coogee wrote:
I've been getting into shooting/developing my own B&W with M7.
Still getting my head around exposure with film, let alone using it to any specific intent or which stock would be best - especially with the harsh light/contrast we can get here (any tips welcome on that), but loving the process all the same.
From what I remember about processing B&W film (I used to do a lot of my own B&W).... in high contrast situations, it helps to expose for the shadows and process for the highlights. In other words, you'll overexpose somewhat, then control highlight density through development time.
The way B&W film develops is bright areas of the scene gradually build up density but shadow areas peter out pretty quickly.
From what I recall, you want to use a slower, less active developer to better control this. There are probably also developers considered to be lower contrast. Too short a development time and even 30 seconds too long could be too much... rule of thumb seemed to be for at least 5 minutes, IIRC. Somewhere around 8 might be more comfortable.
I think some also use stand development. The idea here is that you don't agitate (much, if at all) during development. The developer floating around areas of high negative density is exhausted sooner than the developer around shadow areas. The exhausted developer slows and eventually impedes local development while shadow areas continue to build (within reason). But I think there are specific developers best suited to this approach and I seem to recall reading about uneven development, or streakiness, etc...
One problem with such developing tweaks and particularly 35mm is you have to apply it to the whole roll. Fine if you're shooting a lot or it's all in one kind of lighting situation. But the rolls are long - 24 or 36 exposures. I recall doing part-roll development by just opening the back of the camera in the dark and cutting the film. Not sure how this would work with a Leica due to the unique loading method.