During a burst of semi-constructive surfing on an Internet shop, I came across this old photographic reference book from the fifties: Ilford Manual of Photography, edited by Alan Horder.

The copy I have in front of me is the second reprint of the 5th edition. Whilst the dated style of language may be of curiosity, the clear descriptions of photographic lenses and black and white photography are necessary knowledge for anyone interested in the science of chemical light capture. For that matter, a lens is a lens whether it’s in front of a slice of silver salt embedded in gelatin or a slice of semi-conductor.

The book kicks off with the broadest discussion of photography and other methods of capturing a pictorial image. It then moves on the the nature of light. You can hopefully get a sense of how comprehensive this manual is.

It is amusing to read about 35mm film being described as “microfilm”. No doubt a photographer from the period would be very pleasantly surprised at the resolution and colour rendition of today’s film (….and tomorrow’s, what of them?). Wonder what they would have thought about digital photography?

No matter how well presented in-depth information is on the web, I find that printed documents are far more easy to comprehend when trying to take in “new” ideas. Clear diagrams on a page are always more easily ingested.

Descriptions of old products and chemical composition of developers, fixers and toners are illuminative, almost entertaining at times….a veritable fifties cookbook no less. There appear to be quite a few available cheaply on auction sites; why not see for yourself?

Previously the Goldfrapp duo have used electronica extensively but their latest album has shifted their tunes to an almost folk song like acoustic nature. Though some tracks have still got a definite electric component, the electro-disco tracks of Supernature and Black Cherry aren’t re-visited.
I was lucky enough to get tickets for the gig at the Union Chapel in North London where Ms Goldfrapp and the newly-enlarged band ran through some of their new stuff, plus some older tracks - though nothing of Black Cherry. Fantastic venue, and a fantastic gig! The Chapel is supported largely by a band of volunteers.