Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 1998/08/09

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Subject: [Leica] Improving leica-made images
From: "Ron K. Miller" <rkmiller001@earthlink.net>
Date: Sun, 09 Aug 1998 19:07:18 -0700

Questions on improving leica-made images:

While in the darkroom recently, I noticed other people developing their
tack sharp, well-defined B&W-toned prints (some printing from hand held
N****/50mm-shot 35mm negs). I wondered how to improve the quality of my
enlargements (8x10) from M6/35mm f2-shot negs (trix400). I am beginning
to find that anything enlarged bigger than 5x7 will have less contrast
and tends to be very grainy. The gal next to me, who has been shooting
professionally for 5 years, said I could try shooting with lower speed
film (obviously iso100 or less) OR shoot TriX400 rated 200 BUT develop
as normal. She said the lab did not have to compensate when developing
the negs (i dont develop negs yet at this beginners stage).  
My question is what happens to the quality of the images when shooting
iso400 film at 200, and then having it developed as normal??  Has anyone
heard of this technique??  

Does anyone have tips or suggestions other than referring to Erwin's
posting #212 on "high performance photography"? 

B&W Film brand recommendations? I heard Arista film (UK-based co.) makes
a punchier B&W quality than Ilfords hp5-400 -- does anyone have
experience with using this film and how do the images turn out?

Many thanks in advance to responding LUGgers!!