True that.
The ZS, its clones, and all other "systems" work by standardizing the process, and minimizing the influence of variables on the result.
You can develop your own "system", with results every bit as good as any published system, just by taking pictures and making prints.
Take copious notes at every step of the process. Standardize on one film and one paper, and a specific developer for each.
Write out your processing regimen for both materials, and follow those religiously, with absolutely no variation.
Over time, comparing the resulting negatives and prints, you'll develop your own style that's every bit as "valid" as anything published.
They key is consistency, so you understand the consequences of any change in exposure or processing.
Following a published system may shorten the time required to achieve "good" prints by forcing you to follow the recommended
methods. However, those may not match your personal shooting style.
- Leigh
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