got a 35mm SLR - tempted

[samal]

My uncle just gave me Minolta Maxxum 400si 35mm camera with Sigma 35-80 lens.

I am tempted to load some B&W film and go try it out - I used to shoot film some 20 years ago in Russia, I had Zorki 4 rangefinder camera and my own darkroom, but all skills are forgotten now.

Can someone recommend a good film for starters and say few words about the camera?

 

[Sw1tchFX]

i'd just get some kodak max or something. if it's just testing, keep it cheap.

 

[blash]

The standard high-quality stuff for B&W is Ilford HP5+ or FP4+, although I prefer Agfapan APX-400. Just buy 1 or 2 rolls of whichever box you think looks coolest though, it really doesn't matter.

 

[Gregoryniss]

kodak BW400CN and Ilford xp2 super will both be able to be developped nearly anywhere since they are c-41. Never tried either, but i heard they're both pretty good

 

[Sw1tchFX]

^^ the kodak is uber contrasty, i've never tried the XP2.

However, I have seen silver prints made from XP2 in the darkroom, as if it were conventional B&W. The prints came out unusually smooth and devoid of contrast. Go figure..

 

[christopher walrath]

Probably used on a modern version of Panalure or some such. A black and white paper that can make good prints from C41 negs.

I go with the others. Get some film, cheap house brand stuff and knock yourself out. Get it one houred so you can see the results quick. Then ponder reentering the darkside.