to the museum.

We are planning to have lunch at an old Dallas Deep Ellum restaurant after the shoot, so save your appetite for more good food. Adairs has been around for a long time and has a great rustic(?) ambience.

For more continuing information, drop by the Large Format Photography Forum.

See you on July 2. . . and. . . do not forget we are heading to Pilot Point July 30th.

JB

May 29, 2011 | Categories: D/FW LF GROUP, Events, Film, Photography | Leave A Comment »

DFW LF GROUP, PILOT POINT GATHERING, Saturday, July 30, 2011

Here we go again! Our informal LF Photography Group is holding another outing, and even braving the heat of summer in Texas.

Visit historic downtown Pilot Point for some great photo opportunities; both architectural as well as close-up detail of antiques and antique fixtures.

Since it is the midst of summer, we will meet early in the morning – 7:30AM.  Color film photographers might want to be there even earlier! Sunrise will be at 6:39! Complete side lighting right down W. Main Street will be at 9:17AM. This might provide for some interesting shadows! There are some wonderful murals to photograph also. Google “Bare Nekkid Ladies in Pilot Point” to read up on the most controversial mural in town! The bank building, just off the square, was used in the movie “Bonnie & Clyde.” Many photographic opportunities are within 2 blocks on each side of the town square.

We will end with brunch at the local greasy-spoon on the town square between 10:30 and 11. This should help us beat the worst summer heat and humidity!

Estimated drive times from:

Ft. Worth: 1 hr, 10 min
Dallas: 1 hr, 15 min.
Carrollton – 55 min.

We invite everyone interested in LF & ULF photography to join us for some serious discussion and fun. Also, if you are a working photographer, please bring a few photos to share with everyone.

For more continuing information, drop by theLarge Format Photography Forum.

Hope to see you July 30th in Pilot Point!

JB & Susan

May 24, 2011 | Categories: D/FW LF GROUP, Film, Photography | Leave A Comment »

D/FW LF GROUP & TCC GATHERING. . . A GREAT TIME!

What a great time we had Saturday with the D/FW LF Group & Tarrant County College, Exposure Photo Club gathering at the TCC N/E Campus. We had about 25 enthusiastic participants, ranging from beginners to somewhat seasoned photographer-types in attendance, and everyone had a great time sharing stories, showing off their equipment, and photographs. The weather cooperated, it was dry, cloudy, and the temperature was pleasant.

We packed up our outing on the campus grounds after a lot of looking, touching, and photographic talk, then continued with more discussion over BBQ at North Main BBQ in Euless. The truth of the matter is, for those that are interested, you just can’t get enough photography!  And, there is a rumor that the D/FW LF Group is planning more outings for the rest of this year and into next year.

Stay tuned here for more announcements and to keep up with the local happenings. Our goal is to promote film photography, in any and all formats. . . though our main focus is LF and ULF, if you shoot film of any size, or if you are interested in film, please join us to learn more.  Everyone is welcome.  Our goal is to promote photography, in any and all forms, and to dispelled the myth that film is dead.

We would like to thank all of those involved in the planning of this event and an even bigger THANK YOU to those that attended. We are looking forward to seeing everyone again soon.

JB & Susan

May 22, 2011 | Categories: D/FW LF GROUP, Events, Film, Photography | Leave A Comment »

D/FW LF GROUP, VIEW CAMERAS & BBQ

We continue with preparations for the upcoming DFW LF GROUP, TCC GATHERING, Saturday, May 21, 2011. We are hoping for a good group to show up to see, touch and experience the LF & ULF camera. this is a no excuses, dedicated to film and the view camera gathering and we hope to promote film and the art of photography.

We will be gathering at the Tarrant County College N/E Campus at 8:00am. For more information, see my previous post, “DFW LF GROUP, TCC GATHERING, Saturday, May 21, 2011.” We plan on adjourning our field trip about noon or so and continue our outing over lunch. Not only will we be talking large cameras and film, but we will be heading for a little BBQ. We invite everyone to join us for what should be a lively lunch and discussion. We will be going to a local landmark restaurant, North Main BBQ in Euless. Here is an excerpt from their web site;

. . . “Home of the World’s Best Ribs” is backed with 30 years of barbeque experience. North Main BBQ serves the “World’s Best Ribs”. . .

North Main BBQ is located about three (3) miles west of the Dallas-Fort Worth Airport off Hwy 183.

North Main BBQ serves an “All you can Eat” lunch and dinner buffet that includes its award winning ribs, chopped and sliced beef brisket, chicken breast, pork shoulder, sausage, ranch beans, potato salad, cole slaw, assorted relishes and bbq sauce. All meats are slow cooked with hickory smoke from four to twelve hours.

More information on North Main BBQ HERE.

This just couldn’t be any better. . . View Cameras and BBQ. Join us for a little fun!!!

JB

May 10, 2011 | Categories: D/FW LF GROUP, Film, Photography | Leave A Comment »

DFW LF GROUP, TCC GATHERING, Saturday, May 21, 2011

We will be helping host an informal gathering of LF & ULF photographers from the Dallas/Fort Worth area Saturday, May 21, 2011. The DFW LF Group will be meeting at 8am at the Tarrant County College (TCC) North East Campus, 828 Harwood Road, in Hurst.  We will gather at the Visitor Parking and will be photographing in the central campus park area just a short distance from the parking lot (see map). Those interested in traditional, large format photography are welcome to join us. Here is a link with driving directions;

http://www.tccd.edu/Campuses_and_Centers/Northeast_Campus/Directions_NE.html

There are quite a few photo opportunities including flowers, trees, shrubs, architectural, and there is a giant chess board to photograph. Michael Kan will bring a bar stool and some diffusers in case anyone wants to shoot any portraits. We will have an assortment of LF and ULF cameras available for some hands-on time. JB & Susan Harlin will have ULF cameras setup and there will be several other local LF photographers in attendance. Everyone will be available to answer questions. If you are interested, this will be your opportunity to meet and talk with those that work with large cameras and film. We will also bring a few photographs to boot.

We would like to thank Larry Hart, President of the TCC Exposure Photo Club, for arranging for us to meet on the campus. Larry will be joining us along with some of his fellow students.

Following our shoot, we will head over to North Main BBQ for lunch and fellowship.

Thanks to Bob McCarthy for finding us a great spot for some BBQ, and Michael Kan for planning and logistics.

For more continuing information, drop by the Large Format Photography Forum.

JB & Susan

April 28, 2011 | Categories: Events, Film, Photography | Leave A Comment »

VIEW CAMERA LUBE

It is important that your view camera work and work smoothly without glitches in the field.  Nothing is worse than having some issue when you are out working.  I spend a lot of time maintaining our cameras.  I feel it is better to do this before we go out, than to have problems that require work in the field.  Nothing is worse than wasting time on repairs when you are out.

A high-quality Microcrystalline Wax is one of your best friends when it comes to keeping your view camera clean and working smoothly.  See my previous post titled “Wax On. . . Wax Off” for more information about waxing the camera.

But, waxing the camera is only part of keeping it functioning smoothly.  You need lubrication for the metal parts.  Metal rails, guides, and locking knobs need lubrication to keep them working freely.  Nothing is worse than having a threaded part to seize up in the field.  The best lubrication for metal parts is a dry lubricant.  One that goes on wet but dries leaving a slick lubricant that does not get on your hands and possibly on your lenses or film.   A dry lubricant also does not attract dust and dirt.

One of the best lubricants I have found is a product made for lubricating bicycles.  Pedro’s Ice Wax 2.0 is a natural wax-based dry lube for use on bicycle chains.  It is also an excellent choice for the metal-to-metal parts of the view camera.   It works on brass, steel, and aluminum surfaces equally well.  The manufacturer says it is a Hydrophobic wax coating that repels water and provides protection from wear and contaminants.  It goes on wet and dries leaving a lubricating film that keeps parts moving freely.

Just a drop or two worked into the metal-on-metal surfaces is all you need.  And it lasts for a long time.  It is also good for all threaded locking knobs to keep them free and to prevent them from seizing up.  A little Microcrystalline Wax plus some Ice Wax, and you should be good to go. . . go to the field that is, without any glitches to slow you down.

JB

April 19, 2011 | Categories: How-To, Photography | Leave A Comment »

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