Winter in Manchester - what do you think?

[chilohm]

Hi there. I've been experimenting with different BW films this month. I'd really appreciate criticism and advice on any aspect of these pics. Thanks, Jack.

1. Jason Kodak 400CN (400)

2. College Road Tri-X (1600)

3. Arndale XP2 Super (400)

4. Mannequins XP2 Super (400)

5. Choir XP2 Super (400)

6. Ice 400CN (400)

7. Woods Tri-X (1600)

8. Jayden 400CN (400)

9. Adeel 400CN (400)

 

[kuvvy]

Nice shots Jack. Like the look of wonderment in the little lads face in shot 1.
Like the way Tri-X suits the grittiness of the sign in shot 2. Very northern feel. I should know as I'm in Rochdale so not too far from you.
My other favourite is shot 6, the handprint in the ice. Wish I'd got that one myself.
As for the films i'm tending towards Tri-X as my preference although I do a have a few rolls of 400CN in the fridge. The smooth tones of the 400CN suit the children shots.

 

[mcgrattan]

The 400Cn works for me on some of the shots and not others. The shot of the last lad with the spiderman top on works really well, the other two portraits I'm not so sure. The XP2 shots I'm also not as keen on. This is a bit surprising to me as I use XP2 and 400CN a fair bit myself.

I do like the tri-x shots a lot [again, surprising to me since my own experiences with tri-x have been disappointing] -- the double exposures are nice.

 

[mcgrattan]

Just to elaborate, the 'Woods' shot in particular is really really excellent.

 

[chilohm]

Nice shots Jack. Like the look of wonderment in the little lads face in shot 1.
Like the way Tri-X suits the grittiness of the sign in shot 2. Very northern feel. I should know as I'm in Rochdale so not too far from you.
My other favourite is shot 6, the handprint in the ice. Wish I'd got that one myself.
As for the films i'm tending towards Tri-X as my preference although I do a have a few rolls of 400CN in the fridge. The smooth tones of the 400CN suit the children shots.

Thanks Kuvvy. I like the Tri-X too, but not having used it much, I've got far fewer successful shots from that roll. I like the XP2 more than the 400cn - it has more "natural" tone to my eye. Thanks for taking the time to look and comment.
Jack.

 

[chilohm]

Just to elaborate, the 'Woods' shot in particular is really really excellent.

Thanks Mrgrattan. I really appreciate you taking the time to have a look and comment. It's funny - the spiderman portrait is my least favourite! The grittiness of the Tri-x is really nice, but I found it much harder to control than the other two. I'm really pleased you like the double exposures. Nice surprises!

Thanks again,
Jack.

 

[mcgrattan]

Another chromogenic film worth checking out is the Fuji Neopan 400CN.

I gather the emulsion is basically like XP2 [and licenses Ilford technology]. However, and this may be chance, I've had a slightly different look from it when I've shot it that I've really liked.

 

[chilohm]

I'll check it out. Thanks again.

 

[chilohm]

Have a couple more for good measure...

10. Man in bar

11. Hate

12. Confusing signs

13. Coffee

 

[mcgrattan]

The 'Hate' shot is also really good. I have to admit to being a bit of a sucker for photos of graffiti, street signs, and anything with writing on it.

 

[chilohm]

Thanks again McGrattan. I like type too.