Looking for a book about FILM

[holgaguy]

I want more knowlage about different typs of film both BW and color. I want to know more about looks, speeds, developing techiniks, any thing about FILM that can help me choose which film for which situation. Thanks
in advance
holgaguy

 

[Roger Hicks]

Many years ago I wrote a book called 'The Film Book' (David & Charles, 1994). As a result, I think I can safely say that what you are looking for is impossible.

First, the changes that take place during photomechanical reproduction are such that it is all but impossible to judge the 'look' or 'signature' of a film from a book illustration -- just as it is, of course, with an image on a monitor.

Second, films change surprisingly fast, so a book is out of date even by the time it is published. In the last 12 months or so Kodak alone has revised both 160 and 400 Portra, and 400 T-Max.

Third, there's a degree of 'magic' or 'alchemy' involved: some films seem to suit some people, and not others.

You may find some material of interest in the Photo School on www.rogerandfrances.com, and I might be able to find a spare copy of The Film Book, but really, your only option is to try as many films as possible -- which will not cost a lot more than buyiing a decent book anyway.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[mhv]

99% of the look of color film comes from the film itself. So just try them all until you like them.

90% of the look of B&W film comes from the film itself, so just try them all in D-76, which is a reference product for almost any film.

Are you printing at all or just scanning?

 

[bmattock]

At one time, the popular photography magazines devoted at least one issue a year to a round-up or review of all the major film products made. Some years, there were so many, they broke it down to 'slide film' one issue, and 'print film' the next.

Those days are, alas, gone.

At this time, it is not that difficult to do your own testing with the remaining major products.

 

[holgaguy]

Are you printing at all or just scanning?

Right now neither, but i am in the process of converting my detached garage into a Dog House/ Craft studio/ and Darkroom/ work bench
At which time i will wet print my photos. To be honest i am a little confused why people go to the trouble of developing their film. And then they scan it onto a computer to print on a ink jet. Maybe I'm just getting old, but I think if i want a picture on my computer that i will print on my printer, then I would just use a digital camera. Its been many years for me since i did any darkroom work, but as I remember there is NOTHING like watching a photo come to life in that developing tray.
thanks
holgaguy
PS I hope I have not affended anyone who scans and prints

 

[holgaguy]

Because I live in a 9x12 room in a flophouse in Detroit. I can process my B&W film in the kitchen sink, but no darkroom, no enlarger, and oh yeah, I'm color-blind, so I could never print color even if I wanted to. Scanning / printing works just nifty keen for me, and it makes more sense than a lot of things I've seen people do.

The way you do it makes a lot of sence in your case. But if you ever have a chance to do it the wet way please give it a try. Maybe one of your local community colleges has a darkroom that they will let you have access to either as a student or a per hour rental.
Holgaguy

 

[bmattock]

The way you do it makes a lot of sence in your case. But if you ever have a chance to do it the wet way please give it a try. Maybe one of your local community colleges has a darkroom that they will let you have access to either as a student or a per hour rental.
Holgaguy

Color-blind. No can do. Genetic. No can fix. Make sense?

 

[projectbluebird]

To be honest i am a little confused why people go to the trouble of developing their film. And then they scan it onto a computer to print on a ink jet...
PS I hope I have not affended anyone who scans and prints

I am one of those people, and none taken.

I agree with you that there is nothing like watching a print develop in the tray, it is after all why I got my degree in art! Unfortunately, I too lack the space for a full wet darkroom, as well as the funds to equip it. (I also shoot 6x9 and 4x5) I also can't afford a digital body to use my RF lenses on. But I think the biggest reason is that I have a few favorite films, and digital will never be able to capture the way they look.

I have to admit, when printing large, scanning and printing is much easier than traditional wet printing. For very large prints(>16x20), it's also cheaper.

 

[steverett]

Color-blind. No can do. Genetic. No can fix. Make sense?

I believe he was referring to wet b&w printing (i.e. in a darkroom). The photography club on my campus has a darkroom (there are no photo classes here), and we allow anyone to join, not just students. Maybe a local university has the same situation.