dazedgonebye

My favorite is the channel mixer.

This is a very complicated subject with many options and subtle differences.

I highly recommend this book:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1579907075/qid=1139609257/sr=2-1/ref=pd_bbs_b_2_1/102-9901802-7891341?s=books&v=glance&n=283155

I felt fairly accomplished when I started and learned a tremendous amount. The book manages still to be appropriate for relative beginers to black and white conversions. A reasonable knowledge of photoshop is needed up front.

Jay,

That shot was posted to show the kind of thing I normally do. It was taken with a Canon 300D and 85mm f1.8.

Glad you like it.

Sanders,

I do actually have a handheld light meter. I've been using it with My Retina IIa and now the Balda. So far its really just been confirming that sunny 16 works very well for winters in the desert.

I'm a bit more concerned that I'll put a 1+ stop filter in front and have to compromise either my 1/100 shutter speed or f16, both of which I like for these shots.

I've got a couple of chromogenic rolls on the way as a short term solution (at least). If I keep this up long term, I'll almost certainly want to control the process and save the money by developing the film myself.

Tri-X would likely be a default because it's all I know from 30 years ago. Certainly a good place to start.

If you were to pick a modern film, what would you go with?

Lex,

The few shots I've made recently with my Retina reflect what you are saying. There is something difficult to define about them that I like. I also like the (for some reason) that people seem less threatened.

Nice shot Sanders! I really like the look.

That Hapo is almost exactly the same camera. Different lens, I think. Though if it is the f4.5, I'm guessing it might just be a rebadged version of the one I have.

I'm looking forward to getting that first roll back.

The Efke 25 sounds interesting. I don't know if it is available for 120 or not. My one concern is that it might drive me to a tripod. I know it may sound lazy, but most of my shooting happens on a 1 hour lunch that includes a 15 minute drive and a 20 minute hike. If I use a tripod, I'm going to have time left for about 1 or 2 compositions.

I've got a roll of XP2 Super loaded in my Retina right now (no 120 available at my local store). I'm going to give it a try.

My little folder does have the red window, but it also has a working film counter, so I can easily ignore it once I'm loaded.

David...I don't understand. You're under exposing the XP2 and sending it out for normal processing? I'll be using the local mini-lab and I'm sure they'll only be capable of a straight run on that film. They told me they can't do prints at all from XP2, but they can develop 120.

I'm heading out today and looking for a good book on darkroom work. I read one about 30 years ago...but it didn't stick. :-)

Here's a pic of my folder.<div></div>

Can anyone recommend a good service that will print my black and

white files on glossy paper?

Thanks,

I'm taking notes...I need to look some of this up so I can come up with half-intelligent follow up questions.

I have some XP2 on the way. Until I start developing (if) I'd like to have better turn around time than the 10 days it takes me to get b&w done right now.

I dropped my first roll of Delta 100 off today.

Dan,

On further thought, I realized that wasn't the sharpest question I could have asked. My desire for wide angle got in the way of a clear thought process.

doh...

I'm playing around a bit with an old 6x6 folder and I'm looking for

input on film for my landscape shots.

Most of my shooting takes place in the desert at around noon (no, I'm

not kidding). I don't have access to the "golden hour" light. The

good news is that no matter the quality, I do have plenty of light.

Right now (in what passes for Winter) "sunny 16" is about right. In

the Summer, I'm guessing I'll have to stop down a bit from there.

My last few blog entries at http://photosteven.blogspot.com are

fairly indicative of the type of thing I'm going for.

Initially, I'll be sending the film out, though I'm considering

developing my own if I find I'm doing this enough.

So, what film and why?

Thanks,

Steve<div></div>

My first post here....

I'd very much like to be able to go wider on a folder than the standard lens. Can anyone come up with a lens/camera combination that is likely to be sucessful?

Maybe a lens from a 6x6 to go on a 6x9?