# The Omnibus Film Photography Thread **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Tags:** photo\ **Created:** [September 16, 2024, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354 "2024-09-16T17:00:20Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2024, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/121 "2024-09-28T03:40:05Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > Any recommendations on kits? Easier for me that way. I’ve done a little looking and haven’t found a kit that doesn’t also have a bunch of crap you don’t want or weird, expensive chemistry starter kits that give you just enough to develop two rolls. i’m not saying they’re not out there, but I haven’t run across one yet. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2024, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/122 "2024-09-28T03:46:55Z")
So what @Pork_Rind posted. From what I can see, he’s recommending the chemical storage bottles ($33) and the Patterson/Ilford processing kit ($200); plus a chemical. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2024, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/123 "2024-09-28T03:51:53Z")
No, not that kit, sorry if I was confusing. You need the mixing beakers as in that kit. But that kit is a terrible value because of the gimmicky starter chemistry pack. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2024, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/124 "2024-09-28T04:00:43Z")
I did a search on Amazon for 35mm mixing beakers, and didn’t find anything 35mm film processing mixing specific. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2024, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/125 "2024-09-28T04:04:33Z")
They don’t need to be. Just get some cheap graduated beakers like so: > **[Amazon.com: Plastic Graduated Beakers Transparent Lab Measuring Cup 50ml / 100ml...](https://www.amazon.com/Graduated-Transparent-Measuring-Laboratory-Experiments/dp/B08HMHWK6P)** > > Amazon.com: Plastic Graduated Beakers Transparent Lab Measuring Cup 50ml / 100ml /150ml /250ml Capacity 4Sizes Clear Plastic Liquid Cup Container for or Laboratory, Science Experiments : Industrial & Scientific ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2024, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/126 "2024-09-28T04:05:52Z")
In other film photography news, I sent three camera bodies to [Garry’s Camera Repair](http://www.garryscamera.com) for service today. **romansperson** graciously gave me an Olympus OM-1N body, lens, and carrying bag. Unfortunately, the film advance lever is ‘disconnected’. I was chatting with the guy at the camera shop today, and he said that usually has something to do with a spring under the bottom cover. The shop no longer does repairs, so I sent it to Garry’s. My Pentax K1000 needs new light seals, so I sent it for new ones and a CLA. The mirror on my Pentax SV is locked up. Garry’s doesn’t have the SV in their drop-down menu, but they do have the Spotmatic. AFAICT, the cameras are the same, except the Spotmatic has a light meter and the SV doesn’t. So in a month or so, I should (hopefully) have three more usable cameras. @beowulf: Thanks. I’ve put them into my cart. Oh, and I’ve ordered the book mentioned earlier. ETA: I’ve also added chemical storage bottles (different ones), a Patterson tanks, and another changing bag. I’ll need to be reminded what chemicals to get for B&W processing. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2024, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/127 "2024-09-28T17:08:08Z")
I found this [video review of the Pentax K1000](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88dBfpBR_HI). The guy is almost as enthusiastic about it, as @minor7flat5 is about the Canon AE-1 Program and A-1. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2024, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/128 "2024-09-28T19:49:43Z")
**Batteries** Looking at my FM2 and FM3a manuals, they call for one 3v lithium battery, two 1.55v silver oxide batteries, or two 1.55v alkaline batteries. I only have 76A alkaline batteries, which it looks like I can use. The dead batteries in the cameras are 303/357 silver oxide batteries, and I’ve ordered some more that will arrive Monday; so I’m just asking for information. Is there any reason not to use alkaline batteries instead of silver oxide batteries? Aside from being a single cell, is there an advantage to using the lithium cell? ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [September 28, 2024, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/129 "2024-09-28T19:52:10Z")
I would think the Lithium cell would last much longer. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2024, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/130 "2024-09-29T01:09:27Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > I found this [video review of the Pentax K1000](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88dBfpBR_HI). Boy, now I want to find a perfect K1000. What a great camera! And it has the same unfortunate feature as my new Rollei…the light meter is on whenever it sees light. I have an Ikea display case in the dining room filled with small steam engines and a few cameras, and that’s a perfect place to display the Rollei 35 when not in use, but I’ll have to take out the battery in order to have it sitting around outside of its case. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2024, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/131 "2024-09-29T01:28:52Z")
> [@minor7flat5](#): > > Boy, now I want to find a perfect K1000. What a great camera! There’s a reason they sold 3 million of them! (Of course I still prefer the OM-1. 😉 ) Here’s a [Pentax K1000 New (unused) in box.](https://www.ebay.com/itm/326267169079?_skw=pentax+k1000+mint&itmmeta=01J8XNSGMHHJW7VRM8GBAGGFHJ&hash=item4bf709e937:g:8yQAAOSwbyxms6~U&itmprp=enc%3AAQAJAAAA8HoV3kP08IDx%2BKZ9MfhVJKlBc0hLlSAGZikyMMsNcIP7THexWPDLYATGNnh7OZ2TEmwwhWslCXkRI4VYBvDx%2BDk3zHqTEBS7bW2jutU72E9GZauH2DPzNAoXxm564ylsI00pv8hXlf7dJRk2VROurQcuUwCu2Qrpfx2K6yNEolNwZv3zuWNgDoGRY6k83zCMxlR5A8h5UMeu0Dy4g9gJyRHrK29he23ZVFkU3HWTjo8cvykdmVNXzmwJvVI4ANwUV%2BLWkXMZF8cAdxID7pBOuFN6m64bHtcf6BEQJS5qbqvFjj1qKAAgrCxNF0uGjlapBQ%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR7CK5rXHZA) It’s $500, but where else are ya gonna get a NIB vintage camera? One person has it in his cart. Anyway, [here’s a search on ‘Pentax K1000 mint’.](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=pentax+k1000+mint&_sacat=0) Looks like about the $150 range. It strikes me that the K1000, FM2, and OM-1 are all pretty much the same. (I don’t know about, or have, a Canon equivalent of these mechanical, manual exposure cameras.) Once the K1000 comes back from CLA I should think about doing a comparison. I received a Pentax Takumar-A 28-80mm 1:3.5-4.5 zoom lens with a front cap and a Tiffen haze filter in the mail today. Twenty-five bucks (plus tax and shipping). ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2024, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/132 "2024-09-29T02:08:29Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > (I don’t know about, or have, a Canon equivalent of these mechanical, manual exposure cameras.) It looks like the K1000/FM2/OM-1 equivalent from Canon is the [Canon FTb](https://high5cameras.com/all-articles/camera-reviews/canon-ftb-review/?srsltid=AfmBOoqLX_ERp35KmfubY8BTRk6dsaaY_-c9eCskNgDDDllFHlFfjBOO) I found one in near-mint condition on eBay for $99.90, or $152 with tax and shipping from Japan. Too cheap to pass up. By the time the K1000 is CLA’d, I’ll have a manual, mechanical camera from each company. **Light meter recalibration** The light meter in my OM-1 was recalibrated a few years ago to work with modern 1.5v cells. I should do that for _all_ of my cameras that were designed for mercury cells, but the local shop that worked on the OM-1 closed last year. Does anyone have recommendations for a reputable shop to do this? ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2024, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/133 "2024-09-29T03:51:15Z")
Personally I’d just get the adapters that step down the voltage of the modern batteries. They’re not cheap, but neither is electronic service these days if you can even _find_ a person. > **[MR-9 Mercury Battery Adapter](https://shop.criscam.com/products/mr-9-mercury-battery-adapter)** > > Our mercury battery adapters are the perfect solution for vintage collector cameras and equipment that were designed for use with mercury batteries. And as I type that, I realize that’s not even what I do. None of the cameras that I snoot with use a battery, but my old Gossen Luna Pro meters do. And for those, I just use the Wein cells. In theory, the adjustment screws that would allow me to recalibrate for a modern battery are easily accessibly, but there are FIVE of them, and they interact in pairs. I’ve got one of my meters close, but man is that process an ass-pain. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2024, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/134 "2024-09-29T17:44:00Z")
> [@Pork\_Rind](#): > > None of the cameras that I _ **snoot** _ with I think my dog helped my type that. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2024, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/135 "2024-09-29T20:32:18Z")
I was going to get one (or more) from [Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/DIGITNOW-Kanto-%E3%82%AB%E3%83%A1%E3%83%A9%E7%94%A8-%E3%82%A2%E3%83%80%E3%83%97%E3%82%BF%E3%83%BC-000154/dp/B075GSB1WK/), but I was concerned because most reviews are not visible, and two of the three that were visible said it didn’t work. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2024, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/136 "2024-09-29T20:48:56Z")
Yeah, I don’t think anybody thinks those Domke ones on Amazon work. But the Criscam ones I linked to seem to have a good reputation. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [September 29, 2024, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/137 "2024-09-29T21:25:40Z")
I’ve ordered one from your link, along with a cell. Bloody expensive; but if it works, I’ll buy more. ---
**Author:** ![minor7flat5](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/minor7flat5/32/258_2.png) [@minor7flat5](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minor7flat5)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2024, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/138 "2024-10-01T01:14:29Z")
Gotta say, there’s nothing quite like seeing a nice photo come out of a roll to rekindle one’s spirits after unpleasantness. I was in a foul mood yesterday because I went out with the Rollei 35 to shoot, got home, developed the roll, and they were all black. I went to use my shutter tester on the camera and noticed it had developed a sticky shutter, it doesn’t close fully, likely because the spring was in tension for fifty years…nothing I’m about to fix. Grumble. It’s now in the display case as a shelf queen until I feel motivated to work on it. So I grabbed my half-frame Pentax 17 this afternoon before I went to the gym and was going to repeat the photos I had taken…2 of a USPS mailbox, one of a fire hydrant, and so forth. Then I had a guy come and act super threatening because I dared to photograph in his direction…with a half frame camera with grainy HP5 at fifty yards, nothing but a blob. He was more than just an ordinary angry person, he seemed like a gangbanger type, with the thousand-yard stare. I really felt threatened and I got out of there. With those two events completely souring my day and my feelings for photography, I went for my run. Afterwards, I decided to go finish the roll anyway. I’m super glad because it’s shots like these that remind me I love film because of the art, not just because of using old cameras. And I need thicker skin. [![](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HmHgrg4/0/Lng57ctvnxv8932Q7pj9bwsj5XDqqJx246Qhcpv7r/X5/i-HmHgrg4-X5.jpg) ](https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HmHgrg4/0/Lng57ctvnxv8932Q7pj9bwsj5XDqqJx246Qhcpv7r/X5/i-HmHgrg4-X5.jpg) (By the way, Johnny, it took me 15 minutes to develop the roll, about an hour for it to dry, and about 15 minutes to scan, add metadata, and so forth.) ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2024, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/139 "2024-10-01T03:51:54Z")
These are in my shopping cart: [Patterson tank & two reels](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000BZMIH/) [3x 1 litre storage bottles](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K794MJ3/) [Plastic graduated beakers; 50ml, 100ml, 150ml, 250ml](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08HMHWK6P/) [Changing bag](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09PN8K3LD/) [Film cassette opener](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BN67P8Z4/) Yes, I could use a church key instead of a dedicated opener. Yes, I could use my Harrison changing tent, or find my changing bag. I have an instant-read thermometer that I use for cooking. I don’t think I need a squeegee. I think I need the following: - Developer (liquid, to start out with. e.g., Ilford Ilfotek DD-X) - Fixer (e.g. Fotographer’s Formulary TF-4 Archival Rapid Fixer) - Wetting agent (e.g., Forma Flo) The above is based on this [B&H video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzsa3ZsYArA). I also found this [43 minute video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEN8G6z76_A) that I haven’t watched yet. If you have any suggestions, please post links (preferably Amazon). ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2024, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354/140 "2024-10-01T14:11:08Z")
Clips for hanging film to dry. Binder clips are fine but the made for purpose clips are cheap and have a nice hook. A three-ring binder and negative sleeves. A plastic tub that can hold all your chemicals and tools that can also double as a workspace that contains spills and drips. Masking tape and sharpie for labeling your bottles and noting the date made and for the fixer, how many rolls developed. Edit: a dead roll of film to practice loading the reels in the light. Loading is easy, but does require a few practice runs before you get the feel for how it all works. Edit edit: nice to have - a [cheap LED light table](https://www.amazon.com/LITENERGY-Ultra-Thin-Adjustable-Streaming-Stenciling/dp/B07H7FLJX1/ref=sr_1_5?crid=JY7OFLMJH3CT&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.61qfiR8RVpnn2GzLmXKBVS46bFxm_BGTUlQGC_-sT8KBiec5c2HuBYRWDEUZfqOH-eJ9wMRnEZGUIqRUa8K-wlQBOPR2-y-vHNm_qlEkEWnu9Mb_00s-0ywkgK9QWZuNgwUyDtBVWGE-NeNKUrpDrij75cwJaYMUkmWi4mY4g2dkAoHjxaJ3DxKOpl16f5Kk9XYZunifmj3hZE6NnWdOj2JoTi36CGdvwLsB_7Hr2qU4PfUcZTe6zBsaqF8vwCKnJ9n-w-a2g0rrYvRPIu_2KcWqdFDLlYws5PHeEBvtRQc.nR0Vub05X56Fn0a5CiZPrek3YBGnt1QVry0yDx-z8S8&dib_tag=se&keywords=light%2Btable&qid=1727791993&sprefix=lightsbe%2Caps%2C156&sr=8-5&th=1) and a loupe for looking at your news. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-omnibus-film-photography-thread/1007354.md?page=8)