achromatic: pure grays

The images in this gallery were captured using monochromatic medium format digital backs. A monochromatic sensor is a true black and white or monochrome sensor; it does not capture images in color that will be converted into black and white. The sensor only captures the intensity of the light (luminescence) passing through the lens, and the final result are images that are materially different from those produced with color-based digital sensors. In practice, the process of "taking the picture" with a monochromatic sensor harkens back to the days of black and white film photography, with the added bonus through medium format digital technology of producing an extremely sharp image that exhibits the widest tonal range of grays. 

While we have grown accustomed to making digital images we call black and white, unless they are captured with a monochromatic sensor they are actually color images that are then converted to black and white through post-production processes or in the camera when we elect to have it do so. In recent years, two camera manufacturers, Leica and Phase One, have submitted cameras to the market that only capture and render monochromatic or true black and white images. After a few years of avoidance, I recently made the commitment to include a monochromatic medium format digital back in my photographic toolbox, and I have now doubled-down on that.

When I first considered a monochromatic back a few years ago, for fear of missing out on some color opportunity I could not make the commitment to purchase a back that would only produce black and white, and continued to make what I wanted in the way of monochrome images using cameras with color sensors. But due to continued advancements in sensor technologies and digital backs, some of my older cameras and lenses that I enjoyed using for years were becoming obsolete. So I acquired an older refurbished monochromatic back and as a result learned that there is much more to the "b&w back" than meets the eye. So I added yet another that produces even greater resolution and rich black and white images.

Because the monochromatic sensor is simplified from its color-based sibling, it is capturing more true or absolute light (luminescence) from the subject. The tonal range and sharpness of the image are greatly enhanced as compared to a color-based sensor with its additional layer or filter and associated interpretations of the color of the light. Adding to the equation, to make an image with a monochromatic sensor, the photographer must consider on-camera filtering before taking the shot because the ability to make certain, if not many, alterations in post-production are unavailable. 

While the limitations of the web challenge the ability to reflect the true quality of the monochromatic-captured image, when printed these images are true black and white and all the grays in-between.