Zone System/Darkroom Book Recommendations

I have restricted most of my LF phtots so far to color because of the mediocore or expensive results I've had from commercial B+W processing/printing. I'd like to while away a few cold evenings reading more about the zone system and processing/developing. There are certainly some basics on the web but I'm looking for a little more. Any recommendations. Considering - The Negative, Beyond the Zone System, The Practical Zone System. Can't afford them all. Recommendations appreciated.

I don't know 'The Practical Zone System'. Of the first two, if you

can only afford one, it's a tough choice. Have you a library near

you, where you can read both?

 

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Overall, I think I prefer The Negative, although my own use of the ZS

more closely follows BTZS. BTZS has better science, The Negative has

better, well, everything else.

Roger: Adam's "The Negative" rates high on my list as one of the best

photography books written. There is a world of information there that

doesn't get hung up on unnecesary jargon and formulas.

It is also a good guide to shooting in black and white and the use of

filters, etc. to make the negative look right.

Recommend it highly, even though its overpriced like many photography

books.

Doug

Roger,

I also strongly recommend The Negative, it covers the topic

beautifully and is very easy to read. If you are considering

purchasing another book I would also recommend that you purchase

Adams' other book, The Print. It will show you different printing

techniques to bring out what you have in your negatives. They are

offered in soft cover now and they go for about $20 each.

Good Luck.

Thanks for the thoughts all of you. Looks like its The Nnegative. I

was able to locate a used hardback copy (on the web) for $15. Look

forward to pondering a few evening away. Roger

Another good one (if it's not too late) is The New Zone System Manual,

an update on the original Zone System Manual by Minor White. The New

manual is by White, Zakia and Lorenz and my paperback copy was written

in 1976. I'm not sure if it's still in print. I like it because it

has some very simple and practical testing procedures and

vizualization exercises in it. Also has instructions on how to make a

Zone "ruler" to take with you into the field to help you see how a

given value will translate in the final print. Worth picking up if

you're into Zone stuff and can find it.

Whatever you want is found through you local library. If they don't

have them, get the titles and request they add them to the

photography section. If there is a request, many libraries will add

the titles. Even if they don't get a permanent copy for their

collection they can get them through Interlibrary Loan. Possibly a

small fee for some libraries, but any title will be available if you

can afford to wait a bit for it to come in.

I have all three, and I'll put in a vote for "The Practical Zone

System" (there's a new edition out recently). Although the other two

are excellent, I think TPZS is the best for someone just setting out

to learn about the subject. I understood The Negative a lot better

after I'd read TPZS.

Fred Picker's Zone VI Workshop is a very good book for understanding

the Zone system, and his other book, The Fine Print is excellent for

understanding printing. Pat