Hey!

I was wondering how do I control the prints I make, how do I know which f-stop to put it on etc...I have heard about the zone system but it really doesn't make too much sense to me in printing, thanks...

Becka

-- Becka (shangri_la_gypsy@hotmail.com), April 21, 2002

Answers

The reason the Zone System soes not make sense to you in printing is because it is concered with exposing the negative....

Either buy or obtain from your local library any beginner's book on printing or check out http://www.darkroomsource.com which has a series of articles on darkroom work. There are many other sites - use Google to find them.

/Bob.

-- Bob F. (bobphoto@techie.com), April 21, 2002.

Go out and purchase locally or order form Amazon or Borders: The Elements of Black and White Printing by Carson Graves, (2nd Edition/Focal Press/2001).

IMHO this is by far the best single source to learn the craft of producing fine black and white prints. it is extremely well written. If you follow his procedures you will save yourself an unimaginable amount of time, paper, chemistry and frustration.

That being said, there are several web sites that will provide outlines and step by step guides to get started. Goggle search Black and White Printing or Photography Printing and you will find some of them. if I have time later I will try to provide specific addresses.

-- James Chinn (JChinn2@dellepro.com), April 22, 2002.

Of course, printing is made easier if the negatives are properly exposed; so while you're at the library pick up a photography book that has a section on the zone system. It will help you understand how to shoot and develop film.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols1@mindspring.com), May 02, 2002.