Re: paper negative tricks

--- Matti Koskinen <mjkoskin@koti.soon.fi> wrote:
>
>
> G.Penate wrote:
>
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Matti Koskinen" <mjkoskin@koti.soon.fi>
> >
> >>I finally got my wooden 4x5 camera lightproof and taken few test shots
> >>using paper negatives.....
> >>Problem with paper negative seems to be the total lack of details in the
> >>sky, getting the sky with some clouds make the print look more "real".
> >>
> >
> > One way is to use film instead of paper and also use a red filter.
> >
> > Guillermo
> >
>
> yes, film would be an ideal solution, but to develop it is the problem.
> It's fairly easy to develop a paper negative in my minimal darkroom (a
> closet which is the only place I can darken totally) but to develop a
> film, as the only way would be to develop sheet film is in trays, and I
> think that would just be a mess. First thing would be to put the film
> first in the stop bath or fixer. But having a safelight makes things
> little bit easier. Litho film is one thing I'm going to give a try, but
> it's also high-contrast. And pinhole day is coming soon...
>
> thanks
>
> -matti
> mjkoskin@koti.soon.fi

Well, several things here. Use of trays is indeed a means of developing film,
but certainly not the only way, and in my mind, definitely not the best.

Why not use tubes? I have been doing this for many years, and although I now
have a darkroom, used an extra bathroom for a very long time.

When the use of tubes is normally considered, one thinks of the Jobo, which
although very nice, is well outside of my price range. I have used BTZS tubes
to develop about a zillion sheets of film. They can be found here -
http://www.darkroom-innovations.com/BTZS_Film_Tubes/btzs_film_tubes.html. I
don't have the whole setup, but only use two at a time, so for about $35 you're
ready to go.

Of course, you don't need to buy them, you can build your own cheaply - it's up
to you.

However, you have come across one of the problems with using paper for a
negative. You'll need to remember that you are using panchromatic, not
orthochromatic "film." This stuff is really made to use used in a darkroom
with darkroom lights, so don't expect to be able to get the same results as
real film - it just cannot happen.

So I would suggest reconsidering the use of actual film, if seeing clouds in
the sky is an issue for you.

Cheers -

george

=====
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Received on Sat Apr 13 13:46:12 2002