Which book to choose for Zone System?

**David Karp** · 7-Feb-2007, 10:42

Zone System for 35mm Photographers, by Carson Graves. Easy to understand; not only for 35mm photographers; provides a way to test and determine IE and development times using your eyes; it works.

**Rob Hale** · 9-Feb-2007, 16:30

Hi Ben,
All the above are good and at some time should be read but for a clear, concise, well written book that you can trust without having to evaluate each step I recommend

“ Way Beyond Monochrome”
By R.W. Lambrecht & C. White.
Fountain Press ISBN 0 86343 354 5.

You can view their site @ darkroommagic.com

If someone is going to buy just one book then “Way Beyond Monochrome” will solve more problems and clear up more grey areas of thinking than any of the 45 odd books I have and have read including the above recommendations.

I have come to B&W very late in life and I am used to doing written research along with training people with soft ware and I view these guys as being very clear headed thinkers which gives them the ability to write clearly – which they do.

Regards Rob.

P.S. All the other books which I have I would not ( Won’t ) sell and do use for reference history and alternative techniques etc.

**Benito** · 10-Feb-2007, 21:36

Thanks everyone for your replies...

Have got a copy of Picker's "Zone VI Manual" on the way, and I'm looking forward to getting into it. I'm also looking for a few of the other ones mentioned.

I'll probably get that film test kit you mentioned too Bruce - looks like a cheap and sensible way to get it sorted.

Thanks again!

**Rob Hale** · 11-Feb-2007, 11:57

Hi All
My apologies I called Chris. Woodhouse C. White.
“Way Beyond Monochrome” is by R.W. Lambrecht and C. Woodhouse.

Regards

Rob.

**Andrew O'Neill** · 11-Feb-2007, 21:41

I have both books that you mention. I started with Shaeffer's book one, which led to Ansel's book, The Negative and then to his other two books from the serious. I've had them since about '91 and they are well worn and tattered. I also have Shaeffer's book #2 which also has a section on alternative processes and digital. I recommend this book.

**dwhistance** · 13-Feb-2007, 01:34

I second the recommendation for "Way Beyond Monochrome". It is excellent and deals with many other areas as well as film testing and the zone system. I find I dip into it fairly regularly - I should probably get out more!

David Whistance