Re: [Leica] zones

["Dan S" <dstate1@hotmail.com>]

Ted, you are correct about using the zone system for PJ applications, 
particularly regarding the initial exposure. Time is of the essence in most 
PJ shooting.

It should be noted however that the most important part of the Zone system 
is "pre-visualization".  I think most good PJ's and nearly all decent "rock 
and fern" guys would agree that they have some kind of image in mind when 
they push the shutter button.

Actually getting that visualized image onto paper becomes a matter of 
sensitometry once you have shot the neg.

Adams felt that a fundamental understanding of sensitometry was imperative 
for the beginner, and important for the experienced user.  I think many 
photographers use a scatter shot approach to their printing.  Producing 
prints over and over until they get what they want.  It is unfortunate, 
since they could have reduced their time expenditure tremendously by knowing 
the response characteristics of their equipment and materials.

Experienced users "automatically" employ an internal "Zone system".  It is a 
natural response to years of practice.  (I have seen your photos and you 
sure as hell know how to print!)  For beginners Zone system fundamentals can 
really make a difference in the quality of their prints, and their 
understanding of the responses of photo materials.  They need all the early 
success they can get, and I believe this system can help.


As for the "rock and fern" guys going 4x5...Well, just imagine if nobody had 
pushed the limits of smaller formats in the 30's...We might still be using 
120 film TLR's....Auto focus of couse:)

Best Wishes
Dan States




>From: Ted Grant <tedgrant@islandnet.com>
>Reply-To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
>To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
>Subject: Re: [Leica] zones
>Date: Sun, 26 Dec 1999 19:51:10 -0800
>
> >Rod Fleming wrote:
> >>
> >> It's funny that so far no-one has mentioned what all of this is 
>actually
> >> about- and that is one of the great axioms of photography-
> >>
> >> Expose For The Shadows And Develop For The Highlights
> >>
> >> That's all any zone system, Ansel's or Jim's, is teaching you to do.
> >>
>
>Martin Howard responded to the above:
> >Well, almost.  As I understand it, the "expose for the shadows and 
>develop
> >for the highlights" rule of photography is really just a convenient
> >mnemonic for what is the real truth:  Exposure controls negative density;
> >Development controls negative contrast.
> >
> >"Playing around" with these two and matching them to a known paper to
> >reproduce the subject brightness in the scene is what it's all about.
> >
> >Right?>>>>>>
>
>
>Guys,
>
>you know all this zone stuff is great if you're shooting one sheet of film
>or one roll of film all in the identical light and shadow effects.
>
>It's never been my thing to be involved with it, as I see it as quite
>impossible when I'm using 5 or 6 cameras all at the same time shooting
>various compositions and bits and pieces of a situation.
>
>Like, what happens to KISS in this kind of scene? Keep it simple doesn't
>apply here one iota!
>
>Imagine you're walking down the street, there is a scream from above, a
>person has jumped off the Empire State building! On the way down, they pass
>through several light levels and contrasts and you have to shoot the
>rapidly descending body before it goes big time splat on the side walk.
>Which zone to you pick?
>
>Now you're into this Zone system! Hell by the time you figure out which
>zone it is the body has passed through 18 light zones, let alone a few time
>zones and all you're left with is a hell of a messy spot on the sidewalk.
>
>The zone system is great for rocks and ferns, peeling paint and
>non-breathing things! Other than that, who the hell cares if your a Leica
>photojournalist or user!
>
>I know, I know there are going to be all kinds of come backs about "yes you
>can do it on 35mm film!"  I've usually heard them all, but excuse me, I'm a
>man in motion with things happening and the zone system still comes down to
>the only one that we need to be concerned with....the "demilitarised zone!"
>
>
>Unless you're a rock and fern photographer.
>
>And if that is the case....go big time 4X5 film, one sheet at a time. And
>that keeps life and darkroom simple.
>
>ted
>
>Ted Grant
>This is Our Work. The Legacy of Sir William Osler.
>http://www.islandnet.com/~tedgrant
>
>

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