Understanding zone system

[baachitraka]

Well, I asked the same question in 35mm C & A

I am trying to understand zone system more clearly.

Typical landscape scene
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- 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]

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.