Thanks HG. To clarify, it's just the chrome cover with the FP & X flash engravings. The black plastic behind is secure.

Make sure you've got all you need in the changing bag/under the duvet before you start (tank, reels, lid, scissors/cap opener). If you have any problems loading the film you can put it in the tank, put the lid on and carry on after a break. If the reel is adjustable, check the spacing is correct before you start.

Hi All,

I've acquired a Spotmatic which has a loose faceplate (the plate around the lens mount). The mount itself is secure. Does anybody know how the plate is secured (I can't see any obvious attachment points - although I haven't taken it apart yet).

John.

Yes, I'm sure a service will sort the problem out. As I'm also not enormously familiar with M42 bodies I was first looking for signs it was user error.

I can only assume most of those on the forum already have one.

Hi All,

I've just stumbled upon drivers for Vista for the Pentax K2 link, only problem is I can't work out how to connect it to my laptop. I've tried forcing the film cassette into the SD card slot, no luck, do I need one of the DMD models?

John.

By weight I'd assume, but I was most concerned about dissolving it completely and not ending up with the gloop at the bottom like a cuppa-soup

That's the theory, I don't know how effective they are.

I've developed a few rolls in the past and found it very rewarding. A couple of extra bits of equipment may be helpful (I appreciate you may have these planned):

- A changing bag to load the tank.
- A couple of funnels.
- A couple of measures.
- A couple of hooks to hang the film with.

I've only used liquid developers (Ilfosol), the thought of trying to mix powder accurately put me off using it, but it may help you. I kept the fixer and stop bath in collapsable bottles (these are re-used).

It's the water/chemicals temperature that matters, I used a washing up bowl as a water bath. If you haven't already looked, the Ilford website has some data sheets on films and their development.

I have heard you can simply use a couple of drops of washing-up liquid instead of the wetting agent although I haven't tried it. I was also told not to use a squeegee to wipe the water off, just run the film through your fingers.

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