I did something this month I thought was almost unthinkable a few months back......I learned to load a traditional film holder.
I have used nothing but Fuji Quickloads since I started in large format photography. A Quickload holder and a couple boxes of Velvia Quickloads were all I needed or ever wanted. When I heard earlier this year of the demise of Quickloads, I was numb from loss. After going through sadness and anger I gave fate a chance. A friend loaned me a conventional holder and I got a 10 sheet box of Acros to practice with. I loaded up two sheets and went out and shot them. Then two more. Then two more. Until finally the box was gone. It takes a while to even use a box of 10 sheets when you only have one holder. After using them all, I had thee sheets processed. I was not sure what to expect and was quite pleased when they were all decent. Hey- I did it and did not ruin the film!
It was not so bad after all.
So I went and bought a few holders of my own. On top of that I decided to try something else new too. I have enough Velvia Quickloads in the fridge to last me many months so I decided to use B+W film in the conventional holders. Why not start something new with this new skill?
I ordered 100 sheets of Efke 25 and am ready to start down a new path in large format. It is exciting and very much a new beginning to be out chasing the B+W landscape (on top of still chasing the grand landscape in color).
The image here is from one of those days with just one holder. I was out at the Great Falls of the Clear Fork of the Trinity and made a total of two images (with one holder, thats all you get!). This is the set up for one of them.
5 comments:
Funny to hear that you're trying the B&W route as well. Are you going to do the film developing yourself? I'm looking forward to seeing your results. Speaking of which, what happens to all of your 4x5 shots anyways? I tend to see only digital work from you. Have fun and good luck!
Glad to see you embracing the holders. I was a bit bummed as well when the QL product was discontinued but the holders have proven to be easier to use than I had anticipated.
I enjoy reading through your site. Thanks for posting your experiences.
Larry
Yes, the holders were much easier to load than I feared. I still am not ready to take a changing tent to Big Bend, but will at least load a dozen holders to take with me.
Joel, I saw you going into the B+W route. Nothing wrong with your color work, but am looking forward to seeing your 2010 year in review.
Why no 4x5 images?? Good question. Probably because its easier to stick a jpg up than do the scanning. Hows that for a totally lame excuse?
I went through the same transition recently. I even started carrying a film changing bag when backpacking, though I haven't been on any trips long enough to require changing film since I made the switch. It will most likely happen this summer, though -- I only have 4 film holders, and I keep two loaded with slides (Astia) and two loaded with B&W negs (Ilford Delta).
That's pretty lame! OK - now you need to start developing the black and white yourself. Very easy in trays in the dark, and *very* economical. I do it all the time. Total control - that's the way to go!
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