sch@dedalus.UUCP (Steve Holzworth) (04/25/85)
Re: B&W vs color for the beginner
I have not found color printing to be a problem. With the current
technology in chemistry and paper, color printing is easy. I mostly print
negatives onto Kodak 74RC (8x10). I too vote for getting a dichroic head
on the enlarger as a good move. I presently use an Omega C760XL dichroic
(a friend's) for my work and process the prints in a JOBO CPE-2 print
processor (mine). You can process prints without a JOBO (or equiv.), but
it sure simplifies things. The JOBO maintains water bath temperature and
rotates and reverses the print drum.
I personally don't have any problems balancing color and/or exposure
by hand. I use a standard wall chart and Kodak color viewing filters.
I can usually get a good print in just two tries, three or four if shooting
for absolute balance. My friend likes B&W processing, so we both kind of
specialize. Also, I really started off with color printing and didn't
have any problems. I think that most complaints about color being hard are
based in past history, when it really was a bitch. The best thing to do is
read a lot, then dive in. Goodluck!
Re: Mailorder equipment
Both my friend and I have had excellent results with B&H Photo. He
got his enlarger and I got my print processor from them. We had absolutely
no hassles. We now order chemistry, paper, and bulk film from them, with
no problems to date. I recommend AGAINST ordering a "complete printing kit"
(enlarger, easle, etc.) from the mail order stores. They will give you the
specific enlarger you request, but the rest of the stuff is usually the
cheapest, junkiest stuff they have. You will save in the long run if you
order specific, good quality accessories from the start. (yeah, I know, $$$).
Steve Holzworth
mcnc!ikonas!dedalus!schjohnm@python.UUCP (J. Montgomery) (04/29/85)
> Re: Mailorder equipment > > Both my friend and I have had excellent results with B&H Photo. I have also had good results with B&H. Since I am close to NYC, I usually drive in and get what I want in person, so I can't comment on their mail order service, but I have found them to be very well stocked and they always sell at the price in the current Popular/Modern Photo ad. My stuff has always been in factory sealed cartons, no problems. It is, of course, not the right sort of place if you don't know what you want and want a friendly/knowledgeable salesman to guide you. -- John Montgomery Bell Communications Research ...{ihnp4, decvax, ucbvax}!bellcore!python!johnm