I put a new set of light seals on the FM2 and repaired the lever. I also repaired the Lunasix 3s in the image (very easy repair).

This is the first frame of the first film processed from it after the repair. Processed in HC110 as before and using T-Max 400

Incredibly satisfying! Even though I missed a sunny day doing this and processing. Once again – a very low resolution scan. I need a clean scanning area!

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Trying to print the images is difficult! I hoped to create an almost “cut out” feel to these swan images but fell short. Never mind first couple of films – and a lot of fun.

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I am having difficulty getting negatives to be the density and contrast range I want. Low light images, in particular, are difficult to get to a density for scanning. I may try other developers/concentrations. Also, I have been using 400 asa film – shall try some finer grain film now.

Binning Woods is a 301 acre woodland on the Tyninghame Estate, East Lothian.

It also houses a Memorial Woodland. I did not take any snaps in this area, it felt wrong. However, it was a tranquil and very emotional area to visit.

So – some snaps of my walk with Badger this afternoon. A grey sky, occasional light rain but a nice walk.

I just processed my first Black and White film from my 120 camera. Actually, my second. The first film was completely blank and I still have no idea why. Which is a bit concerning.

Anyway – I took 10 snaps as soon as I realised it might be a camera issue and they were of nothing in particular. 5 were tests with numbers on them to check the camera was ok. So, really, these are the first real snaps taken using my new film camera. Ilford HP5+ processed in HC110 – dilution of 1:31 and process time is 5 minutes at 20C. Grainy images but pleasing to have started! I scanned them using an Epson V550 and only scanned at 2400 dpi to save disk space. Lots to re-learn and a lot to learn for the first time.

I would not do it the same next time but I have now tested the processing and made tentative steps to scanning the negs. Next – back into the darkroom with some images I actually want to print and keep :-)

It stayed dry all afternoon. Some strange light and fields made it enjoyable.

As I got near East Linton this Quarry appeared in front of me! I had no idea it even existed.