Based on his contact sheets, he's just shooting 35mm Tri-X 400. Probably developing in something common like D76 or HC110. This is a combination that's pretty much bulletproof and will work in most any situation.
It looks like he's giving generous exposure and shooting in daylight situations, for the most part. There's probably not much editing here, just scans of the negatives or maybe straight prints.
At first glance, his shots don't look like much, but some of them are great and he's got a good sense of humor and timing. This is a good example of someone not letting the process get in the way of their instincts.
Several factors: a slightly lower contrast taking lens (I recall he often used a 1950's Canon 28mm RF lens); overexposure of the film (if tri-x, likely an EI of 200); pulled processing to reduced contrast (perhaps 8-9 mins in ID-11/ D-76 at 1+1, 20oC). That's about it. He may have printed on a slightly softer grade of paper too. The real skill is learning what sort of lighting conditions work along with this approach to exposure and process to give you the 'look'.
Thanks guys! You all know so much about this stuff. Appreciate it. Probably The california Sunshine helps with that look too? He mostly photographed in california i understand. He said he loved that Light...
No. Definitely not. For most of the year, the sun here is absolutely brutal for most of the day. Perhaps, he is out photographing early in the morning or late in the evening but otherwise, he's combating the harsh sunlight.
As Lachan has said, he's very likely giving more exposure, rating the Tri-X at EI200 or even EI125 and also giving much shorter time in the developer...perhaps as much as 20~25% less time in the developer. That's really it.