Printing negs from the CV 35/2.5 C

sockeyed · 03-03-2005

I had an interesting experience printing some Ilford Delta 100 negs that I shot on the weekend using my Bessa R and new CV 35/2.5. This lens is noted for being high-contrast, but I was amazed to find that I needed to print at grade 0.5 or 1 to get a reasonable print with some mid-tones, whereas usually I'm up around grade 3 to get a full contrast range. Granted, my shots were taken in bright sun with a large contrast range to start with.

Has anyone else had this experience? Is this typical of newer lenses? (I've only shot Canon FD and FSU glass for years).

tedwhite · 03-03-2005

I don't know Delta 100. Assuming it's a B&W fillm do you think it's possible you over exposed the film?

My experience with slow film out of doors on bright sunny days is that it's too contrasty, which is why I don't use it. Did you by chance meter on a (relatively speaking) dark subject that was surrounded by bright, white background?

Was the film developed at the right temp, for the right time, etc.?

Final question, and very important: Have you shot any other film, or any film at all, with this lens?

Ted

sockeyed · 03-03-2005

Good point about the contrasty-ness of 100 film. To be honest, I rarely shoot anything other than Tri-X, HP5 or XP2. Developing Delta in D-76 also might not be the best combo. I was very careful with the time and temp, though.

I think over-exposing and under-developing may have helped.

In terms of metering, I'm pretty sure that my metering was pretty well averaged.

I've only had the lens for a week. The other roll I shot was Fuji Reala in more less contrasty conditions (end of day, in shadow), and it was brilliant. In fact, I'd say it was jaw-droppingly good. I wish that I had my neg scanner (on its way from etronics) so I could share the results.

tedwhite · 03-03-2005

Did you do this? D76 1:1 for 10 1/2 minutes at 68º? (recommended time and temp for Delta 100).

Anyway, you've reduced my anxiety. Here I am on first day out shooting with new Bessa R and 35/2.5, so to learn you had such good results with Fuji Reala is reassuring.

What's in mine right now is Fuji Superia ISO 400.

I'm also liking tiny and easy to carry.

Ted

sockeyed · 03-03-2005

Actually, I did 11 mins, which was the recommended time on the massive dev chart. Clearly I should have cut back a bit. I guess that this is a good warning on how to treat negs with from lens in contrasty situations.

I look forward to seeing results from today's shoot.