Understanding zone system

baachitraka

Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2011
Messages
3,556
Location
Bremen, Germany.
Format
Multi Format
Well, I asked the same question in 35mm C & A

I am trying to understand zone system more clearly.

Typical landscape scene
===============

- Spot Meter the shadow(18% gray) and place it in Zone 3(-2 stops from 18% gray).

- Take a shot

- Develop negative.

- Decide the print ..., N-1, N, N+1, ...
 

ChuckP

Subscriber
Joined
Jan 8, 2003
Messages
722
Location
NW Chicagola
Format
Multi Format
Normally you would decide on a development time (N-1, N, N+1 etc) based on the scene contrast. The time would produce a negative contrast that prints well on Grade 2 of your chosen paper. So I would say you have your last 2 steps backwards. Also some people like to place the shadows higher. Like Zone IV.
 
Cookies are required to use this site. You must accept them to continue using the site. Learn more…