 |
        |
Technical Information
I definitely believe that bigger is better when considering film formats. Initially, I preferred to use 5x7 inch materials exclusively. One can not match the image quality in terms of resolution and tonal gradation especially when compared to 35mm films. 35mm has portability and one can work quickly in changing conditions but that is just not an significant consideration for the AHP. However, the 5x7 view camera is not always practical when traveling and transporting massive amounts of heavy photo equipment by air becomes extremely taxing. As time goes by am I less inclined to travel by air since renting a car is always a compromise. I always seem to get a four door box (no extra charge for lower back pain) that is inconvenient to work out of. Not like the Ford Explorer – lift the tail gate and you have a “table” to work off at waist level. Another burn is the exorbitant car rental taxes levied on the traveler. The airlines don’t make easy either with the new carry on restrictions and film is now more susceptible to x-ray damage with the more powerful machines now in use. I have digressed a bit – A 4x5 view camera would be more practical but would involve the same hassles only on a smaller scale. Anyway, the 5x7 is not that MUCH heavier considering the fact that the film is almost twice the size and its proportions are more pleasing to me. Also I like the larger bellows since I assume there will be less flare if using a 4x5 reducing back. My only fear is that the manufactures will discontinue cutting the format since I am sure it is not a great seller. Then what will I do with all those expensive holders? Cut my own from 8x10 sheets? I doubt it considering all the inherent dangers!
On a trip to Eastern Tennessee I realized the value of a smaller format. There were shots I wanted to capture but did not want to set up the tripod and begin The Production. These shots were ones I could “grab” quickly and the larger negative material was really overkill. And perhaps I was feeling a bit lazy to boot! I began to carry a medium format camera for those types of images with a pistol grip, meter and 60mm lens. The image quality is excellent (about 2.5 times the size of 35mm) and the Hasselblad was chosen for its removable backs and Zeiss quality optics. When considering the purchase of photo equipment, more expensive is better. I have always found that to be true. I am also convinced that when considering optics the German ones are superior. They simply have a tradition of excellence and years of experience which can not be matched by any computer program for designing lenses. Its all in the magic.
I have now come to an equilibrium when considering what format to carry. The rule is: When traveling by air it is exclusively medium format and by SUV 5x7 rules – with some medium format backup equipment.
I primarily use Kodak T-Max™ films in all formats. When the 400 speed film was first released many photographers abandoned it early on because of extreme contrast problems. Whether this was a manufacturing issue or inexperience on the part of photographers is a question I have never resolved. Enter Kodak XTOL™ Developer! I would consider it a significant breakthrough in black-and-white technology. Grain even in the 400 speed materials is minor (not like the golf ball days) and the tonal range is superior. My preferred film is T-Max™ 100 and some of the 400 speed for cloudy days.
I would like to mention two other films I have been carrying and are useful. I am now working with Kodak Technical Pan™ film and XTOL™ Developer. Before XTOL™ development of this material was tricky and very inconsistent. My initial tests have the film rated at ISO 15 and development is around 12 minutes at 75° at a 1:5 dilution. I would be more than willing to share my results if you would like to contact me. Kodak has an excellent web site but unfortunately there is no reference to this combination. This film is absolutely grainless with an extended red sensitivity. I think it holds a lot of potential. Another great entry is Kodak’s T-Max™ T400CN film. The grain is practically non existent and the highlights never block up – the shoulder of the curve goes on forever. The process is C-41 so rolls of color can be processed in the same batch. Both of these films can be very useful and it is always challenging to be experimenting with new products. As far as I am concerned Kodak has the lock on B&W films and developers. The same can be said for their darkroom products as well. More on that at a later date.
Color film has not been mentioned! The reason is that I believe in the abstract beauty of black-and-white and working with it is more of a craft. It is also much more archival than most color materials and for me the color never looks like I saw it – it seems unrealistic, plastic and generally lame. I have seen much color work which is truly beautiful but for my images it simply doesn’t work. However, I do carry and use the film. I figure that some day the technology will be available to produce color as I would like – as long as I am there what’s another sheet or roll. The equipment and getting there was expensive – FILM IS CHEAP!
My last word of advice is if you see a picture take it – don’t plan to come back some other time. Many times I have returned to a site only to find it repainted, boarded up, stripped of the old signage with its wonderful typography and one was even demolished.
Edgar G. Praus
<< Back
|
|
 |
Photographic Documentation of America’s Vanishing Roadside Culture
Providing Exhibitions - Archives - Information Worldwide
Copyright 2001 The American Highway Project, Inc.
LeRoy, New York, USA
ph 01 (585) 768-8354
|
|
|
|