In this video, I share my method for how I create characteristic curves along with determining the real film speed (EI) and the correct development times for normal (N), expanded (N+) and contracted (N-).

If you are serious about making the best possible exposures with your black and white film, then you are in the right place.

If you enjoy slowing down with film, darkroom printing, and meaningful photography, consider subscribing to my YouTube Channel. I share new videos each week focused on simple tools, timeless techniques, and the quiet joy of analog.

Ready to go deeper with your photography? – Join the Darkroom Diary Premium Membership—a creative refuge for film photographers working with 35mm, medium format, or large format. Whether you’re scanning and sharing or crafting fine art prints, you’ll find expert guidance, meaningful conversation, and a supportive community focused on vision, process, and emotional impact. Join today and start creating work that truly matters.

B&W Film Profiles

I create custom film profiles for hybrid photographers who scan their negatives and want total confidence in exposure and development.

• You get a full characteristic curve from a Stouffer 21-step wedge test, plus a real EI recommendation based on measured Zone I density.
• I dial in development times for N, N−, and N+ using measured Zone VIII density, so your highlights land where they should.
• The end result is a simple, repeatable profile you can use every time.

I am actively working on creating brand new black and white film profiles for the most popular black and white films and developer pairings. Once I have them ready, they will be posted on my File Profiles page for sale.

Photographers that own my B&W Film Alchemist Book will be receiving these as free updates because as a supporter of my book, you receive free lifetime updates.

The First Book Designed Specifically for Hybrid Black and White Film Photographers

If you shoot black and white film and use digital tools to scan, edit, and print, this book was written for you.

15 films × 35 developer recipes from XTOL to ABC Pyro. Exposure → Scan → Print, fully calibrated.

For years, resources for B&W photographers have focused on darkroom workflows, ignoring the realities of today’s hybrid artists. So I created what didn’t exist:

The first in-depth guide built entirely around the needs of black-and-white film photographers who scan their negatives.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find another resource that goes this deep into the hybrid black-and-white film, scan, and edit workflow—written for working photographers.

You’ll learn:

• Master B&W end-to-end—15 films, 35 developer recipes, proven exposure, development, scanning, and printing.
• How to expose film for maximum digital latitude
• Why developer choices change when your end goal is a scan, rather than printing in the darkroom.
• Tonality, grain, and contrast explained for optimized scanned negatives
• How to mix and match emulsions with developers for superior results

You’ll get immediate access to the book in PDF format (154 pages) to view on any device, and you get free updates for life.

If you work hybrid, this is the handbook I wish I’d had—practical, repeatable, and deeper than anything I’ve seen elsewhere.

Limited-Time Bonus:
Order now and you’ll also receive a free bonus copy of my B&W Developer Formula Book ($49 value)—a comprehensive companion reference packed with verified chemical recipes, usage notes, and developer profiles optimized for hybrid workflows.