BetterPhoto Q&A
Category: New Questions

Bipin Gupta		B/WPhotography Hi, I intend to do some B/W photography of the city of Mumbai. Daytime as well as night....there are quite a few heritage structures which have been illuminated. Most of these heritage structures are lit by white light, and the streets are lit by yellow sodium vapour. Can somebody suggest 1. What film role should I use? Please suggest more than one film roles, as everything suggested might not be available in the market here (India)? 2. Are considerations for shutter speed and Aperture any different when I use a B/W film? 3. Any special attention to Flash while using B/W film? Thanks. To love this question, log in above May 28, 2001

Kris Haskins		First of all, for most shots outside in a city a flash is going to be useless. With the exception of one with a really enormous guide number, a close shot of a single building, or forground material that is unlighted (which you want lit). In this last senerio you must be very careful to balance the existing light with the flash. Film... As has been pointed out many times, there is a vast selection of B&W film on the market. Your applications and personal taste will determine which kinds you use. Tri-X offers wide exposure latitude, with a soft grain stucture. TMax has finer grain, but can be more harsh if enlarged to viewable size. Agfa APX25 has incredible resolving power if you can find it (it was discontinued). Faster films ie.1600, 3200 can be used if you are not able to use a tripod, but the grain will be visible in smaller prints (this may be desireable). Whatever film you end up buying, read the specification sheet (available at the manufacturer's web site). It will have information on how far you can push/pull the film and how to develop it. It will also contain information on reciprocity failure (something you will need to compensate for if you end up shooting long exposures on a tripod). Finally, the color of light does not matter to a panchromatic B&W film. The intensity does though. Be aware of how bright the lights are, not what color they appear. Okay, now we are on finally. Be carful of lens flare. Use a lens hood and remove any filters when taking night shots of cities. You don't want to ruin a good shot with reflections. To love this comment, log in above May 29, 2001

Bipin Gupta		Great!! I find your advice really cheering me up. Thanks, Kris. Sure, if I can lay my hands on a scanner, will upload some results after I get them. To love this comment, log in above June 05, 2001

This old forum is now archived. Use improved Forum here Report this Thread