Biosphere2: Rainforest

The Biosphere started as an experiment in living in 1991, aimed at testing 

system for living on other Planets.  The original project failed in the end, but the University of Arizona has turned it into an Environmental Experimentation Lab and Conference Center.  Here we see two scenes from the Rainforest Section of the Lab.

Are You Ready for Tomorrow? Worldwide Pinhole Day

By Ximena-Astudillo-Delgado: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ximena-astudillo-delgado-35997b108/

I did complete my range testing at Arcosanti.  First image at 6 ft from the sign, with the sign approximately 8 ft wide:

Second image showing most of the Complex at 75-80 feet:

Biosphere2

This week we will start exploring the Biosphere2 as I wrap up my time in Arizona......I made this Photomerge of two images to capture the entire structure.  Still working on a good color balance as I was shooting Tungsten Film (CineStill 800):

I didn't have a Tungsten filter so I used my 81C Warming Filter which worked well in full sunlight, but not as well in this overcast shot.......

Yep, Another Film Test

Just when you thought it was safe and this film testing process was done.  I've joined the Frugal Film Project, which requires that I use a cheap camera and find the cheapest film.  This is not the camera for the Project, but I will be testing one of my choices, Kodak ColorPlus 200, on my drive home using one of my trusty X-700's.

I'm using a 1960's vintage Canonet QL that I bought online from Goodwill:

Welcome Happy Morning Age to Age Shall Say!

Have A Joyous and Peace Filled Easter.......

Good Friday

Palm Sunday

Figuring Out My Reality So Subtle........

In time for Worldwide Pinhole Day: April 28, 2019.

I recently acquired a Reality So Subtle Pinhole 6X6F Camera from James Guerin.

Of Course, remember to take the lens cap off.  A mistake I made in an early shoot. Below, the uncapped camera with the shutter closed:

And then with the shutter open:

So now, what problem did I have? Figuring out distances and limits on the view:

I was trying to use what appeared to be the range finder on the top.  But it is not obvious how to apply it.  Of course, now that I have examined more of the online literature, I can see my mistakes, sort of.  Now I know that the view is 99 degrees.  Going forward I will try to utilized that angle of view to figure out what I am seeing.  I also experienced vignetting when I tried to use the filter.  But I attached a 62mm filter....too small.  I will try a 77mm filter for B&W next time:

I will be doing some more range finding tests in preparation for Worldwide Pinhole Day.  Also starting with Portra 160 film since I have some good time tests (see link below).  I will post what I find along the way.........

Link to 2017 Portra 160 Time Tests

Ilford HP5 Personal Review

We pick up with HP5 where we ended with FP4, at the Natural Bridge:

I had lost track of my FP4 roll being only 24 exposures.  I had this one last shot that I wanted to take and was out of FP4.  But I had my trusty extra roll in the camera bag: HP5.  So I got the shot that I wanted.  I'll be making more trips back to the natural bridge, so I'll be re-shooting with the Mamiya-7 and T-MAX 400.

Then I made a few more images at the Mayo Clinic Phoenix Cactus Garden:

Above, a barrel cactus, but barely in view.  

Below, zooming through the 'cactus window' for a closer look.

A final image of a statue honoring the Spirit of the Native Inhabitants, given to the Clinic by a grateful patient:

I'll remake tis image with the M7 also.

Silberra PAN 100 Part III

Trails Around Phoenix:

Silberra PAN 100 Part II

Taking a Drive in and around the Superstition Mountains:

Not April Foolin': Silberra PAN 100 Results Part I

Similar contrast problems as I reported for Silberra PAN160.  So no need to repeat that here, just follow the link.

I did encounter a different problem here.  Maybe it was just a bad roll with soft emulsion.  But I had tons of scratches.  I did not have this problem with the PAN 160. And my film lab (old School Labs) has never scratched my film like this before.  So we'll assume it was a bad/extra soft emulsion:

Tomorrow we'll look at what turned out better.......