Over the past few months I have experimented with several medium format and 35mm cameras. I have also tried out different films like the new CatLABS X-FILM 80, some Fomapan films and the newly available Kosmo Foto Mono 100 in medium format. I am now refining my camera and film choices.
I did run some Kosmo Foto film through my Agfa Record III: a camera I use often because I like 6×9 output. With my normal lab closed for refurbishment, I was unable to identify absolutely that the negatives were Kosmo Foto as the shop I used in the interim did not identify each roll. Films like Ilford are clearly marked, other films are not. My normal lab reopened in August and all is now well: all films are marked.
After several weeks of using the Agfa, and a Bronica ETRS, I took a Hasselblad 500CM out for a run with the Carl Zeiss Planar CF 80mm f/2.8 lens. I also have a Carl Zeiss Distagon C 50mm f/4 lens, but I need more patience with that.
Behind my condo there is a railway line that runs down to Mahachai, important for fishing and agricultural output. The station area, the market and the riverfront areas all have good potential for subjects. The line originally delivered produce to Bangkok.
A second line across the river at Banlaem, where the first two images were taken is more famous for the market on the tracks which has to be cleared when trains pass: very slowly. I often make the trip to Mahachai, which is also called “Little Burma” because of the number of workers from Myanmar in the fishing industry. The other three photographs were of the Mahachai station area.
On my last visit I loaded the Hasselblad with Kosmo Foto Mono 100. I particularly like this film for its sharp output. I also favour it for the way it handles on my flatbed scanner. With the heat here, some films curl. ILFORD, Bergger Pancro and Kosmo Foto remain flat. My initial batch of Kosmo Foto ran out and I had no hesitation in ordering another dozen rolls.
~ Graham
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