Justin G. |
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Darkroom printing
Is there a simple way to get high contrast prints in a darkroom? If it works here's my before and after photos. I printed an 11x14 and it came out looking like the dull one which isn't so bad, but after throwing in photoshop for some levels I really like the conrasty one better. Do you guys know how to do this in the darkroom? Are there any filters or anyhting that would help? Thanks..justin.
August 23, 2005
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Justin G. |
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Second one didn't show up, but it's in my gallery called Stable Lock. Thanks guys.
August 23, 2005
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Kerry L. Walker |
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Well, it's been a looong time since I had a darkroom so my info is kinda old (like me!). I used to use Kodak Polycontrast paper and had a set of polycontrast filters I could use to vary the contrast. It helps to start out with a contrasty negative to begin with. Actually, I like the photo you posted very well. You might also try using Tri-X. It is grainy but can get very contrasty.
August 23, 2005
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Justin G. |
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Thanks Kerry. I was using Ilford Pan F Plus, which has great contrast, my other pics turned out fine, but this one was a red barn and it was kinda dull anyways. I didn't know if there were any filters out there to help or whatnot. I was thinking maybe a red would because it helps when you're shooting but then I remembered we used red as a safelight when positioning our paper and stuff so I dont know. I'm so new to this but I came home with like 9 - 11x14s last night. They have sooo much stuff its all free, chems and paper so i've been going to town shooting B&W. thanks kerry. justin
August 23, 2005
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Kerry L. Walker |
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You could try the polycontrast filters. They fit in the filter tray of the enlarger. It's been so long for me I would have to experiment to get it down again.
August 23, 2005
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Justin G. |
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sounds great I'll try. that sounds familiar anyways.
August 23, 2005
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Christopher A. Vedros |
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It's been a long time for me, too, but probably not as long as Kerry. He's much, much older than I am! ;-) He's right on the money, though. I would get great results using Ilford MultiGrade papers. Ilford and Kodak both make a set of contrast filters that you use with multi-contrast papers. Either brand is interchangeable with the other. You can start with a mid-range filter, and do a stripe-test with higher contrast filters to see what you like best. Have fun!
August 23, 2005
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Kerry L. Walker |
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Why is everybody picking on me? Moses used to do the same thing!
August 23, 2005
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