Grainy B&W

[zdav]

this photoset really caught my attention:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151566413886973&set=oa.10152121723069012&type=1&theater

(not sure if you can see it without a FB account, so I'll post some images as well)

https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/919418_10151566408216973_1410493169_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/1073701_10151566408421973_2031018136_o.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/74910_10151566412681973_2142313565_n.jpg
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1078865_10151566412926973_647237277_o.jpg

I like the composition and all that, but the images have a very distinctive look, very grainy en lot's of contrast. There also seems to be a light glow towards the edges which makes them kind of 'dreamy'.

How do you get that effect? Is it digital trickery or is this what you get when over-developing film?

What do you think, is this the instagram-effect that is playing tricks on me? Apply a filter and make the edges look vintage and 'TADAA' interesting images?

kind regards,

Zdav

 

[Murchu]

Hi Zdav, your pics are too big to comfortably see, and may get more replies by posting versions around 800px on the long side, fyi

 

[ChrisN]

Digital post processing. Too much sharpening, and raise the contrast. The edges look like they were done in Silver Effects Pro. Not to my taste personally, but that's not a crime. 🙂

 

[zuiko85]

I don't know from digital or post processing but.....

In the old days if you want grainy, high contrast black and white then;

Small format, 1/2 frame 35mm is good.
Fast film.
Big enlargements, 20X or more. (This takes a short enlargeing lens or a rotating enlarger head so you can project on the wall.)
Contrast grade 4 or 5 paper.

That is about it, I guess.

Oh, one more thing. Excerise care when people start a reply with "Trust me,...."

 

[Photo_Smith]

With film you might get a similar effect using an old camera with uncoated lens, shot on something like Fomapan 400 or like the below Fortepan 400 underexposed and pushed in Rodinal.

But the ones you posted look a little too 'twee' and were probably digitally manipulated.