A walk in the park

[Note: Updated after move from Squarespace to Ghost.]

I’m not above rambling off unproven assertions based on my biases and projections. People are craving outdoor spaces and nature right now. I know I am. My generalized claim is based on anecdotal observations and an internal cry of get me out of this fucking apartment and into some fresh air.

I have a couple of theories. Brace yourself, they’re mind-blowing and profound. The planet is sick, and we can sense it. Yea yea yea, stay in your lane Hopper, skip the New Age Hippy Shit (NAHS). Our instincts (or subconscious Twitter brains) are telling us to be outside, away from other people and that sink of dishes that just magically replenishes like a cruel Sisyphean torture.

That’s why I had hoped to see more creative responses to our circumstances by now. Figure out ways to help restaurants expand their outdoor options. Easier said than done, I know. The luxury of a blogger. Improve one thing in one area, worsen 10 things in other areas.

It’s not really connected, but that last sentence made me think of Campbell Scott’s character in Singles. I need to watch that again.

But enough about my inane thoughts, let’s talk about me. Back to nature and the opening paragraph. When I go for walks (that need to become runs), I often end up in Volunteer Park. Last night I developed a roll of film that has a few photos from the park that I liked. Some random others, including a discreetly placed photo of my friend Kate marketing her business. All of this is going into the marketing invoices I’m sending her.

I used a Canon FTb, which isn’t important. Cameras are just tools. But with that out of the way, I enjoy talking about cameras and machines. So much I like about the FTb, but it still doesn’t feel great. The quick loader is great, though. I processed the film with Cinestill’s Df96 monobath, which I really like. The batch I have is about to run out, have to decide if I’ll switch to Rodinol (sp?).

If you’ve ever thought about developing film at home, give the Cinestill a try. Get a Patterson tank, a thermometer, something to pop open the film canister (I use a bottle opener), some scissors, and somewhere to hang the film, and Bob’s your uncle. The standard SBHOPPER disclaimer is in effect: find someone who really knows what they’re doing to learn about home developing. Practice loading those reels with dummy rolls. I’ve ruined a couple of rolls. If I hadn’t ruined those artistic masterpieces, you’d have seen me on Oprah by now.

You’ll need a scanner, too, and that is the worst part of the process. I could not get this roll to cooperate. The scanner just had a difficult time clearly and cleanly identifying some negatives. In some cases I think it affected the scan’s exposure.