Re: [Leica] B&W in high contrast situations

["Gerry Walden" <gerrywalden@cwcom.net>]

My understanding is that the slower the film the higher the contrast (as a
general rule of thumb) so logically you would be better with a 400 iso film
such as Tri-X.   If you find the film too fast then rate it at 200 and
underdevelop by about 25%.   This has always worked well for me.   The
alternative may be a ND filter but that will get us into a whole new
discussion about which brand is best etc.  ;>)

The printable exposure latitude on the chromogenic films (such as T-max
CN400) is very good and you should be fine at 200 with them as well.   I
find that this has the added advantage that I can usually find a place to
process them well where ever I am travelling and thus I avoid bringing
exposed film back through the x-ray machines.   I carry neg pages with me as
part of the luggage so that I can get it cut into 6's just like I like.

Gerry


- ----- Original Message -----
From: <ARTHURWG@aol.com>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: 15 May 2000 15:03
Subject: Re: [Leica] B&W in high contrast situations


> What's the best way to shoot black and white in bright mid-day light? I
tried
> using Ilford Pan F ISO 50 in that situation (Rajastan)  recently and came
> away with much to much contrast and worse,  completely blocked shaddows.
> What's the best film to use in this situation?  What's the best exposure
> strategy?  How do you "pull" film? Is that a good way to go? Thanks for
your
> help. Arthur.