I need help....

[BigSteveG]

Using an M6/35 'lux asph. My shots are looking very strange. I think I'm overexposing. I don't seem to be getting any tonality. This same effect seems to occur primarily in exterior shots, but also slightly in low light conditions. The images are being rendered in a very grayish, almost pencil like fashion. The Mercury statue is the best of the bunch and that was made today. The pencil like look also shows on the shot of Emma and on myself. On these images I used arista 100 (the re-branded APX) and Rodinal 1+25. This is also happening with T-max and other B&W fims. Developed at 8 min. I'm looking for any and all advice please.

 

[sf]

That is definitely the development process doing that. I have had negs in the past look like that coming from a lab - consistently so. I left to another lab and things changed.

You should consider your development methods.

Strange that the effect also looks like what happens when you screw with the curves in PS a little too much. Dropping out and blowing up entire ranges of the tone.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

did you look at the negs with a loupe? This looks like a scanner issue to me, I may be wrong but I've seen this before.

Todd

 

[BigSteveG]

I don't thimk it's the scanner

I don't thimk it's the scanner

did you look at the negs with a loupe? This looks like a scanner issue to me, I may be wrong but I've seen this before.

Todd

Here are images taken w/ another camera...developed similarly. Same scanner. I'm considering returning the len at this point. Possibly even the kit.

 

[BigSteveG]

I really think it's a metering issue....

I really think it's a metering issue....

Here are 3 examples. Taken w/ the M6 and 'lux. All from the same roll. The Krusty shot was in subdued light (there was a large canopy hanging over the display. The carousel was indoors. The plunge shot was in bright daylight--on that one I seem to get that effect I've been describing.. I'd like to hear your opinions on the metering of these shots and what the problem might be. Thanks to all.

 

[sf]

did you look at the negs with a loupe? This looks like a scanner issue to me, I may be wrong but I've seen this before.

Todd

yeah. It does look like it could be a scanner problem. I have seen exactly the same effect - though consciously induced via curving.

 

[sf]

Here are images taken w/ another camera...developed similarly. Same scanner. I'm considering returning the len at this point. Possibly even the kit.

those images look fine to me. Of course, I didn't see the scene in person.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Are they all the same film (APX)? The second and third sets of images look fine, the first set looks like a curves adjustment issue. I wouldn't take the kit back just yet, are the reults different than what you are used to? Do you shoot/develop/scan with this film/developer regularly or are they new to you?

Todd

 

[BigSteveG]

Todd...

Todd...

The 2nd and 3rd sets are shot w/ apx and developed in TMAX. The first set in developed in Rodinal. But, the problem seems to be happening with exterior shots for the most part.

 

[Todd.Hanz]

Steve...

Steve...

IMHO, this is a curves issue and is happening during scanning, here is an example, the first one is normal, the second is a curves adjustment compressing the highlights of the image. I would consider the software and the adjustments used during scanning.

Todd

 

[dnk512]

Not enough exposure (too fast high speeds?) and/or not enough development (too cold developer?). The blown highlights in your posted image look like a scanner issue and I agree that the contrast can be helped with an image editor's curves. However, nothing beats a well exposed and developed negative. Make sure your exposure and processing are accurate.

 

[zanydave]

What scanner & software are you using?

 

[Alec]

Steve, why not expose a roll of decent modern slide film, have it processed by a local lab and look at it through a loupe? You could thus take out the film+developer+scan effect. Then let us know... 🙂

 

[MCTuomey]

Alec's idea to expose a roll of slide film is a very good one to eliminate variables. I'd suggest testing the inboard meter against a trusted handheld since you seemed concerned about the camera's metering.

 

[peter_n]

What do the negatives look like? Someone asked this at the beginning and I'm not sure you answered that one. The second set of 3 images you posted look OK to me. There are so many variables. Looking at the film side I do not know how APX scans but I have read over on PN that Rodinal at high dilution (1+50) and 13-14 minutes is very suitable for APX 100.

 

[Jon Graham]

Alec is right. There are too many variables in the equation to start guessing whether it is curves, exposure, scanner, etc, etc. I suspect the camera and lens is fine. Shoot some E6, then look at it with a loupe - it should your first step. If that is not convenient, then try a c41 B&W film and take it to a local drugstore.
The point is to take out the variables between pushing the shutter and looking at the print (or slide).

 

[BigSteveG]

The negs.....

The negs.....

seem to be fine. I will check w/ a loupe. I will also have the next few rolls developed by the lab. Then scan and post a few for feedback. Thanks guys!