Medium Format ... long may it live!

I´ve posted these in a different thread, but I´ll take a chance not offending anyone by posting them here too. TMAX100 developed in Caffenol-C-H 18min/20C normal agitation scheme. Lo and behold it worked!

5099816537_61f6aeddf7_z.jpg


5100415742_fbec13d4d2_z.jpg


5099817915_3567007a24_z.jpg


5100416938_e3097cb57b_z.jpg



5100418546_f2e3f5a794_z.jpg



5100473664_b7d7a5f9fa_z.jpg
 
Are those the real tones it produced. I like them. Where did you get the materials/formula. I found a site but I need it in ounces.
 
Last edited:
Are those the real tones it produced. I like them. Where did you get the materials/formula. I found a site but I need it in ounces.

Hi

TMAX100 takes to Caffenol very well. I get nice and clear negatives, no haze or discolouring. The coffee does not stain my negatives at all, though stand development at 60-70 minutes may do so. The tint is added later on.

Caffenol comes in different varieties. Some better than others for different types of film, some more speed enhancing than others, some giving less grain than others.

I use a variant of Caffenol-C-H, a general purpose version, but supposed to be better with faster films (TMAX400, TRI-X etc). The trick is to be accurate and consistent. You wouldn´t measure out you Rodinal 1+99 by the tablespoon, but supposedly that is what some Caffenol die hards seem to be doing, and then complain as to the poor results.

The recipe I use is:
Sodium Carbonate 54g/l
Ascorbic acid 16g/l
Instant coffee 40g/l
Potassium Bromide < 1g/l

if you use a 16Oz tank (Paterson 4 etc) which is 0.454 of a litre. 1 Once is 454g/16 = 28.4g.

For one shot in a 16Oz tank this should equate to:
Sodium Carbonate: 55/64 Oz (or just under 7/8 Oz)
Ascorbic acid: 1/4 Oz
Instant Coffee: 41/64 Oz (or just over 5/8 Oz)
Potassium Bromide: 1/64 Oz

I use Potassium Bromide to clear whatever haze may arise. I´ve been told that on TMAX100 one can dispense with it altogether where other films may require twice the amount given here. Haze is not much of a problem if you scan the film for digital printing, but more so for darkroom copying.

Mix the Sodium (washing soda, non-crystalline) in luke warm water (not too hot as the Sodium reacts with water and gives off heat) Soda into water, not the other way round. Its not caustic soda, but is none the less very alkaline, so don´t spill it. Add the ascorbic acid and let dissolve. If using Bromide, add it now. When settled add coffee, let dissolve and and settle. Top up with water to 16 Oz. Use within a half hour. Start with 15 minutes @ 68F, normal agitation 1 minute to begin with, then 10s every minute. Stop with water and fix normally.

For more information try Caffenol.blogspot.com The recipes are in metric, but there´s a lot more interesting stuff regarding timings for different films, first hand experiences and more.


Good luck.
 
Hasselblad 500C/M, AGFA Optima 100 film (I think) very expired, Zeiss Distagon 60mm. Pere LaChaise Cemetery, Paris, France in August this year. Frederic Francois Chopin.
frederic_francois_chopin_by_dudewithad700-d30b1al.jpg
 
Last edited:
Two more that made me fall in love with medium format:

from a roll of Ektar 100 with the Hasselblad

brick_walls_by_dudewithad700-d3045e7.jpg


This film should have been Provia 50. I know it was Fuji Slide Film

the_night_by_dudewithad700-d30q3l3.jpg
 
As do I...and have had great luck with it! I use it in combination with Silverfast which has made a big difference...

What are some of the main differences you see? I am not too happy with the Epson software but haven't been looking around too much. Thanks
 
Another reason for loving MF - this was a grab shot with my RF645, taken without much time to compose carefully, and I couldn't get any closer without completely changing the shot due to the position of the balcony it was taken from. This is a crop with only about 30% of the full image and still gives a usable picture that captures the moment.
 

Attachments

  • 100718-devon-rf645-3098.jpg
    100718-devon-rf645-3098.jpg
    178 KB · Views: 0
Back
Top Bottom