Film Development Time Test
Have you heard the phrases; " expose for the shadows- develop
for the highlights" , "place and fall", or " develop to" ?
These concepts work only after you have determined your film
speed, and your development time.
This test is to determine Your "NORMAL"
film development time.
Using your film speed ( previously determined in speed test)
expose three rolls of film identically. Photograph the 18%
neutral gray card setting up as in film speed test.
Expose the three rolls of film to zone 0 thru zone 9.
The meter reading of the gray card with the correct or previously
determined film speed (do I keep repeating myself) will produce
a zone 5 exposure. Reducing exposure four stops will produce a
zone 1 exposure.
Increasing exposure four stops from zone 5 will
produce a zone 9 exposure, and zone 9 in the print if your film
development time is normal.
This is the cornerstone of black
and white photography!!!!!!!!!!
If your development time is more than normal then
that zone 9 becomes a zone 11, has no texture,
and is pure stark white in the print.
Consistent film development is critical here.
Film speed which is determined by zone 1 is only slightly
affected by changes in development.
However, the denser zones are affected by
changes in development.
( That was part two of the cornerstone! )
A consistent film development technique must be in place in
order for the information from this test to be meaningful.
In fact, this test can be used to check your consistency by
repeating it.
Download Film Development Test spreadsheet and
record your data / view graphs.
Mail the film to us for analysis.
Include payment of $ 10 or use the PAYPAL link.
We will plot the densities from which normal development time
will be noted, and film speed confirmed. E-mail results or
snail mail if you want the film back.
Develop three rolls of film as follows:
