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Jim Sollows
Canada
Приєднався 6 вер 2007
I am a photographer and educator specializing in film photography but I shoot digital as well. I'm located in the historic little community of Fort Langley in British Columbia Canada.
Reloading FlicFilm Canisters
Did you know that FlicFilm canisters are reloadable. You can also buy empty reloadable canisters from FlicFilm as well. Lets take a look at how to use them.
Переглядів: 116
Відео
Fountain Pen Care and Maintenance
Переглядів 2658 місяців тому
This video is very different from my usual photography videos. This video is specifically for those who have received one of my custom made fountain pens but I've decided to share it publicly here on my channel as I know many film photographers who also like fountain pens. The content may be applicable to other brands of fountain pens but it will depend on the type and brand. In this video I co...
How do you load 70mm film onto a 60mm developing reel
Переглядів 21610 місяців тому
I get a lot of old films to develop including a fair number of 616 and 116 formats. These films are 70mm wide and will not fit on a conventional Patterson Developing Reel but there is a way to do it. Let me show you how I do it. linktr.ee/jsollows
The secret to loading a 35mm film spool
Переглядів 611Рік тому
Many folks learning to develop their own film, struggle with the process of loading the film onto the developing spool in the dark. Let me show you a way to greatly simplify this process. linktr.ee/jsollows Martin Film Leader Retriever www.amazon.ca/Leader-Retriever-PICKER-Cassettes-Extractor/dp/B00DN1080U/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1TP96NIYM3FGW&keywords=film leader retriever&qid=1695416602&sprefix=film ...
1930's Brownie still with film inside … lets peek back in time
Переглядів 449Рік тому
I received this old 1933 Kodak Brownie Six-20 still with film inside. Could it contain photos prior to World War 2? In this video we will talk about the camera and then find out what film is inside. Can we then recover the images, watch the video and see what happens. linktr.ee/jsollows
Opening a camera battery compartment and battery problems
Переглядів 928Рік тому
I've seen so many camera battery compartments damaged by people being overly aggressive with them, using the wrong tools or by batteries leaking. In this episode we are going to talk about all these points. How to properly open a battery compartment Making a dedicated battery compartment tool Inspecting the contacts Cleaning corrosion Selecting a battery Using 1.5 volt cells in a 1.3v camera
A Simple Chemical Storage Solution
Переглядів 337Рік тому
Several viewers have asked a question about some strange bags I was using for darkroom chemical storage in a previous video. I decided to give that answer it's own video. The product I use are Stop Loss Bags which are designed for wood finish storage but work equally well for darkroom chemicals. Some chemicals need to be stored in the dark. Since these bags are clear, keeping them in a box or c...
Godox Lux Senior a NEW Vintage Flash .. Really!
Переглядів 2,3 тис.Рік тому
I recently shot an event using a very old style vintage flash on my Mamiya C220 Professional medium format camera. I mentioned that the old vintage flash is actually a brand new product that I was using for the first time. I've had so many people asking me about this flash I thought it best to put together a quick video to tell you about it. This is the Godox Lux Senior. In this video I have th...
The Photographers Show with Jim Sollows
Переглядів 170Рік тому
I had the privilege of being a guest on Photofocus' program, The Photographers Show. Here we talk film photography in a digital age with hosts Scott and Laurie. I enjoyed my time with these great folks. www.photofocus.com My Website: www.sollows.ca
An easy way to measure darkroom chemistry
Переглядів 333Рік тому
A viewer asked me how I measure my darkroom chemicals. He is struggling with big graduate cylinders while using beakers or kitchen measuring containers is too inaccurate. Here is my method. IMPORTANT NOTE: Any scale capable of measuring grams can also be used as 1ml is equal to 1 g of water. If you need 300ml just measure 300 grams and it's close enough.. Website: www.sollows.ca Social Links: l...
Don't throw away your darkroom fixer, replenish it!
Переглядів 2 тис.Рік тому
Don't throw away your darkroom fixer, replenish it!
53 year old film on an 84 year old Kodak Vigilant
Переглядів 5 тис.Рік тому
53 year old film on an 84 year old Kodak Vigilant
Replacing Light Seals on a Film Camera
Переглядів 12 тис.Рік тому
Replacing Light Seals on a Film Camera
The SECRET to loading film on a developing spool
Переглядів 1,8 тис.Рік тому
The SECRET to loading film on a developing spool
Large Format at the River with Jim Sollows
Переглядів 103Рік тому
Large Format at the River with Jim Sollows
Flic Film Black White and Green Review
Переглядів 2,3 тис.2 роки тому
Flic Film Black White and Green Review
Photographer & Story Teller. Thank You❗️
@@dianadom4742 You are very welcome 😀
how do you use the other type of focus finder from Peterson?
@@eugenuku You just look into it like you are looking into a microscope and adjust the enlarger focus until you see the grain. You are focusing on the image grain itself. If that doesn’t make sense send me a direct message and I will upload a personal video for you demonstrating it.
How do you open of you don’t have an opener from them?
Perfect video quite useful
Do it dark bag ypu soon get the nack
thank you sir!
@@MaximillionPegasuslol You’re welcome!
thank you so much, really helpful 😊
@@eme_pp You’re welcome
Fantastic explanation, especially about the mirror bumper. Just doing this job now on a Nikkormat FTN. Quite a therapeutic job!
@@eddyhoughton6542 The FTN is definitely worthwhile!! 👍
@jsollowsphotography yeah, I kind of screwed up on the thread - my local store only had linen or polyester, no cotton. I chose linen because it's 100% natural, but once I got the wrapper off I saw it was really hairy! I managed to solve the problem by coating the thread very lightly with adhesive, but I'll definitely put the time in to find some cotton yarn next time. I also had to resort to polyurethane sheets without adhesive backing, it's all I could find, but I managed to get a stick of dry adhesive which has done the trick. There was a slightly tense moment putting in the mirror-bumper with a set of tweezers, though!
is it normal that the lens is not centered? the aperture ring does not center at 5.6 per say, it's kinda weird
@@fil684 Some of the off brand adapters can do that. The original Pentax brand adapters shouldnt have this issue. Having said that it shouldn’t affect operation.
@@jsollowsphotography yes. I saw that the lens still focus property and the light meter still read properly the light coming in
Thanks for this information. How much working solution do have for film development? I have a one gallon jug of working solution 1:4 that I use for film and paper. How much replenishment would you add for a gallon?
@@hksht It totally depends on the fixer you are using. Most can be replenished but a few can’t. Refer to the instructions provided by the company that makes your fixer.
next time pull the concentrate with the syringe
No it's too thick. It has the consistency of molasses. I resolve the issue as mentioned in the slow notes.
My wife bought me a mint, hardly used Kodak Junior 6-16 today. It’s in the original box with notes of its history from the 2nd or 3rd owner in the 50’s. I intend to try it out if I can get some film, then preserve this historical camera for the generations to come. Your images turned so nicely that I excited to find some film. Not too sure where to do that but I suppose eBay would be a good starting place. Thank you for your video.
@@thecoganfamily Thats so wonderful Stuart! I would love to see a photo of the camera and hear how it goes for you. My contact info can be found here. linktr.ee/jsollows
How do you fit a 36 exposure roll on one of those spolls and not have the film touching?
It’s designed for 36 exposures in the spool. You only put one roll of film in a spool.
@@jsollowsphotography Then I'm spooling wrong. I'll have to practice more. I seem to always have about 3 to 4 inches extra when i shoot 36 exposure 35mm film. Medium format I have no issues.
@Brokeninc Something is wrong there. You should have more than enough room. I’ve actually put a 42 exposure roll and still had room.
@@jsollowsphotography o wow 42! yeah i just need to practice more then it seems. i use to shoot mostly medium format and 4x5, but Im getting back into shooting after years away and i'm shooting 35mm to use up the film I have and to practice. Thank you for replying. Maybe I need to go back to the plastic reels. I had a teacher that hated them and forced us to use the steel reels. But I never had issues with the plastic ones .
Thank you for your wonderful video which I found both entertaining and informative. I recently purchased two MINOX cameras, a MINOX III and a MINOX C, along with a few bits of gear. This brand of camera is proving to be a lot of fun to study and collect. My next mission is to start using the cameras to take pictures and get the film developed. Knowing there is a place right here in Canada where I can order the film is very convenient. Thanks again for sharing your expertise and love for traditional photography.
Unfortunately since this video was released, Beau Photo no longer stocks the film. We are sadly limited to Blue Moon in California which is costly! You can also buy new film from a number of sources on eBay. They are reloading cartridges with new film and making them available. Best alternative is to do that very thing yourself. You can buy or if you have access to a 3D printer, you can print a film cutter for Minox. A single 36 exp roll of B/W film can make 6 rolls of Minox so that’s a very cheap alternative. If you are interested in that, let me know and I can give you more information.
Thank you, I’ll look at what Blue Moon has to offer and see about creating a film splitter. Are the 3D Printing specs on thingaverse?
Also May I ask what film is best? Black and white 100 400 etc?
Bad thing is that my adapter just rotates after installation, it just does not lock properly
Sounds like your adapter is faulty
@@jsollowsphotography I think so, it shouldn't work like this. It clicks like it locks but then rotates further and falls out with my lens.
@@tester776 I will send you a video showing the adapter close up and how it fits. The locking flange might just need to be bent into position. I will do that today and send the YT link as a comment here.
tester776 Here is a link I promised. ua-cam.com/video/nypVgNF925w/v-deo.htmlsi=KWbsiv77OjxWD2Kn
@@jsollowsphotography Thank you very much
I have just bought this developer. What is the procedure for agitating when developing Kentmere 400? Thanks in advance.
I agitate all films the same. First minute and then 5 seconds every minute.
Agree with everything said in the video. Just do not waste your money on the plastic lensed piece of crap from Patterson. It's practically non-functional compared to a well-made unit.
I must disagree. I use both and use them effectively. My students also use them and prefer the Patterson one because it enlarges the grain more. I am getting up there in years and also prefer the Patterson because my eyes are not what they used to be so the larger grain is easier to use.
@@jsollowsphotography The low quality optics give you eye strain. There used to be a unit made by Bestwell which cost about $50, and is now made by someone else for about $100. Of course, if you want a "once in my lifetime" unit, look at the units sold by Peak, same under the Omega name. The other unit you show dates back to the 1960s. Its low magnification is sort of counterproductive, but I admit that I have no significant experience with it, unlike the Paterson, which I used for a year then gave away.
Another you tube star
Thank you!!
You are welcome!
Hi @jsollowsphotography. Thank you so much for this video, this is the only resource I could find on the internet explaining the replenishment section of the Rapid Fixer TDS. I still have some confusion regarding what's on the TDS and hope you could explain it. On page 3 of the TDS it says for "Replenishment of Working Strength Fixer: 45ml/135-36". Is 45ml supposed to be the minimum amount of newly mixed working strength solution added to the existing working strength solution, or is this how many rolls to expect to fix when replenished. From your video I'm thinking it's the former, since it sounds like you're able to fix more than one roll when you replenish using 50ml of working solution. How many rolls would you estimate you can do between replenishment? Thanks again for this video, it's very well done and has just the information I needed
Yes you are correct. It means .. when you are going to replenish, dispose of 45ml of your current working strength fixer and replace it with 45ml of freshly mixed working strength fixer. In other words dump out 45 ml of the old stuff and add in 45 ml of fresh (4+1). This boosts the concentration of your working strength solution. Make sure to dispose of the waste 45ml properly. I put it in a mason jar and when full I take it to my municipal chemical waste disposal site. Does that help? Please feel free to message me directly linktr.ee/jsollows
@@jsollowsphotography Perfect! Thanks for the super fast response!
You provided the needed technique with the camera closeup on the latch, saying to press it in with the tiny screw and turn. I did not have that exact screw, so I used a tiny micro head crochet needle, and It Worked. How you save me! I'll buy a new M42 adapter with a key for my Pentax K3. The M42 I have was used when purchased and the little hinge wasn't so strong. You're the BEST!
I’m so glad I was able to help! Your comment is so nice to hear, thank you!!
I have one. It was my mother’s. She only used it to take pictures of us kids. My father got it for her.
That’s uncommon. These cameras were prohibitively expensive for most individuals. Cherish it, they are marvels of technology. I still use mine.
Thanksssssss😊😊😊❤ bravoooooo pentax
You’re welcome!
Walter zapp studied photography in Estonia and the actual company was founded in 1945, before he worked with VEF, a company in Riga, Latvia
Ok then
I see you showing off your lens on an unrelated video hehe
It’s one of my favourites for sure 👍
Here are some mods I found helpful: I spray-painted the reflector white, increasing softness & reducing edge fall-off. I also made a 1/4CTO sleeve to slip on the flash tube (2 1/4" x 7/8" backed with clear tape for extra sturdiness) which 'warmed' up the color rendition nicely. Light output was only reduced by about 1/3 - 1/2 stop.
Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely works! I don't understand why so many are teaching the Where's Waldo method in the dark (bag).
Right!! 😂😂
Thanks for explaining the process but didnt you mean 'replenish' the (old) fixer by adding fresh fixer at a ratio of 1:9 instead of using (as mentioned in the video) a ratio of 1:4 which is what you would use when mixing an entirely new solution.
No it’s replenished at 1:4 for General Purpose film as specified in the data sheet for Ilford Rapid Fix on page 3 under Replenishment. 1:9 is only used for paper, not film. I still replenish for paper at 1:4 and have done so now for 51 years.
@@jsollowsphotography Thanks for the clarification, got it!
Please take this video down. It is disseminating wrong information. To do a valid safelight test you must pre expose the paper to a light grey. Here is a link to a Kodak safelight test. www.kodak.com/content/products-brochures/Film/KODAK-A-Guide-to-Darkroom-Illumination-K-4.pdf
Hi There! I'm in need of a mount that is reversed - I'd like to put my K-Mount lens from my Pentax ME onto my M42 mount Pentax SP. Does this exist, and how do I find it? Haha, I'm struggling. :D Thank you!
I’m not aware of an adapter that will do that. Sorry
thanks man! first really helpful video i found over this topic!
You are very welcome! Let me know if you have any questions.
I use a syringe
I tried that but its very thick consistency so that didnt work. I added a note in the text that I found a solution using a weigh scale that measures in ml.
Thanks for the video. My problem is that I am getting a lot of black I am guessing silver salts floating around in the fixer. Do you somehow filter your working solution from time to time?
Depends on the fixer. My Ilford Rapid Fix doesn’t have that issue but I have seen it. Run your fixer through a coffee filter occasionally.
@@jsollowsphotography Thanks for the advice. I was thinking about trying this. I guess I shouldn't throw the filter away to normal bin?
OK, cool so can I just use my old Hasselblad 70mm tank and reel?
If you have 70mm film and a 70mm reel and tank you don’t need to adapt anything.
@@jsollowsphotography right now I don’t have any proper 70mm tank or reals &. Only 1 15yp roll of that. I wanna try 65mm & I’m ok if u have to keep it short to 1.5m for now inside the 5.5m cassettes.
Thanks for doing this video, I have that same camera with 105 mm F8 lens, which is obviously not as good as your lens which is a 4.5 aperture but now I’m looking forward to using it because I didn’t think I would get anything out of it, although I think I should probably stop down the lens to maybe F-16 to get decent sharpness out of it it’s only about I think a three element lens. But thanks for sharing your insights on old film too because I have a lot of old 4x5 film I want to use which is back from the 70s, regards, Gerry
You’re welcome Gerry! With old film it can perform quite well but it likes contrast. Low light and shadows can be muddy. It’s fun to use it 👍
Thanks, but don't you have to develop the photographic paper to see if you get this gradient in darkness?
Yes I’m talking about safelight testing so naturally my audience is people who are familiar with using photographic paper.
@@jsollowsphotography Well, I am a complete newbie and I discovered your video while researching for my first use of photographic paper and it's development, so to me it wasn't obvious. Anyways, thanks for the video
Thank you sooooo much. So grateful
You are quite welcome. Let me know if you have any questions.
3:54 you seem incredibly infatuated with the spy aspect to this camera. Yes, most nations ordered these cameras for intelligence purposes. But it was also a normal camera anyone could buy. In fact it was FIRST just marketed to regular people looking for a smaller camera for vacationing/everyday use who didn't know a lot about photography. But because it was quite expensive to manufacture it also had a high price tag and became more of a novelty for rich people. It was only many years after it's production did certain nations see it's advantages to be used in espionage. But that wasn't it's initial intent nor what it was conceived for.
Yes I’m aware of the history but “a normal camera that few could afford” is hardly interesting. The camera was somewhat unsuccessful until it’s use for covert activities was discovered. In fact Minox became successful largely due to their sales to government agencies. The espionage history is far more interesting and entertaining.
Thank you for this very enlightening video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
how can i tell what year is it
With some high end cameras such as Leica’s, you can actually look up the serial number and see the date of manufacture. With this camera you can only approximate by researching the specific model to find out the years it was in production. In my case, the camera came in its original box with manual and sales receipt dated July 12 1939.
By far the best video on replacing seals on the internet and I've seen a few. Thanks very much I'm about to do a Pentax MX. Regards Mark
Thank You so much for the kind words Mark!! The MX is a fine camera and definitely worth resurrecting! Let me know if you have any questions.
mine is on the way very good deal only 46 bucks only films might be problem and place to develope now days but still excited
IMHO, the Minox cameras are fascinating submini cameras and were good for shooting documents. As a snapshot cameras, they could produce reasonable sharp small prints in black and white and color but most prints are somewhat soft in sharpness and grainy. The problem is enlarging a 9mm negative to 5x7 inch prints. Nowadays, a 36 exposure film cartridge costs around $22 and prints are $1 each (when available). Replacement batteries are available for Minox "C" cameras. Old stock flash cubes may still be available for Minox flash attachment.
OMG Where are you buying 36 exp b/w for $22!!! I buy 35mm b/w retail for about $8 Cdn ($6 USD). I actually bulk roll my film which drops it further to about $3 Cdn a roll. Minox doesn’t use 35mm film so if I cut a 36exp 35mm into Minox format, that single $8 roll yields 6 rolls of Minox film .. so about 75 cents a roll. Then I can directly print in my darkroom or digitize the images and print on an inkjet photo printer.
Blue Moon prices@@jsollowsphotography
Walter Zapp never designed the Minox as a "spy camera" but rather something small enough be a companion camera. We can thank the smartphone for killing these off.
@@ps121911 You have to be a "true believer" to think that Minox submini prints are comparable to larger format film systems.
Just discovered your channel. I am a hobby photographer and a trainee pen maker so i think it's accurate to say that me and you have somethings in common.
That’s wonderful Tom!!
Thanks for the clear and concise video! An experienced camera person such as yourself can get away without covering the shutter, but for most of us, it’s best to cover the shutter. A piece of film is too flimsy, in my opinion. I use an old credit card, cut to liberally overlap the shutter opening. I use masking tape to hold it down. I figure that the risk of damage from placing that protective cover is less than the risk of damage without any cover. If nothing else the cover will prevent flecks of sticky light seal residue from landing on the shutter curtains. You don’t want to have to clean those off! At 11:08 I winced. You made my point!
It’s a personal choice. I like to see the shutter so I don’t end up putting pressure on it. I learned that lesson the hard way many many years ago when I covered the shutter with a piece of paper! Your idea of a hard piece of plastic is vastly better than the paper or post it note method that many promote. The method I use for removing light seal material creates no loose flying debris so in decades of doing this, it’s never been an issue. I’m more cautious of the shutter when it’s not hidden.
Thank you so much for these videos. Could you please tell me how to safely clean small dust particles off of the mirror in my Pentax K1000? It was never used very much at all, and as far as I know it has never been cleaned with anything since it was new back in 1977. I just watched your tutorial tonight on replacing the light seals, and I want to get it back in good working condition again. Thanks again !! Greg
Hi Greg, thanks for your comments!! Regarding the mirror try a rocket blower first. If that fails I prefer to use distilled water on a cotton applicator as it should dry smudge free. If even that fails spray some quality lens cleaner onto a microfibre cloth and gently clean the mirror. Don’t use isopropyl alcohol as it can dissolve the glue that holds the mirror in place. Message me directly if I can assist at all. linktr.ee/jsollows
@@jsollowsphotography Hey Jim, thanks for the reply. I didn't have any lens cleaner solution here at the house and none at all available locally. I do have some Zeiss lens wipes, and I very gently wiped it with a small piece of one of those. That cleaned up the mirror tremendously. These very small black specks that I seem to be seeing are when I look through the eye piece at the image on the focusing screen. Could they possibly be little pieces of the old foam light seal that has blown up into the inside of the housing? And if so, are they anything to worry about, and is that an easy solution to clean out? Thanks again
As you described them thats exactly what I was thinking. The deteriorating foam will often cause black dust specs that get on the focus screen and prism. They will not affect the photos at all. They can be a bit annoying. Have a look under magnification with a bright light at the focus screen and see if you can see them just on the surface. You need to be careful with the focus screen but if you see dust specs try the air bulb and if that doesn’t work try distilled water on a cotton tipped applicator. If you want to see a demo, let me know and I will throw together a quick video for you.
@@jsollowsphotography Yes, please sir anything that you can think of that will help me cleaning the mirrors and lenses would be greatly appreciated. I have subbed to your channel. Thanks
@@mrgroovestring I will send you something this weekend 👍
The door comes off very easily. The screw you mentioned with the soft metal, slides in the slot, and presto the door comes off. It makes it much easier to work with the body of the camera, and door for that matter.
Yes it makes it much easier. Most cameras don’t have that ability unfortunately.
Yeah, it's not a screw, it's a lever. Most cameras have it, only very few older 50s/60s SLR's are without that feature. Cotton thread.....Best light seals for back cover.
Thanks for this from Michigan! nice, quick, concise. The rest of your videos looks right up my alley. I was almost your 500th subscriber!
Thank you for your kind words, Stephen. If there’s anything you’d like to see, let me know.👍
I really appreciate people like you, who are willing to go to the great effort to make good, quality videos that share their expertise. I finally have the time to get back to film.