zone system chart

CMoore · May 15, 2018

Is it possible, in the darkroom, to make a 1-9 Zone System chart/strip.?
Not sure how...maybe starting with Zone-9...white paper, and then exposing in steps that would equal 8 down to 1.?
Then develop, stop and fix.
Is this a stupid question....is it super easy to figure out.?
Thank You

paul ron · May 15, 2018

is this what you are trying to do?

http://stouffer.net/Photo.htm

CMoore · May 15, 2018

I am simply wondering if it is Possible/Easy, in the darkroom, to take a Sheet/Strip of Multi Grade RC paper, and create a Zone System chart.....like the chart you see in any book that discusses the Zone System.
It always shows a "strip", numbered from 1-9 with the different Zones/Tones on it.
Has anybody ever made one of those.?

John51 · May 16, 2018

I've been thinking of this too but am a bit confused when it comes to contrast grade.

Zones 1 and 9 are easy enough, all white or all black. What happens with different contrast settings? Is Zone V, the middle zone, always the same or does it alter with a different grade setting?

Doremus Scudder · May 16, 2018

I think what you are thinking of is a Zone Ruler. There are detailed instructions for making a Zone Ruler in Minor White, et al. The New Zone System Manual. The idea is to be able to precisely see what tone you get from what zone (zones are not all evenly spaced like over-simplifications of the system would have you believe). When I started out with the Zone System, I made Zone Rulers for each film and every development scheme (N-2 thru N+2) so I could learn to visualize better. They were a real help. I still make a Zone Ruler or two for new films when I test them.

I'm attaching my instruction document on my method of determining E.I. and making Zone Rulers with sheet film. Maybe it'll help you get what you are looking for.

Best,

Doremus

Bill Burk · May 16, 2018

It's great to have printed zone rulers that you can take out to the field when shooting.

Here's a thread where I showed how I made my zone rulers.

https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/making-a-zone-ruler.128059/

CMoore · May 16, 2018

Thanks for the info and links.....I Appreciate It

RalphLambrecht · May 16, 2018

CMoore said:
I am simply wondering if it is Possible/Easy, in the darkroom, to take a Sheet/Strip of Multi Grade RC paper, and create a Zone System chart.....like the chart you see in any book that discusses the Zone System.
It always shows a "strip", numbered from 1-9 with the different Zones/Tones on it.
Has anybody ever made one of those.?

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zone system chart

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