V is for... Very Small Camera. (The Minox)..
update_13-7-15
I use a Minox B miniature camera. I have been using minox Minocolor 100 in this camera. and also some
25ASA B/W film for photograpling drawings and documents. Both work well and can be "home-processed.
The light meter is spot-on. I'm processing using a Minox daylight developing tank, and for colour filmstock
I'm using Tetenal colortec C41. It's possible to process over 17 reels of minox film with a 1 litre kit, but I keep
the measurements simple, and process 10 films per kit.
This is what you will need to take pictures with your Minox camera, using tetenal.
A minox camera. (3, A or B)
A light-meter, if you have one handy.
Colour or B&W film. (C41 Process)
Flash-unit, Bulbs and battery (if required).
Access to secret government / commercial documents.
If you have a Minox B with the built in light meter, you can test it by comparing the readings with a
known good camera or light meter. I tested my B against my minolta Dynax 7000, and found to be accurate.
If you are using a Minox A or earlier, you will already be using an external meter.
Loading Film...
With the camera closed, set the film speed on the light meter using the shutter speed control. Just turn
the shutter speed control until the required number is in line with the arrow. operate the camera slide
open/closed as required to reset the film counter. Open the camera, then press the small release-tab
and slide the camera open. Before you forget, set the shutter speed control to 100 (marked by a red dot).
making sure you don't disturb the film speed setting (as set earlier). Close the camera very slightly,
to open the film pressure-plate, You can see the gap open, as you close the camera by about 1/4 inch.
drop in a film, it will not need any force to get it in there! if it doesn't just slide in, make sure
that the pressure plate is open. Dont force it in. Once the film is in, close the camera. It's now ready.
Taking the pictures is really easy. Set the distance on the dial. Anything inside the bracket will be
in focus. Use light meter and set the shutter speed. Use the chain if fitted to measure distance from
document to be photographed. gently press the shutter release button. Close the camera to wind the film
on. Open it again to take the next picture.
If you are using Black and White film for documents etc.. the Minox has a green filter to give better
contrast. Also for very bright conditions, there is a neutral density filter in the camera.
What you will need to process C41 films.
Some correctly exposed minox films.
Tetenal Colortec C41 rapid negative kit.
100 or 150ml measuring jugs (two or three).
Minox daylight developing tank, with small thermometer (used as a plunger only).
Thermometer to read at least 100 degrees F. the minox one doesn't go high enough.
Clock with a second hand.
Unless you have over-wound your film (taken more than 36 on a 36 shot film or 50 on a 50 shot film).
You will not need a dark-room. the film can be loaded into the tank, and processed in daylight.
Pull out the end of the film from the feed spool, it has a small keyhole in it. This engages with
pin on the dev-tank. Assemble the dev-tank. Use the spacer if required. With the dev-tank assembled,
carefully screw-in the core of the dev-tank, this will draw the film out of the cartridge and into the
spiral of the tank.
Chemistry.
Fill your sink with water, thermometer hanging on the tap so it can measure the water temperature.
(You will need a flat-bottomed kitchen-type sink rather than a curved bathroom sink). About 4 inches
of water at 100F. Maintain 100 degrees farenheit by letting water out and running the hot-tap.
Inside the dev kit you will find six bottles of chems, and instructions. You won't need the instructions.
Do this and Be accurate.
We will be making up three sets of chems, 100 ml each. DEV, FIX amd STAB.
DEV MIX = Put 70cl of 100F water in a measuring jug. Add 10ml of each of the 3 dev chems then
stand the measuring cylinder with it's 100ml of contents in the sink to keep it up to 100F.
FIX MIX = Put 60cl of 100F water in another measuring jug. Add 20ml of each of the 2 fix chems
stand the measuring cylinder with it's 100ml of contents in the sink to keep it up to 100F.
STAB = 10ml of stabilizer, and 90ml of 100F water. you can mix this later if you only have two
measuring jugs. This can be kept warm too. but it's temperature is not too critical.
The Process
Once everything is up to temperature you are ready to go. When checking temperatures, don't move
the thermometer from the fix to the dev you will destroy the chemistry. Measure the dev temperature,
rinse the thermometer, measure the fix temperature, then hang it back in the sink to measure the
water there.
Pour in the dev. LOOK AT THE CLOCK. agitate continuously with plunger for 3mins 15s I add more
dev than is required and allow it to trickle out of the spout into the sink.
Pour out the dev, and flush with water (should take 30 secs or less).
Pour in the fix. LOOK AT THE CLOCK. agitate using the small minox thermometer as a plunger for
4minutes. Again, I add more than is required and allow it to trickle out of the spout. By now I
have usually drained the sink and am washing un-wanted chemicals away as I operate the plunger.
After the fix has been in for 4 mins, pour it away, give a 30 second rinse with water.
Then add the stabilizer. Leave it in the tank for one minute, then pour it out and rinse
the film for 5 to 10 minutes in fresh warm water.
Un-Wind the negatives and hang them up to dry.