This old clunker sat for ages in someone’s backyard near where we walk, along a dirt road next to a gently flowing creek. It sat next to another old mini in a similar state of decrepitude. Because these beauties sat at the back of a ‘bush block’ there were no fences as such, so I would whip out whatever camera I happened to be carrying at the time (never leave home without a camera!) and take a shot. Only last week we went past again only to see the rusting minis had been removed *sigh* so it goes…

This image was my contribution to the exhibition ‘RESPECT’ a benefit exhibition to show our appreciation for this man, which is currently open at the New North Galleries in Fairfield, Melbourne. You can read more about it here.

Camera: Diana F+     Film: Fujichrome Provia 100F (cross-processed) – post process: this image has been grey-scaled and duotoned.

I find blank signs quite appealing. Their random appearance on walls and billboards has an almost zen quality that invites quiet contemplation on the beauty of minimalism. (or maybe I’m just full of it!)

Camera: Diana 151     Film: Konika Minolta Centuria 100 (expired)

Camera: Bronica SQ-A     Film: Agfa XPS 160

Development Method:
Developer: Nova Pro-Speed 41 ‘Press Kit’ – two step C-41 process.
Time: 2:55 sec
Temperature: 39ºC
Agitating 15 sec initially then 5 sec every 30 sec and then 3 min blix, continuous agitation. Thorough wash (at least 5 changes of water in tank after 30 seconds agitation each time)

Happy New Year Everyone!

Camera: Bronica SQ-A     Film: Fuji Neopan 400 (120)
Rated ISO: 400
Developer: Rodinal
Dilution: 1:50
Temp: 20ºC
Time: 11 min
Method: Initial agitation 30 seconds then 4 (gentle) inversions every 2 minutes.

Seven Acre Rock is a large rocky outcrop, 600 m altitude, which provides superb views of the Yarra State Forest, the Bunyip River Valley, and the Bunyip State Park in the state of Victoria.
It is located in the Yarra State Forest, deep in the logging area south of the town of Powelltown, about 80 km east of Melbourne. It can be visited by a 2km return hike from a picnic area. The geological formations of quite stark white boulders are surrounded by natural forest all around on the slopes leading up to it, but near the peak stand (and lie) the casualties of the bush fires that ravaged many parts of the state early in the year; the charred, blackened and truncated trunks of trees that were. They act as a quite aesthetic counterpoint to the chalky white rocks. This image looks out across the Yarra Valley.

Camera: Bronica SQ-A    Film: Fuji Pro 400H

This image represents my first foray into home C-41 development. The chemicals were a bit warmer than needed (at 42ºC) but still within usable range.

Method: The Nova Pro-Speed 41 ‘Press Kit’ is a two step C-41 process consisting of a short development time (in this case 2min 5 sec @ 42ºC) agitating 15 sec initially then 5 sec every 30 sec and then 3 min blix, continuous agitation (I misread the instructions and should have only done 2 min Blix for that temperature but it didn’t seem to matter).

Seven Acre Rock is a large rocky outcrop, 600 m altitude, which provides superb views of the Yarra State Forest, the Bunyip River Valley, and the Bunyip State Park in the state of Victoria.
It is located in the Yarra State Forest, deep in the logging area south of the town of Powelltown, about 80 km east of Melbourne. It can be visited by a 2km return hike from a picnic area. The geological formations of quite stark white boulders are surrounded by natural forest all around on the slopes leading up to it, but near the peak stand (and lie) the casualties of the bush fires that ravaged many parts of the state early in the year; the charred, blackened and truncated trunks of trees that were. They act as a quite aesthetic counterpoint to the chalky white rocks. Here is one image where I tried to capture the poetry of these juxtapositions.

Camera: Holga with Waist-Level Finder as modified by Randy at Holgamods   Film: Fuji Neopan 400

Developing Notes:
Film Rated ISO: 400
Developer: Ilfotec HC
Dilution: 1:31
Temp: 22ºC
Time: 6 min
Method: Initial agitation 60 seconds then 4 inversions every minute, Fix for 5 minutes then Ilford Wash Technique & dip in Fotoflow.

Camera: Diana 151   Film: Kodak Tri-X 400

Rated ISO: 400
Developer: Rodinal
Dilution: 1:50
Temp: 20ºC
Time: 13 min
Method: Initial agitation 55 seconds then 10 seconds every two minutes.
60 sec Stop Bath (Kodak Indicator Stop Bath). 5 minutes Ilford Rapid Fixer. Ilford Wash Technique then Kodak Fotoflow for 30 sec.

This image is not taken with a ‘plastic lens’ camera, but rather with my ‘new’ (old) Bronica SQ-A medium format single lens reflex. I will probably do this (upload non toy camera work) from time to time because, well, it’s my website and I can!

Camera: Bronica SQ-A (see more cameras)
Film: Agfa Optima 100-Y

Camera: Holga 120N with Waist Level Viewfinder (modified by Holgamods)
Film: Shanghai GP3 400

Developer: Rodinal
Dilution: 1:50
Temp: 20ºC
Time: 15 min
Method: Initial agitation 30 seconds then 10 seconds every 3 minutes.
60 sec Stop Bath (Kodak Indicator Stop Bath). 5 minutes Ilford Rapid Fixer. Ilford Wash Technique then Kodak Fotoflow for 30 sec.

There is a seaside camping/caravan spot we sometimes go to in a quiet spot called Walkerville on the coastline east of Melbourne. This van has been there for quite a while, but I can’t ever remember seeing anyone occupy it, although admittedly my holidays are usually not in the peak season due to my shift work. I feel there’s something about caravan parks out of season that seem quite serene and sometimes a bit mysterious…

This shot was taken with my newly acquired modified Holga (with waist level viewfinder, bulb modification and cable release) from Randy at Holgamods, expect a review in the ‘words’ part of this blog soon!
Camera: Holga 120N with Waist Level Viewfinder (modified by Holgamods)     Film: Fuji Pro 400H