Digital BW, The Print

Hi,
what with the demise of Tech Pan and APX 25, I wondered what people think the finest grained film is. I love the optics of 35mm cameras and would like to still be able to shoot something like APX 25 if it existed.

I think the finest grained films are Delta 100 or maybe Pan F Plus. But how about Velvia desaturated? Or what about the small makers - are there any emulsion made for example in Eastern Europe that are filling the gap in slow films that digital has left?

Secondly I'd be interested in people thought about shooting infra-red in digital as opposed to Kodak High Speed Infrared film.

You have to use a mighty slow exposure to shoot through an Infrared filter - though this is useful when one wants a slow exposure. And grass, for example, can become totally washed out and devoid of any detail. I have not got the results shooting digitally that I see in my Charlie Waite book. (BTW, if anyone has not seen his work, try Googleing him - he's one of the best.)

I eagerly await your thoughts.

Thanks in advance,
Richard
--
Portraiture and Location Photography
http://smallfield.vze.com
http://photos.smallfield.vze.com

   "Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, 
   whenever they go." 
   --Oscar Wilde (1854-1900)