Caffenol CL vs. Kodak HC110 😵

Hello Everyone,

My apologies on the time between posts lately as I’ve just moved to a new place and also got a quick mini-vaca in recently (more on that later) from work

As mentioned in my previous post, I’ve been developing ALL my black and white film with Caffenol (specifically Caffenol CL) in place of all the chemicals I used to use

I mostly shoot Kodak Tri-X, ilford HP5 and also the Lomo Earl Gray films these days. All have been developed in Caffenol mixtures

I was very serious about being happy (also a bit shocked) about the results I was seeing

But is it really as good as I’ve been viewing it or has the romance between this developer and I finally ended?

Finally! Caffenol CL

Ladies and Gentlemen and all readers of this blog, I finally decided to do it

You’ve probably already read a previous post where I mention this very dedicated group of individuals who use Coffee to develop film (more accurately Coffee, Vitamin C and Washing Soda)

If you’d like to catch up by reading that previous post, here is the LINK

After some searching on the inter webs, I located the holy grail for all things Caffenol, http://www.caffenol-cookbook.com/index.php

It’s chock full of recipes, tips, and other great resources

The Nikon F3 and the Georgia Guidestones

Hey everybody,

I know this is kind of a weird title for a post but as we all know “every photo has a story” or at least in my opinion they should

I read a lot..no seriously like ALOT, even on my smartphone or computer I’m always reading up on something

Ok maybe not like on a scholarly level of in depth endless reading but I definitely spend a good part of every day within the texts of things I’m interested in learning more about.

I’ve got books on religion, ancient folklore, aliens, conspiracy theories, history, photography, sports, comic books and a bunch of other such subjects.

Oh, How I’ve Missed You Tri-X (and Leica M3!)

At a photography show a couple days ago in Hasbrouk Heights, NJ i found a seller with a couple rolls of Tri-X for a great price.

I decided to purchase some since i haven’t shot it in a long while

I’ve been shooting Ultrafine Xtreme 400 film almost exclusively for months now and decided i wanted to switch it up

As I’ve been watching numerous documentaries on both digital and film photography the feeling of inspiration has had my “trigger” finger ready to hit that shutter button 😉

So i put a day aside to take a number of rolls out with my Leica M3 and 50mm Summicron DR (oh how I’ve missed this combo too!)

What was planned as a casual day where maybe 1-2 rolls were shot ended up being 4-5 rolls lol

Film Stand Development

Recently during my studies on film photography and development techniques, i came across the technique of “stand development”

Apparently, doing this allows you to push your film (depending on which you use) much more easily and increases the sharpness and shadow details of the images taken.

So of course, i sought more info on this subject and came across a video done by Chuck Jines who runs a YouTube channel i frequent from time to time called Chuck Jines Photography

He calls his style “Grit Street Photography” and using his stand development technique, he gets the gritty look and feel of his film photography.

I love the type of photographers and photography that instantly make you get up and want to elevate yourself.

To me, this is what it’s all about

Keep seeking the knowledge where you can find it, and put it to practice.

You’ll find your way with hard work and dedication

Camera Porn: Leica M3 with LEICA 50mm f/2 SUMMICRON Dual Range

So yea..this post will probably be dedicated entirely to a lens i’m very excited to finally call my own.

The Leica Summicron 50mm F2 lens Dual Range has been praised as an amazing piece of hardware for many years amongst street photographers and photographers in general for it’s great craftsmanship as well as it’s durability/performance.

Some people, notably Ken Rockwell (take with a grain of salt), state this as being the best lens Leica has ever made.

I’d like to state some of the reasons why he considers this to be the best:

Checking out the Voigtlander VC Meter II with Leica M2

Hi Everyone,

Lately i’ve been reading the back and forth conversations (arguments?) between street photographers and the light meters that they prefer (or if they use one at all!)

Particularly those conversations between people who work almost exclusively with Rangefinders cameras, like the Leica M or Canon 7 for example.

My experience with my Leica M2 (as i have mentioned before) has always been without the use of a light meter.

I guess i just like making things more difficult for myself or i just truly didn’t think i was a real “Leica Shooter” if i didn’t know how to meter in my head when i first purchased.

In a way, i still do feel this way..but i’m not against the use of a Light Meter if one chooses to use one.

Back to the Streets: Leica M6

If you’ve been paying attention to photography for the past 20 some odd years, it’s almost guaranteed that you’ve heard about the Leica M6.

It’s great performance and feel on the streets have been talked and debated about for years, and in many people’s eyes it’s considered the best Leica.

I will always hold the Leica M2 close to my heart because of how much it taught me and it’s awesome performance, so i believe that will always be my favorite..but this doesn’t take anything away from the M6. It’s an incredible photographic work of art

I’m not here to tell you that it is the best Leica, i definitely don’t even believe i’m even QUALIFIED to make such a bold statement like that.

All i know is that i haven’t been able to get my hands off of this camera ever since i got it.

When a Camera Takes you Places: Contax T2

Where i come from, a good friend is hard to come by.

I mean you always have great people who come into and out of your lives that are GREAT acquaintances but good friends? Those are the ones who are with you through thick and thin and always up to the task when you call on them for favors or even to just chat/travel!

My old Contax T2 was in many ways a good friend to me

How much the Leica M2 Means to Me

It’s hard to even begin to type out the feelings i developed when I first laid my hands on this camera lol

The Leica M2 is very important to me as it taught me so much about photography and just plain ole figuring out what kind of photographer i wanted to be.

I had always had friends and family who did studio photo work and also within club/dance scenes but i knew i was into something entirely different right away when I chose to pursue photography more..i longed for the type of photography that felt more free and in a way rebellious of what most people think photo taking is about.