5 Frames with (Early Version 24 exp) DubbleFilm BubbleGum and my Minolta X-700 – by Kate Johnson

By Kate Johnson

It is amazing to me that lately many experimental and special effects films have been passing through my life. It started with my ‘Secret Santa’ in December 2019.   But then I started to notice that I must be buying experimental films, because more often than not my one of my Minolta X-700s would be loaded with a special film. Today’s film that I am sharing with you is the early version of BubbleGum from DubbleFilm.

This roll of BubbleGum is one from an early batch made by the Kono Film Company. The early batches can be identified by the fact that were all 24 exposures. The newer version, which is made by Revlog – the company that peeled away from Kono to concentrate on the Dubblefilm films – comes in 36 exposures and has a slightly different look to it, as far as I understand.

The film creators, use a device called a “Reanimator”, which pre-exposes the film under varying conditions. In the case of this early BubbleGum Film, they created a ‘pastel look’. In some ways it reminds me of watercolors.

Let’s get started with the Pawnee Buttes,  a place I am still trying to capture.  I’d have to say that the BubbleGum comes pretty close to the feeling I’m interested in.

And I love this Windmill.  I photograph it every time I visits the Buttes. Most of my previous work at Pawnee Buttes has been B&W.

Next a favorite location near my home at Lake Waneka where I always test new films and cameras.  Take a look at more ‘normal’ coloring for this site.

A sign from a neighbor that raises ducks and geese.  I think the color shift here presents a better result than normal films.  It’s a badly faded sign and the BubbleGum seems to ‘restore’ the color.

And finally, let’s end with a beautiful Studebaker Sign that I came across in New Raymer, Colorado.  I’m wondering if this might have been an original dealer? Or more likely a restored sign collector?

Here is a Link to all the available DubbleFilms.  Would I use this version of the BubbleGum film again?  Probably not. The Pastels aren’t drawing me in.  But as I look at some of their other tints, another article might appear featuring one or two of the other DubbleFilms.  I’ll leave you with that tease…

DubbleFilm BubbleGum should be processed using C-41 chemistry. It has a nominal sensitivity of ISO 200. Originally 24 exposures, newer releases are 36 exposures. My Minolta X-700 was outfitted with a Tamron 28-200 f/3.8 zoom lens.

 

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About The Author

By Kate Johnson
Kate Johnson is a World Traveler, Outdoors Adventurer, Research Scientist and Photographer. Kate’s preferred subjects are: Landscapes and Architecture. She makes silver prints in her own home darkroom. Following a move to Colorado, Kathleen is again submitting her work to galleries and competitions, and is a frequent contributor to @EMULSIVEfilm online journal. Other Creative interests include: Gardening and Singing Spirituals and Classical Choral Master Works. She studies voice and is a member of the Boulder Sing Along Messiah Chorus and participates in Special Choral Performances.
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Comments

Steven Bleistein on 5 Frames with (Early Version 24 exp) DubbleFilm BubbleGum and my Minolta X-700 – by Kate Johnson

Comment posted: 05/07/2020

These are beautiful scenes. The pastel look of the film captures the colors and atmosphere of Northern Colorado just perfectly. Would make a great series for a zine or book of some kind. Well done!
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Martin Johnson on 5 Frames with (Early Version 24 exp) DubbleFilm BubbleGum and my Minolta X-700 – by Kate Johnson

Comment posted: 05/07/2020

Thank you for the article Kate. :)
While the film stock is rather underwhelming to say the least, I enjoyed your writing & look forward to more submissions from you in the future, my fellow namesake (hehe).

Take care.
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Kate Johnson on 5 Frames with (Early Version 24 exp) DubbleFilm BubbleGum and my Minolta X-700 – by Kate Johnson

Comment posted: 05/07/2020

Thanks for the comments. I think both of you are correct is your assessments because it is an aesthetic choice. The BubbkeGum has grown on me a bit. Not sure I would buy it, but I've received some experimental films from my secret santa last year and I was determined to try them.

For more of my online Publications Check-in Here:
https://myvintagecamerasblog.com/portfolio/publications/

And I do have something very different on the way here next.......
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Wayne K. on 5 Frames with (Early Version 24 exp) DubbleFilm BubbleGum and my Minolta X-700 – by Kate Johnson

Comment posted: 05/07/2020

Pleasing retro look for sure. I’ve been wondering whether to give my old X-700 away but - Nah!
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Kate Johnson replied:

Comment posted: 05/07/2020

Oh Yes! Keep your X-700. For one thing, it's a very reliable camera. You know what your results will be.

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