[LargeFormat] Bergger 200 Film Speeds

[Clive Warren]

At 6:02 pm -0700 19/6/02, Karl Wolz wrote:
>Rule of thumb for using the zone system is to rate your film about a stop
>slow.
>
>If you've had good luck using other films at their nominal speed, you'll
>most likely do OK with the Bergger at 200.  I don't think I'd push it more
>than a bit.  You're more likely to get something you don't like, like
>extreme contrast.
>
>Have you ever done film testing to find the "true speed" of the films you're
>using?  It's a PITA, but an eye-opening experience.
>
>Karl
>
snip

Thanks Karl,

I normally rate films a bit slower - I added about half a stop to the 
Berger when shooting but I have a feeling this won't be enough to 
give the expected results.

Take your point about contrast increases and I wouldn't want to push 
the film too much.  If generally the findings are that it is 1 stop 
slower then it will be 1 1/2 stops away from what was wanted.

What a great excuse to go back tomorrow :-) Have a feeling that it 
would probably be best to soup the exposed film first to have some 
sort of guide.

Nope - have not done densitometric film tests - usually a few bracket 
shots and some exposure notes of the same subject in the same 
lighting conditions when using a new film. I was reluctant to to too 
much of this with the 8x10 stock as it would be hard to drink 
equivalent film cost in the time taken to pop off a few test sheets.

There will probably be one or two usable shots - will let you know.

Cheers,
        Clive