 Andrew Laverghetta |
Darkroom Black and White film of choice. Hi! I'm starting my darkroom photo classes and I'm not really sure about the different aspect of different films from certain brands or the differences among these brands. I've used TMAX 3200 but I won't really count that as what I'm looking for since it's a different look that what I'll probably be going for. I've also taken a few shots with TMAX 100 but the lab accidently processed it as C41. So, starting out, I want something that might give me a little bit more leeway in terms of exposure latitude. I've read that Tri-X has large latitude. Is this common among true black and white film, moreso than other negative film? Is there a website that compares the aspects of different black and white films? Does betterphoto? I like really contrasty black and white pictures but I guess this probably has more to do with the printing process. I'm assuming I wouldn't want really contrasty images all the time, though. Would I probably be good keeping TMAX 100 or are there some better ISO 100 films that I could use? Sorry this may be a bit ambiguous, if you would like you can just reply to this: What is your favorite true black and white film and why do you like it? Thanks!
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Christopher A. Vedros |
Andrew, Back in my B&W darkroom days, I shot lots of Tri-X and Tmax. I settled on Tmax 100 as my film of choice. In Advanced Photo, we learned the Zone System in great detail. We did technical tests to determine the optimum ISO speed for selected films, and I found the best results with Tmax 100 overexposed about 1/2 stop. Good luck & have fun! Chris
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Kerry L. Walker |
I grew up shooting and processing Tri-X. It is a good high contrast film but a bit grainy. I still like it though. Plus-X is a good slower less grainy choice.
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Andrew Laverghetta |
Thanks for your opinions! I have heard about the zone system a lot when reading about different photographers. Didn't Ansel use this? Do you think that it would be a wise decision to get a book on the zone system that I saw at Borders yesterday?
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- Gregory LaGrange Contact Gregory LaGrange Gregory LaGrange's Gallery |
you'll end up using contrast filters to adjust contrast.
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Justin G. |
Andrew, I actually just started learning darkroom myself. For high contrast (Pan) films, I personally have fallen in love with Ilford's Pan F Plus ISO 50. Obviously not great for speed but is great for high contrast stills, old houses, etc. For a portrait film I've been using the FP4 rated at ISO 125. I've really like the outcomes on this film. Though I've only shot a few rolls of each type I've really grown on Ilford's dedication to black and white photography. Their papers are good too. Darkroom is a blast and you really have like double the control on your photos, if not more. Have fun with this. .justin.
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Bunny Snow |
Justin and Andrew, If either of you (or others) are interested in obtaining and black & white enlarger and a couple other darkroom pieces for shipping costs, I've taken some images of mine. They can be viewed at http://bunnysnow.us/ Click on enlarger in the lower left hand corner. The enlarger is in good shape and is similar to the ones I used in college decades ago. It's a Simon Omega D2 with a Schneider lens. If you'd like more information, I can be contacted at Bunny@bunnysnow.us
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