Are you obsessed with ULF?

[Rick Olson]

Michael,

I am ready to participate again in the TMY film purchase! Last year, it was 5 x 7 for me. This year, it will be 7 x 17. See a trend??

Thanks,
Rick

I completely agree with Kerry in the sense that it is easier to admit defeat and blame any number of companies for the condition than it is to solve the problem. Fundamental human nature. But at the end of the day the future of ULF is the collective responsibility of the participants. In this regard I am one of the hopelessly addicted that is willing to step up and allocate some of my time to insure that we have B&W sheet film for these cameras for years to come. I am working jointly with J&C toward the goal of stocking TMY in ULF sizes shortly that would eliminate pre-orders and make this emulsion available to many more photographers that prefer to pay as they go.

Long live B&W in ULF formats!

[Scott Peters]

Absoutely. Especially when you see the 'no' grain, sharp, tonality to die for contact print....plus you are ready to alt process too!

I also find it easier to 'paint' with a larger ground glass.

[Scott Peters]

Michael, awesome news! Keep us posted!

[Rob Skeoch]

I think LF is contagious like crack, but more expensive.

Once I started shooting 8x10 (I know it's a pocket camera to you ULF guys) I wanted to get a 7x17. When I bought my 8x10 enlarger it solved it for me... I'm happy now, just want to shoot and print more.
-Rob

[Allen Friday]

Let's see:

11x14, check.
7x17, check.
12x20, check.
16x20, check.
20x24,check.
8x20,....8x20..not yet.
14x17, nope.
So, on balance, I am not adicted. I have with stood temptaton twice.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Let's see:

11x14, check.
7x17, check.
12x20, check.
16x20, check.
20x24,check.
8x20,....8x20..not yet.
14x17, nope.
So, on balance, I am not adicted. I have with stood temptaton twice.

Damn, Allen only two more to go! I have to clean my apartment before I can expand the camera line! Cleaning begins Saturday! The addiction has begun!

Jim

[doughowk]

Getting interested in alternative processes has been the primary spur to moving beyond 4X5. My 4X5 and smaller gear frequently stays home while I take the 8X10 & 7X17 Koronas. Some of my friends have gone the digitally enlarged negative route for alt processes, but there is something special about viewing the final image on the ground glass. And 7X17 is an ideal format for flat Florida wherein the clouds are often the primary subject.

[Dan Dozer]

Jim,

You're not allowed to start the 11 x 14 until after you expose at least one sheet of 8 x 20 - so just keep it a fantasy for now. Sounds like you're just about ready for another road trip to Joshua Tree. Hugo and I are both ready. I think I got my holder all ready now and I'm going out on Sunday for a test run. Keep you posted.

[Jim Fitzgerald]

Jim,

You're not allowed to start the 11 x 14 until after you expose at least one sheet of 8 x 20 - so just keep it a fantasy for now. Sounds like you're just about ready for another road trip to Joshua Tree. Hugo and I are both ready. I think I got my holder all ready now and I'm going out on Sunday for a test run. Keep you posted.

Dan, it is turning out just great! I'm finishing the ground glass back as we speak. I'm still contemplating the bellows. It will be faster if I have Mark Kapono build it for me. Have to wait a while as funds are low. I'll try to post some pics tomorrow. Yes, I would love to do another Joshua Tree with you and Hugo. I had a great time shooting with both of you.This time I need my 8x20 so we can all be using similar formats! I'll keep you posted. There is an idea, ULF's at Joshua Tree!

Jim

[barryjyoung]

I'm considering building a 11x14! I am crazy, I know, but does this obsession just go on and on?

Let's see. I want more than anything to leave my six figure job as a tool and die maker to move out into the middle of nowhere to manufacture photo equipment. This will cost me a TON to do. I will no longer have access to health care, family, friends or really good thrift stores and industrial supply houses. I expect to make a third of what I make now as far as money.

So to answer your question, no, it is not an obsession, it is an all encompassing passion.

Barry Young
Young Camera Company