Yesterday I received my Pentax 67ii with 105mm f/2.4 lens and I’ve wasted no time in trying it out. Last week I did some experiments with my Contax 645 pushing Kodak TRI-X to 6400 and at the time I thought I would like to do some comparisons with Ilford Delta 3200, so that’s what I did this week with the new camera. Forgive the similar pictures to last week, but I wanted to photograph the same kind of scene in the same kind of light to really see what the differences would be. I’m really enjoying experimenting with different b&w film stocks and different treatments in-camera and during development, and the idea for me is that I want to reach a point with black and white film where for these kind of shots I can make a decision on film stock based on the look I’m wanting to achieve. That is, not always pushing film out of a real necessity due to light levels, but based on the look it will create, and similarly the choice of film stock. The difference between TRI-X shot at 6400 (and pushed 4 stops in development) and Ilford Delta 3200 is quite significant to the results I gained today with Ilford Delta 3200. Before I post today’s photos I should point out that I always shoot Delta 3200 as a 1600 speed film (thereby building in 1 stop of over-exposure) and then develop normally at 3200. I wanted to achieve a little more contrast than that, so I chose to shoot Delta 3200 at box speed (i.e. ISO 3200) and then push 1 stop in development (i.e. develop as if 6400). It was also a great opportunity for me to try out my Pentax 67ii and I get the feeling I am really going to love this format. So far I have been surprised at my accuracy with focusing wide open with this camera/lens compared to the Contax 645/80mm f/2. You can see the TRI-X at 6400 photos here, but below are Delta 3200 +1, Pentax 67ii, 105mm at f/2.4, developed and scanned by me at UK Film Lab.
Siegrid - These are awesome. I love the format. The tones and grain are amazing and Erica is as beautiful as ever. I am totally lusting after a 67 camera since ages and this confirms my feelings. Thanks for sharing all this!
Sergio - Seems that Delta 3200 preserve more details in the shadows. I really like grain size. Is the Delta a T-Grain film?
However Tri-X pushed 4stops gives that “noir” look which I find lovely, especially with this kind of light.
Katja - These are beyond beautiful. The classic Delta 3200 format + 6×7 is the perfect fit. Glad, you like your new set up, Christian! And you rock it!
christian - Thanks Sergio 🙂 Yes it has tabular grain. I really love it, especially in medium format.
christian - Thanks Katja! 🙂
Isabelle - So so so beautiful, both the photographs and the subject. Truly timeless!
Jay Emme - Oh lordy. So much gorgeous. SO MUCH. This has totally restored my faith in Ilford Delta; I’ve never felt convinced by it. But man oh man this is just beautiful. And Erica? You are SO pretty. x
Jonathan Joy-Gaba - Thank you so much for posting all this information about your film tests! I’ve been searching the internet and your blog has provided exactly what I’ve been looking for – examples of images using different conditions. For instance, shooting Ilford 3200 at 1600 vs rating at 3200 and pushing 1 stop at developing makes a difference in contrast. I wouldn’t have even known to make that test comparison!
I just bought a used Mamiya 645 pro and have been doing these film tests as well, but it was getting a little pricy! I hope to keep my film stocks simple and focus on using Portra 400 (because of the 220 rolls) and Ilford 3200. I am definitely going to be following your blog!
Owen - These look fantastic! Can I ask which developer was used?
Thanks.
christian - Thanks. It was Kodak X-tol.