The roman numeral convention was adopted to prevent the confusion
between zones and other camera controls that more typically use arabic
numbering. So, for example, you could write about zone II and f/2 and
have a fighting chance of not becoming even more confused. The intent
is to prevent making an extra calculation by having to figure out if
the text is refering to zones or f/stops, or shutter speeds, or something
else.
>
> But the system is also very flawed. As I understand (or fail to
> understand) it, what's lighter in the negative is darker in the print and
> vice versa, so you get to stop and calculate if a zone IX, for instance is
> a dark or a light. And by the time you get that straight, the sun has set.
:-) ???
>
> With the 21-step (or the 31-step, or whatever) the numbers are written
> right on the tablet. You learn them through all the senses -- by speaking,
> reading and seeing, not just by a mental calculation. By seeing *and having
> printed one million times* this little strip I have its values -- in
> transparency and in the print -- readily in mind, or my mind's eye. I see
> them in cyanotype, in different sorts and colors of gum, in platinum, etc.
>
> If the Zone system came up with such a tablet it would be a help -- but
> also redundant, because it exists already and with *real* numbers. As I
> understand (or misunderstand) it, the major benefit of zonism is plus or
> minus development. Which is easily done without all the other baggage.
> So when digital takes over the world, it may end that business of
> "subtract VI from XI for V stops," proving that every cloud has a silver
> lining.
Judy, if you are seriously are confused about this, I know a good book on
the zone system I could recommend :-)
Seriously, the major benefit of the zone system is to help translate
what a photographer sees or feels into terms (f/stops, shutter
speeds, development times) that the camera and film understand. In
other words, it is a tool to aid creativity by giving you choices
rather than a rigid technique that stifles it. Even deciding not to
use the zone system (once you understand it) is a choice granted by
the system.
Carson Graves
Carson@ileaf.com