one shot dektol, paper negs, ETC.

> If we are getting into the realm of one-shot Dektol, then pinhole
>> photography
>> really is stranger than anyone can imagine.
>
>After diluting from stock, I use it as one-shot. Developing negatives is
>something that cannot be redone (as can prints), so I never reuse developer
>when doing this. It also makes things repeatable, which is very important.

If one wants consistent/repeatable results making fine art prints (pinhole
or whatever) it is better to use freshly dilitued developer everytime.
However, I still hang on to the "old" used developer for making RC
contacts etc.

It has been mentioned on this list that "old developer" will help decrease
contrast on pinhole PAPER negatives. Helps the image come up slower I
guess. But this might not give you the best data records for the negatives
EXPOSURE, since the developer strength is always different, as George
mentions. At my workshops we've had good results using the paper developer
diluted with twice as much water (example Dektol at 1:4) for paper
negatives. If possible use a paper that has no developer agent in the paper
emulsion such as Oriental brand RC papers. The image will come up slower
and developer longer. You can develop by "inspection". Not the best way to
perfect your exposure times but can save paper and hopefully some good
images which were wrongly exposed.

ED

  Edward Levinson
*Specializing in Fine Art and Editorial Pinhole Photography*
*online portfolio at http://www.awa.or.jp/home/edo *
Received on Wed Oct 18 05:47:58 2000