Digital BW, The Print

Ya know Kip, I first started in photography while overseas with the Army in the 
early 1980s as a hobby. After years of service, marriage, and a few children, 
dogs, and a couple of fishes, I decided it was time to settle into a nice 
relaxing hobby. My aim is not to get rich or replace Ansel Adams, it is to enjoy 
life, have a hobby to keep my mind & spirit sharp, and to explore those areas I 
didn't have time for 20 years ago.

I still run a BBS and partcipate in FidoNet which died years ago with Mr Gore's 
global Internet invention, enjoy shooting film, and darkroom work. I also have a 
Canon 1Ds that takes some excellant photos and own both an epson 2400 and 1400 
printers. In the next room is my Beseler C67II enlarger sitting next to the 
bathtub. Hey if Weston used a coat closet I should feel fortionate to have an 
entire bathroom, Rright? 


If I were to become a full time studio, sports, or journalist professional, it 
would be have to be all digital no doubt about it. But if it comes down to a 
hobby, I enjoy my RB67, Canon A1 & 1N as much as I do my Canon 1Ds.

On the other hand, if I had 30 years experience working in a darkroom for a 
living, I would most certainly agree with you. I spent 20 years in the Army as a 
mechanic and take my car to Big-O for maintenance. I fully understand and agree 
with your comments. In fact, my wife & I are discussing if we are ready to do 
another 20+ years together or if we should outsource this entire marriage thing 
to someone else...

Phil

 



________________________________
From: Kip Babington <cbabing3@...>
To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Mon, March 7, 2011 1:51:09 PM
Subject: Re: [Digital BW] Where to send Film for Deveopment

  
I'm not trying to be confrontational, but after developing and printing 
my own B&W in home darkrooms for 30+ years I was never so glad as when I 
finally got rid of the last of my many film cameras (Minox, Nikons, 
Leicas, Rolleis and a 4x5 Crown Graphic) and associated darkroom 
equipment a half dozen years ago. (I did keep a half full bottle of 
Rodinal, just for old times' sake, but finally pitched that last year.) 
High resolution sensors give up nothing in terms of sharpness, compared 
to what I was used to on film. And I personally think I have a LOT more 
control of the final B&W result using digital capture in color and 
near-infinite availability of contrast correction in Photoshop, as 
compared with the 5 contrast filters I used to carry (and rarely use) 
with my film cameras. 

With the ever increasing quality of digital camera sensors, and (I 
assume - correct me if I'm wrong) decline in the variety and 
availability of film, paper and chemistry, what is the attraction of 
chemical capture and processing as compared to digital, especially if 
you're going to use digital output? (Apart from special circumstances, 
that is - if you're going way up the Amazon I do understand that you may 
be concerned about recharging those digital batteries . . . )

Again, not trying to start a fight, just wondering?

Cheers,
Kip

andy bessette wrote:
> 
>
> Have made substantial progress on building my own personal B&W medium 
> format wet darkroom. Also have purchased an HP1400 
> for dedicated B&W-only digital printing.
> Please allow me to suggest A&Ihttp://www.aandi.com/mos.htmlfor mail 
> orders, though they're in California.
> Andy
>
> ...I started developing & printing
> my own b&w...
>
>
> 

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