For electronic photography I've solved the "color or monochrome" dilemma by using EVF cameras that allow me to see & use either one via a button press. I particularly like the Panasonic GX7's mono rendering with a simulated yellow filter. With film I use b&w with rangefinders & my Rolleiflex TLR, color with SLRs. Once my supply of color film runs out I'll go with b&w only. I'm mostly an Ilford guy...HP5+.
-Dave-
Dave, I don't know if it's still in production, but I found Kodak's TXP 120 a better choice for roll than the Ilfords, but conversely, the Ilfords suited my 35mm stuff much better, both for slow as well as fast films. I never understood why, but someone on LuLa once suggested it was a result of lens character - makes a sort of sensible basis for thought! FWIW, I felt that the Kodak had a sharper grain, where the Ilford sort of 'rolled' and looked softer and less harsh with people pix.
All films were developed in D76 1+1 with the times changed to suit the films, and none matched the Kodak recommendations at 68/70 degrees F. I found most stuff printed on grade 2 papers or, at a stetch, grade 3 when I wanted a bit more contrast.
Lots of geeks poo-pooed the idea of one develpweer, and for them it may not have been the way to go, but it worked for me, saved money because the stuff never lay long enough to go off, and it avoided mistakes which can easily happen with too many variables in a darkroom.
When Kodachrome stopped being processed I went to Ektachrome E100S and found skins great, as well as b/w conversions from scans (CanoScan FS4000US) that I made. I believe that that film, too, has joned the delightful dodo. I have scanned the odd Velvia, but find it too extreme much of the time; works well enough in flattish pix but contrast is OTT in good sunlight - at least, IMO.
Rob C
