I was going through some stored items the other day and found a box of 4x5 B&W negatives that I had done in the early 1980's. So, I scanned a few of them yesterday and am in the process of working them up. This image is a field of wild oats near a previous residence in Columbia.
Omegaview 45E
Schneider-Xenar 210mm
Tri-X 400 rated at 320
Negative tray developed in HC110 @ 7-1/2 minutes.
circa 1982
The old Tri-X is a gorgeous film with a huge dynamic range. I was amazed at the amount of detail I was able to realize here. Aside from a little cloning of extraneuos bits, a bit of dodge, and a couple of TK's masks, not a lot was done in post.
Please see the large version. Thanks!
Your thoughts are always appreciated. 
--P
Comments
8 commentsBeautiful composition Preston. The upper shadows and dead bush really support well the main subject. Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful light and detail. I think I would prefer with the top left light section cropped out, but either way it's a real sweet shot.
Sure glad I know the developing time!!
Really sweet B/W, Preston. Such a simple comp that works very well. I'm with Harley on the top left being cropped.
I know nothing about film, but for what it's worth here is my take on the image. I believe it would be a stronger if cropped to remove the white in the top left. The rocks are a main portion of the image, so I would rather see the lower left rocks as a full set, with oats framing the border. In my opinion, the scraggly bush doesn't enhance, it competes with the grasses and the stones. What I like is the subject matter; I am drawn to the the contrasting softness of the grasses interplaying with the stone. For me this image just doesn't hit its mark...But from 30 years ago, this is clearly the early stage of development in your personal and intimate style. I enjoy your gallery images, Preston. Thanks for posting this one so I could have a crack at it and practice my critique.
I would darken that ulc light grass area to the tone value of the other lighter areas, rather than crop it out. If you crop it out the composition starts to fall apart.
Wow, very impressive tones & contrast. A lovely scene for sure. i do agree with Harley's crop suggestion, or better yet, try to clone the white upper left to match the shadowed area because the shadowed area is very nice IMHO. I do wish the left side rock was fully visible (you needed the old style version of a wider lens, i.e. - step back 2-3 steps - LOL). Still, a beautiful scene.
Preston, This is looks Great! I think your comp works just fine as it is but would consider toning down that upper left section of light. Looks like a real fine art print to my eye and I enjoy it very much. I shot a lot of Tri-X back in my younger days and always thought it was a great film. Really nice work on this!
Nick Bristol