BG>  Terry Vernon said to Chris Kenward at 03-15-03  23:18
BG>  Subject: New rules in Email li

BG>  CK> > If I were to start that again, I'd start looking for
Ilford FP5...
BG>  CK> OK - will do just that.

BG>  Unless your setting up a darkroom to specifically process your
BG>  own film, making wet tray prints, etc, I would say shoot color
BG>  and convert them to B&W.  Get a great shot and you wish it was
BG>  color, it can be.

BG>  TV> Any reputable modern 100 ASA film should fill the bill.
BG>  TV> One trick is to use a developer matched to the film.

BG>  Shot many many 100 foot long rolls of bulk Plus-X, Great latitude,
BG>  fine grain.  However the same can be said for almost any modern color
BG>  film.  Last time I had a roll of B&W processed it was about twice the
BG>  cost of dropping off a roll of color, had to wait a week to get the
BG>  prints back.  The local camera store has stainless steel Nikor tanks in
BG>  35 with two reels for a princely sum, a package of d-76 and a changing
BG>  bag will have you processing B&W film here for a couple hundred bucks.

I'd settle for a daylight tank or a changing bag.
Once you've got the negative, you can scan it and handle the rest of 
the process digitally.
I'm not saying we should all switch to silver halide, just that an old 
camera can still do things.

BG>  Cleaning out the basement, last year, here on the echo I offered a
BG>  free Omega D4 enlarger to anyone who cared to pay the shipping, none
BG>  did.  Then offered to give it to the camera store if they knew of any
BG>  kids starting out who might want it, they turned me down.  They are in
BG>  the business of selling stuff, not giving it away.   Finally set it
BG>  out for the trash man.  Saved the condensers for my grandson to play
BG>  with and the lens for my collection.

I'd have gone for it - except I was tied up then caring for my wife.

BG>  CK> > It takes a bit of practice to learn to ignore actual colors,
BG>  CK> > and start seeing the final monochrome print in the
viewfinder instead.
BG>  CK> > But other than that, the rules for success are just the same.

BG>  Use your computer, change any of your existing great pictures to
BG>  monochrome.  Download pictures you like off the web, remove the
BG>  color component and look at them in black and white.  You soon start
BG>  to see that a good picture in B&W or color begins by paying close
BG>  attention to line and form. Adding color provides an impact that's
BG>  harder to achieve in B&W, but still possible by eliminating everything
BG>  non essential to whatever statement you are making with the picture.
BG>  All photo editing programs, even my favorite Irfanview has a convert
BG>  to monochrome option.  I suggest playing and looking at what you like,
BG>  asking yourself along the way, what is it that I like about this
BG>  picture.  How did the photographer grab me this way.

That's good advice for the younger set, but some of us grew up 
seeing nothing BUT monochrome prints - some of them outstanding.

I think a return to the absolute basics of composition (for a while) 
could benefit many modern snappers...

BG>  Just my opinions on the subject.  But then I look at old cars as
BG>  difficult to steer, stop and keep running contraptions.  If your
BG>  in it for the nostalgia, get the juice and trays, then have a blast.

LIS, it's way to refresh ones understanding of the artform 
of previous centuries...
And a cheap way to use an old film camera.



Terry V.
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