• Members 10 posts
    May 4, 2023, 12:38 a.m.

    Is this a category for showing photos or will there also be a place to discuss the processes, gear, post processing of digital monochrome photography

  • Members 159 posts
    May 4, 2023, 5:27 p.m.

    Well, this category states: "the place to discuss tips and techniques for monochrome photography". So, I don't think it is just for images. Start a discussion!

  • Members 10 posts
    May 4, 2023, 8:06 p.m.

    I know what the category states but if it is the same posters as on DPR I guess it will be mainly, a post a picture in black and white section.

  • Members 159 posts
    May 5, 2023, 1:13 a.m.

    So, do you have a question about monochrome photography? Just curious. I'm not the expert by any means!

  • Members 10 posts
    May 5, 2023, 5:23 a.m.

    No but I have lots of answers.

  • Members 159 posts
    May 5, 2023, 1:05 p.m.

    Here's a question. What are the advantages of a monochrome camera image compared to converting a standard color image? Other than time savings?

  • Members 509 posts
    May 5, 2023, 6:11 p.m.

    More sensitivity, lower noise, improved dynamic range, smaller, tighter more film-like grain instead of blotchy digital noise, increased resolution, increased acutance.

  • Members 159 posts
    May 5, 2023, 6:23 p.m.

    Where are you more likely to see this difference? On the screen, or in a print? If printing, what is the best surface? Glossy?

    Finally, are we splitting hairs here, or is it a distinct difference?

  • Members 10 posts
    May 5, 2023, 8:09 p.m.

    For those who prefer to spend more time with their camera than post processing that is exactly it. saving a lot of time.

    Those that enjoy post processing and are probably ex darkroom users and enjoy printing, a colour version of their camera system is probably a lot more fun, versatile and fulfilling.

    Pixel peepers are in the realm of their own, and and I am sure that they would have both a monochrome version in the standard colour versions of the system. That means that they carry two cameras around all the time and spend more time worrying about technical aspects and taking photographs

    I belong in the group that enjoys post processing and printing, and really don't want to get in the game, and about which is better, and which is worse. I have an old M9 mono camera, but those files are easily superseded by the new files that are produced from the newer Leica M cameras with their up-to-date sensors. I have also got lazy and don't like using colour filters on my camera lenses when taking mono photos and it's a lot easier in post and the results or diverse and interesting.

    For most of a monochrome camera will fulfil a lot of their wishes and desires, though I doubt if it will be their only camera, the old chestnut that would've really look good in colour will drift through their minds.

  • Members 159 posts
    May 5, 2023, 8:52 p.m.

    I came into photography in the days of film before 35mm. Roll film, and always B&W. I could not afford color! I learned to see in monochrome. A lot of time in the darkroom making prints. When I got my first Nikon F, I did start to shoot slides. But that may have been one roll in ten. Things changed when I got my first digital camera, the Nikon D70. I made more images, but now, most were color. Very few were converted to B&W. But, I do miss it. I would like to get a monochrome camera, but they are too expensive! Although the new Pentax K-3 III Monochrome looks like a reasonable one. I think only by immersing myself in a monochrome camera, will I be able to get my eye back again.

  • Members 10 posts
    May 5, 2023, 9:23 p.m.

    Shooting a monochrome digital camera requires a very different approach than shooting b&w film one has a different set of toys to play with

    I recently sold my m9 to someone who wanted the "film look"(LOL) via a digital camera, to me it was just a flawed camera that used great lenses.

    I wouldn't buy another monochrome camera the newer bayer sensors in cameras are just so good and it's easy to set up a whole lot of presets on one's software of choice and get fantastic mono results. Old files can be resurrected with reasonable results via the new software available as well.

  • Members 10 posts
    May 5, 2023, 9:41 p.m.

    My advice to old film guys with digital monochrome GAS is forget the nostalgia part and see it with "a set of new eyes" just like the new mob that have taken to film

  • Members 304 posts
    May 5, 2023, 10:23 p.m.

    If you want to shoot color and B&W, then the color sensors today converted provide a good option. If you are like me and done care a rat's behind about color, a monochrome camera will provide all the benefits as outlined by DavidMiller along with better high ISO performance, and smoother tonal gradation. I picked my a Leica Q2M a year ago and the only time I have used anything else was my XPro3 when I took my camera out on horseback a time or two. The two reasons are the OVF of the Fujifilm XPro is much easier to shoot with off horseback than with an EVF and the screen on the XPro3 is folded away and protected.

  • Members 10 posts
    May 5, 2023, 10:56 p.m.

    tighter more film-like grain equates to digital fantasy world
    As Oscar Wilde stated 'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery that mediocrity can pay to greatness.'

  • Members 159 posts
    May 5, 2023, 11:58 p.m.

    I already shoot two types of camera's. A Nikon Z7 for color work (and B&W conversions), and a Nikon D810 full spectrum conversion for infrared work. When I go out for a day of photography, I take one or the other. Just one camera. If / when I get a monochrome camera, the same will apply. It is how I work. I just get into the mindset for that day.

  • Members 159 posts
    May 6, 2023, 12:04 a.m.

    I looked at the Leica Q2M, but can not afford it. I may be able to get the Pentax. I will try to convert one of my Nikon D70 camera's first. Just to see if I can do it, and to see what the results are. I do like a project!

  • Members 509 posts
    May 7, 2023, 9:14 a.m.

    A slight aside. Over on DPR, I used the user name "DMillier" for 20 years. I was annoyed with myself for not using my full name because people kept mis-spelling it. Now we've made a fresh start here, I'm using my full name. And people are still mis-spelling it. Seems like I'm saddled with a name that people continually mis-read. Even my bank misspelled it on my cheque guarantee card and in 10 years of use, no one spotted the error 😁😁😁

    ps

    There is a french photographer with the name David Millier www.linkedin.com/in/dmillier/?originalSubdomain=fr I am not him. Having an oddly spelt name causes confusion.

    pps

    @tprevatt If you don't mind me asking, are you Truman from DPR, or someone else?

  • Members 304 posts
    May 7, 2023, 1:16 p.m.

    Sorry David. I just checked and my Mac wants to change Millier to Miller. 🥴 I do apologize, however. I know how you feel. At one point in time in the early days of spell checkers MicroSoft Word would try to change my last name from Prevatt to Pervert. 🧐 To you question tprevatt on DPR - on in the same.

  • Members 509 posts
    May 7, 2023, 2:17 p.m.

    Oops, that's unfortunate. Maybe "Smith" is a better user name 😁😁😁