I’ve seen the future and it’s black and white…

[Wayne]

I developed my first B&W film for a long time on the weekend and had a ball. It’s so nice to be in control of the whole process from pushing the button to scanning the film (a darkroom would be even better). Poor colour processing in my town has kind of disillusioned me lately – it’s become a rare thing to get a film back that isn’t unevenly developed, scratched or completely destroyed – but hey, I don’t even have to leave home for B&W. I’ve traditionally been a colour person and I find it very hard to think in terms of B&W tones when I take a shot, but I think that I’ll give it more of a chance. Of course I have to find the time for developing and scanning and there’ll still be some film disasters, but they’ll be my mistakes and I won’t have anyone else to blame. I know that I’m preaching to the converted here, but I just thought that I’d share my personal epiphany. I’ll still be shooting colour (and trying out new labs…), but you can expect to see some more B&W from me.

[shadowfox]

Wayne, welcome to the monochrome world.

I have since figured out that pursuing B&W photography alone will last me a life time 

And I am in the school of thought that B&W isn't always in the shades of gray, but also sepia, cyan, brown, etc.

So in a way, it's color, just not all at the same time.

[radiophoto]

Welcome to the fold, brother.  Peace out.

[Wayne]

Like I said, preaching to the converted...

Hey Pete, I hold you (& your Six-20 Day) responsible. Thanks!

[radiophoto]

Wayne, I possess the shoulders broad enough to bear that burden.    Happy to have been of assistance, mate.

[LarryD]

Welcome back to the dark side.

[Major Black]

Wayne, I did my first run of black and white in a long while today. Felt really good. I'll post something soon.

It's kind of part of who I am.

I guess that happens when you do something for thirty years.

[Wayne]

Cool. I guess that I just have to keep on practicing my developing and scanning now...

[LarryD]

I ran some direct positive film yesterday I did not get it just right but I am going to run a new roll tomorrow as today was shot and not of the shutter kind. I can see it needs much more development time than I gave it but I did get something. I think that using HC-110R  I will get what I need. Yes I use replenisher as a developer for some films. If that does not work I will go with the Acufine developer or maybe even the Acufine replenisher.

[jake]

Seems like the chemicals required to develop b&w film are routinely available in component form, so even if Kodak stops making D-76, you can order stuff from chemical supply and mix your own. And as long as there is an Eastern Europe, there will be b&w film.

[Kalkadan]

Wayne

Congratulations on your personal epiphany (I am so glad that I was able to copy your spelling of that).

Looks like we are heading down the same road - did I mention some time ago that I acquired the gear, the film from Freestyle (cheap - Arista 100 and 400) and some D76 etc.

I envy you the V700.

Have you tried the C41 B&W films yet?  or just the regular stuff?  I got some good developing and scans of my C41 B&W from that place in the Valley you put me onto.

look forward to your posting some scans of your b&w work

Dan