Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2000/05/15

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Subject: Re: [Leica] Re: B&W in high contrast situations
From: Mike Stoesz <mstoesz@wyoming.com>
Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 21:29:28 -0600
References: <4.1.20000515080541.02d342c0@gateway.photoaccess.com>

Right on Jim.  Tri-X is wonderful stuff along with HP-5+.  Microdal-X will help
reduce the contrast some too.

Best to all, Mike

Jim Brick wrote:

> Back by popular demand.
> No densitometer needed.
> No "N" plus or minus stuff to remember.
>
> "Zone system, for roll film, in a nutshell:"
> -----------------------------------------------------------
>
> by Jim Brick
>
> There are four zones.
>
> Zone Good, Zone Bad, Zone Ugly, Zone Butt Ugly.
>
> To use the system:
>
> Wake up. Get out of bed. Go outside.
>
> Zone good:
> It is light overcast-ish, light shadows. But good light direction. Normal
> open contrast.
> Expose normal (eg; Tri-X @ 400,) develop normal.
>
> Zone bad:
> It is dismally overcast, no shadows. Perhaps even drizzle. No contrast.
> Underexpose one stop (eg; Tri-X @ 800,) over develop 20%
>
> Zone ugly:
> The sun is out, sky is clear, and there are blatant shadows. High contrast.
> Overexpose one stop (eg; Tri-X @ 200,) under develop 20%
>
> Zone butt ugly:
> The sun is squinty bright and the shadows really deep. Really high contrast.
> Go in and go back to bed.
>
> ...But if you are a die-hard...
> Overexpose two stops (eg; Tri-X @ 100,) under develop 30%

In reply to: Message from Jim Brick <jimbrick@photoaccess.com> ([Leica] Re: B&W in high contrast situations)