[Leica] Zone system, for roll film, in a nutshell

[Jim Brick <jimbrick@photoaccess.com>]

Zone system, for roll film, in a nutshell:

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.
Expose normal (eg; Tri-X @ 400,) develop normal.

Zone bad:
It is dismally overcast, no shadows. Perhaps even drizzle.
Underexpose one stop (eg; Tri-X @ 800,) over develop 20%

Zone ugly:
The sun is out, sky is clear, and there are blatant shadows.
Overexpose one stop (eg; Tri-X @ 200,) under develop 20%

Zone butt ugly:
The sun is squinty bright and the shadows really deep.
Go back in and go back to bed.

Jim