Basic overview of different types of b/w film?

[steven_mills1]

I've posted a question up in a couple of other forums (see below), but thought

I'd also put it here to get answers for my question no.2?

Hope you can oblige.

 

Original Post:

 

I'm looking at producing quality black and white images from my Canon EOS 400D.

 

In particular I'd be keen to hear:

 

1) thoughts on best method of converting to black and white (assuming the

in-camera option is a no-go)

 

2) tips/advice/resources regarding different b/w styles. I'd like to develop a

better understanding of b/w styles- I know there are lots of variety of b/w

print films - what is the difference between Ilford and TMax for example, and

how best to replicate them.

 

3) if it's worth using filters when taking an image, or is it best to leave all

this to post-processing

[bill_clark___minnetonka_mi]

CS3 has a nifty choice for B&W conversion with RAW files.

 

Go to the nearest library and look for books on B&W photography. Or check out many

threads here as well as other sites on the WWW.

 

Filters can be helpful during the capture stage. How about a filter on the flash to

correspond to the ambient light?

 

Just a thought, yje printing stage is quite important with photography. And the results are

getting better and better at time marches on.

 

Best!

[kevinteo]

<p><i>the difference between Ilford and TMax</i></p>

<p>See here - <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabular-

grain_film">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tabular-grain_film</a></p>

[bgelfand]

For a short, very short, description of many black and white films, try this link: http://www.nikonians.org/html/resources/jrp_faq/jrp_faq_what_film/faq_bw_film_preferences.html

 

Go to "More" to see more film blurbs.

[gnashings]

The difference between Ilford what and TMax what? In what developer (there are hundreds), shot at what speed? Printed how? There are too many variables, I think, to give a concise answer - even if I didn't think this was a silly (to put it mildly) endevour. You want things to look like film? Why did you buy a digital camera? Get a $50 AE1 and shoot some film. Its the best "plug in" for making things look like film: actually using film. Everything else will look like the fake it is...

Having said that, if you have a particular film/developer/rating/lighting/toning combo that you like or would like to follow, then and only then with those specifics in mind, people could try to help you. Or, conversly, if you have a look you like, I am sure people could then help you with tips on which films to use to achieve it.

[russ_kerlin]

Wait a minute....I thought this was a film and processing forum. I don't want to start a debate between film versus digital (again), but the Canon EOS 400D is a digital camera. Whay even ask about TMax versus Ilford? That's like asking how many tablespoons sugar should I add to the gasoline in my lawnmower.

[photojim]

The best way to replicate the film look is to use film.

 

Digital is its own thing. It has its own advantages and disadvantages.

[cblkdog]

Toss the EOS,buy a T90 or A-1 and a brick of TriX or Neopan 400 and do it right.