Step 7 — Add Roll Numbers and Descriptive Information Into a Searchable Microsoft Word Table To Assist In Ease of Location and Retrieval

Look I’m not a computer jockey so this has to be simple or I’m not doing it! And that’s the reason I am using a Microsoft Word table instead of creating a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that would accomplish the same thing but is beyond my simple skillset.  Of course you are probably not limited to using these programs, but many people have them on their computers.

You have made your proof sheets and have filed them into notebooks using the same numbers as their corresponding archival negative sleeve pages. Great … now here’s an added, and for some an optional step to help you locate that elusive negative because you’re making so many of them lately!  Think of this as an accessory to turbocharge your filing system, which is pretty damn good to begin with!

Here is all you have to do – for each negative size (e.g., 35mm, 120, 4×5, etc.) that you have books for (that’s the way I do it) create a simple table consisting of three columns – (1) Roll/sheet page number; Proof Sheet Title; and Year Made. You can decide how you wish to sort the columns – by year, alphabetically, etc. It’s up to you!  Then you add the information taken from your numbered and titled proof sheet pages.  Ok it’s a little bit of typing but once finished you will have a completely searchable database (using the “find” function) and you will always be able to locate that one negative you can’t seem to find!

The Show That Never Was and Some Irony

This weekend the organizers of the annual Phillips Mill Photographic Exhibition that I had been selected for put up a number of the prints so the exhibitors could get together in a brief one-time social distanced fashion to see the work hung as it was meant to be.  I met some nice photographers, was filmed, then took my pictures off the wall and came home. It was a worthwhile experience.  My lingering disappointment was not getting to meet the esteemed  juror, Emmit Gowan. Perhaps another time … I hope so.

Someone there told me that one of my pictures was pretty ironic, given the current situation, and when you see it now perhaps it is.  What I remember the day I made it was how much fun I had hanging out with the police waiting for the rain to stop and the parade to begin. It’s easy to think the worst of people and many deserve it for all the reasons we are painfully aware of.  But I’d like to think the police I met that day were a great group of people who serve their community with honor, and that is how I will choose to remember them.

I sincerely hope we have the type of meaningful national discussion concerning racism and related issues in this country that is long overdue.

Stay safe,

Michael

Inaugural Monalog Collective Photographers Outing, September 10-12, 2020, Easton, Pennsylvania

That’s right everyone … announcing the Inaugural Monalog Collective Photographers Outing!!!  Now is the chance you have been waiting for to meet up with yours truly and other likeminded black and white analog photographers and do what we love … photograph! But there’s so much more! I’m so excited about this opportunity to get together that I can hardly contain myself!!

The Monalog Collective Photographer’s Outing is a chance for black and white analog photographers to meet, make photographs and have a great time.  It is also an opportunity for photographers that are not members of Monalog to interact with and learn more about the Monalog Collective.  The Outing is limited to 25 participants and will be based in the picturesque town of Easton, Pennsylvania situated on the shores of the Delaware River.  Easton is nearby beautiful Bucks County and the Lehigh Valley and is close to many small river towns, as well as Bethlehem and Allentown Pennsylvania.  This means that there is an abundance of diverse subject matter to satisfy every photographer. It is easily accessible from Philadelphia, New York City, Allentown and Newark. There are a number of local hotels and bed and breakfasts, along with plenty of restaurants in the area.

We will begin our event with a group “get to know you” diner at a local restaurant (TBD) on Thursday evening.

Friday will be devoted primarily to making photographs. We will all meet at 8:30am at a central location and take it from there. No pressure and no expectations. The idea is to be with other photographers, have fun and be mutually supportive.  We will have a number of locations scouted out where participants can meet up, or you can go your own way freestyle, as there is no shortage of subject matter to be photographed.

On Friday evening at 7pm we will all meet for a talk by Monalog Collective member and analog photography historian, Chris Karfakis. The talk will be held at the beautiful Stirner Modern Gallery located in downtown Easton.

On Saturday we will meet again at 8:30am, then depart for more photographing. At 2pm we will reconvene at the studio and darkroom of Monalog member and working photographer Ed Eckstein located above the Stirner Modern Gallery. The concluding session will include a tour and discussion by Ed about his work, as well as participant feedback, thoughts on possible next steps, upcoming events and how to get involved with Monalog.

We will adjourn at 4pm so participants can begin to head home or stay in the area for dinner.

Come join us and be part of this exciting Monalog inaugural event! There is no cost, but you will want to sign up early to ensure participation.

I look forward to seeing you in September!

For more information contact me at:

info@michaelmarksphoto.com; info@monalogcollective.com or 215-348-9171

Stay safe,

Michael

Alien Resurrection

No silly, I’m not talking referring to the movie!  I am talking about the reintroduction of a medium format rangefinder into my photo system.  Thankfully it’s not GAS (Note: for the uninitiated see my previous discussions on Gear Acquisition Syndrome), as I have actually been happily and productively using it now for two years!  I don’t write about my gear that often, so now that it has stuck, time for a quick update!

A lot has transpired, so here are the cliff notes.  For a period of my life I used the Plaubel Makina 670 medium format folding rangefinder camera, equipped with the outrageous fixed Nikkor 80mm f2.8 lens.  I had that camera for a long time and it replaced everything I owned.  As have discussed before, the 80mm on 6×7 equates to a 40mm when using a 35mm camera and it may be an ideal focal length if you were to only have or wish to use one lens.  It was a quirky but spectacular combination.  Not for everyone, but it travelled all over the world with me until it started to develop some interesting problems. I regrettably sold it and replaced it with a more modern Mamiya 7II medium format rangefinder camera, equipped with the equally great Mamiya 80mm f4.0 lens. I made some very nice pictures with that camera too but realized while visiting a West Bank refugee camp that rapid film changing was not its strong suit. It also wasn’t a folder.

This experience forced me to think about the best tools for me, for the job at hand.  So back to Leica rangefinders and single lens reflex cameras for situations where having these types of camera made sense for me.

My Leicas have served me well all these years and continue to do so, but several years ago I started trying a few medium format rangefinders out. Could I recreate the Plaubel experience … and did it matter anymore?

Some interesting cameras came through my doors, often not staying very long.  First I tried another 670.  The magic was gone and so out went the Plaubel.  Mamiya 6 … not for me … still didn’t like the square format.  Mamiya 7 … been there, done it. Bronica RF645, nice in some ways but the negative was not large enough for me to make a difference.  Bessa III … another quirky folder that didn’t do it for me.  I finally decided to try the “Texas Leica”.  That’s right; I’m talking about the Fuji GW690 6X9 format camera with a fixed 90mm focal length lens (Note: Fuji made three variants of this camera, all using the same body and lens; the GW690, GW680 and GW670.  They produce 6X9, 6X8 and 6X7 negative sizes respectively and the 90mm lens becomes roughly a 40, 45 or 50mm lens equivalent in 35mm terms depending on the negative size.).

I located a nice GW690 in Japan and pulled the trigger.  Here is what I found after trying one myself. The weight is fine, despite what you have read by people that haven’t used one.  The 40/45/50mm equivalent fixed lens is a wonderful all rounder. I already knew that from previous experience.  It was also a fine performer.  Finally it had a similar form factor as my Leica, albeit MUCH larger. Reasons for choosing 6×9 – the largest negative for greatest quality and the same longish aspect ratio as 35mm that I really like.  I provide this information because there is so much disinformation about this wonderful camera/lens ensemble.  And because it just happens to be a real bargain!

I thought I had found the makings of real happiness. A 35mm rangefinder together with a 6×9 rangefinder make a nice combo and I began experimenting with carrying both in the same bag.  One for high-level resolution re: landscape and architecture, and the other for speed of handling for candids.

Then it happened.  I was communicating with another photographer and he told me he had a late near mint Plaubel Makina 670 that had been given a CLA by the German factory just before they shut down this service.  You probably know where this is heading. I couldn’t stop myself and the deal was done!

Guess what … third time has turned out to be the charm!  If this opportunity hadn’t come around perhaps I would still be using the Fuji. Don’t know, but what I can tell you is that the feeling I had so many years ago with my first 670 was back!  Not sure what transpired with #2, but I have had a blast using this camera and results speak for themselves … for me!  Now for those that will say, but wait it’s electronic and you don’t like electronic cameras; you’re right. However, I have removed the battery and don’t use the meter. Nothing to clutter the viewfinder … same look as with my Leicas.

So what’s going on?  For now I have settled into a routine that utilizes the Plaubel for a variety of applications including candid situations where I know I won’t be hurried or don’t require the fastest of response in close quarters. When the Plaubel is not the appropriate tool for the job I am using my Leicas. Tri-X film with both systems.  In the last month or so I have exposed some twenty rolls of 120.  And I really don’t feel conflicted over which camera/format to use. Either camera would work well, but I have found what is the right combination for me at this time, and what’s more, I feel a new sense of energy and excitement. What could be better!

Stay safe,

Michael

Falling in Love

I knew I wasn’t very happy anymore. I’d had it with the whole Washington scene. It’s really right about what they say there, “If you want a friend, get a dog”. I was becoming blocked and loosing interest in photography of all things. What I needed to do was fall in love with something, be it new or something rediscovered that truly mattered to me. Then do whatever was necessary to clear out all the underbrush in my life that was getting in the way of what was really important. Get that done and I could get on with my life again. Sounds pretty simple … right?  Well, not exactly. In my case there were a number of things that truly mattered. It took a lot of work and several years to accomplish.

First and foremost it was imperative to change my environment and get out of the DC area. This turned out to be one of the most important things I have ever done, just as moving there in the first place with no money and few prospects was thirty five years earlier.  Moving to Doylestown ended up being a real godsend. Being here opened up everything for me and launched a new creative phase. In short, I was in love! More photographing, establishing new and meaningful relationships, teaching, writing theses entries every week, exhibiting, and most recently founding the Monalog Collective.

What I did was pretty severe.  But I understood what had to be done and how was necessary it was to do it. I have a wonderful wife who is both a partner and best pal.  Thanks for taking this flier with me! My lifestyle has changed dramatically and I have a focus that is much more intense on what really matters … all because I fell in love again.

In this time of Covid-19 I think all of us as photographers and human beings should take a step back and think about what truly matters to us as individuals.  Is there is something lacking or holding you back from doing the work you want to do or from taking the next step to make our work better? If so perhaps you should stop, take a breath and dig deep within yourself to find out what you need to do to fall in love.  It may take some time, but life is a journey. Make the most of it.

Stay safe,

Michael

Memorial Day, 2020

There won’t be a parade this year in Doylestown and the solemn ceremony at the cemetery that takes place afterwards won’t happen either.  It will be the same throughout our country.  It’s a strange feeling because these events have become part of my life. My parents were both WWII veterans and I really love Memorial Day. I also enjoy photographing on Memorial Day and have made a number of images that are meaningful to me.  I miss all of it.

The important thing is not to forget those that sacrificed their lives for this country. It’s an easy thing to do and will be even easier this year … just another day at home during Covid-19.  Don’t do it!

This year we also need to remember all those that have worked tirelessly to make sure we are safe and that our daily needs have been met. Firefighters, police, healthcare workers, check out clerks, restaurant workers for our takeout, and all the other unsung heroes. Finally, we also need to have a silent moment for all those that have perished unnecessarily due to arrogance, selfishness, narcissism, falsehood and plain stupidity.  It didn’t have to be this way.

Happy Memorial Day and stay safe,

Michael

Inspirational and Important … “Joel Meyerowitz: How I Make Photographs”

On Saturday I participated in a virtual conversation with the great photographer Joel Meyerowitz and the International Center for Photography’s Managing Director of Programs David Campany.  Many thanks Susan for bring this to my attention!  Why might you ask would I be interested in hearing Meyerowitz talk, as the bulk of his career has focused on color work, and in recent years he has gone digital? The answer can be found in some of the points he made during the hour plus Zoom discussion.  Here are a few of the most important:

  • The heart of defining yourself as an artist is to know who you are.
  • “Watchfulness” allows you to put yourself in the proper place for the picture, either through movement in one direction or another, or by speed to get into the proper position to capture the scene.
  • Photography is all about description.
  • The way to differentiate your work today when everyone is taking pictures is to have an idea about yourself in “your time” and know what is meaningful to you. Otherwise don’t take the picture because you’re merely making a snapshot.
  • Find something personal. What do you respond to, not what others may respond to.
  • Street photography is about the “absurdity of life”; you need to be curious.
  • Develop people skills and communicate with them when you are photographing, as you need to be close in (6-8 feet).
  • If you are blocked or have plateaued, have the courage to break through and move on from what you have done (That is why he took up the 8×10).
  • Go back to earlier work you did to see what you have overlooked.

Meyerowitz’s thoughts are inspirational and important.  They apply to whatever type of photography you do and whatever tools and medium you use.

Meyerowitz is 82 years old.

He makes photographs every day.

Stay safe,

Michael

My Step 6 – Make Proof Sheets and File Into Notebooks using the Same Numbers as Corresponding Archival Negative Sleeve Pages

You already know how to make a Proper Proof because I told you everything you need to know. But just in case you need a refresher or missed it, check out my previous entries: “Don’t Be a Bozo — Make Proof Sheets!” and “My Photographic Process – Step 3 – Making a Proper Proof Sheet”.

Congratulations!  You have accomplished everything I talked about in “My Step 5 – Develop Film and File in Numbered Archival Sleeve Pages, Stored in Archival Ring Binder Containers”.  Now all you have to do is make your Proper Proof sheets for each set of negatives and put them into a notebook(s).

The key is to mark each proof sheet with the same number as its corresponding roll/set of negatives. Here is how I do it.  I use clear letter size acid free poly sleeves I purchase from Staples (#10525) that come with ring holes and space on the left hand side to note the number and any description you wish to include (e.g., what is contained on the roll and when were the pictures were made).  The nice thing about the sleeves is that you can also store your print “recipe(s)” with them! I keep my notebooks for each film format next to their corresponding three ring archival closed box binders that contain my negatives.  Makes sense to me!

So there you have it … an easy and foolproof method to catalogue all your proof sheets and easily find them when you need to, along with the right negative when you are ready to print!

You know you have some spare time now, so it’s a good time to get organized. Do it once and you will never have to do it again!

Stay safe,

Michael