Recent content by Kevin Allan

I am used to thinking that a 35mm SLR which doesn't have a stop down lever is at a disadvantage compared to one that does. But in reality, I never use the stop down lever because the resulting screen dimness is too much of an issue. I just try to estimate whether the depth of focus will suit my...

Most of my recent experience has been with HC110. I have used it to develop FP4 Type 517, and Fomapan films in 120 and large format. But I have only shot very little of Fomapan in 35mm. It does seem to me that achieving fine grain and box speed with 35mm Foma films might be optimistic.

I will probably do a restock soon to give me enough film for 18-24 months; after that my useage may change from "film by default" to occasional use only. I've heard there are some new-fangled cameras that don't need film; maybe it's time to give it a try ;)

Fed 4 camera with a pinhole lens cap, Adox HR50 film Concrete dream by Kevin Allan, on Flickr

Wayne, the developing times for FP4 Type 517 are typically quite long; the sellers' recommended time for HC110 dilution B is 14 minutes or 7 minutes in Dilution A. The list of times is here - https://www.analoguecameras.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/ILFORD-FP4-TYPE517-1.pdf The times for...

I'm about 10 rolls in to a batch of D23, replenished since the fourth roll. I haven't got green developer (no Fomapan has been through it) but I do find that the colour changes over time. When I first pour it back in the colour it may be less than purely clear but it becomes clearer within a few...

8x10 pinhole paper negatives at the worlds' oldest railway. Tanfield Railway - 8x10 pinhole paper negative by Kevin Allan, on Flickr Luxury trackside seating by Kevin Allan, on Flickr Tanfield Railway - 8x10 pinhole paper negative by Kevin Allan, on Flickr Tanfield Railway - 8x10...

Olympus 35RC, Ilford FP4 Type 517, D23 replenished Nenthead lead mine by Kevin Allan, on Flickr

Possibly, which is one more reason to seek an app that allows calibration to a known accurate meter.

Olympus 35RC, Ilford FP4 type 517 film, developed in D23 replenished A rough track

Olympus 35RC, Ilford FP4 type 517 film, developed in D23 replenished West Allendale ruins 1 by Kevin Allan, on Flickr West Allendale ruins 2 by Kevin Allan, on Flickr

Update to my previous comment. I've just downloaded the Light Me app for Android and it gave me a reading almost identical to Film Photography Viewfinder.

I haven't used that particular app but I have used a few others - on android I prefer Film Photography Viewfinder which provides other functions as well. Many light meter apps have a calibration function, either within the app itself or the Settings function of the phone. This allows you to set...

Coronet Twelve-20 box camera and FP4+ A ghost on Whitby steps by Kevin Allan, on Flickr

More from Nenthead lead mine. Horseman 45HD and Ilford HP5+ Nenthead lead mine by Kevin Allan, on Flickr The explosives store at Nenthead lead mine by Kevin Allan, on Flickr This one is FP4+ Nenthead lead mines by Kevin Allan, on Flickr