This is really amazing… with my final tweak the Caffenol C process is giving me Fuji Acros with a usable EI from 25-800… I suspect that 1200 would also be fine… this is all with the same processing time / technique. The scan was a s straight scan with no sharpening and each image was just set for proper contrast in PS… wow!
Wait till you see the TMAX 100… I’ll post it tomorrow, it is equally amazing.
Viva la Revolution-
Stephen
I’ve been waiting since-yes –October 2009 for this… Hasselblad has just released the newest version of FlexColor which supports Snow Leopard… YEAH! Visit Hasselblad.com for the software update…. now back to scanning!
As I have mentioned here on FR I am in the process of putting together a book called The Photographers Coffee Break which will outline my technique for the Caffenol C process as well as considerations and techniques for scanning, PS imagework and printing. So, I’ve decided to ask the question… what format would you like to see The Photographers Coffee Break take: Book, PDF Downloadable Book, Book and PDF option, Video (DVD) or online Video… I’m just looking for some feedback here. SO PLEASE VOTE BELOW!
My plan is to make the final version- whatever form it may take- both informative and affordable. And don’t forget: sales of The Photographers Coffee Break will help support this web site and its content!
Viva la Revolution-
Stephen
The testing continues… BW400CN (C-41) by Kodak processed in my tweaked Caffenol C… the testing for this film is almost done… usable EI is around EI 50 – 400 / 800 all with the same processing time! Grain has a nice defined presence but not overpowering. A big advantage to this material beyond the flexability of the EI as mentioned above is the fact that is has fantastic reciprocity characteristics (no compensation required till 120 seconds) and it is very easy to scan on almost any scanner.
Below is a sample image shot with my Leica MP with a 28mm lens – the EI for this shot is 200. The dark barn board above the doors was placed at Zone 3… the light snow outside which has full detail is Zone 16!! This is a straight scan with minor adjustments in PS for contrast / levels… more soon.
Here is an example just for comparision of the same test shot on Kodak Tmax 400 processed in PMK using the technique outline here… instant coffee is looking pretty dam good!
Note: both shots were done using only natural light.
Here is a good explanation as to the sub metering range and its effects when using the Pocket Spot Meter by Metered Light…
http://meteredlight.blogspot.com/2010/01/meter-sub-ranging-and-its-effects.html
My review is posted here:
https://figitalrevolution.com/2009/12/19/metered-light-pocket-spot-meter-review/
Click on the audio blog logo to listen to this 7 minute discussion on manipulation and how I feel photography should embrace it as a core belief rather than shy away from admitting something that is at the very nature of our medium. First, however, watch the videos below (full screen with your sound turned on if possible).
“Is it a brave new world? Or are we just now admitting something that has always been true: all photography at its core involves some form of manipulation.” -Stephen Schaub, Leader Figital Revolution
First watch the video link below… you only need to watch the first minute or two of the video where Mr. Hayzlett is speaking about film and digital- then click on the audio logo to listen to the discussion…
Video Jeffrey Hayzlett CMO Eastman Kodak Company
Viva la Revolution-
Stephen
Click on the audio logo to listen to Part 2 on The Evolution of a Project.
Links:
The Evolution of a Project Part 1
Central Park NYC Images on www.stephenshaub.com
I think the pictures speak for themselves… wow!
Few notes:
Both test images were shot on Kodak TMAX 100 at box speed.
The first test scene was very extreme… Zone 3 on the lower cabinets and the outside snow was Zone 14. The detail images are amazing and I really like how the grain is rendered.
In the second test scene I chose something that had a more “normal” range… deep shadows on the far right bush are Zone 3 and the lightest snow fell on a solid Zone 8… it was snowing during the test shots which is normal for Vermont this time of year, you can see the texture the falling snow makes in the background… the range is quite impressive and very easy to work with.
Both scans were straight scans (Imacon) with no sharpening and no noise reduction applied. In Photoshop my standard contrast adjustments were made with little to no effort. In both cases I had more than enough shadow information and a simple “S” curve did the trick… much like I would do with Diafine processed negatives.
When I compare these negative to the Fuji Acros negatives I find the Acros is a bit softer and the highlights tend to get very dense whereas the Kodak Tmax 100 negatives are a bit thinner looking but have full shadow detail and very controlled highlight density. The grain on the Tmax 100 in my opinion is a bit sharper than the Acros but both look really nice.
Both test images were shot on my 1960 Rollei TLR “F” (120). The first test image was at F5.6 at 1/4 sec and the second image was F11 at 1/30th.
How’s that for a great way to start the New Year!
Caffenol C Note:
I am working on a new book which will outline the technique I use for processing with Caffenol C and also give a starting direction for scanning and Photoshop adjustments to these negatives. I hope to finish sometime this winter so stay tuned.
Click on the audio blog logo to listen to this 14 minute review of the last 10 years of photography from my perspective as a hybrid artist and where the industry is possibly going in the next decade.
To everyone I wish a safe and happy New Years and stay tuned for a new post in a few days.
Figital Revolution 