The real purpose of using processes like the Zone system, are to get the
lightest and darkest shades to both fit within the capabilities of the
film in use.   The newer films, and newer emulsions of older films, have
much more capabilties then say films made in the 1940's and '50's heck
they are better then the films in the 1970's.

When the zone system started, films typically had 6-7 stops available to
them, modern films are closer to 10-11 stops, so where in 1950 you
needed to be very careful in the darkroom to force a 9 stop scene into a
6 stop film, the same scene today fits comfortably into the capabilities
of the film....  Not to say that you can't use the same techniques to
force a 12 stop scene into a 10 stop film.  You need to, though know the
capabilities of the film in question, and that involves, not hard and
fast rules, but intimate knowledge with the film.  Shoot 2 rules of FP-4
and apply the zone system, and you don't know much about FP-4, shoot 200
rolls under varying conditions, and you learn a lot about the films
capabilities, and where exactly you need to apply other techniques to
get it to do something for you.

Other possibilities, it's going to be different if you make AgBr prints,
then if you soup and scan, for digital processing.

W

You have learned well, little squirrel.  You are ready to leave the monsatery
for the real world now.

Francis A. Miniter