B&W Film Selection--indoor bike race

[gkt]

Back again with another film choice question.

I'm doing a couple races at two velodromes...one in LA and one in Manchester, UK. If I recall, the track in Manchester has tungsten lights.

Thinking of taking my M6 and getting some B&W shots in the infield. Any recommendations on film speed and filters? I'm a complete newbie with film...trying to rid myself of pixels.

Thanks!

[Puggie]

I'd run with a traditional 400iso film , prob Tri-x or HP5+, when you get there you can decide to shoot it at upto 1600ISO (or higher if you fancy the risk) if you need the speed and they develop it appropriately.

I probably wouldn't worry about any filters, you will probably need all the light you can get!

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Ilford Delta 3200. Magnificent film for low light.

[Roger Hicks]

Originally Posted by Chriscrawfordphoto

Ilford Delta 3200. Magnificent film for low light.

Absolutely. Far better than pushed 400.

Cheers,

R.

[Timmyjoe]

Never liked the results I got with Delta 3200. Could be just me.

Would go with a 400. Used to shoot Velodrome racing decades ago, though it was outdoor tracks. Very harsh lighting, very overhead harsh lighting, lots of raccoon eyes unless you use some kind of fill flash or bounce card to get light from below.

The lower contrast lenses you can use, and the lower contrast processing you can use, the better.

Good luck and have fun.

Best,
-Tim

[Mcary]

Its a bit pricy but think the key to using Delta 3200 is processing it in DD-X, rather then a traditional developer such as D-76 or XTOL. I've not processed its in TMAX developer so can't offer an opinion.

[BobYIL]

In very cloudy weathers or even toward twilight hours I used to shoot 400ASA B&W rated at 800 for motocross races, generally more demanding than biking.. If you pan your camera along action then you can get acceptably sharp results down to 1/60 with fine details.

[gkt]

Thanks all! I appreciate your advice and will let you know how it goes

[Chriscrawfordphoto]

Originally Posted by Mcary

Its a bit pricy but think the key to using Delta 3200 is processing it in DD-X, rather then a traditional developer such as D-76 or XTOL. I've not processed its in TMAX developer so can't offer an opinion.

Tmax Developer is what I use since the Ilford stuff isn't sold where I live. It works beautifully. I think Tmax Developer and DD-X are supposed to be similar to each other, and I agree with you on D-76...terrible.