Controls in Black and White Photography
by Richard J. Henry
This book is a treasure trove of experiments to prove or disprove just about any
photographic mystery or myth ever conceived. Highly recommended, but unfortunately, out of
print. Amazon will search used bookstores for copies if you wish.
The Negative by Ansel Adams
If you have ever wanted to get deep into the Zone System, this book is for
you. It discusses making exposures, film developing processes and modifications, and of
course film testing for the Zone System. It might be excessively complicated for a
beginner, but it contains much useful information for darkroom workers looking for more
information.
The Zone VI Workshop by Fred Picker
This skinny little book is an excellent introduction to the principles of Zone
System photography, and useful even for users of small cameras who don't wish to spend
much time with Zone System methods. It won't cover the developing time modificationsto
accomodate varying scene contrast the way the Ansel Adams book does, but it probably the
first book you'll want to read to grasp what Zonies are talking about. It WILL help your
photography!
Beyond the Zone System by Phil Davis
Phil is a careful practitioneer of photography, and suggests that the Zone
System is just a start in this gem of a book. Not recommended for the casual beginner like
the Zone VI Workshop book above, but it contains much useful information that can help
printers rise to the top of their craft. Phil Davis writes a column in the Photo
Techniques magazine that is worth reading on occasion, especially when he writes about
testing different photo papers.
Photo Techniques magazine (bi-monthly)
No longer printed
Of all the current photo magazines, this one covers darkroom practices the best. A
well-rounded publication with serious photographers as the target market, it far outshines
other drivel-driven newstand photo magazines. You really should subscribe to this magazine
if you want to further your darkroom work.
Just about anything written by David Vestal (David
died in 2013)
If you want to read about hard-won practical experience, and get a dose of good
photo criticism, read anything written by David Vestal. He writes a column in Photo
Techniques magazine, has written books about darkroom processes, and publishes a
newsletter called GRUMP for $30/year. This newsletter diverges occasionally from
photography, but his writing is clear and clever. David has worn out Leica cameras!