[Leica] B&W processing

["Stephen Kobrin" <kobrins@wharton.upenn.edu>]

Francesco wrote:

>For a neophyte like me to get started in B&W, should I begin with some
of
>the new C-41 print films like T400CN and just take them to my local
print
>lab, or should I buy some TMAX and take them to B&W specialty labs?  I
>don't think I want to buy a book and some chemicals and start a mini
>darkroom yet>>>>>>>


I am another neophyte who began developing B&W film (after a break of over
20 years) within the last month.  DO IT!!  I use TMAX 100 and 400 and Xtol
developer and have been happier  with the results I obtained from the first
roll on than 99% of what I have gotten from various labs.  It is not a big
deal. You do not need a darkroom, just a changing bag and a convenient sink.
While I am just at the start of the learning curve, getting satisfactory
results is not difficult.  You need to be able to measure and count and most
of us can handle that.

I have found tremendous satisfaction in processing my own film from start to
finish.  I much prefer B&W to color most of the time and, has been said many
times on the LUG, with B&W tripping the shutter is just the first step in
the process.

It is a lot easier than it looks, at least to get a foot in the door.

Steve