Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/08/06

[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]

Subject: Re: [Leica] Re: Developing in the field
From: Shel Belinkoff <belinkoff@earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 06 Aug 2000 18:46:37 -0700
References: <002701c0000c$b2475240$2f131840@computer>

"Sal DiMarco,Jr." wrote:

> One, the developing kit will gain 
> weight in your pack.

A non-issue.  The developing gear will remain in camp.  I have a 1-ton
4x4 with a camper shell, and can carry, literally, a ton of gear with
no problem.  

> Two, since you are camping, I assume 
> this mean NO electricity, which
> means air drying the film outdoors, 
> which means dust and dirt all over the
> negatives.

That was one of my two biggest concerns.  It seems that that problem
has been addressed both on this list and the Pentax list, and while I
can't absolutely  vouch for the efficacy  of the suggestions, it's
worth a try with a non-important roll of film.

> In the long run you will be disappointed.

Not if I'm able to process the film in the field and get the results I
want.
I don't mean to sound flip, but many photographers have field
processed their film over the past 120 years or more, so it can be
done.

> I know it sounds like fun, mixing developer
> in water heated by a fire,
> washing film in a creek (at about 40 degrees). 

I wouldn't be mixing developer in that manner. I'd be using pre-mixed
stock solution and adding it to distilled water that could easily be
brought to, or maintained, at an appropriate temperature.  There are
numerous ways in which  that can be done depending on whaat equipment
i choose to bring, where I'd be camping, and the time of year.

Washing, it seems, is not the problem I thought it would be.  My
thanks to  Jean-Claude Berger for his pointer on washing film.

> The griz arriving in camp
> just as you have the film wound 
> halfway on the reel. It's all great fun.

Griz are found in a very limited range, and not where I'd be camping
or exploring.  Other animals are of no concern, either.

> But, if you want pictures, take Gary's 
> advice... carry more film instead.

I believe I can do both.

> Happy Snaps,

Thanks for your thoughts, Sal.  Although we seem to disagree, I
appreciate that you've tken the time to  respond.
- -- 
Shel Belinkoff
mailto:belinkoff@earthlink.net

In reply to: Message from "Sal DiMarco,Jr." <sdmp007@pressroom.com> ([Leica] Re: Developing in the field)