How many years ago was that? Wallace Heaton Graphic remembered.

 In the absence  of news of fresh bright negatives taken in the past few days- a blast from the past by wayof a small bundle of magazines that were given me this week.

The Magazine is one that will be recalled by a few members but in particular anyone who made a mail order purchase at Wallace Heaton in the 50,s and  60's. This publication was mailed to customers at frequent intervals, free of charge but it had a nominal cost of on shilling on the cover. What a change in the scene over what seems to be notime!  Leica was strongly featured in the adverts with the very best of Nikon gear such as the proliferation of Nikon F fittings in the 1960;s

A notable feature is the debut of the Wallace Heaton branded lenses and projection eqiipment. I have been trying to equate or perhaps relate this to the take over by Dixons that followed shortly afterwards, Another feature was the sudden appearance of WH outlets at Bentalls in such watering places as Cheltenham and within Bentalls at Kingston upon Thames.

A Negative view

Thoughts on Developers for Black and White film photography.

 The current popularity of Black and White-almost a resurgence- has brought back some of the odd developers that we older workers will be familiar with- even if not exponents of their use in the modern world. We still have good old D76 and its associated formulae. Still a big seller and used in stock 1:1 and diluted 1:2 it will cover all my needs in 35mm and 120 roll up to 6x9. I do not use larger film. 

On the other hand we have the growing popularity of the revived Crawley formulae and the good old Rodinal type in many packages. I contend that these are best kept for those needing a special effect on sheet film. It is true that many present day users of 5x4 have adopted developers from these niche ranges. Possibly not what was intended when the chemicals were launched.

Examination of my negatives going back 60 years show some awful results of faintness and low contrast obtained by use of  special brews and acutance developer on 35mm film. So much so that I find them of little use as so difficult,or time consuming, to print.

I have now decided that little increased contrast is not a bad thing with latest emulsions and should appreciate any views, under comments, below.