Talking about BIG stuff, years ago I used to work in a studio that did enLARGEments. I'm talking billboard sized photographs. (well, almost).
The biggest photo I ever developed was 8x32 feet. It was for MB Canada oddly enough and was a photo of the W196(?)'s crossing the line at LeMans 1,2,3 in the mid 50's. My darkroom was approx. 60 feet long. Long enough that I could have paper on the wall ready to expose and someone could walk in the door, not a darkroom door, and the paper wouldn't fog! Had a horizontal enlarger, on rails, that was made from an 8x10 body and would focus but pulling a string when the enlarger was 20 or so feet away. Always used 8x10 copy negs and process lenses so sharpness was never an issue. Great fun but no money in it for me, sadly. Also, used to do fine art prints for local photogs exhibitions. I did one for a photog named Larry Towell who I know see is a member of the Magnum agency. THE most prestigious agency in the world. Pleased about that! hehe We also had a Durst Laborator 8x10 vertical enlarger....big bugger that was, and a Elwood (?) 5x7 vertical but it never got used much. The biggest challenge was trying to roll an eight foot long roll of 54" wide single weight fibre-based paper through the developing process without creasing it or leaving half-moon fingernail marks on it.......imagine trying to roll wet paper towel that size without tearing......many hours of frustration there. We also made our own developer, stop and fixer from scratch. Bill, my boss, had formulated his own mix back in the 30's and used it ever since. He was awesome; 70 years experience in the darkroom! He used to get mad because I'd want to do exposure test strips for prints but he could just eyeball the neg and print. Got it right first time, too! Jeff Zedic _______________________________________ http://www.okiebenz.com For new parts see official list sponsor: http://www.buymbparts.com/ For used parts email [EMAIL PROTECTED] To Unsubscribe or change delivery options go to: http://okiebenz.com/mailman/listinfo/mercedes_okiebenz.com
