the zone system
Operating the system Gaining maximum control over the system requires practice. The student should take notes and compare the results with the actions taken. Mistakes may be made initially but these mistakes will lead to a greater understanding of the system. Testing the accuracy of exposure and negative processing is crucial to obtaining precise control over the zone system. The photographer is advised to limit the combined choice of camera, light meter, film, developer, enlarger and printing paper until this control has been achieved, otherwise variations in outcome are inevitable.
Jana Liebenstein
Choice of camera, light meter and film Use a camera and a light meter that provide accurate exposures. If the camera or meter receives a shock through impact, the equipment should be checked. Some retail outlets will offer to test the accuracy of the equipment. Select only one type of 100 ISO film until control has been achieved. The student should ideally have some experience of processing this film prior to using it for the zone system. Establish an ‘exposure index’ for the film (see activity below). The usable speed for the film may vary from the manufacturer’s recommended speed due to a variety of reasons.
Activity 3 Using black and white negative film, take several exposures of a subject with a four stop range. Someone wearing a white shirt with dark trousers or jacket would be ideal. Calibrate the exposure using a reflected light meter reading taken from a gray card. The subject should be illuminated with diffused light (cloud cover or shade). Bracket the exposures (1/3 stop intervals) keeping a precise record of each frame. Process the negatives according to the manufacturer’s specifications. View the negatives on a light box and choose the best exposure with the assistance of an experienced practitioner. The darkest tones of the subject should render full texture and detail (no area of the image should appear clear). Choose the best exposure and check your records to find the degree of compensation required. For example, if the best exposure for accurately rendering shadow detail is 2/3 stop more than the manufacturer’s recommendation of 100 ISO then proceed to rate the film at 2/3 stop less, i.e. 64 ISO.
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