Technical Pan

Posted: Tue Jan 02, 2007 6:23 pm

I used to play with technical pan with my film back, and I was wondering if anyone has some tips on how to achieve this look with digital and PS cs? Thanks

Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 577 Location: Rochester, NY

From a tonal standpoint I don't see Tech Pan as being a look that would be too difficult to achieve. TP is basically a panchromatic film with a slightly increased red sensitivity. It's major claim to fame was it's very fine grain and high resolution. Channel mixer should be all you need as far as getting good control during conversions. Resolution may be another story and would certainly depend on what type of image capture you are starting with. Are you using a DSLR or converting from scans? What kind of 'look' are you trying to achieve?

Posted: Wed Jan 03, 2007 5:37 pm

I have a dslr that I would like to try it with. I used it in my k1000 and liked the really high contrast that I acheived with it. I like that it doesn't have a lot of grey... at least the pictures I've taken. I used it mostly with abstract and some architecture photography... portraiture when I was feeling brave. I've played with the channel mixer, and maybe I need to play a little more with it. I've tried to overexpose slightly and then used channel mixer, but my effect isn't great. Will have to keep playing I suppose. Thanks for your reply.

Joined: 27 Apr 2005 Posts: 577 Location: Rochester, NY

Tech Pan was a rather high contrast emulsion depending on the developer that you used. You can definitely emulate that feel in PS. I would suggest one of two options if you are comfortable with the channel mixer...

In channel mixer, try pushing the Constant slider to the left. Bump up your Red and Green sliders and knock down your Blue. I think you might be able to find what you are looking for. It does take a little 'playing around'. OR you can also do your conversion in channel mixer and then open the image in Curves. The steeper you make the curve the more contrast you will gain. Let me know if that helps you. Have some fun! There are some film simulators and plug-ins out there that attempt to recreate the look of certain B&W films but I seem to have a better time with the methods above--and I have learned a lot more in the process. I'd love to see how you make out.

mdd

Michael D'Avignon

Posted: Wed May 23, 2007 10:13 pm

If you are still interesting in shooting film at all Bluefire Police is supposedly grainless and very high contrast. www.frugalphotographer.com (or soemthing like that)

Joined: 31 Jul 2005 Posts: 131 Location: Boulder, Colorado

Just go BUY the FILM!!!! Oterwise Kodak will discontinue it like they do with everything else! lol

Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 11:21 pm

tech pan isnt produced anymore...