Constrast Mask, how to ?

[lhalcong]

In a previous thread I was recommended using contrast mask for the shadows in order to burn in some nasty highlights in portrait face and bring them to a manageable level. (little white girl). This is 35mm film. How do you do this in today's market. I believe there is no masking film availability anymore... and even if found 8x10 sheets are cost prohibity for me.

By the way, I never done this either way...

thanks,

 

[MattKing]

T-Max 100 developed appropriately will work fine as a masking film.

Try really dilute HC110

 

[Neal]

Dear lhalcong,

Contrast masking is not as hard to do as it might seem. It is, however, a good deal of work. As noted by Matt, TMX works very well and I find that using 4x5 sheet film is easiest. Essentially, you need to separate the mask from the negative using a sheet of glass so that the mask is (as the name says) unsharp. You can then align the mask and negative using a loupe on a light board and hold them together with some 3M magic tape.

Purchase Post Exposure for a very good description of the process. It is a book you should have in your library anyway.

Good luck,

Neal Wydra