RF Enlightenment

[oojabba]

Hi bros!!!

I just got a new Bessa-R with Color Skopar and I have shot one test roll with it. So now the problem comes:

1. Where do I develop my photos (be it scan into a CD or into hard copies or however is the normal way for RF-ers to do it?)

2. In anticipation that I need to keep up this hobby of using RF and film, I highly believe that there's a much economical way to develop the photos or scan them)
-> I've read about the DIY B&W negatives ("How to develop your own B&W photos). BUT I've not seen a "what's the next step" guide on how to scan onto a CD or print it out on your own.

3. What are the differences between all kinds of rolls of film and where do you normally get these rolls of film instead of getting the "normal" ones from Kodak Express?

I hope someone comes up with a newbie guide helping us RF noobs to start RF-ing? I've started using my Bessa-R and I'm just loving the weight, accessibility, manual-ness of it all! Rock on RF-ers thanks!

 

[Benji77]

Yo, if you create a new thread for every topic on RF you will have a string of threads for every single possible query

Here we go -

For film prices - http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/traditional-darkroom/859649-film-prices.html
Film type is really up to you.

Scanners - Epson V600 or V700, Canon's too. Depends on your budget.
Softwares - Silver Efex Pro

Film sleeves - Chiif Cameras or online at B&H or Adorama. I prefer Print Files.

Some of us bulk roll our B&W film from 100ft rolls into our own canisters. Cheaper.
Most of us develop > scan ourselves. Faster, more 'shoik.'

Favourite developers (from Ruby Photo or online) - Kodak HC110, Ilford DDX, Diafine, Rodinal.

Good luck. Shoot more film.
Leave your digital camera at home for the time being.

 

[Fudgecakes]

Film is da best I only started weeks ago above already sold all f my digital cameras save my XE1

 

[oojabba]

Yo, if you create a new thread for every topic on RF you will have a string of threads for every single possible query

Here we go -

For film prices - http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/traditional-darkroom/859649-film-prices.html
Film type is really up to you.

Scanners - Epson V600 or V700, Canon's too. Depends on your budget.
Softwares - Silver Efex Pro

Film sleeves - Chiif Cameras or online at B&H or Adorama. I prefer Print Files.

Some of us bulk roll our B&W film from 100ft rolls into our own canisters. Cheaper.
Most of us develop > scan ourselves. Faster, more 'shoik.'

Favourite developers (from Ruby Photo or online) - Kodak HC110, Ilford DDX, Diafine, Rodinal.

Good luck. Shoot more film.
Leave your digital camera at home for the time being.

LOL Bro!! Kena caught. Hahahahaha thanks!!! Sorry la... really really FREAKING A LOT Questions in my head unanswered YET I wanna faster do more shots and use my RF more... really really SO SO SO MUCH diff from my dslrr... LOL its an experience!

 

[oojabba]

Any way forgot to ask, where do u get the EPSON V600 or 700? From those Challenger can get uhh?

 

[Benji77]

If you have time to spare, you can wait for COMEX where the Epson prices seem fairer.
Else there are 2-3 shops in Sim Lim Sq that bring in Epson scanners. One of them is Video-Pro at SLS.

If you have no intention for Medium Format, a cheaper scanner are those from Canon (cannot remember the model number).

Look out for our monthly RFSG gatherings here, or RFSG Page

A RF is simpler than a DSLR, yet you have many unanswered questions.....thats...odd my friend

 

[artspraken]

this is the scanner i use
Scanner Review: Plustek OpticFilm 7600i


Epson V700 is a flatbed scanner. you may want to read up on the differences between flatbed and film dedicated scanners.

 

[artspraken]

this is the scanner i use
Scanner Review: Plustek OpticFilm 7600i

Epson V700 is a flatbed scanner. you may want to read up on the differences between flatbed and film dedicated scanners.

For beginner at developing, i highly recommend Diafine. Film just get Tri-X. This combo will be very easy because development is not time sensitive or temperature sensitive. And no need stop bath. Best of all Diafine practically lasts forever u dun need to keep buying (unless u contaminate it)

When u are more pro, u can try other film and developer chemicals.

The problem with Diafine is no shop sells it in singapore coz its so good it spoils market. So u need to buy online.

 

[Fudgecakes]

For beginner at developing, i highly recommend Diafine. Film just get Tri-X. This combo will be very easy because development is not time sensitive or temperature sensitive. And no need stop bath. Best of all Diafine practically lasts forever u dun need to keep buying (unless u contaminate it)

When u are more pro, u can try other film and developer chemicals.

The problem with Diafine is no shop sells it in singapore coz its so good it spoils market. So u need to buy online.

The Kodak HC 110 is good too

 

[crispy12]

I like the Plustek scanner, very good quality for 35mm but downside is that it's slow to use and cannot scan medium format.

Epson V700 is expensive but decent quality (not as good as the Plustek) and can scan large format as well as medium format. It's also very big/bulky.

Really recommend those two, the rest are just compromises.

 

[Fudgecakes]

I like the Plustek scanner, very good quality for 35mm but downside is that it's slow to use and cannot scan medium format.

Epson V700 is expensive but decent quality (not as good as the Plustek) and can scan large format as well as medium format. It's also very big/bulky.

Really recommend those two, the rest are just compromises.

However if you're on a budget, go for at least the V600. Its native resolution is high enough such that scanning at 4200 dpi won't take ages as compared to the canoscans or lesser scanners.