Digital BW, The Print

Don M writes:

> How does C-41 BW fit into the debate? Is it akin to digital color to
> BW conversions in the qualities being debated? Or is it closer to
> traditional BW film's qualities?

It's the same as traditional B&W film in the context of this particular
debate.  Most C-41 B&W films, though, have a very even spectral response
similar to that of color films--which means that they seem to be a bit
more flat in their rendering of light and shadow, not unlike the results
from color conversions.  This is by design, though, since film
manufacturers could design C-41 B&W films with spectral sensitivites
similar to those of traditional B&W films, if they wanted to.  I suppose
the companies perceive that photographers using C-41 films want that
flat look.  I don't care for the look of Portra 400BW in low-contrast
daylight images, but it sure looks nice when you are trying to handle
high-contrast images taken at night.