5 Day Black and White Challenge
I’m grateful to Sue J of Words Visual who yesterday invited me to join in the 5 day black and white challenge. As I’m currently exploring black and white film photography using vintage cameras and developing my own black and white negatives, I was happy to take up the challenge and join in.
I immediately thought of Roche Rock as the perfect subject for my first photograph so here it is, Roche Rock photographed using my 1930’s Agfa Billy record.
As some of you may remember, this little camera was a gift from a very good friend and fellow blogger Angi (Moments in Time). Angi came to Cornwall to take part in one of my workshops last year. The camera was a lovely gift and was the catalyst for my new-found interest in black and white film photography. We visited Roche Rock one afternoon as part of the workshop and I’ve been wanting to get back to take some pictures using the Agfa Billy ever since. The challenge was the perfect opportunity. This is a simple camera, the point and shoot of its day. It’s over 80 years old, produces a huge medium format negative and the quality from the little 3 element lens is amazing, I think you’ll agree..
F/11 1/125 sec. ASA/ISO 50
This negative was developed in Ilford ID11 stock 1+3 at 20°C for 15 minutes.
It is the nature of these challenges that we pass it on so today I’m going to invite Angi to take up the challenge but of course there is no pressure to take part, only if time allows..
Cornwall Photographic 
Excellent result from your exploits with film, Adrian! Looking forward to the next images you post…. And this place looks rather interesting
February 14, 2015 at 10:41 pm
Thank you Sue and thank you once again for the invite. Roche Rock is a fascinating place. It’s a 12th century hermitage and chapel with lots of folklore surrounding it. A location for a horror movie back in the 80s and I can understand why, it really is quite spooky up there. :-)
February 14, 2015 at 10:57 pm
Not a place for a nocturnal wander!!
February 15, 2015 at 8:11 am
Not for me anyway! ;-)
February 15, 2015 at 9:17 am
😀
February 15, 2015 at 9:25 am
Really stunning image, Adrian. That old camera still has what it takes, and in your expert hands, will produce some amazing shots way into the future. It’s probably so grateful for a new lease on life. :)
February 14, 2015 at 10:41 pm
Thank you Sylvia! I think you’re probably right you know. I’d love to know who owned this camera new. I will never know but I bet they’d be surprised that the camera is still working and still taking smashing pictures. Eighty odd years.. no such thing as built in obsolesence back in the 1930s! :-)
February 14, 2015 at 10:51 pm
Nice work! But who wants to develop film these days… ;)
February 15, 2015 at 12:16 am
Who indeed Bente, so much hassle! :-D
February 15, 2015 at 9:19 am
I sure do agree :) It’s always amazing what one can achieve with black and white film
February 15, 2015 at 6:10 am
It is indeed Philipp, thank you!
February 15, 2015 at 9:18 am
Well done.
February 15, 2015 at 10:35 am
Thank you very much indeed Lou! :-)
February 15, 2015 at 1:04 pm
I always look forward to your gorgeous signature color, but this is also gorgeous in its values and texture.
February 15, 2015 at 1:45 pm
Thank you Elena. I really love working in colour but it’s nice to have another string to one’s bow as it were.. ;-)
February 15, 2015 at 2:41 pm
Lovely image. I especially like the brickwork that seem totally out of place!
PS You should receive an email in a few days, with the judges scores on your entries to the Solihull Open.
February 15, 2015 at 4:08 pm
Thank you Rhys and thank you! :-)
February 15, 2015 at 4:17 pm
I am not usually keen on black and white photographs, but you do them expertly, you can’t help but be drawn into the images.
February 15, 2015 at 6:54 pm
That’s such a compliment, especially coming from you Sonja, thank you! :)
February 15, 2015 at 7:18 pm
Still having a great time with the antiques I see Adrian! Wonderful shot – well chosen for the challenge!
February 16, 2015 at 3:38 am
Thank you Tina! I am indeed! :-)
February 16, 2015 at 8:55 am
Darn, I was going to nominate you myself for the B&W Challenge today :(
Lovely detail in the structures and nice to see some film work!
February 16, 2015 at 10:12 am
Sorry Noeline, thank you and thank you for the thought regarding the nomination. Talking of film, I’ve been amazed at the detail this old camera can capture! :-)
February 16, 2015 at 1:04 pm
Lovely textures showing in this photograph – I like the perspective of going up to the pathway to the ruin.
February 16, 2015 at 2:02 pm
Thank you very much Mary!
February 16, 2015 at 10:48 pm
Superb shot Adrian, the sharp contrast and details are brilliant.
February 16, 2015 at 4:07 pm
Thank you very much Randall! :-)
February 16, 2015 at 10:48 pm
Hi Adrian just seen my nomination for 5 day Black and White Challenge. I accept and will post my first picture tomorrow. In regards to the Billy I have been in contact with the seller in Covent Garden where I purchased it from. They acquired it from a lady who was settling her fathers estate. He had several cameras but she believes this one may have been used during the 2nd World War. Her father had many photos he had kept. X
February 16, 2015 at 11:02 pm
Hi Angi, I’m so glad you’ll be taking part in the black and white challenge, that’s brilliant. And thank you so much for doing that bit of research for me. That is just so kind of you. This little camera it seems has had an amazing life then! That is so nice to know. Thank you so much! I will do another post with that information included. :-)
February 17, 2015 at 8:27 am