Bits and Clips
I managed to find a good home for the two Rolleiflex's I had sitting on the shelf. I had them completely overhauled, new focusing screens installed, and calibrated over 6 months ago. One remained in the shipping package, while I did manage to run a few rolls through the other. I just couldn't keep my horizon straight. I have a Rolleicord, it's a gem, and I shoot with it from time to time. I can keep my horizon straight with that one for some reason, and it's a great camera for night shots. So - I'm happy to see them go - they'll be worked, I'm sure.
I have more stuff I'm going to sell, I'm just not sure what. I sold the 5D to John. I saved all my Canon lenses (I still have the Canon 1n and AE2, both of which I love). If Canon ever releases the follow-on to the 5D, and it has weather sealing, and some sort of dust removal technology, I'm game. Until then, it's all film for me.
Speaking of film. Amazingly, I've been shooting way more now using film than I ever did with my digital cameras. I don't know why. I think it's because film is what I've know for most of my life. There still is a magic in it for me - processing film - imagining what will be on the negative - or better yet, imagining what will be on the negative as I press the shutter. Yep. That's a good way to put it - the way I still feel, after 35 years of pressing the shutter and wondering what the negs will look like.
I think I've processed over 30 rolls in the past month on my own - and probably half that amount I sent out for processing. I'm still not doing all my own color. Sometimes it's just cheaper and faster to have the lab do it for me. Still, I developed a lot of black and white. I can't remember the last time I went through two batches of developer in a month! I'm happy with the results, too. I had lots of help from some wonderful photographers and masters of developing film. I've learned a lot, and will learn even more as I step things up even more.
The weather is cold and bitter, but I'd like to drag the 4x5 cameras out for a bit. I have a nice 4x5 film development kit, and I need to use it. I have some new ideas I'd like to try out, and the 4x5 will work perfectly for me.
I'm encouraged by all the email I've received over the last month or so, inquiries all about film. I'm always happy to help, it's fun to see people excited about something other than RAW converters and layers in Photoshop. The reality is there have been several new films introduced already this year. Also, about half of the professionals still use film as their primary media. All good. I'd like to see film stick around for at least another 35 years -- and -- I'd like to be around for most of those years.