Denis Wagovich

Myself, like many photographers have this constant desire to learn new techniques, streamline current ones, or just try to be innovative. For the last year or so I’ve been researching and practicing “good ole’ fashioned” photography. Over the past year I’ve put together a totally mechanical Medium Format kit and shot a half dozen or so rolls of film in both Color and B&W.

Having lost my job 7 months ago I’ve had plenty of time to catch up on some reading and experiment with my film endeavor. Not all a bad thing, but the funds required to purchase some important (i.e. expensive) equipment has been slow in coming. I’m happy to say the piece of equipment that will allow me to share my “film” work has been purchased and will be on my doorstep next week.

I’ve been primarily shooting Ilford B&W, but have a couple of rolls of Velvia 50 that if the scans turn out as well as the prints did, should be posted in the weeks to come. Since I don’t have the funds to get the hand held meter that I want, I’ve been shooting everything with the “Sunny 16 Rule” somewhat modified. I’m amazed at just how close the exposure accuracy is and how reliant I was on my camera’s meter. I know, I could easily use my 5D as a meter, but my goal for this year is to reduce the weight of my gear in the field.

I’ve decided to narrow my film usage to B&W and experiment with different B&W films in the 50-125 ISO range. I may try some different manufacturers, but my main focus is the Ilford line of films. I’m still not at a point that I feel comfortable developing my own film, so the local pro lab will be handling that part of the process until the time comes.

Next week the learning curve increases…. Scanning.

Stay tuned for what I hope to be some good uploads of my film work.