I have used XP2 enough times to suggest that the tonality it produces is not very pleasant compared to conventional B&W film and other chromgenic B&W films I've used. Maybe it was the processing, but damned if I could ever pull a satisfactory print or web-based image from it. Anyway, it's a choice I no longer entertain.
I agree with WW that, if you want to learn B&W, then shoot and process B&W. Shel > [Original Message] > From: William Robb > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Isaac" > Subject: C 41 B&W film > > > > Hello all. I'm wondering what everyone's opinion is on this. Is it > > worth > > using? It is certainly much easier to acquire, but would I be happy > > with the > > results? Also, are filters needed like with real b&w film? > > It can be very nice film. > If you want to learn darkroom, then real B&W is a better choice (I > think). > The masked films are designed to be printed on colour paper (hence > the dye mask), and while I like many of XP-2's qualities, the > emulsion is too soft for my liking. > It scratches very easily. > If you are scanning, or having it prints made commercially, then the > chromogenics are fine.
