Film advice

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stevebuk

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Hi all,

So far I've only shot one film in the last twenty years and those previous films were on point and shoots so forgive me for what is a basic question. I'm basically digital only and trying my hand at film. I'm having a day in London on Saturday and will be taking my Yashica Electro 35 and want to shoot some black and white.

Basically I have two choices. A roll of TRI-X 400 or a roll of Acros 100. I'm planning on mainly outdoor shots with maybe a couple inside if I get the chance.

I sort of assumed the 400 would be my best option but with it looking a bright day, I guess I may end up maxed out at 1/500th. I think the 400 may also be a little grainy and not so suited to "modern" architecture? More of a classical look? The Acros looks sharper but I wonder if it will be too slow for anything at all indoor and maybe a little slow if overcast?

FYI, I plan on shooting with a yellow filter after having a read on here, to try to darken the sky etc. Would this be a good idea if using 100 or will it be too slow? I guess I need to drop the ISO on the camera to 50 if using the Acros and 200 if using the TRI-X with the filter?

Any advice gratefully received!

Thanks
Steve
 
With a bright day in London, you may be better off with the Acros (a nice film) rather than Tri-X (a great film). If you spend the afternoon in the pub you could finish the Acros in the morning and shoot the Tri-X in the afternoon!

A yellow filter is a good idea particularly if it's cloudy and you want to pick up some drama in the skies. I'm not sure it makes much difference otherwise but others may know better.

I was going to suggest you stop bothering about the stop difference for the filtert, but realised I was assuming a SLR metering through the lens! OTOH, I don't think a yellow filter is as much as a full stop, and these black and white films have such incredible flexibility it's hardly going to matter. I've certainly not made any changes when using a yellow filter with my Oly Trip 35, and seen no problems.

Anyway, the thing is, shoot without adjustments and see if it has any effect! Or shoot the first half with adjustoment and the second half without and see if you can see the difference later. It's all about learning while having fun...

And don't forget to post something on the "Show us yer filn shots" thread! That's the price of any answers on this forum. :D
 
I'm a big fan of both the Electro 35 and Tri-X. I've taken a lot of photos with this combination. Besides all the other good things about it, one of the best is the range of lighting you can cover with an Electro 35 loaded with Tri-X. You can hand hold down to very slow speeds as long as you don't drink too much beer or coffee! As far as the yellow filter goes, I usually set the speed to 200 ASA but I think that might be too much and 300 might be better. This shot is with a 35GT, Tri-X and a yellow filter:


RichmondLock by gwladys.street, on Flickr

If the light is low you can move the setting up to 800 ASA and develop it for just the same time in D76. This shot is at 800 (not on the same roll as the first but it could have been)


Christmas Lights by gwladys.street, on Flickr

With the yellow filter I don't think you will max out the exposure range unless it's exceptionally bright. Good luck whatever you choose.
 
Thank you both. Still not decided. Will have a sleep and think! Will post the pics when I get back!


Regards
Steve
 
I would use the Tri-X and meter it at 200 with the filter, gives a lot more flexibility than shooting with the Acros at 50 with the filter; Tri-X is not an especially grainy film and if anything I find it adds a bit of atmosphere.
 
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