Hello from California

[robscomputer]

Hi,

I found this site after searching for a film based photography forum. Started in photography during high school with a Olympus OM-10 and used mostly T-Max 100, then printing my own prints. After that I spent more time in photography now with a Minolta 3xi, the camera was fun but also frustrating, there was no manual focus ring and the camera would constantly hunt in low light. In college, I started up photography again with another film camera, Canon A2E, in a black and white photography class.

After school I stopped taking photos for a while then bought a digital point and shoot, Kodak DC280, which sparked my interest again. The digital camera left a lot for improvement. Slow shutter button, small photos, ate batteries, but was my first intro to shooting digital

Since digital SLRs were still very expensive, I bought a used Canon EOS-3, with some lenses and took photos at local race events, having the negatives scanned. I then bought a Canon G3, which I really found had manual controls and gave me closer to what I expected from a camer. A few years later I bought a Canon 10D, and from there been mostly shooting digital, with the exception of a bargin rated Canon AE-1 that I picked up from KEH for a very good price.

I'm slowing down my photo process, not from taking less photos but spending more time on the front end, less time processing on my computer. While doing this I really want to get back to film photography, and never really explored medium format. I played with a Holga but it was mixed with luck and annoyance since I couldn't tell what was the outcome. So I'm thinking of buying a Mamiya manual focus 645, hoping I can scan the negatives myself, or print them, if I can find a dark room.

Looking forward to learning and discussing analog cameras with everyone.

Thanks,
Rob

[SuzanneR]

Welcome!

[Chazzy]

Welcome from northern Indiana. By all means give medium format a try.

[fotch]

Hello Rob, welcome from SE WI. Can you make a temporary darkroom where you live? I have read about some setting up a temporary set up in a motel room, although never did that my self. There are enlargers in a suitcase.

Just a thought.

[grahamp]

PhotoCentral in Hayward (http://photocentral.org) is reasonably close to Fremont. Of course rental adds up, but you could see if you want to go the traditional route.

[robscomputer]

Thank you for the warm welcome!

I have never tried to make a darkroom at home, I have been reading a little bit about black and white developing. In the past I just used the equipment at school or rental dark room, so I'm figuring out all of the items I would need in addition to the chemicals. Also researching 120 film processing via mail.

I actually been to PhotoCentral but it's been years, they are offering some nice classes and during the summer want to attend some workshops.

Thanks,
Rob

[Rick A]

Hello and welcome from north central Pa. I hope you find all you need here.

Rick

[Anscojohn]

Welcome, from near Washington, DC.

[mike c]

A rainy wet welcome from L.A.,set up a darkroom its way fun.

[vdonovan]

Hi Rob, there's a great facility up here in San Francisco, Rayko Photography Center, with black and white and color darkrooms, scanners and a gallery. They also have great classes. It's a haul from Fremont, of course, but come check it out some time. They also sell some quality used gear in all formats.

http://raykophoto.com/