Digital BW, The Print

Bob,

I agree wholeheartedly with Jim on the Portra B&W a.k.a. T400CN. Finer grain
(esp. w/overexposure), ability to use ICE is a blessing, and it's relatively
easy to find the "consumer version" (Kodak Black + White, I believe) in a
pinch on location. I also like TMax 100 and Ilford 3200 (@3200) if you're
into that sort of thing. However, I'm also finding that since experimenting
with the scanning as a positive vs. a negative method described by Paul and
others--a method that I find helps more w/"normal" B&W than chromogenic--I'm
liking many films I was originally not as pleased with for scanning (i.e.,
TMax 400) a lot better. This is all on my Nikon 4000, BTW.

I think the moral of the story is that with a modern dedicated film scanner
and some basic skills, B&W film choice is not going to make or break your
photos--unlike in color, where say Velvia+ skin tones might not look so hot.
I'd start with the films you're comfortable with now and take it from there.

Doug


> Date: Wed, 18 Sep 2002 11:04:01 -0700
> From: Jim Panzer <jimp@...>
> Subject: RE: Shooting Digital vs. Film
> 
> 
> I recently shot a bunch of Porta Black and White 400 as well as
> Ilford XP2.  I like scanning both of them and get great results using my
> Nikon 4000 film scanner.  One of the nicest things is that I can use ICE on
> the chromogenic films which helps a lot with dust and stuff.  As for slower
> speed films I really like the Fuji NPC160 for color and the Ilford PanF for
> black and white.  The NPC translates nicely to b&w also.  Have a great trip.
> 
> Jim P
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: daintreeriver2002 [mailto:workmantx@...]
> Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2002 10:04 AM
> To: DigitalBlackandWhiteThePrint@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [Digital BW] Shooting Digital vs. Film
> 
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> A few weeks ago, there was a thread on the topic of shooting digital
> vs. film.  I have the good fortune to be going to Australia in a few
> weeks and plan to take tons of photos.  I'll be taking my Nikon
> CoolPix 5000 as well as a traditional 35mm camera.  My question is
> about the best 35mm film(s) to take for later scanning and making
> digital black and white prints.  (I know I'll be shooting in
> extremely different lighting conditions and will be taking my tripod -
> - rainforest to desert sunlight.)
> 
> Has anyone worked with the chromogenic films -- Ilford XP2 Super and
> Kodak T-Max T400CN?  How do they scan and do you like the resulting
> black and white digital prints?
> 
> Or, should I shoot everything in color to keep all of my options open
> and then just convert the images in PS7 use the channel mixer for
> those that I want to print in B&W?
> 
> I'd appreciate some advice and would like to experiment with the
> films before I leave on my trip.
> 
> Thank you in advance.
> 
> Bob
> 
> 
> 
> 
>