Took me sometime too start posting here, initially I just read most of the forums. I have recently started doing B&W development and printing and 99% of my knowledge, which at this point is still very limited, I have gained here. 6 Months ago you could of told me that Rodinal was a brand of lawnmowers and I would of believed it. My favorite combination is Tri-x, D76 allthough I shoot more and more Efke 25 with Rodinal. I was very well informed by most threads here and by trial and error I actually got to where I am pretty quick.Through APUG I was able to master (up too my current level that is)my Camera's, the light, the negative, the development, the printing thus leading to an end-result which for me is quite satisfactory (at the moment) and I still learn and gather information every day. Before total manual B&W I was a digital shooter ... (hmmm yes) lugging around tons and tons of plastic. I quite all that and now make use of a Nikon FM3a with a 50mm 1.4 and a Hassleblad 503 cx with the standard CF 80mm 2.8
I vowed to shoot "standard" and minimalistic until I mastered the combination, I am totally content with this and it has changed my photography in general. It has it's limitations, I do see that but for the moment I am not what so ever disturbed by that... I am a happy shooter, pleased with the progress I make and still feel that theres still 98% of knowledge/know-how to gain.
I don't tend to scan negatives, I have had enough of photoshopping and artificiality, when I have to scan for what ever reason I scan the print, and whatever mistake is to be seen, is part of the picture, simple as that .... This also urges me to improve my workflow and process rather than electronically fading things out or in ...
Anyway, I live in the south of Germany at the foot of the Alps, together with my wife and 6 month old son. I "retired "early so I have loads of time to do the things I like doing and enjoy every minute of doing it ...

Welcome.

...I scan the print, and whatever mistake is to be seen, is part of the picture, simple as that .... This also urges me to improve...

Excellent!

Welcome to heaven on earth :)

Greetings Pilgrim. Your search has ended.

I could live forever on TriX and D-76. (but it's so much fun try new combos)

Welcome. I hope you put your retirement time to good use.

Welcome to our little oasis in a crazy world. The good news is that you will never stop learning and this is the perfect place to discover new options. D76 is one I used to use and have been thinking of the Tri-X/D76 combo myself as I love both individually. We can send the Rodinal nuns around if you need be, I'll let Morten convert you ;)

"Retired early". I like the sound of that ! Welcome !

Took me sometime too start posting here, initially I just read most of the forums. I have recently started doing B&W development and printing...
Hello Magnus. Welcome.

Anyway, I live in the south of Germany at the foot of the Alps ...

Willkommen Magnus, the European contingent is increasing!

Hi Magnus, viel Spass hier!

Welcome from Sydney Australia.

I've never been to Germany (yet) but a relative who toured all of Europe told me that Germany was the most beautiful country she passed through. I hope to see some evidence of this is your gallery posts soon.

APUG is a great place to learn. I find out new things on almost every visit and I see the improvements in my work as a result.

Enjoy !

Glenn

Welcome to APUG, Magnus!
I love the story of your 'journey'. So happy to have you on board! :)

6 Months ago you could of told me that Rodinal was a brand of lawnmowers and I would of believed it.

The Church Of Rodinal is using lawnmowers to torture the non-believers, though.

Welcome on board the APUG train going to the land of Analogia.

How nice it is to have yoou here. Welcome. I have heard of a Magnus whose darkroom work was so exceptional that his significat other bestowed upon him the title of 'Magnus Cum Loudly'...Is that you?

I've never been to Germany (yet) but a relative who toured all of Europe told me that Germany was the most beautiful country she passed through.
then she most certainly didn't come to Denmark....


welcome sir MAGNUS

Magnus Cum Loudly .... if that is me ? ..... no hardly, I'm still trying to master the basics of development and printing, which is going pretty well up till now but hardly anwhere near experienced. I struggle with the different combos, if I have found one which I really like... the bug bites and I start to think if I'm missing out on something better, but I am arrogant as a starter ..... which does help.

I used Rodinal for the first time and really thought "what is all this fuss about, whats special, or different, what a waste of time and money" ..... Until I got the developement times right ... hehehehehehe, .... well thats me. I enjoy being curious and inquisitive, allways a new door to open ....

ahhh .... the remarks about Germany, how beautiful it is ..... yes it is, I live in the south, on the foot of the alps and it really is magnificant.... I moved to germany about 2 years ago, and I think I'll stay here, food is very basic but very very good, the beer is undoubtably the best in the world, the landscape is very pitoresque, the cities are laced with history and atmosphere.... some parts of bavaria you can imagine being in a "Lord of the Rings" sort of envrinment .... really nice .... And last but not least the Germans are germans ... no more and no less, learn to live with that and them and your set for life ....