Would I Really Buy A Dedicated Monochrome Body?

Upper Saturn Street, April 16, 2023

Twice Reflected, April 16, 2023

Telephone Pole, April 16, 2023

I was always told that one had to learn to "see in black and white", an abstract concept for someone who used black and white film out of necessity, rather than a means to an aesthetic end. I only saw subjects I wanted to wanted to record, and resigned myself to a monochromatic renditions.

Digital imaging changed everything. Film and processing costs were completely eliminated, and one could get instant feedback through the camera's LCD. Even my mistakes were cheap, courtesy of the Delete Button on the back of every camera. And with inexpensive software, one could edit those images without ever setting foot in a darkroom any time of the day or night. Still, there is a certain nostalgia that accompanies the memories of all-night printing sessions that came to a halt when my makeshift blinds in my makeshift darkroom began to fail, allowing slivers of early morning light to creep through the gaps. But if all that hassle could be eliminated, would I go back to black and white imaging?

Source: DPreview

Ricoh/Pentax has introduced an monochrome DSLR, the Pentax K-3 Mark III, for about $2,200.00. An interesting concept, but a camera that I won't be buying, as I am too committed to the Fuji X-mount system. Its introduction started me wondering that if I bought a dedicated monochrome body, how much use would it actually get? To find out, I started experimenting with an X-Pro 2 by setting the film simulation to Accros, Fuji's refined monochrome preset, and attaching an 16mm F 2.8 Fuji lens for improved sharpness. I just started using this camera, so nothing is conclusive. One major advantage to using a mirrorless camera is the ability to see the monochrome rendition before you press the shutter. This allows you to pre-visualize the final image before you press the shutter. This certainly allows instant feedback, helping one practice the "seeing in black and white" visualization.

I read that Ricoh/Pentax has stopped taking new orders for this camera because the demand has been so great and would resume reservations when all of the existing orders have been shipped. After seeing this level of enthusiasm, Fuji may take the hint an introduce a limited run of X-Pro 4 M (monochrome) bodies with modified sensors. Such a camera already exists, albeit a custom modification of an existing X-Pro 3,  The conversion is performed by Max Max, and at a price of $3,910, about the same price as a Leica Monochrom M. Both of these bodies make the Pentax look like a bargain. 

For the moment, I am content to experiment with Accros, and so far, I am not overly enthused. I will probably need to refine my post processing skills significantly, as all my attempts to produce a decent black and white image for digital publication haven't inspired much confidence in the concept.

Post Script Spoiler: Just on  a hunch, I opened up a file made by my Laowa 10mm F 4.0. I had selected the Velvia (saturated color) film simulation, with Sharpness, Highlight Tone, and Shadow Tone all set to +2. I used the Remove Color option in post production to simulate a monochrome original. The resulting photo surprised me, as it gave me an image that I actually liked. Granted, the back lighting and the prominence of the shadow influenced the look of the photo, but I'll be using these settings a few more times to see if these simple settings manages to convert me. In some ways, I feel that I made the image with a cold tone, high contrast glossy printing paper, the  "technique du jour" when I was pulling those darkroom all-nighters.

Truly, my early commitment to purchasing a true monochrome digital body will be put to the test.