Response to Best film/developer combo for crisp mid-tone separation?

By no means an expert opinion, but I'd say be sure to keep off the toe of the film. If you want separation, it won't happen down there. Most Zone System film speed tests result in an EI of about half the manufacturers recomendation because serious b&w shooters want higher quality in the shadow areas. Use clean lenses and a lens shade because flare will wreck separation. Be sure the camera is properly blackened. I agree with Ricardo that development is a minimal factor, but also think glycin developers are really great. My tonal quality has never been better since mixing my own glycin soups. Just a theory, but I think the brain reacts to overall print appearance, and changes in the highlights or shadows will change your evaluation of the midtones. Or any other combination. I say this because dodging and burning part of a print will completely change your perception of the areas that received no treatment. Thus, you probably have to consider the full range of the print to enhance the part you want.

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