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| Version | User | Scope of changes |
|---|---|---|
| Mar 24 2007, 10:14 AM EDT (current) | donday | 8 words added, 3 words deleted |
| Jan 23 2007, 3:05 PM EST | donday | 4 words added, 2 words deleted, 1 photo deleted |
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Enduring memory of a fishing trip
In August of 2005, I purchased a Kodak Model 3 on eBay, selected first of all because it would fit a combination back for cut film that I had already, and secondly because this particular one had aan original roll of 118 film in it. The camera arrived with the red-papered Verichrome film already advanced through. Could it possibly hold any image after so many years?Using D76 1:1 with one anti-fog tablet added, N+1/2 time, I got pretty much what I expected--the strip was largely abused by random exposures and light leaks through the years (most probably recently, by curious dealers).
Only the very first exposure showed any actual image. It was badly fogged, but it is definitely a keeper--it tells the story of the last trip its owner took it on. I'll let it speak for itself (and for the person who snapped it, I'm guessing as much as 70-80 years ago, as the camera has "July 12 1918" inscribed on it).
Last
Only Photo:
photo from the original roll:
photo from the original roll:
A few months later, an overcast morning helped set up for a nice "found" still life in my home. I decided to use this same Kodak No. 3 with an f/7.7 Anastigmat lens and combination back, using Fomapan 100 cut down to size. Exposed f/22 for 6 sec, developed in D-76 for 6 min @ 70deg, scanned with an Epson 3800 at effectively 300dpi for 11x14 print, retouched for dust and scratches, and finally resized for a large screen:
Quiet Place
(link to 160K image, 1024x751)
I enjoy being able to coax out the best capabilities of great old cameras. This particular photo is literally the first photo (other than a verification snapshot after cleanup) taken by the camera since that fishing trip image!
The No. 3 Folding Pocket Kodaks take film size 118 which gives 3.25 inch by 4.25 inch negatives, or the so called "lantern slide" format. The Combination Back converts the camera to use sheet film in holders, which is handy since the roll film size is no longer commercially available anywhere that I know of. This version, a Model H, must be ground-glass focused by sliding the lens back and forth on the track, as there is no continuous focuser mechanism. This combination is NOT for moving subjects.
The Fomapan film has very nice tonal graduation and scans beautifully. Compared to Efke films, it has the tonal smoothness of the Agfapan APX film yet has good exposure latitude. JandC Photography has it in only a few sizes, so it must be cut to size. All things considered, B&W photography with old cameras and obscure film sizes makes one contemplate one's subject and technique with great care.
