Weekly Exposure #1

In this first issue, I’d like to tackle some topics that I’ve experienced this week (Mon 13th to Sun 19th).

Kodak Double-X 5222 is just killer

If you’ve been following some of my film adventures, you know I love black and white film so much. And because of it, I’m always trying new rolls, shooting them at box speed, or doing some pushes, as I normally need more speed, not less—I’m a crazy mofo that loves shooting in any light conditions. Even if it’s too dark for the roll.

This week I shot the legendary Kodak Double-X. The recommended ISO speed is 250 for daylight and 200 for tungsten/indoors. However, unless you live on an island, sunny days are scarcer every day as winter gets closer. Mexico City is mostly cloudy, so I did what any rational person would do.

I pushed it to 800, and I think the results speak for themselves.

Sadly, this film is challenging to find in the wild. It’s normally sold out. I’ve seen some independent companies like CineWorks or Cinestill repackage it, but they are not popular in Mexico, as people prefer Kodaks or Fujis for color.

I was able to find some on AliExpress at a good price. The box says Hitchcock. I’ve never heard of the brand before. Let’s see how it goes.

Lost my Olympus XA2

It’s no secret that this little beauty has been my go-to camera in recent months. It’s tiny, and the lens quality is superb. I haven’t seen a Zuiko lens doing crappy images.

Last Saturday, somehow, it dropped from my pocket when I was in the Uber. Sadly, I didn’t notice it until it was too late. At least, it wasn’t loaded with my last roll of Double-X.

Now, I ordered an Olympus XA3.

I decided to pick the next iteration because it allows me to select ISO 1600, and being a film pusher, this will come in handy.

Rest in peace, dear Olympus XA2. You brought all the joy I could ask for.

🕊️ fly high, dear XA2.

Coming Up: Rollei Paul & Reinhold 640

While waiting for my new set of Kodak Double-X, I decided to get one of these Rollei “rare” films. It’s supposed to be real 640 ISO, so it will be awesome for my style of shooting in caves.

I got this roll from my friends at Analog Store MX (they bring film from Europe to Mexico at competitive prices). They confirmed my suspicion: people in Mexico mostly seek Kodak color films or Fomapan (when it’s for black and white).

For example, I’d like to try many rolls to see how they behave, but normally, people are not that open to trying new things. I get it; film is not cheap, and you want predictable results, but I’m not sure if that’s the only reason.

AI Usage for My Analog Photography

I’ve seen too many times on Substack people threatening to block everything AI related. I get it, but I don’t share the feeling.

AI is super useful for mundane work.

For example, I use it for:

1. Asking it for developer formulas when I want more/less contrast, inky blacks, etc. Otherwise, I would never have discovered that Dilution A in Kodak HC-110 developer brings those inky blacks I love so much. The normal recommendation in my experience is Dilution B, which is softer and more neutral.
2. Asking it for the best developer for my style of photography. I was using Ilfosol until it recommended me to change to HC-110 if I wanted to push, as Ilfosol is more directed towards low ISO film. Not good for pushing.
3. Asking it to check my articles in terms of grammar and syntax. I believe I’m good enough to write in English, but it’s not my native language, so I make mistakes that are easily fixable by AI.
4. Asking for camera differences, recommendations, etc.
5. Asking for some info regarding random rolls like the Lucky SHD ones. I got intel that they might be poorly packaged sometimes, leading to some unexpected dots on the pictures.

I will never use it for:

1. Generating images that “look like mine”. Eww.
2. Generating articles just for the sake of having something to publish.

I love analog photography so much that I wouldn’t forgive myself if I faked anything related to it. However, I won’t limit myself from sending AI the tedious tasks that take time away from the fun stuff.

Published my portfolio at filmrick.com

I love to post on Substack, but I always wanted a place to share my pictures in the form of collections. This week, I finally pulled the trigger and did it. You can find it at filmrick.com.

You’ll encounter right now some collections like:

• Decay
• Darkness Rises
• Street Action
• Two Wheels
• Oldies But Goodies
• Eternal Zocalo
• One Day in Rick’s Life
• Urban Artists

I’m planning to add more, but I’m still curating them.

I love Mexico City so much, I plan to use this portfolio for the world to know how beautiful this metropolis is.

That’s it for now!

I hope you enjoyed this first issue. If I see some traction, I’ll keep posting it. My idea is to make it weekly on Sundays if there are enough interesting things to share. You know, sometimes real life gets in the way.

See you next time.

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