Response to Thin Negatives: Wash that will revive contrast?

There are reversible ways for intensification. The "classic" method is to rehalogenize the silver into a form that can be redeveloped. There are various formulas that will achieve this. It is recommended to do this under subdued light, but I never had difficulties with this. The bleach bath used for sepia toning for example will achieve this. To intensify redevelop in high contrast developer, such as pape or lith developer or other highly active formulas. The process can be repeated to achieve higher densities, but -- off course -- it is all based on the remaining silver in the image. The results are already superior to selenium intensification. An additional benefit is that the image densitiy can also be "decreased" if something goes wrong using the same method but employong a normal working developer. The method is very safe and I do not see any way in which the negative could be spoilt (as long as it is not put into fix between bleaching and redeveloping). Not only selenium will intensify, but also other metal based toners, such as copper toner (Calbe sells copper intensifier). Far more effective are mercury intensifiers. They can achieve intensification of up to 3 paper grades. They will also increase the appearant graininess, but the results are fabulous. Although extremely useful I would not recommend their use due to the high health risk. Even better results can be achieved by repdrodcution of the negative before a dark background, a classic method not widely known even among pros. According to my experience this will achieve the highest possible intensification (without having to use mercury based intensifiers). Place the negative with some distance in front of a black board. Use one photolamp or flash at a very narrow angle from one side to illuminate the slide. Do not place the lamp /flash behind the slide, otherwise you will lose the effect. Copy the negative using your camera. You wil be suprised about the contrast gain. This method is -- as mentioned -- for very underexposed /underdeveloped negatives which otherwise could not be printed.

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