In this three-session class you will learn how to use a film camera, how to process black and white film, and how to print some of the pictures. Even if you have never even held a "real" camera in your hands, you'll discover how to load the film into the camera, and how to take good photographs.Then you will use the MAC darkroom to develop the film and make black and white prints to show off your images.
Supplies are included in the class tuition fee of $150. Bring your own 35 mm camera or borrow one of ours.
Three sessions, two and a half hours per session.
First three Wednesdays in December 10, 17 and the last session TBD. 1:00 PM to 3:30 PM.
Two student maximum class size.
Age limit: 18+
Syllabus Session 1: Taking pictures
Load film into the camera
Verify that it is advancing
Reminder to not open until the film is rewound
Figure out how to rewind it
Note about how the film is attached to the spool
Take some pictures outdoors
The goal is to take some pictures before it gets dark
Basic camera operation
A quick walk around the park Exposure test, -4, -2, 0, +2, +4, +6, +8
Brief lighting discussion: Sun behind, Sun to side, directly into Sun
Model tip: Pose diagonally
Photographer tip: Get closer. Find “comfortable” distance, then take two steps forward!
Loading the developing tank
Hands-on practice of loading film into developing tank, preparation for next week
Discussion “It’s always darker than you think!” One “stop” is a doubling or halving of the amount of light For example, 1/125 second compared to 1/250 second For example, f/4 compared to f/5.6 Reciprocity “Sunny f/16” and its dangers
Photographer tip: Try snapshot settings, 1/60 second, f/8, 6 feet distance Just a bit of the history of photography, as time permits
Homework: Expose two rolls of Ilford FP4+ film Use your own creative photographic ideas! Browse through this online book from Kodak, it’s old but still helpful. https://archive.org/details/howtotakegoodpic00east
Session 2: Developing film
Load the developing tank
Review loading film into developing tank again
Do it with your two rolls!
See handout for developing plan
Calculating dilutions of the processing chemicals
Load the film into the tank
Mix the chemicals
Develop the film using these steps:
Develop the latent image on the film
Stop the development
Fix the image by removing the undeveloped silver halide
Wash the fixer and remaining silver out of the emulsion Wetting agent Wipe off excess water with your fingers
Hang up the film to dry
By the end of this session, each student should have two developed rolls of film.
Homework: Watch the MAC darkroom safety video https://www.manitouartcenter.org/darkroom-cert
Session 3: Enlarging and printing
Discussion: How the enlarger works
Mixing chemicals, basically the same as for film
Focusing Making a test print
Hints for making better prints
See handout for print developing plan
Similar to the film processing plan
Make some prints!
Supplies: Supplies provided by MAC, per student: Two rolls of Ilford FP4+ 35 mm film Film developer, stop, fixer, and wetting agent chemicals Paper developer, stop, and fixer chemicals Paper, ten 8x10” sheets per student
Supplies provided by student: 35 mm camera, if you have one, or you can borrow one from the MAC
Important: If you want to use your own camera, please verify that it’s in good working condition and has a new battery. Cameraworks at Union and Academy will do a free check of the shutter and light meter.
Notebook
Pencil
Optional safety supplies: Safety glasses
Nitrile or vinyl gloves
Apron
Cheerful demeanor! :-)