I've had a great time in the traditional darkroom.  The C-41 films
might be a good way to get your "eye" back for seeing in black and
white.  You can still print them in the way you're accustomed to. I've
been enjoying PyroCat style developers as they seem to scan more
easily and keep those middle tones separated so well.  Proceed with
caution as it's quite addictive.....

Craig Schroeder
craig nospam craigschroeder com

Don't shoot like Shelby. Shoot like yourself. You are way better then
Shelby.

But don't go digital for B&W. It will never have the same feel as film.

*
Photographs by Christian Bonanno
http://christianbonanno.com/

There is no reason why you cannot do both.  I can't tell you what film or
chemistry to use, do the darkroom stuff and if you want, get a good
film/slide scanner and see where your creativity and Photoshop take you.  I
believe Epson has a flatbed that does a good job of both prints and 35mm
negs/slides.  This will allow you to scan those awesome prints you make and
share em with the rest of us.

Photoshop will open up a whole new dimension in the art for you combined
with having the ability to produce real darkroom black and white prints will
make you a multi dimensional, well rounded photographer.

Grain, contrast, acutance (sharpness) - all are the combination of
lens, lighting, exposure, film, developer, and technique.

For black and white, there is no substitute for wet process.  Not only
is it a different feel from digital, but it's a rewarding experience.
I've also started processing my own film (been at it for a few
months), and it's some of the most fun I've had with photography,
ever.

Start with a forgiving film like Ilford HP5+, which also has the
advantage of being plentiful and cheap, and experiment with
longer/shorter developing times and different developer chemicals.
Push 'em, pull 'em, use high-accutance developers and ultra-fine-grain
formulations.  Shoot test rolls and experiment with lighting and
exposure.  Each gives you a different effect.  Digital + Photoshop
gives you infinite flexibility from the original, but some very basic,
inherent properties of the traditional process take a lot of skill and
time to pull off well in PS.