Uncle Jonesy's Cameras Podcast #77:

The Shutter Brothers are back with the first show of 2025, and its time to read some of the listener feedback that's in the UJC mailbag. Our listeners have lots of great questions and tips for us on topics like the best ways to meter with and without a light meter and the importance of shooting digital images in RAW format. And two of our listeners weigh in on why Kevin (who, as you no doubt know, has red green color blindness) can see colors more accurately when they appear on a screen as opposed to seeing them in person. We love the feedback we get from our  listeners, and we will have more listener questions in our next show.

Knockout rose bloom, photographed by Kevin with his Sony a100 DSLR and Minolta AF f2.8 50mm macro lens. The difference between this image and what Kevin actually saw with his own eyes can-
not be overstated.

Meanwhile, both Wayne has been having unexpected troubles with hs film development process. As you know, Wayne develops his Ilford FP4+ 4x5 inch film sheets in a self-mixed modified Caffenol C-L developer. This highly compensating process is cental to getting the negatives to which he is accustomed, namely detail in both shadows and highlights. This results in negatives that, because they contain all the important "information," are easier to print. However, Wayne's last two batches have had brown streaks and over developed highlights. Wayne wants to know why and what he can do about it. 

This 4x5 sheet is typical of Wayne's negatives and it ready to print

This negative is stained and overdeveloped. What went wrong?

A side by side comparison .

So, what could possibly be causing this problem? All of the ingredients Wayne uses to make Caffenol C-L (B) are photo-grade except for one:  instant coffee. Wayne used the cheap stuff - Kroger brand instant coffee. However, his problems began about the same time he purchased a new jar - you guessed it - Kroger brand instant coffee. Could it be the coffee?

In case you are interested, here is the formula Wayne uses to to his modified Caffenol C-L (B) film developer. the photo below is of an index card Wayne keeps handy in his darkroom.

When Wayne develops 35mm and 120 film, he uses his homemade version of Kodak Xtol, which he called Mytol. Here is the recipe.

And finally, Wayne has been experimenting with a homemade version of Kodak's Dektol print developer. 

You can always reach the Shutter Brothers at unclejonesyscameras@gmail.com or at our Facebook and Instagram pagers (@UCJpodcast). 

Happy Photography!