Response to want advice on buying a denistometer

I'm no densitometer pro, but bought a used X-rite 810TR. It's a super machine, but I'd never be able to afford a new one. You need to be able to do both transmission and reflection to really accomplish much, and you need color if that's what you're into (I'm not). If you want to measure 35mm frame details, you need a really small aperture. My 4mm aperture is useless for that, but I only measure relatively large area step tablets and the like. I happen to be a "measurement guy", but my conclusion after using this for a while is that you can do everything you need without a densitometer- you just have to use your brain harder! Before spending a fortune, spend a little on some step tablets and a nice size ten step reflection standard like the Kodak (or make one). Place these in some photos and look at the results. It should be pretty easy to determine where you need to go with your E.I. and development. The next thing you'll find is that perfectly reproducing the scene values won't necessarily get you the photograph you want.

[ Previous | Next ]