I snagged a magic lantern projector off Ebay for $119 for it’s Darlot Lens. I slapped the lens on the Speed Graphic and loaded some precious FP-3000B and snapped a photo.
The results seem promising.
The projector came with a few interesting items; a chrome slide, a couple of 4″ convex lens, and rather large, old light bulb. I’ve yet to test it on wet plate.
I feel a bit guilty for taking this item apart.
I recently been turned to Fuji-roids and decided to shoot both FP-100C color instant film and the FP-3000B B&W instant film (sadly, now discontinued). After unsuccessfully begging for a holder at LFForum, I succumb to the big auction site and got the Polaroid 405 for their current going rate. Winning the auction made feel ecstatic to start shooting, then it dawned on me that my Wista 45 does not have a Graflok back which these holders require. Another camera that has a Graflok back (e.g. Speed Graphic) would cost me $400 (sheez…). Fortunately, the Wista spring back can really expand; enough to put 2 standard 4×5 holders.
The Polaroid 405 back arrived yesterday and the first thing I did is test fit it to the Wista. Viola! It fits!
Nikkor-W 150mm at F/5.6, 1/15 seconds
Nikkor-W 150mm at F/5.6, 1/15 seconds
Some observations on using the holder and the FP-100C…
Likes:
1) Instant gratification.
2) A negative to play with in the darkroom.
3) Normal lens on a 4×5 is slightly long for this format.
4) I can use my Wista and the lenses I have for it.
5) Polaroid Land Cameras takes these film and they are inexpensive (<$50).
6) At $0.90 a sheet for a PROCESSED positive and negative is cheap.
Don’t likes:
1) Not 4×5 so it has less image info.
2) I have to consciously re-frame for 3.25″x4.25″ format.
3) The big one which I hope I can remedy, it has a blue cast to it and the images are definitely on the cool side. I’m gonna’ have to use it with an 81B or 812 warming filter.
Overall, I’m really late in the game on instant film and wished I had started on this earlier. So far the FP-3000B black and white film are still available and I’m jazzed to test it. Fuji sent the last shipment to the US early this year. I gotta’ stock up before the price makes it unobtainable. After that, FP-100C would likely be on the chopping block next.
Now… what’s an INSTAX?
5×7 Black Aluminum
10″ A.T. Thompson Petzval
12 seconds, wide open
OWH
“Market Pantry” Vinegar Developer
KCN
Here’s this year’s submission to World Wet Plate Day – a close up of the rosette.
I’m really intrigued by my Copper Wheel (Aeonium Sunburst) especially how it renders in collodion.
5×7 Black Aluminum
Nickel Plated Darlot Petzval (~7″, ~f/5)
24 seconds, wide open
OWH
“Market Pantry” Vinegar Developer
KCN
First BGA and I really like the deeper black on these. The weight of the plate gives a substantial feel to it compared to tins. Unfortunately, these guys cost 4 times more than clear glass.
I’m starting to get “iodide holes” – I guess it’s time for silver maintenance.
4×6 BGA
E.H. Hardy Petzval (~9″, f/3.5)
4 seconds, wide open
OWH
“Market Pantry” Vinegar Developer
KCN
5×7 CGA
A.T. Thomson Petzval (~9″, ~f/5)
2.5 seconds, wide open
OWH
“Market Pantry” Vinegar Developer
KCN
I acquired an Improved Empire State Camera by Rochester Optical with a 5″ Dagor from Dan yesterday and what beauty – many thanks Dan.
My Korona has been out of commission (perhaps de-commissioned) after a fall from JT and as luck would have it, Dan provided me with a replacement for field wet plate. Poured a plate today, slipped a 5×7 holder and set up my favorite succulent; here’s what it gave me.
5×7 CGA
5″ Goerz Dagor, f/6.3
20seconds, wide open
OWH
“Market Pantry” Vinegar Developer
KCN
JT Juniper 5x7 Ambro
5×7 CGA
J.H. Dallmeyer No.1a Rectilinear
35 seconds, f/45
OWH
“Market Pantry” Vinegar Developer
KCN
The clouds were amazing after the storm passed at JT that brought snow, rain, and gusty winds. Sadly, this is the last image my 1922 Korona 5×7 will make – at least until I can repair the damage from the fall due to a gust of wind. It’s not a high value camera but my grandfather was in his teens when it was made and it broke on my watch. Surprisingly, the lens had no damage.
9.5″ f/4.5 Aldis No.19
5×7 CGA
1.25 minutes, wide open
OWH
“Market Pantry” Vinegar Developer
KCN
I mixed “Market Pantry” Vinegar Developer and tried it out today. Developed this ambrotype for about 30 seconds and it actually worked.
6″ f/~5 No Name Petzval Magic Lantern
4×5 CGA
6 seconds, wide open
OWH
“Market Pantry” Vinegar Developer
KCN
Trying out my recently acquired Rembrandt Model I 5×7 camera.
Wollensak Verito 9″ at 50 seconds wide open
4″×6″ black aluminum
B&S OWH
KCN
