Response to printing for base density plus fog

The theory is about right, though the statement about papers requiring 20 seconds is a bit misleading. They require a certain amount of exposure, and the time will depend on the intensity. There is nothing special about 20 seconds. Next, I suspect many very good prints never reach absolute maximum black, a somewhat overrated goal. No question though, if you want maximum black, you have to have the basic paper exposure to get there. You can apply the same rule to your contact sheets- if there is a tonal difference between the film base next to the sprocket holes, and the holes or area between the strips, you should increase your exposure. Personally, I find trying to reach absolute maximum black requires denser negatives that compromise tones, sharpness, or grain, in other areas of the print, but it's certainly determined by what effect you're after :-)

[ Previous | Next ]