I decided even before the month of October started that my Frugal Film Project roll for the month would have the theme of “Fall”. Usually my Fall/Autumn images are full of color because, well, that’s what we think of when we think of fall in the Midwest. Pumpkins, leaves, corn, etc. All the shades of orange, red, and yellow.

By choosing the theme of Fall in B&W film, that caused me to get creative.

I’ve been in a bit of a funk this month, with some health issues and other things going on in my life. So I think that’s part of the reason this set is a bit moody and dark this month. In general I really like how these turned out.

First, here is the info for the photos:

• CAMERA: Nikon F80 w/50mm f/1.8D lens

• FILM: EZ-400 B&W (aka Fomapan 400)

• DEVELOPER: Rodinal mixed 1:25 @68F for 5.5 minutes. Vert light agitations every 60 seconds.

• SCANNER: Nikon CoolScan V, with light dust removal in Photoshop

Below are my favorite images from the roll. These images were shot in different locations in Dayton, Spring Valley, Fairborn, and Waynesville, Ohio. Click on the first one to open in a new window.

I think using Rodinal as a developer with very light, gentle agitation (3 slow inversions) every 60 seconds is the way to go. The grain structure is less pronounced, and looks as good or better than the rollw that I shot at 100 and pulled in development back in August.

I also think that working with the same film and camera over a long period of time really helps you envision what you are going to have as an image after you’ve shot, developed, and scanned the negative. It definitely makes it easier to just compose/create and shoot versus worrying about the outcome. If nothing else, that’s been one of the benefits of this monthly challenge.

Are you getting out there and shooting for the fall? What are you shooting?

I’ve also been shooting some color images with other cameras this month, so more on that to come. Stay tuned!

As always, thanks for reading.

Jeremy