[Leica] film resolution

[len-1 at comcast.net (Leonard Taupier)]

Hi David,

You are 100% right. But film grain is not the issue. We are just  
contesting a statement that a ISO 1600 film is as sharp as a ISO 400  
film and grain enters into the equation.

Best,
Len


On Feb 20, 2008, at 10:16 AM, David Rodgers wrote:

> Digital gives what I always thought I wanted but couldn't get with
> film... sharp grainless images even in low light. But I've had second
> thoughts.
>
> The grain of high speed film is a good thing. It can give character  
> to a
> photo. Even the more subdued grain of medium speed films can be a good
> thing. The ability to resolve fine detail can be important, but it's
> often overrated. How many non photographers really care about
> resolution? Either a photograph is interesting or it isn't. And too  
> much
> detail isn't always interesting. Like too much nonsensical dialog  
> it can
> even distract for the main point you're trying to get across.
>
> Sharp pronounced grain can make for some interesting photos;  
> especially
> on silver prints because big grain just doesn't look the same on a
> screen or from an inkjet (my personal opinion).
>
> OTOH, mushy grain caused by developing high speed (rated or pushed)  
> film
> in a solvent developer (i.e. an ill advised attempt to turn Delta 3200
> into Delta 100 or a D3 NEF file) is one of the biggest mistakes a  
> person
> can make. Rarely is it interesting. I like high acutance developers  
> that
> accentuate grain. Rough granite and obsidian are more dynamic than
> smooth rounded river rocks. The former are explosive, the latter
> pastoral at best.
>
> Phooey to lppm! Long live grain! Unless of course you're photographing
> something where resolution matters; such as modern architecture,
> pristine landscapes......or attractive people! :-)
>
> DaveR
>
>
>
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Leica Users Group.
> See http://leica-users.org/mailman/listinfo/lug for more information