Where can I preview the 'look' of different B&W film types/brands?

[PeterB]

Hi folks,

after seeing many posts to APUG that talk about people's preferences for straight line films, or flat shoulders, short/steep toes etc etc. I was wondering.... short of me trying out every different type/brand of B&W film available (on perhaps an identically lit scene), is there one (or a collection of resources) which can help me to preview the differences and similarities between the different types/brands of B&W films.

I know that the choice of developer also affects the shape of the film's curve exposure vs. density curve. So maybe an adventurous and/or kind soul has run a few different films through the same same conditions (scene + developer etc.) in an effort to extract certain characteristics of the film.

regards
Peter

 

[Bob Carnie]

Hi Peter

A less technical approach would be to view a lot of books by photographers, usually in the back section there is some credit to the type of film being used.I always look for this info when purchasing photographic books.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Use the search feature in the APUG galleries, and you can search by film type. Of course the data isn't uniform, so you won't get everything shot on that particular film, and there are many other variables in the process, but it's a way of getting a general picture.

The best way to do this, though, is to invest in some film and try them for yourself and see how they work in the lighting situations that you like and with your equipment and working methods. Make your own sets of reference prints with different films, film/developer combinations, different papers, etc.

 

[Jordan]

I'm with David here. The appearance of a photograph on the Web will depend as much, or even much more, on the metering, darkroom manipulation (burning/dodging, toning, etc.) or digital darkroom (Photoshop), and scanning abilities of the photographer than it will on film-developer combinations. There really are no magic bullets.

 

[Gerald Koch]

Do you have a favorite photographer? Try and find out what combination they use.

 

[z3guy]

I agree with David, buy films and try them out. The exact combination of your equipment. developers etc. have a definite impact on the final results and will vary from person to person. Also, really learning your materials yields better results than jumping from film to film searching for the magic bullet.

PaulD.

 

[PeterB]

Use the search feature in the APUG galleries, and you can search by film type. Of course the data isn't uniform, so you won't get everything shot on that particular film, and there are many other variables in the process, but it's a way of getting a general picture.
The best way to do this, though, is to invest in some film and try them for yourself and see how they work in the lighting situations that you like and with your equipment and working methods. Make your own sets of reference prints with different films, film/developer combinations, different papers, etc.

Thanks David and everyone else for your suggestions. I will initially search through the APUG galleries in order to narrow my choices down. Also as per Gerald's suggestion, I will try to contact the photographers whose work I like.

regards
Peter

 

[wildbill]

photosig.com has a search by film

 

[John Bragg]

I find that a Google image search for a given film type will give you some idea of possibilities with it...... Regards, J.B.

 

[Jim Chinn]

You really have to pick one developer and then work with several films to understand the differences. Looking at reproductions or even actual prints does not really tell you anything. The method of reproduction, choice of paper, paper developer, light source for enlarging, toning, bleaching, degree of enlargement all have an impact on how any film will show as a print. It can give you some ideas of what is capable with certain films, but unless you can duplicate all the above variables (and about half a dozen more) you may be dissapointed with getting the same results.

Start with something like D76 or the Ilford liquid equivalent. you did not mention the format you are using, so purchase several rolls (or a single box) FP4 and Delta 100 or a couple of different 400 asa emulsions. Go out and shoot, develop consistent processing protocols and then make your best prints. you will soon find one or more favorites.