<< I continue to maintain that, when properly processed, T-Max 400 has an
equally long tonal range, the same speed and a lot less grain.
I agree with this 100%, or 1000% if there is an expression likes that.
Many people complain about some new films because they are used to a
particular films that they have used for years. They process the new film the
same way and expect it to behave the same as their old film. If it doesn't
work that way, they almost randomly change a few parameters and see how it
comes out. When it still doesn't come out the same way they want, they call it
junk or bad film.
One need to learn exposure calibration and development calibration. You can do
it without a densitometer. Once you know how to do it and understand the
concept, you can use any film. In fact, you don't even have to test things out
by trial and error. I can just look at the data sheet of a particular film and
decide whether I can or want to use it.
If you examine the characteristic curves of TMax film, you will see that there
is a beautiful beautiful straight line curve. Of course, you can use different
developer or dilution to achieve slightly different curve.
>> My reply in this situation
is, "When you have learned how to make a good print, you may produce all the
blobs and blurrs and spots you want. In the meantime, here is what you must
do to avoid this .........."
I agree with this 100%, or 1000% if there is an expression likes that.
Or say something like one of my design instructors used to say: "I don't doubt
your creativity. You wouldn't be here if you don't have that creativity. I do
not agree or disagree that the blobs and blurrs and spots look good or not,
but that is NOT the assignment. In this assignment, I do want you to produce a
print without the blobs and blurrs and spots...."
>> My point is that the syntax of this medium is the science and technology
behind it. Every artist must learn to control the medium he chooses.
I agree with this 100%, or 1000% if there is an expression likes that.
>> Let the flames begin. >>
Let's hope that that won't happen. I hope all of us will somehow learn that
disagreement, even strong disagreement, does not have to lead to flaming.
Sincerely,
Dave