The Frugal Man's alternative to the 135 W 35mm back....
The Frugal Man's alternative to the 135 W 35mm back....
I have decided to stick with the ETRS film back for shooting 35mm Panoramas. I paid $200 for that back.
However, I find there is a way to shoot a 24X54 pano that one would get from the 135W back.
The advantage of the back is shooting less expensive 35mm film and getting 35mm film processing done at a lower cost than Medium format.
Well, I have a couple of brain storms on that (they may actually be siezurs).
Use Medium format film in the camera and create the 24x54mm frame, this way:
My ETRS has the frame lines on the focus screen for both the 135N and the 135W film backs. So use the frame lines to shoot the 35mm size frames on regular MF film, either 220 in a 220 back, or 120 in a 120 back.
I buy all my MF film on eBay so I am not paying much more than 35mm film anyway.
Now, I can tape to the frame lines so that the view in the viewfinder is the new 35mm frame pano. Next, I can take a dark slide that will fit the back and cut out the 24x54mm frame from the dark slide. I also have to nip off the tab that prevents the camera from firing with the dark slide in the camera...
Easy peasy and can now frame and shoot the camera resulting in the new desired 35mm Pano, but it's shot on medium format film.
Then there is the processing cost for the film.
Well, the three Walmarts in my area all have "SEND OUT" film processing, and their contract is with Fujifilm Labs. Film is shipped by Walmart at no cost to me, It goes to Fujifilm where it is professionally processed, with no hands on or intervention by Walmart. The film comes back processed in TEN business days, and has never cost me more than $10 for processing and returning the film rolled and uncut. I've expounded on this numberous times here on RFF.
This has worked for me for over a decade with professional processing and never a roll or shot lost. NO SCANNING is available on this program.
Now i can assure you that if you walk into Walmart and pursue this, you will get blank stares, You must run this past them and teach them how to do it.
If anyone has questions on this, you can look up my old posts about Mediurm Format film processing through Walmart, or you can PM me for more info.
If you are just one of those out and out Walmart haters, forget it.
If you want to get low priced and professional results... follow up. Keep an open mind. After all the processing IS FUJIFILM PROFESSIONAL LABS, if that is the hookup your local Walmart uses. Don't settle for any Walmart denials off the bat. I would almost guarantee, there is a Fujifilm Kiosk somewhere in the Walmart near you, even if you have to go in the back of the store and dig it out and haul it up to the camera department. It's a clearly marked FUJIFILM envelope and drop off kiosk. It is SEND OUT ONLY, I can even show you how your fill out the envelopes.
I know this post is about using a Bronica camera. I have high regard for Broniica. However, I also know that the processind of MF film is a potential deterrent.
Don't let that stop you. Get your Bronica dn enjoy it.
Just now waiting for my ETRS 40mm (equivalent 28MM) lens.
