Digital BW, The Print

Austin,

Yes, perhaps in the camera clubs and high school phot classes. But there was
a whole class of photographer that were deeply involved in developing and
researching the state of the art. Papers were published, research was done,
and scientific data was realized.

Perhaps in your circles these things were not discussed. But in reality,
photographers were travelling to Carmel to learn and speak with Ansel and
others. Ask Sexton, ask Gordon Brown, ask Fred Picker, Berenbaum, ask
Camponigro, ask the Westons and the Zakia's. Ask those that were teaching at
RIT, Brooks, and RISD.

In the late 60's we did test Microdol X, the new Polycontrast papers, and
puked at the quality of the zoom lenses which almost no one bought. But, we
were also mixing Potassium Oxalate, Sodium Chlolplatinite, and we were
testing the "Dynammic Range of papers, film and  the effects of chemistry.

With all due respect, you are very wrong in your statements here.

Mike

Austin wrote:

> I agree, but this is vastly different than technical discussions about
what
> dynamic range really is!  Most photographers don't even understand what
> depth of FOCUS is...and I doubt it was discussed at these "meetings".
More
> like zoom lenses, cameras, meters...sharing of pictures, "techniques" like
> comparing Microdol 1:3 vs D-76 1:1...