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Darkroom Camera
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Have you ever wondered if you need to use photography filters with a digital camera? When digital cameras took over film cameras, the post production changed as well. The darkroom seems to have been replaced with a computer and graphics program, such as Adobe Photoshop. Although manipulation can be done after the image is taken, whether in the darkroom or computer, there is no real substitute for the original image being as close to the quality output desired in the first place.

The primary purpose of a photography filter is to enhance or change the picture. There are several different categories of filters as well as many different manufacturers. Another purpose for photography filters is to protect the camera lens. Filters are inexpensive when compared to the cost of replacing a camera lens. Often photographers use an all-purpose filter for this purpose, and exchange it for a more specialized filter when the subject calls for something a little different. Below is a list of some of the more common categories and filters available to today's photography enthusiast.

Essential Filters:

The purpose of a clear filter is to protect the lens. It does not affect the exposure of the image. UV (Ultra Violet) filters help with removing some haze caused by ultra violet light. There are different types of polarizing filters. This filter is especially important because the software available today just does not come up to par with duplicating the results of using a polarizing filter at the time of exposure. When choosing a polarizing filter, decide if you need a linear or a circular polarizer. Basically, if you are using an auto-focus single-lens-reflex camera, you would need the circular polarizer. This is because of the beam splitting metering system that the digital camera uses.

Color Correction Filters:

While the polarizing filters mentioned in the previous paragraph are necessary even in the digital age, the color correction filters, however, are not as crucial to the success of the image outcome. This is because color correction filters manipulate the color, and the post production graphic manipulation programs (Such as Adobe Photoshop) can compensate pretty well for this. The basic need for these color correcting filters was to compensate for the difference in the temperature of the ambient light with the type of film being exposed. These filters are named with a number and a letter, such as 80A or 85B.

Special Effect Filters:

Special effect filters create fun and sometimes unusual effects. Examples of special effect filters are fog, sepia, and star filters. As their name suggests, they produce the named effect within the image. Perhaps the best special effect filter is actually not even referred to as a filter, but as a lens, and is called a "close-up lens." They usually come in a set, and can be used in combination to achieve the desired close-up distance. They are much less expensive than purchasing a dedicated macro lens, and produce clear, brilliant images.

Black and White Filters:

Black and White filters rely on the principles of color separation to manipulate images for a desired effect. The choice of black and white filters is broken down by a color name along with a number. Theses filters work by absorbing their complementary color of light. For example, a yellow filter will absorb blue, and make the sky darker, which in turn can enhance the appearance of clouds in the sky against it. A yellow-green filter can minimize the effects of red that tungsten lighting can produce.

Transitioning from film to digital photography allowed me to blend the best of both processes. If you would like to learn from my experience visit a great casual site for sharing photographic tips, tricks, and shortcuts, as well as discussions about the latest photography equipment.

Building a Camera System

Building a Camera System

R. Dodge Woodson

World Photographers Organization

You don't have to be a professional photographer to benefit from a component system. But, if you want to become a pro, you have to go this route. What is a component system? It is a group of photography equipment that makes up a viable tool for handling a variety of photographic situations. At the least, it is a camera body and some interchangeable lenses. It can include independent light meters, filters, flash units, and much more. When you get into component systems, you are stepping up in price, but you can build these systems over time without breaking your bank account. If you are truly serious about wanting fantastic photos, this is the only way to go.

One Size Does Not Fit All

When you shop for a camera system, you should approach your selection process in much the same was as you would buy clothes. The gear you get has to fit and feel right. Camera designs vary. Some are more comfortable than others. Finding just the right fit is an individual thing. What works great for one photographer may not work well at all for another. You have to handle different brands and types of equipment to find what is right for you.

Most serious photographers start with 35mm systems. A few jump right into large format cameras, but they are the exception, rather than the rule. When I say this, I'm talking about serious amateur photographers. A good number of professionals start off with large-format equipment because it provides them with definite advantages in some types of work.

Medium-Format

Medium-format cameras are used to take professional pictures at weddings and in studio settings. The big advantage is the size of the negative. It is considerably larger than its 35mm cousin. This makes retouching and cropping easier. If you plan to get into darkroom work and super high-quality portraits, a medium-format system is the way to go. Most photographers, however, are better served by the versatile 35mm system.

Pick A Brand You Can Stick With.

When you choose a particular brand of camera to build a component system around, you must be judicious. Once you start with a brand, you should stick with it. There are many brands of cameras available that will give you professional-quality photos. Some brands offer more lenses and accessories than others do. This is important to a person who is building an extensive system.

When I think of professional 35mm equipment, two brand names come to mind. Other manufacturers of 35mm equipment get some professional attention, but there are clearly two, or maybe three, leaders. In medium format equipment, one name is king, while others are also respected. You don't have to buy into the best-known brands to get good service and quality, but it doesn't hurt. The important thing is to pick a brand that you can grow with. Check the No-Bull Reviews at World Photographers Organization for any recent equipment reviews.

How will you know what brand of camera to work with? Many factors may play a role in your decision. The amount of money you are willing to spend for various types of equipment is one consideration. Top-notch names command big prices. You can go with a lesser-known name and get good quality for a lower price. But, make sure that your budget-minded camera has enough lenses and accessories available to keep life interesting as your skills and interests grow.

My first 35mm camera was a Minolta®. It was a good camera that gave me thousands of wonderful pictures. This brand is respected among professionals and it offers a wide variety of options for building a component system. When I grew into a new level of photography, I switched to Canon® equipment, which I still use today. I love it! Canon is a major contender in the professional market. Over the years, I've spent well over $10,000 to develop my system. Nikon® is known for its reputation among professionals. The name is almost synonymous with professional. Any of these brands will provide you with more options than most people can afford to buy. And, there are other good brands, like Olympus®, to choose high-quality products from.

Before you buy a camera body, research your options. Look at a listing of what accessories are available within the brand. Check prices on the various brands. If you can see that there is a depth of support accessories and that you are comfortable with the price ranges, you're well on your way to picking a brand. Handle various cameras and operate them in the camera store. Have someone at the store run through all of the controls with you. Once you buy your first camera body, you are setting the tone for your entire system. Don't do this until you are sure that you like the brand.

Lens Quality

Generic lenses can be used on most camera bodies, but this is somewhat self-defeating. Why pay a small fortune for a professional camera body and then attach a dime-store lens to it? This doesn't make sense. Your lenses have a tremendous impact on the quality of your photographs. Try to keep all of your purchases within the same brand. This will normally produce the best results.

A lot of people don't know what type of camera they want even after buying a new camera. If you haven't been shopping yet, I can tell you that cameras aren't cheap. Maybe you know some people who have cameras. These individuals would probably be glad to share their experiences with you. Ask if you can go with them on their next photo excursion. Some photographers are very protective of their stuff, so don't stand too close when you ask. Using the equipment of other people under real photography conditions is an excellent way to pinpoint your needs and desires.

Used Equipment

Cameras are like cars in that they are very expensive when new and lose a lot of value once they are used. Some types and brands of cameras hold their value very well, but most don't. If you are willing to buy used equipment, you can save a ton of money. Well, maybe not a ton, but a lot. It's likely that you will pay half-price, or less, when buying used equipment. There are some risks involved with the purchase of broken-in gear. Notice I said broken-in, not broken-down. Let's talk about some of them.

There are three basic ways to acquire used photography equipment. You can consult one of the many mailorder advertisements, go to your local camera store, or watch classified ads where individuals are selling their old equipment. If you are dealing with a reputable company, you should gain some protection from cameras that are duds. Buying person-to-person doesn't afford this protection.

If you know enough about the type of gear that you are buying, you can test it before purchasing it. Since you may not yet have this type of knowledge, a reputable dealer who sells used equipment is probably your best bet. Dealers charge more than most individual sellers do, but you should be getting some peace of mind for the higher price you pay.

Regardless of who you are buying from, get a full demonstration of the equipment before you hand over your cash. Ask for all manuals and documentation that should accompany the camera and accessories. If no documentation is available, you might want to pass on the sale and continue your search. It may be possible to order new manuals from the original manufacturer, but don't count on this being the case. Used equipment provides an economical and sensible way to enter the field of photography, but make sure that what you are buying is in good working order.

Choice of Champions

The most versatile type of camera that you can buy is a 35mm format. You can do almost anything with this type of rig. Large- and medium-format cameras have certain advantages over 35mm units, but the handy 35mm is, by far, the more popular. This popularity is well founded.

What makes the 35mm system so desirable? It is light in weight and easy to use. The cost of 35mm equipment is much less than that of larger formats. You can equip a 35mm camera body with a wide-range zoom lens and meet most of your photo needs without ever changing lenses. Many zoom lenses incorporate a close-up feature in the lens so that you can shoot anything from insects to airplanes with the same lens.

If you want to get serious about photography and build a component system, the 35mm format will most likely be the best choice. As long as you buy into a major brand name, you will find a seemly endless supply of accessories to add to your collection. Gee, I wonder if manufacturers planned this?

Start with a camera body that accepts interchangeable lenses. Add a zoom lens, and get a protective filter to cover each lens you buy. It's much better to have an inexpensive, replaceable filter take the knocks and scratches that are common with some types of photography than it is to damage an expensive lens. If your camera doesn't have a built-in flash, buy a small electronic flash to compliment your system. This is all you need, in terms of hardware, to get started in taking serious photographs. You can add more to the system as you define your needs through experience.

Remember, the camera body is the foundation of your system. The body you buy will play an important role in the development of your overall system. Once you know what you want to do and which brand you prefer, buy the best body you can. Cutting corners on a camera body will hamper your growth as a photographer.

Buy well, shoot often, and enjoy the wonderful world of photography.

Life is best when seen through a Canon L® lens.

R. Dodge Woodson

About the Author

R. Dodge Woodson is a full-time internationally-known, best-selling author and photographer. He created the World Photographers Organization (WPO) as a serious resource for all photographers from point-and-shooters to pros. Photographers of all skill levels come to WPO to learn, to increase sales, and to take advantage of the extensive resources offered by WPO. Having been a pro photographer for more than 30 years and a full-time writer for 17 years, Dodge now feels it is time to share his tricks of the trade with up-and-coming freelancers. Woodson's most recent photo book is: Maine Unseen: A Photographic Adventure That Few Witness(Available at Amazon). Life is best when seen through a Canon L lens.

Are there any photographic color darkroom paper that doesn't have writing on the back?

Looking for some color darkroom paper that doesn't have any writing on the back for use in making paper negatives in a pinhole camera.

Some of the generic papers might not have writing on the back. My question is why you don't use sheet film instead? 4x5 pinhole negs are excellent and you don't have to deal with the papers base, writing or not.

Well, silly me. I guess there is no more "generic" colour printing paper. I just checked with FreeStyle and they only carry Fujifilm and Kodak

Fuji Crystal Archive RA-4 Color Print and Kodak Professional Supra Endura RA-4 As I recall, both have some faint marketing verbiage to remind the person in possession of the print, that Fuji or Kodak makes this lovely paper. Sheesh! That might be great for the pro labs, but for artists and home darkroom users, it is the pits.

Illford and Agfa used to make it, but we know what happened to them.

This link claims to still have Illford and Agfa paper ...

http://www.malelo.com/photo-equip-paper-and-chemistry.html

As I recall, Oriental photo paper does not have advertising on the back but all they sell is black and white or sepia paper now.

http://www.internationalsupplies.com/oriental/hyperseagull.htm

Kodak Posts Profit, but Misses View, Shares Tumble
Rising printer sales, royalties help Kodak post 1Q profit, but misses view, shares skid Eastman Kodak - Photography - Arts - Techniques and Styles - Darkroom

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