In the Weeds No. 2 Fujifilm FP-100c Negative Reclamation

Speed Graphic Graflex Optar 135 f4.7 FujiFilm FP-100c Negative Reclamation

I have toyed with the Fujifilm FP-100c negative reclamation process many times, usually with disappointing results, but sometimes I get an interesting outcome. This is one of those times. For me, it is the imperfections of the process that make it attractive. The resulting negatives are very thin and low contrast, at least in my experience, and scanning them is a challenge. The results have a pastel quality giving an ethereal feel or maybe my kalopsia is showing.

The original instant print can be found here: In The Weeds.  

Scanned using an HP Scanjet G4050 using Vuescan 9 x64 (9.5.85).

In The Weeds

Speed Graphic Graflex Optar 135 f4.7 FujiFilm FP-100c

I love instant film, especially the old pull and peel type which, unfortunately, appears to be a dying format. I will miss being able to load a pack of Fujifilm's FP-100c into my Polaroid 405 back and turning my Speed Graphic into a massive instant camera. There is just something about the soft contrast of this type of instant film that makes it unique.

Scanned using an HP Scanjet G4050 using HP's OEM Software.

Low Winter Sun

Speed Graphic Grafex Optar 135 f4.7 FujiFilm FP-100c - The sky was an amazing blue this afternoon and I took the chance to break out the Speed Graphic and shoot some Fujifilm FP-100c.
Scanned with a HP Scanjet G4050 using HP's OEM software.

Instant Autumn

Speed Graphic Grafex Optar 135 f4.7 FujiFilm FP-100c - Autumn is my favorite season, the crisp cool air, the color and the world just seems to smell cleaner... Shooting up through the changing leaves of a mammoth Black Walnut Tree, a single cloud floating by in the clear blue sky. Perfect.
Scanned with a HP Scanjet G4050 using HP's OEM software.

Light, Shadow and Instant Film 2

Speed Graphic Graflex Optar 135 f4.7 FujiFilm FP-100c - I just liked the tones and contrast beneath my feet. The FP-100c did a great job rendering them. This film never ceases to amaze me, it captured the scene perfectly.
Scanned with a HP Scanjet G4050 using HP's OEM software.

Light, Shadow and Instant Film.

Speed Graphic Grafex Optar 135 f4.7 FujiFilm FP-100c - The mid-day sun pouring into my living room on a cool Autumn day. The Speed Graphic makes a great instant camera using the Polaroid 405 instant back. Framing can be challenging using the 4x5 format optical viewfinder of the Speed Graphic due to the 3x4 format of the pack film used in the 405 back. Someday I need to spend some time making a mask for the viewfinder more accurate.
Scanned using a HP Scanjet G4050 using HP's OEM scanning software.

Scotch Tape is not Bleach Proof

Calumet Cambo View Camera Schneinder-Kreuznach Symmar 210mm f5.6 FujiFilm FP-100C Instant Pack Film Negative Reclamation - Another attempt at Fujifilm FP-100C Negative reclamation. For those of you that did not know, there is a negative hiding under a black coating on the discarded side of Fujifilm's pull and peel instant films. With a little effort and some chlorine bleach, the negative can be revealed. I really need to break down and buy some good gaffers tape, as Scotch Tape just does not cut it against the bleach. The tape lifts before all of the black backing goo is removed exposing the emulsion to the bleach. The results are both dramatic and appealing, if unpredictable. The image reminds me of a color wet plate process.

There are a number of different approaches to the negative reclamation process. The process found here, does not use tape, instead opting for a wetted negative on glass to protect the emulsion. See the YouTube video, of the process for more detail.

Below are the steps of the Process, Original Instant Print , Reclaimed Negative and Scanned Negative.

Wilted Passions (Instant Love)

Calumet Cambo View Camera Schneinder-Kreuznach Symmar 210mm f5.6 FujiFilm FP-100C Instant Pack Film - I do not believe our strongest passions ever die. They may wilt, dormant, but they are always there. We may never choose to breathe life back into our passions. Ignored they shrivel, simply awaiting the warmth of our attention to be revived. For me, Photography was one of those wilted passions. A love that the became a career, and the career displaced the love. The love is back.

I am finding my way with large format photography. 35mm and Medium Format had always been my weapons of choice. The tedious nature of view cameras did not appeal to me in my unfocused youth. I guess  have calmed, if only a little.

Instant!

Graflex Speed Garphic Optar 135mm f4.7 FUJIFILM FP-100B Instant Film - I have always loved Instant film, especially pull and peel pack films. I recent picked up a Polaroid 405 Back for my Graflex. This my first time using FUJFILM's instant film. The FP-100B seems like a great film. Sharp, good contrast and decent latitude.