Darkroom Printing Secrets

[Erik van Straten]

reached the longest exposure for the 5 filter you can have that doesn't block the darkest part of the image, but you still want to further increase the contrast.

Strange thing is that when Ilford MGFB dries, the backs darken.

Erik.

 

[twvancamp]

I'd like to make a frame for my enlarger so I can print just past the edges of the negative.

I have the round, paddle-shaped Bessler carriers. The 35mm carrier is cut just smaller than the negative so I can't print the edges. I'd thought to use the 120 carrier and make a frame from red gel. I tried to use this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZG91B85/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But it didn't block the light effectively. Is there a) a better way to do this, or b) proper red gel that I can buy?

Thanks!

 

[Deardorff38]

I'd like to make a frame for my enlarger so I can print just past the edges of the negative.

I have the round, paddle-shaped Bessler carriers. The 35mm carrier is cut just smaller than the negative so I can't print the edges. I'd thought to use the 120 carrier and make a frame from red gel. I tried to use this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZG91B85/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But it didn't block the light effectively. Is there a) a better way to do this, or b) proper red gel that I can buy?

Thanks!

Beseler made several 35mm negative carriers, one with space for the rebate and one without. Most people who want to see the film rebate, file out the carriers. It's a fast and simple job.... or $195 USD for a new full frame carrier https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/4654-REG/Beseler_8302_35mm_Full_Format_Negative.html

 

[PRJ]

I'd like to make a frame for my enlarger so I can print just past the edges of the negative.

I have the round, paddle-shaped Bessler carriers. The 35mm carrier is cut just smaller than the negative so I can't print the edges. I'd thought to use the 120 carrier and make a frame from red gel. I tried to use this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07ZG91B85/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

But it didn't block the light effectively. Is there a) a better way to do this, or b) proper red gel that I can buy?

Thanks!

If you don't want to file it out, You can get one called a "full frame" carrier. Or better yet, get a glass negative holder in the next size up and use rubylith to mask it off.

 

[retinax]

Why does the mask have to be red? An opaque material such as black heavy paper should do.

 

[KenR]

Split printing lite

Split printing lite

I use split printing - sort of - to darken highlights. My work flow is to get my best print with graded filters, and then as needed darken some of the highlights, if necessary, with some burning in with a 00 filter. It isn’t every negative, perhaps 1/4 of the time. I have tried complete split printing and it seemed unnecessarily finicky for most of my negs. If I can get a good print with a straight #2 exposure, why make things more complicated than that? Just adding my 2 cents.

 

[Erik van Straten]

If I can get a good print with a straight #2 exposure, why make things more complicated than that? Just adding my 2 cents.

In fact split grade printing consists of just two straight exposures, nothing more, one with filter 5 and the other with filter 00. In fact it is extremely simple.



Erik.

 

[PKR]

This print I've made with two exposures. It is on Ilford MGFB, so variable gradation. The gradation can be changed with filters. One exposure was with the 00-filter and the other with the 5-filter. No burning or dodging was used.

Hektor 50mm f2.5 uncoated.

Ansel Adams never knew split grade printing!

Erik.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48008919982_ffc6f0431f_b.jpg[/IMG[/QUOTE]

I made all my pre-press photos on Kodak Poly-contrast RC paper. I would often burn areas with a different filter than the one used for the primary exposure.

I used gel filters in an Omega D6 head and the smaller ones used for mounting after the enlarging lens for selective area adjustments. It worked really well.