Originally Posted by
Doremus Scudder
Drew has answered your question well. Let me elaborate though, at the risk of complicating things.
There are shadows and there are shadows...
The standard Zone System practice is to base exposure on a shadow value that you want detail in (i.e., can "see into" and pick out features) and place that in Zone III, i.e., two stops under the meter reading (after you've tested for your E.I., etc...).
That works fine for starters, but as we refine our technique, we get more discerning about shadow placement. If you want a detailed "black," say a black suit with texture (you can see the cloth, wrinkles, etc.), then Zone III placement is fine. If you want a real inky, textureless black, then Zone I placement might be called for. I often place luminous shadows in landscapes in Zone IV. Bright shadows on snow get a Zone V placement.
So, start with placing things in Zone III and see if the shadow rendering is what you like. Go from there. Keep in mind that you can always print a shadow value darker, but you can't get detail in a shadow that was never registered on the film, so erring on the side of generous exposure is always better.
Have fun,
Doremus
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