First roll of the year!

Photographically I’ve had a slow start to the year, in fact my first roll of film, although started in January, I’ve only just used up and developed in early February. Almost un-heard of for me. I had to go to the local town of Wimborne for an appointment, so decided as it had been a while since I’d used it, to take the Pentax ME Super with me. I had the 50mm standard lens on the front and inside a roll of my Ilford (ex-movie) FP4+, bulk loaded, now 27 years out-of-date!

I loaded the film without issue, but with the first couple of exposures, I was suspicious of the shutter – it just didn’t seem correct. Maybe a bit slow, or maybe the mirror return? I carried on regardless. Next time I used the camera, I remained suspicious, but with the film developed I can see no issue, even with exposure. I’ve decided to leave the camera out to hand, so I can click the shutter a few times each evening, to “give it some work”!

Likewise the developer – I had mixed up my FX55 last October. For those of you who are interested, I’m using the “Gainer Mod”. FX55 is a two part developer that has a part A, this has no active developing agent in it, and so lasts almost indefinitely. Part B is the developing agents. To be honest I really can’t be bothered to faff about with adding dry chemicals just before I’m about to develop, so I use the so-called “Gainer Mod” – a liquid version that uses TEA (Triethanolamine), this goes like treacle over time, so I was doubtful of its effectiveness. I chanced it and proceeded as normal – It worked fine! So I know now I can keep it for at least 4 months.