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