Topic: Working with 5x4 sheet film (Ilford Obscura)

[johnha]

Hi All, apologies as this has probably been discussed many times but I can't find an obviously suitable answer. Any advice or links would be gratefully appreciated.

I've just ordered an Ilford Obscura along with a Patterson 3-reel tank & MOD54 gadget to process sheet film, but not having worked with sheet film (or paper) before, I'm a little unsure as to how it all works in practice. I have a changing bag and have developed 35mm & 120 in tanks before - I assume this bit is similar.

I understand the Obscura comes with film, paper and a spare light-tight box to put the exposed film into. But, when you've got the camera and box of film/paper in the changing bag, how do you know which way round to put the film/paper (front/back etc.)?

When unloading the camera in the changing bag - how do you put the film back into the light-proof box by feel, confident that it is actually light-tight?

Lastly (for now), is it practical to try and contact print without an enlarger?

Sorry for the 'newbie' questions, but I'd rather avoid basic mistakes at the beginning.

John.

[John Robison]

Remember that you can also use photo paper for a negative. Ilford MGIV RC paper works fine at about ISO 6 and can be loaded, unloaded and processed under safelight. It is a great and cheap way to try out a pinhole camera. In bright sun with a f256 pinhole I had exposures of about 1 minute.

[Bryan]

Hold the film vertical with the notches in the top right corner and the emulsion will be facing you.  Yes, it's all done by feel, a little practice and you will figure out the box and loading the film holder.  Plan on a few practice shots.  After exposing the film I load it into the developing tank right away.  I usually develop 2 sheets at a time.  The only problem I have with the changing bag is dust on the negatives, I need to set up a darkroom for loading the film.  I'm relatively new to sheet film as well and would be interested in information on contact printing without an enlarger.

I use a two reel Paterson tank and just place the negatives on either side with the emulsion facing in.  I do this with the reels removed but you have to leave the center post in to make it light tight. 

[timor]

I would suggest to work first with the paper, film is much more delicate. Loading and unloading the material inside a bag should be OK, providing you do have bag large enough. But loading MOD54 in the bag might be challenging. It is delicate operation to ensure the sheets of film are in own slots and do not touch each other plus during the development make the tank inversion very gently to not to dislodge the film from it's place with sudden movement of fluid.

[Adam Doe]

I always had trouble loading the Mod54 until I changed my method. I used to hold the Mod54 in one hand and the sheet of film in the other. I could never seem to get all the sheets loaded correctly that way. Then I tried laying the Mod down on its side in the changing bag and using two hands to hold the sheet. Using my middle fingers, not the way we native New Yorkers usually use our middle fingers, and thumbs to simultaneously hold the sheet and feel down to the proper slots in the holder, I have far better results.

[Indofunk]

not the way we native New Yorkers usually use our middle fingers

 

[Francois]

I can just imagine 

[johnha]

Thanks for the replies. The kit has now arrived and the camera & film box will fit in my changing bag, as will the dev tank, lid, MOD54 & film box (but not really the camera and tank etc. together). I've managed to load a piece of (writing) paper into the MOD54 (was a struggle and not sure how it will go with six sheets!).

I like the idea of using paper first, although with no darkroom as yet will probably still be using the changing bag, but will need to get some paper developer first. Presumably I can develop paper in the tank with the MOD54 as well?

John.

[Francois]

I don't know since paper isn't as stiff as film.
Best way to know is to try.