Response to "Latitude for B/W films"

I'm not going to explain the zone system...But the answer depends on different on other factors as well, lets start with the scene contrast and the metering:

My Nikon F2 (or other cameras in matrix mode) will give an average value of required exposure, this is basicly fine as long as the contrast is 4 to 5 stops. Because everything will be recorded on film. If the contrast gets higher 6 or 7 stops, using the average metering your shadows will be thinner or not recorded on film. With a spot metering on the shadows, so that important shadows are 2 stops under the actual exposure you will perform this can be corrected.

So with an averaging metering low contrast scenes will be fine, but high contrast might require higher exposure, or latitude for underexposure is smaller with higher contrast.

So much about theory, shooting available light e.g. in theatres, I use Ilford HP5+ rated at 1600 to 3200, trying to meter for a medium gray with spot. So the maximum latitude for this film is 2 to 3 stops. Similar Tmax 400 can be used up to 1600, Tmax 3200 up to 12800. BUT you may not like the results and for most uses I would not recommend to underexpose a film.

Wolfram

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