I am still working on the issue of testing film. I have read Picker, Adams and Davis.
I have a densitometer and am learning to use it. In Adam's book "The Negative" he recommends .010 above base/fog for the film speed. That is simple enough. Then he tests development to zone 8. This also seems simple enough. However, other testers (Picker for one) feel that the fine tuning must be done by contact printing the negative to paper being used with the min. time for max. black method. Yet I don't think Adams even mentions contact printing with the negative for setting film speed. Of course, the BTZS system goes entirely another direction. Once again, I can't remember the mention of contact printing of the negative in the BTZS book.
Question One: Is contact printing of the negative a dead issue or is it necessary for fine tuning of film speed?
I have used the method of shooting the same scene at several film speeds using the spot meter on the same shadow with surprisingly good results. I simply picked the best print. Yet I confess I am more tech minded and yearn for a more precise method.
Question Two: Is there a simple cookbook description of the BTZS method with step to step examples?
With due respect to Mr. Davis I find parts of his book difficult. However, I would gladly buy his programs if there were truly simple steps to run them. I am not bashing Mr. Davis, it is clear he has made something important. I just don't grasp the steps. I am not interested in sending film to The View Camera Store. It is an excellent service but I like to understand what I do. There are probably others like me. If there is an off-line mentor I would be interested in conversing.
Any help or comments would be appreciated.
Jerry Cunningham
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