Nick Masson
New member
Hey all,
So I haven't worked with film in a while, and i'm going back to developing my own BW negatives as I have been unhappy with the lab's results (Yes, I could send it by mail to a better lab, but i'd prefer to do it myself anyway).
I was wondering what folks like to use in as far as film/developer/process choices? I know it mostly has to do with 'feel' and intent in the photograph, but short (or long) descriptions would be great!
I have some Rodinal and some X-tol, and haven't really worked with them yet. Back in the day I used to use D76 w/ kodak film. In particular i'm looking for a good match-up for fine grain work (landscape oriented) and something for faster film as well. I'm thinking I may just stick with HP5 and X-tol and my faster film setup, but would like some input anyway.
As for fine grain work, i'm mainly geared towards still/landscape images. I'm thinking perhaps Ilford Pan-F 50 with a fine grain developer would work well? I'd also be interested in finding a good film/developer setup for a faster speed that I could be confident shooting tripodless (for backcountry ski touring/climbing where I can't afford to carry a tripod, but still don't mind my FM3A glued to my chest). Maybe FP4 or Tmax? In all honesty, I know that it's not really worth shooting landscapes w/ 35mm if I really want great quality results, but to go places that otherwise I wouldn't access is enough, I think, to punctuate the image itself...
If anybody has images to illustrate the different film/developer/process combos that would be great. I'm still trying to develop a 'feel' for how different films respond (in as far as contrast, acutance, softness...etc). If any color filters were used in the images i'd also care to know...
Thanks! And look forward to hearing about peoples ideas/experiments/experiences!
-Nick
So I haven't worked with film in a while, and i'm going back to developing my own BW negatives as I have been unhappy with the lab's results (Yes, I could send it by mail to a better lab, but i'd prefer to do it myself anyway).
I was wondering what folks like to use in as far as film/developer/process choices? I know it mostly has to do with 'feel' and intent in the photograph, but short (or long) descriptions would be great!
I have some Rodinal and some X-tol, and haven't really worked with them yet. Back in the day I used to use D76 w/ kodak film. In particular i'm looking for a good match-up for fine grain work (landscape oriented) and something for faster film as well. I'm thinking I may just stick with HP5 and X-tol and my faster film setup, but would like some input anyway.
As for fine grain work, i'm mainly geared towards still/landscape images. I'm thinking perhaps Ilford Pan-F 50 with a fine grain developer would work well? I'd also be interested in finding a good film/developer setup for a faster speed that I could be confident shooting tripodless (for backcountry ski touring/climbing where I can't afford to carry a tripod, but still don't mind my FM3A glued to my chest). Maybe FP4 or Tmax? In all honesty, I know that it's not really worth shooting landscapes w/ 35mm if I really want great quality results, but to go places that otherwise I wouldn't access is enough, I think, to punctuate the image itself...
If anybody has images to illustrate the different film/developer/process combos that would be great. I'm still trying to develop a 'feel' for how different films respond (in as far as contrast, acutance, softness...etc). If any color filters were used in the images i'd also care to know...
Thanks! And look forward to hearing about peoples ideas/experiments/experiences!
-Nick