Photo developing and printing

[tjkoko]

I'm seriously considering getting a Mamiya 7ii setup for scenery and architectural photography. Up to now everything has been digital for me and so can someone out there point to an article(s) that discuss film developing and printing as I have no experience in this area. (However I do have 3+ years of college chemistry under my belt. 8) )))

Appreciated will be brief comments. 🙂

TIA,
-T

 

[charjohncarter]

I think Kodak has tutorials on their site. With lists of need chemicals. I'm on my dumb iPad so can't go find my store info, but I will be happy to go over it with you. If you want PM me.

 

[imokruok]

First, are you planning on shooting negatives or transparencies? Black & white or color? If you're doing black and white, start with the Ilford Photo website - there is a great PDF on how to start developing your own B&W film. It's how I got started a few years back. Ilford also has articles on printing, but I never went that far. You also can't go wrong starting with that guide and then applying it to your color work - it's more in-depth than you'll get from the instructions that come with the color kits.

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/applications/page.asp?n=31

As for C41 or E6 color, the home processes are a step down, in my opinion, from sending it to a lab. The kits are simplified for home use, and you may or may not like the results. I sometimes do C41 at home just for speed (1 hr. labs don't do 1 hr. medium format), but I stopped doing E6 after Kodak stopped making an at-home kit that was virtually the same as it's done in the lab.

 

[Roger Hicks]

For developing, try http://www.rogerandfrances.com/subscription/ps how process 35-120.html

Cheers,

R.

 

[tjkoko]

My intent is to begin with B&W negatives. By transparencies, you mean slides?

 

[shadowfox]

I assume you are in the US.
Go to an old (used) book place, like Half-priced book store (look for something similar if you don't have those around you).

Go to the Photography section and look for books on developing, darkroom, etc. (most likely you'll find a few Roger's books also 🙂 )

Then put your ears to the ground (or even better, craigslist) and start watching for development kit, enlarger kits, trays, etc.

If you want to produce your artwork from start to finish, B&W is the easiest one to start with, and for a lot of people, they ended up pursuing it for the rest of their lives.

 

[imokruok]

My intent is to begin with B&W negatives. By transparencies, you mean slides?

Yes... slides/transparencies/chromes/"E6 process" film, terms used interchangeably by a lot of ppl.

 

[tjkoko]

Thank You All!!!

Thank You All!!!

It being Sunday here in the U.S., visiting the Ilford website gave me the information I've been seeking.

For poster or giant sized prints, are there appropriately sized enlargers/heads?

 

[hatidua]

For poster or giant sized prints

Most expose horizontally at the wall for really big prints with the enlarger on a track. Unless you are doing it fairly regularly, farming it out makes more sense at that point. Anything beyond 40x60 requires some space.

 

[tjkoko]

Most expose horizontally at the wall for really big prints with the enlarger on a track. Unless you are doing it fairly regularly, farming it out makes more sense at that point. Anything beyond 40x60 requires some space.

I'm sorry for being naive but what's meant by the term "...horizontally at the wall..."?

 

[oftheherd]

I'm sorry for being naive but what's meant by the term "...horizontally at the wall..."?

The enlarger is turned so it projects a horizontal image on the wall. Some enlargers also turn on their baseboard, the baseboard can then be weighted and you can project on the floor.

EDIT: Forget the horizontal image on the wall. I don't want to confuse further. Just accept that it can be turned to project an image on the wall.

When you look for enlargers, if you choose to do so, be sure you are getting one that does at least 6x7, since you mention getting a 6x7 camera. Look for something close so you can do a local pickup. That saves you money, and lets you check the function of the enlarger. You can then be sure you are getting something worth the money, and likely can get some pointers from the person you are buying from.

Once you get into it, I expect you will love the control you have over the entire process, and the results. There will be some preparation needed, and probably some bumps, but the journey will be fun and fulfilling.