Hi, I would be grateful if the people who own this book (the latest 1996 edition) would write about the general content of it and their personal evaluation.

I have my own darkroom since 4 years and wonder if this book will give me any new insights. (To put matters in some perspective: I have read Tim Rudman's and Ansel Adams' books about B&W darkroom work)

Thanks a lot in advance, omar

-- Omar Ozenir (omar.ozenir@turkcell.com.tr), March 09, 2001

Answers

Omar, I can't comment on the new version of this, but I do have the second edition (1988). It's just a pretty solid, comprehensive textbook about Ilford's materials, machine processors, enlarger heads, printing theory (very much like Larry Bartlett's books, or Tim Rudman's stuff), and their films/papers. I'm not sure if it will give you any new insights though, but it is a good reference book. Especially if you're interested in certain pieces of Ilford equipment, like tabletop processors, and the Multigrade heads.

-- DK Thompson (kthompson@moh.dcr.state.nc.us), March 09, 2001.

I have the third edition (1996) and find it a very useful and comprehensive overview of all aspects of B&W processing. While geared toward Ilford products, it is by no means limited to them. It's also well organized and indexed. Chapters are:

1. Monochrome photographic materials 2. Principles of photographic processing 3. Processing the negative 4. Exposing the print 5. Processing the print 6. Print quality and stability 7. Finishing the print 8. Creative darkroom techniques 9. Mounting , framing and displaying prints 10. Care and preservation of negatives and prints

-- Ed Berger (eberger@attglobal.net), March 11, 2001.