Robin_
Hello forum members,
Do you have any tips for me on how to develop photos (both negatives and positives)
so that they really look as though they were taken during
the period mentioned above? Personally, I find this ‘look’ the most beautiful and I
only take photos with old cameras. The choice of film is important, of course; with the CHS 100 I’ve
already achieved quite authentic results. But are there certain rules or techniques that one
needs to bear in mind? Thanks in advance.
Best regards, Robin
TR
Yes, you’re on the right track with a CHS film. An orthochromatic film would be better, though. But there’s hardly any of that left.
This post demonstrates an attempt to ‘adjust’ a still-available ‘Lith film’ in such a way as to achieve reasonably good mid-tones. Your main problem, however, will be finding an authentic lens. You cannot use “modern” lenses. You need an uncoated lens – ideally on a 6x9 or larger camera – from that era. A light “Duto soft-focus filter”, which is unobtrusive, will be of help to you, at least for portraits. If you wish to take portraits, you should be aware that the subjects’ different facial features and make-up alone will contribute to the impression your image makes. You won’t be able to change the former, at least.
Robin_
Thanks in advance for the great tips. When it comes to photography, I only ever use cameras like the Agfa Box 44, Kodak Junior or Zorki I. I’m more of a snapper – so fewer portraits and more everyday scenes with people in suitable outfits. I’m not really concerned with the ‘perfection’ of the prints either. Ideally, 6x9 contact prints in my grandad’s old enlarger frame.
What else should I bear in mind?
Best regards
TiMo
Hi Robin,
Perhaps you could use a developer that was already available back then.
Best wishes, Tim
Robin_
So, for negative processing, I use Adonal. Would Adotol be the authentic choice for paper, so to speak?
Best regards
Tandemfahren
Hi Robin,
The choice of paper developer (apart from Lith) makes practically no difference to the look at all.
Warm-tone paper reacts slightly to warm-tone developers, but that’s about it.
To put it ‘scientifically’, the tone curve is affected only minimally, and the granularity is practically unaffected.
If you want to tweak the colours in your image, you’ll need to tone your paper. That’s recommended anyway, for the sake of durability, and it’s great fun!
So get typing,
Frank
Robin_
Right, I’ve got it then. I don’t have much experience with clay yet. I’ve only tried it once. Is there anything else I need to bear in mind when shaping it that’s crucial for the look?
Best regards
TiMo
I meant film developer. Rodinal should do the job just fine.
I reckon the lens will have the biggest impact, alongside the film. The rest is just the icing on the cake.
You’ve got some old lenses, after all. It’ll be tricky with film. You’ll probably have to experiment to see if you can replicate the old emulsions.
I also think I’ve read that the old films were thicker. I can well imagine that had a big influence on the image too. Please correct me if I’m wrong here.
I hope we’ll get to see the results of your experiments too. That’s interesting.
Cheers, Tim
Robin_
I might just manage to shoot a film this weekend. I’ll definitely post something here then (provided it turns out all right, of course :))
Best wishes
sputnik
I’d pop down to the theatre prop store to pick up a few old Wehrmacht uniforms and dress my models in them.
That gives a far better 1930s/40s vibe than anything else.
Then add a bit of blurring or, alternatively, shutter speeds that are just about at the limit of what you can keep steady, and you’re all set.
And this is, of course, a must:
http://tinyurl.com/b82y6j4
But seriously: when it comes to paper, NOTHING beats Fomatone MG FB for that ‘old’ look!
Robin_
As well as photography, I’m also into ‘living history’ set during the Second World War. That’s why the uniforms aren’t a problem. I’ll post a few photos soon once I’m back home.
I’m always there on the side as a ‘photographer’.
I’ve already got an old lever-operated paper cutter with a Böttenschnitt blade. That’s the icing on the cake, so to speak.
Best regards
pittyman
But seriously: when it comes to paper, NOTHING beats Fomatone MG FB for that 'vintage' look!
I couldn’t agree more!!
Robin_
So, here’s a bit about the last event.
Robin_
I can't upload any more at the moment. I'm having
some sort of trouble with my mobile.
sputnik
That works!
Just soak the prints overnight in a pot of Earl Grey, stick them into an album you bought at a flea market, and give it to some slightly senile old bloke from the nearest care home to make him happy.
He’ll definitely tell you the craziest stories as soon as he’s spotted himself in the photos.
:-)
Robin_
Hahaha, I was in stitches just now. Nicely put ;)
Right, after a few attempts I’ve finally managed to upload one.
I’ve deliberately made them look a bit washed-out. I’ve seen that in lots of personal photos
from back then.
Best wishes
TiMo
That’s actually quite close.
You could also try a subtle sepia tone or leave the prints in selenium for a bit too long.
peterkrumm
Hahaha, I was in stitches just now. Well said;)
Right, after several attempts I’ve finally managed to upload one.
They’re deliberately a bit blurry. I’ve seen that in lots of private photos
from that era.
Regards
I don’t quite understand what you’re laughing at. That sort of picture would probably be more at home on the fan page of an NPD paramilitary group.
Go troll yourself over to the right-wing corner. We reject that sort of surreptitious advertising with flimsy excuses here!
Robin_
I don’t want to come across as rude, but have you ever looked into living history or re-enactment?
It’s got nothing to do with politics. There are re-enactments from all periods, and we work closely with museums that focus on the Second World War era. I’m not German by birth myself, so I won’t stand for accusations like that!
So do your research before you start shouting!
Good evening
peterkrumm
I don’t want to sound rude, but have you ever looked into living history or re-enactment?
You already have. How about a re-enactment of Dresden or Coventry?
That has nothing to do with politics. There are re-enactments of all eras, and we work closely with museums that focus on the Second World War. I’m not a native German myself, so I won’t stand for such accusations!
So do your research before you start shouting!
Good evening
We’ve just had ‘Living History’ with the NSU.
I’m not aware of any reputable museum that would place any value on such pseudo-scientific work.
And history certainly has something to do with politics. Even with the glorifying and sensationalist portrayal of wartime events.
You should reflect on this topic first before producing and publishing such rubbish.
There are miles of photographic, film and audio material from that era; there’s no need to re-enact such things unless you want to give yourself and your friends the appearance of respectability.
Your background doesn’t make it any better. It is rather a question of ‘honour’. That of the countless dead from this event. Those who survived Coventry and Dresden.
Take a look at Philip Reemtsma’s Wehrmacht exhibition; there you will find plenty of examples of how not to do it.
No pasaran!
