The Film Developing Cookbook (Darkroom Cookbook)

A background in chemistry would be helpful, but not necessary, but without it, you may glaze over a bit in places.

My biggest criticism with this book is its complete lack of figures. A photo demonstrating grain and acutance like Adams includes in "The Negative" would be helpful, as well as density curves indicating the effects of different developers. Because of this ommision, I would recommend that someone read "The Negative" before reading this book to fill in the gaps.


Information you need that you won't get elsewhere!   May 28, 2000
 13 out of 13 found this review helpful

Here is the long and the short of it: This is a wonderful book. I have looked at dozens of photography books, and what seems like hundreds of magazines, and I am positive that none of them contain the wealth of information that Steve Anchell (in collaboration with Bill Troop) puts in this book (or in Steve's other books for that matter). If you are interested in making the most of your black and white photography, you need to know what your film if composed of, what it reacts to, and how to achieve the effects that you want to get out of it. You don't have to be a darkroom guru to use it, you don't need a lot of equipment, and you don't need an elaborate setup. I think anyone will improve his or her results after reading and using this book. I have always believed that the magic in black and white takes place in the darkroom, and even if you don't have a darkroom, your control of the film development process will make you a better photographer. This is a great way to get it right.


You'll understand your film developer   March 25, 2000
 3 out of 3 found this review helpful

I've been working with different films and developers for ages. Now, I can know why I got wrong results before. I also get The Darkroom Cookbook by Stephen, both make a good team.