35mm · Film photography · Photography

Scarborough Spa

There has apparently been a spa building on this site since the early 1700s following the discovery of springs with supposedly medicinal properties. Mineral spa’s were big business and the places they were located quickly capitalised on them as a means to draw visitors.

The spa at Scarborough has undergone a number of changes over it’s history, including when a landslide obliterated the original wooden spa house, and in the 19th century grand new buildings were erected along with gardens, funicular railway, and a concert hall. The building was once again destroyed, this time by fire, in 1876, but little time was wasted re-constructing and it re-opened three years later.

By the end of the 19th century the venue was used more for entertainment than as a spa, and eventually in the late 1960s, public consumption of the waters ceased.

Spa

Nikon F80 and Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-D on Ilford Type-517. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 14.5mins @ 20°.

Taken on 14 March 2026

35mm · Film photography · Photography

The steps down

One of multiple footpaths descending (or ascending) the cliffs of Scarborough’s south bay. Again, I had to crop this (to a 6×7 ratio) to get rid of the light leak, so part of the path goes out of shot at mid-left, but I think it still tells the story of its travel.

Down

Nikon F80 and Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-D on Ilford Type-517. Ilfotec DD-X 1+4 14.5mins @ 20°.

Taken on 14 March 2026

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Foggy day trees on film

I already posted some digital photos of trees in the fog that I took on this day, and now here are the film versions (they aren’t all the same trees, I don’t think). The second one is my favourite.

I developed my first roll of film today in what feels like ages, although it probably hasn’t been that long. Definitely a few weeks though. It was a roll of Fomapan 400 from my bulk roll. Because I was a little generous with the bulk-loader (42 clicks worth, I think), and also due to shooting it with my tiny Olympus XA-3, I ended up with 41 full frames – a record for me. I haven’t scanned any yet, but the negatives look ok and I hopefully haven’t scratched them like I have in the past.

Tree and sheep
Pointing to a friend
Small, or far away?
Another lone tree
On the fence
Dead or alive?

Nikon F80 and Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-D on Tri-X Pan Kodak Tri-X Pan (likely expired sometime in the 1990s) @125asa
Ilfotec DD-X. 1+4 8mins @ 20°.

Taken on 21 March 2026

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Kissing gate

Kissing gates’ primary purpose is to allow human passage while restricting that of livestock. The origin of the name is supposedly because the gate “kisses” it’s frame when it opens and closes, although the more romantic later etymology alludes to couples in close proximity taking the opportunity to kiss in the confined space.

They can be a real PITA if you have a backpack and a tripod, let me tell you!

Kissing gate

Nikon F80 and Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-D on Tri-X Pan Kodak Tri-X Pan (likely expired sometime in the 1990s) @125asa
Ilfotec DD-X. 1+4 8mins @ 20°.

Taken on 21 March 2026

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Across Cuckney water meadows

This was almost the half-way point of my walk on this day. I continued on to the front of the church and even took a few pictures in the graveyard (although I’m not happy with the results, so haven’t published them anywhere). There was a sizeable population of rabbits scampering about on the dry slopes around the water meadows when I arrived, although they all disappeared pretty quickly once they noticed my presence.

Over the water meadows

Nikon F80 and Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-D on Tri-X Pan Kodak Tri-X Pan (likely expired sometime in the 1990s) @125asa
Ilfotec DD-X. 1+4 8mins @ 20°.

Taken on 21 March 2026

35mm · Film photography · Photography

Lodge houses

There are multiple lodge houses (or, I guess, gate houses) on the Welbeck estate, all featuring an interesting architectural style. Shrouded in fog, they bring much atmosphere to scenes.

I had hoped to shoot the third of these images below from a different angle, with the ornate gates in frame but, as is usual for my luck, a delivery van pulled up and parked right in front of the gates.

Lodge house
in a lonely place
Foggy lodge

Nikon F80 and Nikkor 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-D on Tri-X Pan Kodak Tri-X Pan (likely expired sometime in the 1990s) @125asa
Ilfotec DD-X. 1+4 8mins @ 20°.

Taken on 21 March 2026