Black and White

[David M. Leugers]

With the sad, sad news of Kodak discontinuing Plus-X negative and reversal film, I think a big mistake is being made. If B+W were to disappear all together, we will have lost one of the most expressive tools film makers have had since the beginning of film. I recently traveled 100 miles to see a 35mm print of "Out of the Past" with Robert Mitchum. I was not disappointed. I had only seen this film noir masterpiece on TV. The beauty of the black and white images were stunning on the big screen. I know it is a cliche, but it was as if I was really seeing the film for the first time. I can not disagree more with the so-called "wisdom" that audiences will not pay to see a film in B+W. This has been proven wrong many times during the past 4 decades. I think the real reason is fear of loss in income from video/TV sales. Today most of B+W film is used by amateurs, film students and hobbyists. Most think it is easier to film with than color, but the truth is to do it right, it takes a great deal of work in lighting, selection of filters, etc. It is a great art that may die out soon and that would be a great loss. Check out the link below of an interview with the late Lee Marvin. At about the 2:00 mark he talks about the choice of using B+W film on "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" and in general. I think he says it about as best as anyone can.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cI1qBAVr ... re=related

[metaT8]

I completely agree.

I will miss Plus-X dearly.

m

[etimh]

+1

Yes, it stinks.

Tim

[Will2]

I will miss Plus-X both negative and reversal.

But I still love Double-X very much and hope that will remain for a little while longer. Lots of grain but it has a beauty all it's own.

[woods01]

I agree with your sentiments but B&W was doomed when television arrived and eroded the film audience. Now they are scared to shoot anything in B&W because it might be percieved as old and people will switch channels.

[jpolzfuss]

Now they are scared to shoot anything in B&W because it might be percieved as old and people will switch channels.

I thought the reason is the fear that the people might think that their TV is broken or that the TV-station's signal is corrupt?! :lol:

[Clapton Pond]

+1.

Great Lee Marvin interview, by the way, thanks for the link...

ian

[mr_x]

OMG ...

what about Tri-X?

Ric

[metaT8]

The newer tri-X is much nicer than previous incarnations of that film stock. It seems a little less harsh and grainy.

But there is NOTHING like the silky lush textures of PLUS-X when shooting in the right light.

But if you've never used it , you probably won't miss it.

I am grateful that we still have TRI-X

[mr_x]

The newer tri-X is much nicer than previous incarnations of that film stock. It seems a little less harsh and grainy.

But there is NOTHING like the silky lush textures of PLUS-X when shooting in the right light.

But if you've never used it , you probably won't miss it.

I am grateful that we still have TRI-X

Yes, 'grateful' is the word!

I still have several 100ft features on Plus-X in the can so it will make them all the more poignant when I view the footage.

Ric

[MIKI-814]

Don't miss to shoot and process the Tri-X as an ASA 100 film, and you'll miss less the gone Plus-X...

[mr_x]

Don't miss to shoot and process the Tri-X as an ASA 100 film, and you'll miss less the gone Plus-X...

cool idea! :idea:

8)

[LeoStehlik]

Don't miss to shoot and process the Tri-X as an ASA 100 film, and you'll miss less the gone Plus-X...

I would not recommend doing that. TriX is great for pushing up to 800ASA for reversal, put definitely not great for pulling.

Although it is rated ASA200, its real speed is somewhere in the ASA320-400 range. The wide film latitude allows it to be exposed at ASA200, but that is as far as one should go. Shooting it at ASA100 will affect the tonal range. You'll get the overexpose/underdevelop combination, that will result in a flat constrast, muddy-grey blacks and grey-ish whites.

Expose it at nominal speed and use ND filter if needed.

[MIKI-814]

Don't miss to shoot and process the Tri-X as an ASA 100 film, and you'll miss less the gone Plus-X...

I would not recommend doing that. TriX is great for pushing up to 800ASA for reversal, put definitely not great for pulling.

Although it is rated ASA200, its real speed is somewhere in the ASA320-400 range. The wide film latitude allows it to be exposed at ASA200, but that is as far as one should go. Shooting it at ASA100 will affect the tonal range. You'll get the overexpose/underdevelop combination, that will result in a flat constrast, muddy-grey blacks and grey-ish whites.

Expose it at nominal speed and use ND filter if needed.

Well, that's not my own experience. Of course contrast is lower (this is logic on the other hand, same happened with Plus-X) but grain is also reduced.

They pull this here at the same price as normal processing:

http://www.reveladoreversible.webs.com

Also the best E-6 processing I've ever seen.

[mr_x]

as it happens i'm quite a fan of grainy black & white imagery so the fast film will be cool - it's just a shame we've lost out on the choice between Plus-X and Tri-X

of course there may be companies in continental Europe manufacturing their own take on Plus-X but then i fall into the postage trap again. The last cassette of film i imported from Europe cost me twice what I would have paid for it over the counter which is ridiculous.

thanks,

Ric