B&W Exposure

[theskull]

Everyone seems to agree that Kodachrome looks best when it is underexposed one stop, give or take. I am wondering if this same logic should be applied to Plus-X and Tri-X, or should I just use the auto setting in the camera?

[Actor]

The rule is that if one must err in exposure it is better to overexpose negative and underexpose reversal. Since the films you mention are all reversal films I would think it would be OK to underexpose them. The best answer would be to shoot some test rolls and see how you like the result.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ December 24, 2002 10:25 AM: Message edited by: Actor ]</font>

[Greg Crawford]

Plus-X responds well to -1/2 stop under.

[tfunch24]

I've read that on older cameras with less-sophisticated light meters, Tri-X should be underexposed by a quarter f-stop.

The light meter of my 1973 Leicina Super does fine exposing Tri-X without adjustment, though. I've even shot during a clear, sunny, and cloudless day while using the auto exposure and the image came out fine.

You can view the clip here:

http://www.angelfire.com/indie/tfunch24/sundaydrive.avi

Tom

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ December 25, 2002 12:16 PM: Message edited by: tfunch24 ]</font>