35mm film: Where I am, and where I want to be

[okcomputer]

Everyone- thanks for the advice. Will need to consider the variables one by one... and need to start off at a more basic level than I thought (understanding what a properly exposed negative looks like!!). Also need to make sure in scanner sharpening is off.

One more example for technical feedback. This is Tri-X 800


tri-x800Scan-131116-0020 by adnan76, on Flickr

Thanks again.

 

[Frank Petronio]

Note the chair is plenty sharp, it isn't to do with the lens quality or any gyrations to achieve quality... you just need to use the right shutter speed for the subject.

 

[shadowfox]

I'm not exactly sure of all the issues the made my photo look different from the one I linked, but I would say the grain is a bit intrusive, shadows look bad, etc. Should I focus my efforts on cleaning up my development with my existing method, or try something like XTOL? (I've never tried another developer). Give up and just get good at using Silver Efex on my 5Dii?

Thanks for the help!

I'd suggest reduce the agitation (pronounced grains).
Also, stick to one developer until you exhausted the parameters.

- Developing film is easy.
- Coming up with a consistent process that works for you, takes time and some measure of persistence.
Don't confuse these two.