Posted inFilm Development Photography Software

DevClock – Film Development Timer app for Android

I am working on a darkroom timer and development “recipe” app for Android. I’m focusing on making it a light-weight and simple app that is easily customizable so many films, developers, and development methods can be used. The app makes it easy to create your own development recipes and it is useful for both color and black and white film. The app comes preloaded with a set of 40 development presets that can be easily modified.

At the moment the app is in closed testing, and I am looking for anyone who wants to help with the beta testing. If you’re interested, please send an email to [email protected] with the Gmail address you use for your Google Play account. I will add you to the closed testing group and send you the app store beta app link so you can install and try it out. The app does not need an internet connection, contains no ads, and does not collect any sort of user details. Feedback and suggestions are very welcome!

Click on the post title to see screen shots, additional details, and the full list of presets.

Posted inCamera & Lens Repair Photography

Reassembling the Canon 24mm f/2.8 S.S.C. FD Mount Lens

I was recently offered a free Canon FD mount 24mm f/2.8 S.S.C. lens, but it came with a small catch. It had been disassembled for a re-lube by the previous owner due to a stuck focus ring, who was then unable to figure out how to put it back together again. 😳 They guaranteed all the bits were there, but had no pictures or any other info on how to re-assemble the lens.

Unfortunately, there are no service manuals and very little detailed information on this specific lens on the internet. There is some info for other FD lenses of this generation (which are somewhat similar – check the links section at the end of this post) but pretty much zero for this one. So this became quite the puzzle, but after a lot of fun, a lot of frustration, and a little luck, I was able to put Humpty back together again…

No Comments
Posted inCamera & Lens Repair Photography

Konica C35 Focus and Shutter Repairs

On a recent trip to Tokyo, I had some time to browse the amazing used camera stores in the Shinjuku “Camera Town” area. I found this guy in a bargain bin going for $2. I have a huge soft-spot for this camera. My grandfather gave me one when I was in my teens, and at some point it was stolen. So, despite some obvious, and pretty major issues with the camera, I couldn’t resist. There was oil on the shutter blades, so they were sticking and sluggish when fired, and the focusing ring would barely move at all. Happily, I was able to resolve everything, and add this neat little camera to my collection.

No Comments
Posted inAstronomy CCD Cameras & Autoguiders

A fond farewell to the SBIG ST-8300M CCD Camera

After 10 years with my SBIG ST-8300M, I have finally upgraded. Despite its quirks, halos and spikes around bright stars, bad columns, and incredibly slow download times, this camera has performed admirably well. It has taken some of my best astrophotos to date, and managing its idiosyncrasies has taught me more about image processing than I ever thought I would know. In the time I have had it, this camera has taken on dripping humid winter nights, wonky power at remote sites, suspect USB cables, being dropped, and has just kept going. So, before I move on, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate this aging, but still very capable camera with a teardown and a close look at its innards.

No Comments