Walter emailed me in regards to my pics, and I decided to respond here, since I went into my 'technique' a little for TP/PMK. Keep in mind I'm far from the most methodical photographer...Anyways:(posted 8886 days ago)There is no filtration on those prints, Walter. Actually, it's just straight. I don't even use a UV filter, just a hood for protection/contrast control (these were all Contax S2 w/ 50mm f1.4). The skin is a result of TP's extra red sensitivity (about 2 stops) and fairly high contrast printing (I generally start at 70cc's magenta and work UP from there, getting as high a contrast as possible while keeping as much of the lows as possible, and all of the highs...). I can't stress how important it has been for ME PERSONALLY to stick with N- (re: A. Adams) development. I get FLAT negatives, and control contrast at the printing stage. I think a full gamma TP/PMK neg, i.e., fully developed, would be practically lith if printed at even 70cc's magenta...
As for the flatness, I had a rude awakening yesterday. I went to a pro lab to have some nice, full-rebate 4x6 proofs done for my best friend (pics of her daughter sleeping) with negs I'd just developet myself (APX 100 with Rodinal 1:50 for 6 minutes...). When I got them back, they were TERRIBLE, no whites, no blacks, just lots of middle grey...
Give lots of exposure (but not too much to destroy/waste the resolving power/sharpness/acutance/whatever-it's-called of TP), cut back on the development, and control contrast through printing on VARIABLE contrast paper. Hope this helps.