Response to 6X6 obsolete??

I think the "long tonal scale" argument is a bit misleading. From Minox to Deardorff (sp?), they all go from black to white. It's how they handle tonal separation in between that's important. I shoot mostly 35mm, but still do the occasional TLR and 4x5. With the fussiest technique, any film you want to name, and any darkroom magic that can be applied, I can't get 35mm to separate delicate tones like large or medium format. Some blame it on microcontrast, but I think there are a host of factors. I just visited the George Eastman House a couple nights ago to see the Ansel Adams exhibit and prints from the Westons and others- 35mm just isn't going to compete with the tonal quality of those 4x5 and 8x10 negs. It isn't just a matter of sharpness and resolution, as (IMHO) many of the older prints weren't any sharper than modern 35mm technology would produce. (of course, many were far better!)

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