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+--- Thread: Monday, July 18, 2022 (/showthread.php?tid=335)
Monday, July 18, 2022 - Don - 07-18-2022
Good morning all and welcome to another week!
I picked up all my photos yesterday from the gallery and unfortunately I didn't sell a single one. A few members sold some, but not many. I may have "priced myself out of the market" but I think too many times in the past I have practically given prints away and I didn't want to do that. Besides, I don't really do this to make $$, which is why I have a lot of framed and unframed prints laying around.
I'm posting a couple of the B&W images from last week, showing what they look like. Since one if from the Pressman and one is from the pinhole, I think it has something to do with the processing. Following that logic, and since I only use the developer one time (I mix it fresh from concentrate each time), I think the fixer may be shot. I looked back and see that I ordered it in March of 2021, and even though I keep in an opaque bottle under the sink, it very possibly could be too oxidized now. Anyway I am going to buy some new fixer and try it again.
Edit: Did a little research and apparently the shelf life of the chemical I use is 1 year undiluted and 6 months after it is mixed for a working solution. So yeah, probably the fixer was bad. Surprised I didn't have this issue before now. Lesson learned, keep up with when it was purchased and replace as necessary.
No big plans for the week for us, other than going to the movies Wed to see "Where the Crawdads Sing". DW read the book and wants to see the movie. I started the book but couldn't get into it, but the movie looks promising.
RE: Monday, July 18, 2022 - Adamphotoman - 07-18-2022
Hey Don, From my understanding I think both chems were miss behaving. Dev renders light struck Silver halide dark and fixer removes undeveloped silver from the film leaving clear areas. Anyway I had my share of mistakes over the years in the darkroom. Good to narrow it down though.
Wed marks a year for my mom's passing. So a graveside get together will happen.
RE: Monday, July 18, 2022 - Don - 07-18-2022
I think you are right - I bought the developer at the same time as the fixer. Well past the shelf life, even as a concentrate. Search is on now for a developer as the Ilfosol HC is pretty expensive. Actually, they all are.
RE: Monday, July 18, 2022 - Dave - 07-18-2022
Hi Don, and thanks for starting the Daily.
That's a shame about the unexpected results from old chemicals.
Some days ago, somebody asked for photos when I sliced the lemon cucumber.
1) a closeup of a thick slice of cucumber....
2) A wider view showing cucumber slices on thick slices of an over-ripe Black Krim tomato (I think adding a touch of salt and maybe some balsamic vinegar to this will make a fine light meal)...
Both these photos make the cucumber appear larger than it really is. It's actually a bit smaller in diameter than a tennis ball.
My gardening efforts tend to result in a much smaller harvest, both in number and size, than is anticipated.
I'm working on some shots before I sliced these that have potential to be pretty good still life images; hope to have then ready to post tomorrow.
Have a good week, everyone.
RE: Monday, July 18, 2022 - Adamphotoman - 07-18-2022
Don, I came across a recipie that you might like :
I would suggest mixing your own D-23 which contains only two ingredients; Metol and sodium sulfite. Very economical and you don't even need a balance to make it. By adding one other ingredient you can make D-25 the granddaddy of Microdol.
Kodak D-23
2 teaspoons Metol
4 tablespoons sodium sulfite
Water to make 1 quart
Dissolve the Metol first and then the sodium sulfite.
Sodium Thiosulfate Fixer is even easier.
My favorite Microdol X is no longer available....
Dave, Good close ups.
RE: Monday, July 18, 2022 - Rich - 07-18-2022
Don, too bad on the gallery sales. Sounds like my luck!
Sorry about the expired chemicals. I was always concerned about that too! My enemy was not time but air. I used collapsible quart and gallon jugs to squeeze the air out before capping.
But the results you have shown us is pleasing to me. It mimics the glass plate process and to me is quite attractive! Without the speed bump it could have been an 1880 photo!
Hi Grant, a sad time but family and friends will help ease the pain.
Dave, nice plate of cukes and "matos!"
Had our Rodeo week parade this past Saturday. I can't remember the last time it "rained on our parade" but it did. Parade goes on rain or shine.
This entry is from our Historical Society that makes and sells Woolworth's recipe caramel apples that was a classic here during Corn Palace week in the fall. It was developed by Woolworth's employees back in the 40's I think. The Society delivers also. Big fund raiser. The sign on back says Woolworth caramel apples are to die for.
RE: Monday, July 18, 2022 - Dreamin - 07-19-2022
Sorry about your chemicals, Don....but I don't think you have a total loss....I, like Rich, think these both look like vintage photos .....neat techniques!
Grant, take comfort remembering your mom on Wednesday....my mom's been gone nearly 7 years.....I try to remember all the good times......
Dave, your cukes and tomatoes plate looks good enough to eat! Dave, I have a raised bed, only 2' by 4', in which I planted 4 cucumber plants. I am picking about 3 eight inch cukes a day! They are on a trellis......the secret is fertilize every 2 weeks, and keep watered! You might want to try that! I also bought topsoil mixed with compost from a garden center to fill the 12 inch deep raised bed....was worth it, as I have hard clay soil!
Rich, that is funny!! Nice shot! I bet the apples are very good!!
RE: Monday, July 18, 2022 - damar - 07-19-2022
Don, your photos lok like they were taken back in the 1930's!
Not all is lost, but happy to hear you know what the issue was.
Those cukes are great looking, Dave! I'm going to get a gallon of vinegar today and
can a few pints of pickles.
Natalie, are you going to make any pickles?
I have never done them before and the next batch, I may pick them sooner.
Rich, that biker may be over-doing it! LOL