I've read that, since color film can be easily converted to black and white with satisfactory results, it no longer makes sense to shoot any subject on black and white film unless one enjoys the antiquated process of using black and white and developing and printing it in a home lab. Is that your opinion?
TakeTwo66
Favorite Answer
There's something in black and white's simplicity that draws you in. Without the distraction of color, you tend to delve into more details - looking for "creamy whites", "rich blacks" and "vivid highlight details". Am sure we can boil that down to some scientific measure like density and resolution MTF. But increasingly, B&W Film enthusiasts (Still or Moving), tend to speak about "feel & look" rather than the exacting mathematical figures.
I went to a recent exhibit where the photos were captured via D-SLR and printed on colored silver halide paper. The custom lab tried their darndest to cancel out the cyan cast with their LED Digital Printer, but it was still there - cyan in the highlights. Almost like a tinge of Selenium toning.
The blacks were, uhm, dark grey. And the lighting was supposed to be hard & dramatic. It could have been a great photo. But there was a disconnect somewhere.
That said, B&W Film will probably disappear from the mainstream just the same, only to remian in the magical domain of fine art photographers and photographers who've done it all. The same photographers who've matured and mastered their skills in shooting/capturing, and enroute to becoming master print makers as well.
But it will not be obsolete. True, Agfa's gone. Kodak stopped making B&W printing paper and Ilford is playing the digital game. But turn to the former East Bloc states and witness the raft of new B&W film & paper now being made more widely available for the enthusiast.
I guess it's like chicken stock: you can always pop a cube in some hot water and get great tasting stock. But making one from scratch gives you more control, better flavor - and a sense of personal satisfaction.
harveyboxcar
Black and White will never be obsolete. There are way too many old school photographers out there that rely on the best results. You can't get any other film to act like true B+W film. Sure B+W can be easily achieved thorough the use of c-41 B+W or even converting color film but it is by far not the same. Some companies are slowing down production of certain B+W films but it will never go away. It is the convenience of imitation B+W for the consumers but not professionals
sunshine52383
Absolutely not. Take a recent film such as "Good Night and Good Luck," where the effect of black and white shows the mentality of the time period. I think that black and white film shows an America where every question had a black and white answer. Today it's not as simple - color. There is so much symbolism within black and white photography.
LA_TalentAgent
For purposes of feature film viewing, for the better part,yes it is obsolete. B&W is very forgiving for actors and the statements that it helps make can be used for very specific type of projects. On the broad stroke side, though, B&W is very film noir and can present commercial sales challenges. After last years "slump year" my guess is that we won't see any B&W chancy film any time soon.
Anonymous
The question is valid, and the process currently in advanced technology is valid as well.
I would hope,,as an Artist, and creative individual that B & W never "Fades" as a means of expressing, and showing us the intrigue of limited shades to evoke all manner of appeal, and consciousness.
Rev. Steven