Looking for info and recommendations for B&W film that can be processed through color photo chemistry (c-49?) Years ago I shoot, developed and printed traditional black and white, but don't have the time any more.

I'm going to shoot B&W candids at a friends wedding and I believe this will be the most economical way to go.

Also, can the film be printed by local labs (WalMart, Target)? Thanks for your help, DD

-- Derek (derek@pgisd.com), April 27, 2001

Answers

Ilford makes a good C-41 B&W film, the name escapes me... You should probably try a local lab that does not do just 1-hour processing- they usually send out b&w printing. Most likely you can find a photo/camera shop that will be better able to accomodate your needs for the special occasion you will be photographing. the cost should not differ, and even if it is slightly more, the advantage of being able to actually speak with the individual printing your photos will make all the difference.

-- Tricia Bassett (tmb1022@juno.com), April 28, 2001.

You have a couple of options. Ilford XP2, Kodak T400CN, Kodak Porta B&W and Kodak Black and White + are all C-41 (one-hour process) black and white films. There are some places that will process true B&W for you but expect to pay about $20/roll for development (ouch). The C-41 stuff listed above should cost the same as regular one-hour color.

-- Johnny Motown (johnny.motown@att.net), April 28, 2001.

Ilford XP2plus is the latest incarnation, and gives negatives very close in appearance and contrast to conventional silver film. It's more orientated toward printing on real B&W paper than T400CN. Some colour labs still seem reluctant to handle it, though. I put this down to the lack of knowledge of the staff at their collection points.

-- Pete Andrews (p.l.andrews@bham.ac.uk), April 30, 2001.

I too like the Ilford XP2+ but be aware that some labs don't print it. The new Portra has an orange mask built in to facilitate printing on color paper easier. Your local labs may be good one day and not consistant on other days... colors will most certainly be off due to the training of lab people. Test the film you want to use BEFORE you shoot your friends wedding!

-- Scott Walton (scotlynn@shore.net), April 30, 2001.