Re: [Leica] With XP-2, why develop B/W?

[Andrew Schroter <schroter@optonline.net>]

re the friends photo, it looks as if the guy was added on to the photo after
the original "photo" was taken.  He really stands out from the background.

- ----- Original Message -----
From: "Colin" <CJV@home.com>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2002 11:50 AM
Subject: RE: [Leica] With XP-2, why develop B/W?


> Julian,
>
> I tend to feel the same way.  At 400 speed, I use only XP-2.  I use
> other films because I'm not comfortable pushing XP-2, so it's always
> Tri-X or something else above 400.  Below 400, it's Scala or APX25 for
> me.
>
> XP-2 isn't the *best* film out there, but I love the look.  At ISO400,
> it has relatively little shadow detail, but seemingly infinite highlight
> detail.  It looks, to me, as though a red filter was used all the time.
> I submit some of my own shots here as illustrations:
>
> http://www.availabledark.com/html/wnj05.htm
> http://www.availabledark.com/html/ali11.htm
> http://www.availabledark.com/html/friends22.htm
>
> I can't think of any other film that gives me that look.  I guess the
> only other reason one might use a "real" B&W film is longevity.
>
> Regards,
> Colin
> http://www.availabledark.com
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> > [mailto:owner-leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us] On Behalf Of
> > Julian Koplen
> > Sent: Sunday, February 17, 2002 2:32 PM
> > To: leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us
> > Subject: [Leica] With XP-2, why develop B/W?
> >
> >
> > The question in the subject line has to do with a certain
> > resistance on my part.  I assembled most of the materials
> > necessary to process my own B/W negatives, as I had done some
> > 35 years ago.  But each time I prepare to get some
> > conventional B/W film for home processing, I ask myself "why
> > not just use XP-2 with its smooth tonality and fine grain,
> > then pay Wal-Mart $1.80 for C-41?
> >
> > Obviously, if one needs 3200 speed or super fine detail, that
> > could be a reason to use conventional B/W, or if one simply
> > enjoys the process, but aside from that, for general shooting
> > where ISO 400 is adequate, why isn't everybody just using
> > XP-2?  What special are you getting from Delta 400, FP-4, Tri-X, etc?
> >
> > For background, I gave up my Valoy II and became dormant in
> > the hobby many years ago, but am now taking a few pictures
> > again, getting negatives done at Wal-Mart, and then doing the
> > rest with my computer, Picture Window 3.x, and Epson 1270.
> >
> > Thanks for any insights (and hopefully, for the inspiration
> > to wet my own again).
> >
> > Julian
>
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