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  #1  
Old 16th July 2011, 11:52 PM
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Post Ignoring the 'experts'

After 25 years of sh*t earning not unsubstantial funds for the upbringing of my family, I am a year away from the last 'proper' job that I have held. (I was a senior teacher in a typical inner-city comprehensive).
Towards the last few years of that situation, some money got spent on me and I could finally afford the 'best' cameras - A Canon EOS 40D. Initially, I was an addict - I took it everywhere but, in time, got 'bored' with the computer-end of that business (uploading etc.). Now, that is a bit paradoxical as I have spent nearly all of my years in, or around, professional IT. Still, my camera stayed at home.
This summer, I sold it.
Then I bought an Olympus PEN model (Smaller, but with some good features). A good camera but, and this is a big but, I had a bit of money 'left over'. I went on EBay and fulfilled a dream that I had had since before I did my degree - I bought a film SLR (Olympus OM-10). Boy did I tremble when I held it in my hands - I had wanted to do something like that for 30 years.
First roll of film ? Didn't wind on!
Second roll of film - standard Kodak Gold 200. Amazing clarity and colour depth. I instantly loved it. Tried a roll of B&W. I was re-born. I can stare at the B&W photograph (not images on a computer screen!) and see new messages every time. Quickly added an Olympus OM-2n. God was I happy. Ilford HP5 made my spine tingle when I used it in the OM-2n on Pearl paper for portraiture.
Then I got THAT book out - the one that I bought back in 1981 by John Hedgecoe. I read the bits on developing and enlarging your own photos.
Could I really do it after all this time?
Well, I am building my own darkroom in a very large workshop in the garden. I have an enlarger - probably older than me (Durst 695). And I am going to give it a try. I anticipate the 'tingle' of the developing process that John Hedgecoe says is still the best part of photography.
Last week, I took both cameras to the Hampton Court Flower show. I was the only film photographer there. All the 'Experts' had portable computers around their necks, pointed their massive zoon lenses into the flower beds and pressed the button (not shutter!) in less than 2 seconds of composition time. I took forever on each shot. Was the depth of field okay? What focal length (prime) lense to use to best effect? Roll over, is it Kodak UltraMax 400 or was it Portra VC for the next one? Ignored people who stared at me for taking a (B&W) photo of a wall with a garden sign - for they could only see a wall and a sign. I could see massive texture and deep contrast.
So, I ask to join this band of professionals who see beyond the 'experts' and their portable computers.
Will you accept me?
Greg.
PS - sold the Olympus PEN to pay towards my darkroom build!
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Last edited by FilmGreg; 17th July 2011 at 12:07 AM.
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Old 17th July 2011, 06:49 AM
Dave miller Dave miller is offline
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Welcome to the forum Greg and thanks for the comprehensive intro, many here (including me) will have an empathy with your experience.
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Old 17th July 2011, 06:54 AM
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Best wishes with your new lease of life.
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Old 17th July 2011, 07:11 AM
Richard Gould Richard Gould is offline
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Hi Greg and welcome to the wonderful world of film and darkroom, look forward to your input and to seeing some of the results from your new darkroom, Richard
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Old 17th July 2011, 07:34 AM
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Trevor Crone Trevor Crone is offline
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Hi Greg, liked reading your introduction and welcome back to the wonderful world of film and wet printing. Mistakes, yes but hopefully no regrets
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Old 17th July 2011, 07:51 AM
peterlg peterlg is offline
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Hi greg and welcome to FADU which you undoubtedly will find both very useful and amusingly friendly. Your introduction witnesses true FAD enthusiasm - I liked it.
Peter
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Old 17th July 2011, 09:03 AM
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Hello Greg and thanks for your introduction which I enjoyed reading. You have had an interesting journey which has brought you to where you are now with your creativity. But this will be the best part as you are now in control and your work will give you more satisfaction. All the best with the drakroom and I look forward to seeing some results soon.

Neil.
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Old 17th July 2011, 09:50 AM
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Welcome to the forum Greg and best of luck with the darkroom build.
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Old 17th July 2011, 10:27 AM
Neil Smith Neil Smith is offline
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Hi Greg and welcome to FADU

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Old 17th July 2011, 10:42 AM
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Hi Greg welcome to fadu, I just wondered how did people know you were using B&W film? But good luck with your development process and darkroom work.
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