Consistently bad...

[zachary]

Im kinda upset. So, I bought this Sears/Ricoh camera that had no meter, thinking Ive shot without a meter before and I dont really need it. Well, im getting consistently bad photos. Like, almost 100% are bad.

I dont know what to do. Here are a few samples, any suggestions?


Flickr: zeblikesfilm's Photostream

[zachary]

nevermind, i just realized it was a bad batch. False alarm.

[contributor_M]

What type of film did you use?

[zachary]

Originally Posted by contributor_M

What type of film did you use?

Arista 100.

But I think what happened was I screwed up the development process. I tried something different ( a presoak) and it came out almot grainier and sloppier than last time.

[Valerie]

Presoak shouldn't mess up film. Certainly not make it grainier. Not sure what you mean by sloppier....

[zachary]

I dont know, this batch of film just looked alot worse than my last one.

[venchka]

Consistency is your friend. Plus-X is a very good film. Master exposure & development. Any new camera needs testing. The shutter may be off. Testing will tell you how to use the camera, lens, film & developer.

[Valerie]

Also, there are 2 Aristas.... Edu and Premium. Make sure you are using the correct dev time for your film.

[zachary]

Im trading it for a body WITH a meter. Im getting inconsistent results shooting without one.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by Valerie

Also, there are 2 Aristas.... Edu and Premium. Make sure you are using the correct dev time for your film.

That I did not know. If your Arista 100 is Foma, all bets are off.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by zachary

Im trading it for a body WITH a meter. Im getting inconsistent results shooting without one.

A quick search of TPF will locate a post of mine wherein I said: Buy a good camera. Once. It's cheaper in the long run.
Nikon F, F2, or F3 come to mind.

[venchka]

Originally Posted by venchka

A quick search of TPF will locate a post of mine wherein I said: Buy a good camera. Once. It's cheaper in the long run.
Nikon F, F2, or F3 come to mind.

However, that will NOT solve your exposure/development woes without proper testing of said camera+film+developer system.
Ya savy?

[venchka]

sign up for Valerie's course.

[zachary]

Im sticking with M42. Im looking at finding a good Fujica ST605n.

[venchka]

Fair enough. M42? Universal thread mount? a.k.a. Pentax? There are lots of good Pentax cameras around. AND there is a super Pentax Doctor in Tennessee who can make a Pentax good as new if you ever need work.

2. Load the Batteries

Insert two nickel-zinc batteries, one on top of the other, into the battery chamber with the plus sides (+) facing outward and close the cover.

· If you are buying new batteries, be sure to specify 1.5V silver oxide batteries (Eveready S-76E, Mallory MS-76H or UCAR S-76E)

Accept no substitures. Alkaline batteries won't do.