For teaching purposes, I would like to compile a list of the best darkroom tips for printing difficult negatives. Anything from making test strips to the final finished print. Thanks - R.

-- ricardo (ricardospanks1@yahoo.com), June 29, 2001

Answers

LOL...since we are discussing easy answers, how about what is the best camera? the best camera bag? the best film? the best film developer combination?...... OK, I suppose after being sarcastic I should contribute something, so I would say of the many techniques that have saved me some are: Flashing, dye dodging, SLIMT, divided developer, local bleaching, to a lesser extent masking, etc. I think you would be better served if you buy the book "master printing course" I dont recall the author, but is an excellent book and it shows you most of the tricks of the trade. Cheers..Jorge

-- Jorge Gasteazoro (jorgegm@worldnet.att.net), June 29, 2001.

I have an article entitled "Tips on Printing" in which I try to convey most of the tricks I use, including dual developers, limiting agitation, restrainers, carbonate, selective bleaching, and spotting prints and negatives. I have another article on latent image bleaching (SLIMT).

http://unblinkingeye.com/Articles/Printing/printing.html

-- Ed Buffaloe (edb@unblinkingeye.com), June 29, 2001.

Jorge mentioned the book "Master Printing Course". It's by Tim Rudman, published by Focal Press. I also highly recommend it.

A technique that I find extremely helpful in printing difficult negatives, as well as getting the most out of all of my work is split- grading. For an in depth look at this technique I would recommend finding a copy of "Gradient Light" by Eddie Ephramus published by Amphoto Books.

Good Luck

-- john aliperti (john13@mosquitonet.com), June 29, 2001.

Here's one of the strangest techniques that works for high contrast negatives -

Make a test strip to determine the correct exposure. Then for the print -

Soak the paper in developer BEFORE exposing it. Squeegee off the developer from both sides of the paper. Expose the paper. Then continue development.

The paper will begin to develop as it is being exposed and is "self masking." It works, and in a pinch can help with a really high contrast negative.

-- steve (s.swinehart@worldnet.att.net), July 02, 2001.