Today I’m driving around completing a few items on a to do list. Despite the overcast sky, and chance of grain I decided to bring the Canon AE-1 along for the day.
I have loaded it with something a little different... Svema FN 64.
"Svema" or Свема ‘was’ the Kodak of the USSR, founded in 1931. They made B&W photographic film, photographic paper, B&W and color motion picture film, and magnetic tapes until 2000.
Svema Color film was made with equipment dismantled from the Agfa-Wolfen Factory after World War II. I learned when the Russians overran Germany that’s when they came and took the Agfa-Wolfen equipment back to the Svema plant in the Ukraine. The company continued to hold a monopoly in the Soviet Union until the collapse and when the iron curtain was torn open, suddenly the Soviet photographers had access to a wide range of western film stocks. And Svema started to collapse. Generally, Svema products were known for an easy and sturdy product for beginners for home film development and printing.
My rolls were produced around 1981 and expired 8/1987 Svema FN 64; 64 GOST, ISO 80/20°
These rolls were gifted to me by Amelia. While In production, only available in Soviet Russia. So, I think its safe to say this is a rare roll. More recently, purchased from and individual enthusiast, they came to me in a package from Ukraine. Inside, folded (what I imagine to be) instructions.
I’m sure these developing instructions call for using proper Soviet chemicals...This is a tricky one. Ideally you’d want to keep the amount of expired parts in your equation to a bare minimum. Meaning, if you have expired film, it’s a good idea to develop it with proper chemicals and print on a not expired paper. I’ve come across a full spectrum of results; from damaged and unrecognizable subject; to clear grain, mid tone, and sharpness throughout. Its not surprising the ones I preferred were developed using a caffenol process... which judging by my most recent experiences - I’ll be opting for another option.
I am not sure which specific subjects ill be seeking out. I imagine historical architecture, antique cars, dilapidated buildings, or even vast landscape could add some production value to the unique roll.
end of day...