m e g a p e r l s

After moving away from London three years ago, I am back in “the capital”. I enjoyed the trip, not least due to the fact that for the first time in my life, travelled first class with British Airways. A pleasant surprise! On my arrival it poured down with rain and generally the weather is very cool. It must be around 20 degrees, quite a shock compared to Japan. I was picked up from the airport and the long way to the hotel along congested roads took me past all the sights of London. As can be expected, not much has changed. Surprised to be asked for the way, even though I have just arrived here myself - no longer an obvious foreigner! I am heading out this morning for a nice walk along the river Thames with an old friend, looking forward to a nice pub lunch and a pint!

Fuji Acros, rated EI 50 in my new Jobo sheet film drum, 18min in Rodinal

One of the reasons I love large format photography more and more. Hard work, but when it all works out it can really take your breath away. First time I used Rodinal on Acros from my usual Xtol. It seems to work very well. I must try again. I have also finally bought a motor base for the drum which should arrive soon, so there is no longer a need to rotate the drum myself for almost 20 minutes.

Posting is getting a little sparse here, I know. But in a way there is so much and so little to say at the moment. I am still working on photo matters, but time seems scarce right now and priorities prevail.

Future plans include a business trip to London next week and acquiring an iBook once the new models are out (any day now), so I can write on the train. I have changed commuting route last week, so I have a seat every morning and don’t need to change trains. This gives me an extra hour to answer email, maintain the shop etc. Talking of the web shop, it is very quiet in July, after a record month in June. I suppose people purchased for their holidays and now they are gone.

Enjoy the summer everybody!