HP5+ and Neopan 1600 in Diafine, doing concerts

[Ronald_H]

After 'nailing' Tri-X in Diafine, I tried the other two fast films in my freezer, HP5+ and Neopan 1600.

I rated the HP5+ at 1000ISO, the 800 recommended on the Diafine box I considered too low after a few rolls in my Canonet and M2. Even so, the highlights came out a bit too bright, while shadow detail was still ok. I guess that 1250 would work better for me, which is a bit surprising. Pics:

The Neopan was rated at 1600, again after earlier experiments. My Diafine box recommends 1200, but I have seen 2400 in a .pdf from them as well. I think it works well at 1600:

All shots taken with an Evil SLR, my trusted and much loved Nikon FM, with the 50mm f1.4 and 85mm f1.8 on it. No fast 90 yet for my M2...

 

[AzzA]

Nice work mate. I'm about to start taking some concert shots myself, and trying to figure out what films to use.
I normally develop with rodinal, but might use something different for these high speed films.
I especially like your Neopan shots.
Could i ask what sort of shutter speeds you had with the apertures you used?
cheers

 

[Ronald_H]

Apertures were 1.8 - 2.8 at 1/60th of a second. Yes, that fast and that slow. The light was low, but very constant, a luxury you won't often have.

Concert shooting is difficult, low light (and bright spots), bright colors, huge contrast, moving subjects. I shot these with an all manual Nikon FM. Digital is easier, but has trouble with the huge contrast and hi ISO (unless you have a D3 I guess), exposure is very critical.

I always wanted to duplicate the look of 'classic' B/W concerts shots. Now I develop my own, I can 🙂

 

[gertf]

Very nice! The Neopan shots are great.