So I've been rather busy with my good friend Timo King, since I have no space to build a new darkroom at the moment we had decided to build it at his house....so after a few weeks of planning, we started the construction of this new darkroom a few days ago. So far all that we need is to lightproof around the massive sliding door (the hardest one I've ever had to lightproof) The window is boarded up, the tables are in, the rubber floor is in, just that door, and the enlargers and other dry side equipment are still needed. By next time this week, we will be up and running. and about damn time too.
In other events, I've recently bought an 1902 Brass Bound Instantograph made by J. Lancaster & Son. Not so much for the camera but rather lens that is on it, nothing very special, but something new to me, a Rapid Rectilinear lens made by Perken, Son & Rayment (though their name is not engraved on the barrel, only "Rapid Rectilinear 5x4 "Optimus""). Now this lens is a shutterless brass barrel lens, that doesn't even have an iris aperture, but rather uses Waterhouse stops, that are brass disk inserts that fit into a slot on top, in the middle of the lens. These where unfortunately not included so I'll ever have to have them made, or shoot wide open only. This lens I bought with intention of using it on Speed Graphic (which ought to be here end of next week yay.)
The bellows on the Lancaster look pretty good (better than I thought it was), no pinholes that I can see, but they are a bit stiff and could use a bit of leather treatment. I have also decided to make a removable back that can hold a 4x5 film holder. I've made a cardboard "proof of concept" mock-up to give me an idea on how to go about it...it looks good and easy to build, I just need to figure out the Ground Glass part. This will enable me (in the future when I have shuttered lenses or for longer exposures) to make a quarter plate size image on a sheet of 4x5 film. This will be a long term project.
Until next time
Friday 29 March 2013
Sunday 10 March 2013
Thursday 7 March 2013
Changes....
So I am bidding farewell to my Bronica SQ-A, I am selling it to buy (against the advice of some) a Graflex Speed Graphic. The jump to 5x4 has been long in the making.
Sunday 9 December 2012
Monday 26 November 2012
Sequi lux et tenebrae
Follow light and darkness
It is my way of thinking and feeling, a duality of all things, look closer and you will see what both have to offer.
Ricus Claassens
That is my name. I make black and white photographs.
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