Picture #1 Smith Plantation Roswell GA P55, ISO50, f 11, 1second, 180mm lens We used the cut out cards to somewhat pre-visualize the composition and set up the camera. After viewing the composition on the ground glass we moved back a little which required re-leveling and refocusing. Using the loupe and picking an important feature we chose a point of focus. We applied some front rise to minimze the foreground and get more of the roof. Next, I mixed sodium sulfite with water for the Polaroid negatives to clear in. Feeling prepared, we then took an incident meter reading at the top of the door on the porch. Then I tried to load the first polaroid film unit, unsuccessfully. After inserting the film, pulling it out, and fidgiting with the polaroid 545i film holder, we finally figured out how the holder worked. A few moments later we were able to insert the holder and film to prepare for the shot. Based on our earlier meter reading (iso50, f 11, 0.8sec) we set the shutter to f 11 and 1 sec, cocked the shutter, and fired the shutter using the cable release. After waiting the 20 seconds recomended for P55, I pulled apart the film packet and viewed the results. The positive print was about 2/3rds over exposed. The spot we took the reading from was partially in shade, and we added exposure by using 1 second (instead of 0.8) and not compensating the aperature. The negative was a good rendering though, because P55 negatives are rated a full stop below the print iso. You expose at iso 50 for the prints, but iso 25 for the negative. So if you are going to miss the exposure err on the side of slightly over exposed.

This image and the ones following are simple scans of the polaroid prints. No effort was made to change levels or curves to enhance the image. Some sharpening applied.

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