December 2002

Let’s start with the film. I use mainly ARISTA sheet film for both formats. The negatives (when correctly exposed and developed) turn out quite satisfactory. Of course the modern T-Grain emulsions are of superior sharpness and grain structure but for large format this isn't really essential - the negative size allows for some generosity here.

Exposure/development are based on the zone system and development is accomplished in a rotary processor. Of all the investments I did this year the JOBO CPP2 processor was probably the most worthwhile one. I wouldn't want to miss it anymore because it makes the important development process so much easier. No more bother mixing the chemical salts and messing with trays - I now just load the drums and let the machine do the work. I also switched from ILFORD developers (ID 11 and MICROPHEN) to AMALOCO AM74. This is a Dutch compensating developer that gives rather nice results. I use it in 1:15 strength with the development time adjusted according to my exposure notes. These I found also essential even though it did take me a long time to discipline myself into taking these notes. I created a .xls chart that next to the used technical specifications of the negative also list's place and time where it was taken - something very valuable for the archive.

After the drying procedure the negatives are handled gloved only. Even though I don’t like the clumsy feeling using them, it pays off eventually. Storage is in Fold Lock covers and respective archival containers together with a sheet where I indicate printing specifics.