Rating: 
Summary: Excellent starter!
Review: I like this book because it's just what a beginner needs to get started on photography. It explains techniques and methods regarding focus, exposure, film developing and printing in a clear and concise manner. Definitely a lot better than my camera manual!
Rating:
Summary: Perfect Starting Point
Review: If you are new to black and white film photography and you intend to work in the darkroom, there is no better place to start than with this book. It has for a long time been the definitive college level introductory text, and for good reason.
Rating: 
Summary: Very good for what it is.
Review: Owning and understanding this text is the Learner's Permit for Black and White Photography. It offers all of the information that a beginning photographer needs to know to make black-and-white photographs. It is written for a neophyte -- someone who has the passion for photography, but does not yet understand the compexities involved. As such, if the reader is an experienced photographer, they will most likely find a better reference elsewhere. However, for someone breaking into the field it is invaluable, and is used as the textbook for a few local institutions offering classes in black-and-white photography.By its very nature, it realizes that not every aspect of professional photography will be covered. Hence, professional finishing techniques (among other things), while alluded to, are not explored in detail (nor should they be). If the text were meant to be a comprehensive volume covering all aspects of photography, the size and technical detail would be intimidating to someone new to the field. Since, however, it is meant as an introductory text, it succeeds quite well. All of the information that an inexperienced photographer needs is contained herein (camera design, film ratings, aperture, speed, processing, basic finishing, etc.). I recommend it to anyone interested in photography and the basics of photographic technique.
Rating:
Summary: Photography 101 in Book Form
Review: Photography 101 for me was an actual class which I took in 1983. This book is a must-have in my opinion, because it really is Photography 101 in book form, lab not included. The book contains excellent quality black & white drawings and photographs, and the style of writing is in straightforward, plain English. For me it's as useful now as it was then. I'll never get rid of this book.
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Summary: From amateur to Ansel Adams in a weekend
Review: Quick! What f-stop should you use when you've got 400 film, 1/250 sec. shutter speed and it's a cloudy day? Stumped? Maybe you don't know the difference between an f-stop and a stop sign? Or maybe you just got a new camera and can't figure out why there are so many knobs and buttons. If any of the above apply to you, then this book must be in your collection. Horenstein's book is helpful for the beginning photographer or for those who want to experiment with black and white photography, a lost art making a comeback. It teaches you about photographic composition, film speed, aperture settings, and shutter speeds. You'll even learn how to develop your own film, if you're so inclined. Even if you just want great pictures that will last a lifetime (did you know that color photos are more likely to fade over time than black and white?), you'll enjoy experimenting with the techniques offered in this helpful manual.
Rating: 
Summary: Only buy this if you want to set up your own darkroom!
Review: This book concentrates mostly on the science of black & white photography. It is perfect if you want to get a basic understanding of how a camera works and how to develop film and make your own prints. However, it offers no tips on the artistic aspect of black & white photography -- compostion, moods, emotions, etc.
Rating: 
Summary: lot of gibberish
Review: To me the title of the book is not justifiable. maybe one chapter was all I needed out of the book. I didn't need darkroom techniques which the book should be titled. There was not enough information about the camera and how to take good pix.. It was not a good reference book for me.I believe the book mught be good for a beginner, but I wouldn't advise him to get it...there are better ones on the market today.There was not enough about lenses, stops, flashes, lights,etc..Too much on how to load your camera and where the buttons should be.Yes, there are better ones out there.Read my other reviews on other books.
Rating:
Summary: Black and White Photography : A Basic Manual
Review: Took a photography course and our instructor (a photojournalist) recommended this as the "if you buy one book, buy this book" book. Very good value, includes recipies for mixing up the darkroom chemicals, tips on taking better picture, explanations of terms, etc. Has some great photographs as examples.....
Rating:
Summary: For the very basic - it's ok, but dated.
Review: While this book offers a complete introduction of B&W photography, it is fatally dated. The saving grace is - not a lot has changed in basic black and white photography over the years. The photos used by Horenstein to make his points lack visual interest and technical sophistication. The depth of material is good for only the most basic of beginners. While there is a lot covered from cameras to film to darkrooms, this work is a dated primer at best. Before buying this book, I would recommend paging through the chapters to see for yourself if it is too remedial even for the beginner.
Rating:
Summary: For the very basic - it's ok, but dated.
Review: While this book offers a complete introduction of B&W photography, it is fatally dated. The saving grace is - not a lot has changed in basic black and white photography over the years. The photos used by Horenstein to make his points lack visual interest and technical sophistication. The depth of material is good for only the most basic of beginners. While there is a lot covered from cameras to film to darkrooms, this work is a dated primer at best. Before buying this book, I would recommend paging through the chapters to see for yourself if it is too remedial even for the beginner.
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