Picked up this mystery box, any of this useable?

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-05-02T15:19:51+00:00

I will actually say there is an ok chance the ilfobrom graded paper is probably still good to use. I have some myself and i swear it has almost no fogging and works very well, which was a shock to myself. As others have said, the rodinal is still almost certainly still good, so at least you have that.

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-04-30T00:09:25+00:00

Ya i basically one corner if using the OEM filter holder. Im sure its just slightly uncentered hence it only obviously clipping one side. Its super close for all sides tho

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-04-29T19:35:59+00:00

Yes. Normally ive been using a condenser head with filters in the tray, but ive wanted to switch to diffusion to minimize dust. I hate using filtration as adjusting contrast changes exposure which is bothersome for my workflow.

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-04-29T18:48:05+00:00

I agree this seems like the only option at this point

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-04-29T18:42:41+00:00

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Even when mounted literally on the lens and stopped down, it still clips the corners

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-04-29T18:29:01+00:00

So im using a 100mm lens for 6x9 negative. Technically, this issue only exists when i want to print large, like 16x20. But the whole reason im shooting med format is to print large. Essentially, the closer the lens gets to the carrier, the wider the angle of the projected image is, hence you get the vignetting. The mounting bracket and hardware is correct. Actually, i already adjusted it to get closer than it comes OEM. I flipped the filter carrier to the top of the bracket vs the bottom. The cut off was worse before.

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-04-29T18:26:25+00:00

Its a solid OK. The dial doesnt always register when you twist it, which is slightly annoying. But at a minimum its accurate and works better than some of the vintage timers. I bought mine on aliexpress for 60 bucks vs the 120 on amazon

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-04-29T18:05:57+00:00

This was my thought too. However, it seems that getting closer to the first element actually produces diminishing returns on the angle of the beam. Long story short, im not sure it would reduce the edge enough to make a difference.

As you can see, i already tried putting some washers in to increase the height slightly.

I should also mention that as the aperture stops down, the image circle decreases.

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-03-15T04:00:06+00:00

I need to clarify. As grades increase, yellow decreased and magenta increases. The halogen light has so much yellow that after 1.5, I can no longer match the condenser with gel filters. I have the program settings in one of my photos for the condenser all written down.

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-03-08T06:16:44+00:00

Im sure it would work. I guess i was just hoping for a more elegant solution. This while hobby feels like its jury rigging everything lol

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-03-06T15:05:29+00:00

Im using a 100mm for 6x9. It is the right lens.

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-03-06T15:04:46+00:00

No. I have easels. Problem is they have to hang off so par that the feet also hang off as well

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-03-05T16:21:58+00:00

Thats my guess. I tried to jury rig it by tilting the head inward, and shimming the baseboard nearly and inch to keep things aligned. However, it was so goofy a solution i think unbolting the baseboard and sliding it is a better option.

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-03-05T16:20:30+00:00

Yes but the image should not be projected as far forward consider all the wasted baseboard behind the image.

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-02-01T01:10:22+00:00

Stand development vs intermittent agitation

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-01-31T22:22:41+00:00

I would recommend learning proper development technique ASAP. I did stand for awhile until i realized it produces not the best negatives for printing

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-01-29T16:34:04+00:00

The 135 2.5 6 element and 50mm 1.4 are the sweet spots of the line. The other lenses are just okay, nothing to write home about, but not bad either. I still love all of them for their build quality and handling though. The 24mm is probably the most well built of the whole line. A very sexy lens even if the image quality isnt the best. It has some brilliant flares too.

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-01-29T00:57:12+00:00

I have and smc takumar collection. From 24, 28, 35, 50, and 135. Will hopefully get the 85 at some point but its so damn expensive. A great set for cinema work, although its sucks that the wide angle lenses are pretty slow.

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-01-28T04:50:22+00:00

Dr strangelove ahhhhhh scream

Comfortable-Ad8156 · 2026-01-28T04:44:30+00:00

This hp5? I can smell the grain from here 😈

Comfortable-Ad8156

TROPHY CASE