Tokyo 10 - Marix D400 (Japanese film)
A Japanese film stock capturing typical Tokyo scenes and subjects, with a touch of random film lettering and some goosebumps at the Fender store.
Time to load this Japanese film stock that seems to be a Kodak respool (hence the light leaks). The roll started well with the presence of a vintage Toyota.
Which version do you prefer? 1, 2, or 4? Light leaks or no light leaks? I think my favorite is #4 (the last one).
The words EASTMAN on the film lettering (photo #3) suggests me that this is a Kodak respool, but interestingly enough, the sprocket holes have a different, more eliptical format the bottom and top. If you compare that to the CineStill, you will see that the CineStills have more sharp squares at the holes.
Also, this film is full of random characters at the bottom lettering (like in photo #4), keep reading to see the surprise that this film gave me…
The Fender TOKYO Store and the Marix D400 film lettering surprise
“They’re expensive” instruments.
We headed to the only physical dedicated Fender store across the globe, where they have some exclusive items that are only sold in that location.
As a guitar enthusiast, I quickly ran to the Fender Custom Shop floor. These are high-end, handcrafted instruments built in Corona, California, aimed at professionals and collectors.
The Custom Shop portfolio also includes Masterbuilt instruments, where one luthier handles the guitar from start to finish. These models are not just better materials; they represent Fender’s top-tier craftsmanship, with tighter tolerances, better fretwork, and often a more resonant, responsive feel than mass-produced counterparts.
Needless to day, they're expensive, but built to be lifetime instruments.
As you go upstairs in the Fender store in Tokyo, you can see a wall with some tiles and the Fender Custom Shop logo, where I snapped this picture.
Do you see that?
Yes, I’m talking about that dollar sign on the film lettering. It was there from the factory, embedded in the film emulsion long before I ever loaded the roll. It could have appeared anywhere, on any frame. but it showed up right below the Fender Custom Shop logo, surrounded by these colored tiles.
When I scanned the image and noticed it, I felt goosebumps. It was like the film knew something I didn’t. Like it was waiting for this exact moment, predicting the future…
Have you watched a horror movie called “Shutter”? I think it’s korean, it’s old, and to be honest with you, LOL, all that shit remembered this movie. I know, I’m overthinking 😂 .
But seriously, there are times in film photography that feel hard to explain. You set everything up, frame the shot, press the shutter. But then something else happens, something you didn’t plan, and something that you will only see weeks later when developing.
The film always gives you more than you expected. The dollar sign had always been there. All it needed was light. Again, that shit could be everywhere else in the universe, but it chose to be right there in the Custom Shop logo photo.
What do you think? Coincidence, or something more? Do you believe in coincidence?
It is not the first time I write about film borders telling a story (or part of it), and the importance to keep them in your scans…
Well, life goes on, as well as my shutter button! Time for more fine street photography in Tokyo.
And a last photo that summarizes all I feel about film photography, and these Gods of storytelling helping me out, with their crazy film letterings and shit.
I like the slight bleed on the second one Nice work!