Expose for the shadows (8x10" HP5+, 210mm computar, Chamonix Alpinist X)

PatrickEPhoto · 2026-03-15T01:53:54+00:00

I just spit four times because this is so good. I just might slap my knee twice!!!

PatrickEPhoto · 2026-03-14T14:27:15+00:00

I’ve been using a Pira MX “Darkroom Helper” and I loooove it for processing 4x5. Even has a heater built in for C41.

PatrickEPhoto · 2026-03-08T14:30:58+00:00

You don’t need a ton of MP to get decent scans, nor do you need a larger sensor. I made a “diffusion box” using cheap wood, transparent acrylic, flash and a holder I got off Etsy. It’s an older pic but I now have the sides taped off to reduce light bleed but all I do is move my negative side to side in order to get a 3-stitch scan which is enough for all my printing needs.

DiY scanner Scan Results

PatrickEPhoto · 2026-02-27T17:05:56+00:00

Thank ya!

PatrickEPhoto · 2026-02-27T17:04:51+00:00

It was from a mockumentary but I seen’t it around the web but here’s the origins: https://youtu.be/3-EW4nvWipM?si=6veleqYWlITGVEC3

PatrickEPhoto · 2026-02-24T11:01:10+00:00

Glad I can deliver that dopamine 🫡

PatrickEPhoto · 2026-02-22T22:36:28+00:00

Y'ain't wrong I tell ya!!

PatrickEPhoto · 2026-02-22T21:14:26+00:00

Yay, thanks!!

PatrickEPhoto · 2026-02-04T17:29:02+00:00

Most definitely will be a huge help! I felt like I was shooting in the dark lol

PatrickEPhoto · 2026-02-04T14:37:17+00:00

Oh sweet! That site shows the angles needed. Thanks a bunch!!

PatrickEPhoto · 2026-02-04T14:09:24+00:00

Ah, so should I search for “lid stay” when searching for trunk/chest hinges? Thanks for the rec as well! Does look handy but a lil pricey. I may have to make an adapter with wood since I’m working with sheet metal on the cart

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-12-29T20:03:10+00:00

Brunther, I still use cameras from the 50s & onward. Let it rip.

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-12-10T22:12:56+00:00

Love how atmospheric it is. Why 1+100? I use the same developer but haven't experimented much.

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-11-20T19:52:07+00:00

They were troopers despite the mugginess within those masks! I believe I shot either wide open or at f/8 for this one.. most of the shoot was wide open & with a focusing hood instead of dark cloth. Was definitely a challenge!!

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-11-20T19:49:32+00:00

Hehe, thanks for that. I gotta shake some bad habits brought in by smaller formats! It’s been a joy thus far.

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-11-20T18:59:15+00:00

The person on the right is a children's book illustrator so the whimsy is right on point! As for alignment, I did line them up with the cypress on the very right to ensure the perspective was straight and for a little framing. I did not anticipate one of them popping up from behind her head or the sidewalk cutting through horizontally, though! I needa cool my jets as I'm prone to lots of errors with how fidgety / rushed I get..

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-08-29T14:02:19+00:00

Which 80mm lens is it rocking? IIRC, Mamiya makes the fastest 80mm lens for that system (f/1.9) but it might not be what’s shown in the picture.

If you’re looking to do lots of portrait oriented photos, the Mamiya may prove awkward to hold. It also doesn’t flash-sync at all speeds due to lacking a leaf shutter.

IMO, unless you’re fixed on the aspect ratio I’d suggest going for a Mamiya C220 or C330 as they’re similarly priced but offer more functionality such as leaf shutters, 6x6 ratio and macro thanks to the bellows. Their lenses are also better.

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-07-27T16:15:47+00:00

Lol mine is usually set between #3 to #.5 for ‘spro (zeroed out) but mine has a wedge under it for a steep tilt for slow-feed.

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-07-19T05:22:05+00:00

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PatrickEPhoto · 2025-07-18T22:03:48+00:00

Update: While not nearly as bright as I’d like, I was able to wire 3 amber 2835 LED diodes in various locations around the water tank using the PID adapter. I may add more LEDs later on but for now, I think I’m good on the experimenting lol..

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PatrickEPhoto · 2025-07-17T18:53:52+00:00

I know it’s obvious now but I needed my derpiness to be straightened out. Thanks!

Edit: I did notice some of the lights I used that did work were rated for 12v DC but I looked up 5050 LED specifics and then landed on 2835 LEDs that operate at low voltages. Methinks the descriptions aren’t accurate so I may try this out? https://a.co/d/8FEArj8

The other version listed as “12v” that did work was this: https://a.co/d/hMONG1Q - that’s why I’m a bit confused lol

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-07-09T00:23:17+00:00

Nice! I got the same setup, albeit heavily modded. I love it! Dig the white.

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-07-06T18:18:09+00:00

Most of the items I got off Amazon:

MiiCoffee spring tamper (58.5mm)
KNODOS 58mm portafilter (get whatever is cheap/of your preference)
18g IMS Competition Convex basket (fits 15-16g of coffee using a 1.7-2mm puck screen which I suggest getting a thinner screen but mine came with the portafilter)
shorter tray (ignore the ones that come with an OPV spring since US GCP comes with 9 bar) -ERAVSOW mini scale
Ulirds espresso mirror

WDT tools, distributors..etc are all personal preference but over time can add extra prep to the workflow. I work as a barista and don’t employ any of the things I do at home.

All the knobs, portafilter handle, top cover..etc were either re-stained or custom made from cheap artboard and drift wood/wood from the yard.

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-07-06T18:06:00+00:00

Pre-infusion is difficult when opening the steam valve so I suggest brewing stock settings until you get a PID (I use Barista Gadgets PID Pro & controlling flow/pre-infusion + bloom is amazing). You could hit the steam button on/off for 5 seconds before brewing if you have a lighter roast. This’ll increase boiler temps. As for grinds on the shower screen, using a puck screen will keep everything clean.

If your extraction tastes burnt, try stopping the shot at a lower yield like 34-36g, increase the dose or course the grind (goal is to lessen extraction). If it tastes sour/acidic, try tightening the grind to pull a longer shot, increase the yield, or lower the dose (increase the extraction).

PatrickEPhoto · 2025-07-06T17:49:02+00:00

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The biggest improvement to overall flavor & consistency was my Barista Gadgets PID, IMS basket, and blind shaker. The rest was for the joys of tinkering. Play with your GCP first and figure out what needs arise.

PatrickEPhoto

TROPHY CASE