BOOK REVIEW: Way Beyond Monochrome Ed 2 by Ralph Lambrecht and Chris Woodhouse

Christopher Walrath · Dec 27, 2010

Christopher Walrath submitted a new resource:

(there was a url link here which no longer exists) - BOOK REVIEW: Way Beyond Monochrome Ed 2 by Ralph Lambrecht and Chris Woodhouse

Disclaimer: This book is intended for use by photographers who have a basic working knowledge of exposure and who have processed film and made optical prints. It is beyond basic and seems to be intended for the advanced hobbyist on up to the professional who wants a fresh look at Black and White analog capture. That being said. . .

Way Beyond Monochrome Edition 2 fills what I feel to be an important gap in technical information pertaining to many aspects of Black and White film...

(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

Dave Swinnard · Dec 27, 2010

The first edition was a very welcome addition to an aging set of references. The new edition is just as welcome, and more importantly, available!

(Vestal's "The Art of Black and White Enlarging" was a good one too.)

I recommend both titles to all my students interested in moving ahead in their darkroom endeavours.

Christopher Walrath · Dec 27, 2010

Thanks for that recommendation, Dave. I don't have Vestal's book but have heard good things about it. I might just have to pick one up if I can find it.

Shadowtracker · Dec 27, 2010

I pre-ordered this book as well and am 'working my way through it' so to speak. I find the practical applications valuable and the theory behind the works is excellent. It is not a 'fast read' in many ways, and you do have to understand the basics in an applicable way - but it was worth it to me and will be more valuable as time goes on, I'm sure of that. Thanks for the review and thanks to Ralph and Chris for getting the fire to get it republished and updated.

Christopher Walrath · Dec 27, 2010

So far I have reviewed chunks here and there but I intend to treat it like a textbook and go through it in order as I were in a classroom setting. It is a great book.

lns · Dec 28, 2010

Just a correction to your first post. Henry Horenstein's excellent "Black and White Photography: A Basic Manual" is still in print. It's a great place to start for beginners. It is also one of the few film-oriented instruction books you can usually find on the shelf at a big box bookstore.

I also am glad to have Ralph's new book. It's great to have an updated edition of this very comprehensive resource.

-Laura

Christopher Walrath · Dec 28, 2010

Thank you for the correction and you are right. Slipped my mind. I do recall seeing it at B&N recently.

jonw · Dec 30, 2010

Thank you Chris. I am planning on doing more work in the darkroom in 2011 and just ordered this book. I am stoked and look forward to leaning more so that I can to get the best out of my 8x10 Durst. Jon

Christopher Walrath · Dec 31, 2010

Glad you liked the write. Again, this book just glosses the basics, assuming the reader has some experience. But it goes, well, WAY BEYOND those basics in great depth. You won't be disappointed.

Laurent · Dec 31, 2010

Christopher Walrath said:
So far I have reviewed chunks here and there but I intend to treat it like a textbook and go through it in order as I were in a classroom setting. It is a great book.

This is what I did with ed.1, and I learned an awful lot about darkroom in particular, and photography in general.

Now, I'm looking for a good reason to buy ed.2... guess I'll find a way to justify this !

Christopher Walrath · Dec 31, 2010

Hey, this would be a GOOD application of G.A.S.

RalphLambrecht · Jan 2, 2011

Chris and others have posted qualified and honest reviews on Amazon. I like to thank them for that and remind others to do so as well if they find a moment. I'm not after raving reviews, just your honest opinion about the book, because this can help others to make the right purchasing decision.

A recent post on Amazon shows how important that is, because for the second time, a digital photographer posted a rather critical review. His main complaint is that the book is 'analog', and as far as he is concerned, slightly 'antiquarian' because it ignores the 'reality' of digital photography. Very puzzling, it's like us writing critical reviews about Photoshop books because they ignores real photography. Who would do that?

First they invaded our photography clubs, then they tried to discredit our hobby, they made sure our supplies have become limited and expensive, they call us antiquated and now they are asking for more digital in our analog books. Enough is enough!
(reaching for blood pressure medicine)

In any case, if you feel like sharing your opinion about an anlog book, you can do so here:

http://www.amazon.com/Way-Beyond-Mo...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Thanks in advance.

Christopher Walrath · Jan 2, 2011

Yup, put those reviews on. They can be as in depth or as brief as you like. And remember, you're steering a potential buyer to or away so write down what you honestly think about it.

Thanks, again, Ralph.

hadeer · Jan 2, 2011

Bought, read and reread this book a year ago, now using it as a reference frquently. One of the best I know of. I understand that there now is a revised version. Anyone knows if the
revisions would justify buying a new copy?

Sirius Glass · Jan 2, 2011

hadeer said:
Bought, read and reread this book a year ago, now using it as a reference frquently. One of the best I know of. I understand that there now is a revised version. Anyone knows if the
revisions would justify buying a new copy?

In a word?

YES!

Steve

Christopher Walrath · Jan 3, 2011

Note the title "...Ed2". I am writing about the second edition. I have never seen the first edition so I cannot compare between the two as to exactly what information has ben updated and in what fashion.

By itself, it is well worth the investment. And your book will come with an awesome author who makes e-house calls.

ozphoto · Jan 4, 2011

RalphLambrecht said:
Chris and others have posted qualified and honest reviews on Amazon. I like to thank them for that and remind others to do so as well if they find a moment. I'm not after raving reviews, just your honest opinion about the book, because this can help others to make the right purchasing decision.

A recent post on Amazon shows how important that is, because for the second time, a digital photographer posted a rather critical review. His main complaint is that the book is 'analog', and as far as he is concerned, slightly 'antiquarian' because it ignores the 'reality' of digital photography. Very puzzling, it's like us writing critical reviews about Photoshop books because they ignores real photography. Who would do that?

First they invaded our photography clubs, then they tried to discredit our hobby, they made sure our supplies have become limited and expensive, they call us antiquated and now they are asking for more digital in our analog books. Enough is enough!
(reaching for blood pressure medicine)

In any case, if you feel like sharing your opinion about an anlog book, you can do so here:

http://www.amazon.com/Way-Beyond-Mo...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Thanks in advance.

I'm yet to get a copy of your book, Ralph, but it's a great pity someone who obviously doesn't appreciate the finer side of the craft, gave the book a less than adequate rating.

Your request for a more in-depth explanation as to where it was lacking (digitally), and their subsequent ignoring said request, shows they are lacking in the art of giving a critique. (And also being unable to differentiate between "analog" and "digital" - the title really does explain the book's origins.)

When I finally find some $$ to purchase, I'll make sure I give it a review that reflects the subject matter aptly. (And should I feel that something were lacking, I'll certainly take the time to explain why I feel that way.)

kittyhawk88 · Jan 4, 2011

Superb!!

swhiser · Dec 10, 2011

Very helpful review in context (of the key older works). Thank you, Chris Walrath!

Looking for good info on Split Grade Printing and working B&W with color enlargers, I found Chris Woodhouse's PDF chapter on splitgrade and ordered the book straight away. Just skimmed it fresh in from Amazon yesterday. This is a book written in the spirit of imparting information (rather then establishing authority). Very clear and complete.

It's definitive. Everything you say, Chris.

RalphLambrecht · Dec 18, 2011

RalphLambrecht said:
Chris and others have posted qualified and honest reviews on Amazon. I like to thank them for that and remind others to do so as well if they find a moment. I'm not after raving reviews, just your honest opinion about the book, because this can help others to make the right purchasing decision.

A recent post on Amazon shows how important that is, because for the second time, a digital photographer posted a rather critical review. His main complaint is that the book is 'analog', and as far as he is concerned, slightly 'antiquarian' because it ignores the 'reality' of digital photography. Very puzzling, it's like us writing critical reviews about Photoshop books because they ignores real photography. Who would do that?

First they invaded our photography clubs, then they tried to discredit our hobby, they made sure our supplies have become limited and expensive, they call us antiquated and now they are asking for more digital in our analog books. Enough is enough!
(reaching for blood pressure medicine)

In any case, if you feel like sharing your opinion about an anlog book, you can do so here:

http://www.amazon.com/Way-Beyond-Mo...dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Thanks in advance.

I'm proud to be the phone so!

Peter de Groot · Dec 18, 2011

I havew read that review and I didn't find anything wrong with it. That person clearly acknowledge the book for what it is. He even discusses things with you. So I find your critique a bit out of place. He gave an honoust review that was only 3 stars.
I also read the other 3 star review. It also got some bad comments from other people. Why is that? I haven't seen the book yet nor read it. If I have the cash I will buy it. But now it seems you can only give honoust reviews if they are 4 stars or higher. That doesn't sound right to me.

gleaf · May 31, 2013

Wonderful book.
As with any foraging for knowledge we should emulate the wise cow...
Eat the grass and spit out the sticks..

BOOK REVIEW: Way Beyond Monochrome Ed 2 by Ralph Lambrecht and Chris Woodhouse

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