contrast filter for printing paper negatives

bergytone · Dec 22, 2014

I have been using my enlarger as the light source for my contact prints with my paper negatives. I set it a few feet from the easel, stop it way down (f8) and then expose. First of all, is this how you all wet print your paper negatives? Secondly, will the multi-grade filters in the filter tray work with this setup to lower the contrast? It seems like it should.

NedL · Dec 22, 2014

That's what I do. Contrast filters work. You can dodge and burn or use split-grade printing too. Have fun!

Sirius Glass · Dec 22, 2014

Yes to all your questions.

NB23 · Dec 22, 2014

Yes.
But why do you close @ f8?

RalphLambrecht · Dec 22, 2014

bergytone said:
I have been using my enlarger as the light source for my contact prints with my paper negatives. I set it a few feet from the easel, stop it way down (f8) and then expose. First of all, is this how you all wet print your paper negatives? Secondly, will the multi-grade filters in the filter tray work with this setup to lower the contrast? It seems like it should.

yes and yes.

bergytone · Dec 22, 2014

The reason I like to close it down is to get a reasonable exposure time... I'm looking for some guidance... is there a contrast benefit to exposing it with a brighter light? I'm kind of new to this paper negative thing, and since I just got back into the darkroom after many years, I'm wondering what everyone's technique is.

NedL · Dec 22, 2014

I guess theoretically, a point light source might make a slightly sharper contact print, but I'm a little skeptical that it does much with a paper negative.
I played with it a couple years ago and if there is a difference it is hard to see. I thought I saw some small improvement, but I was not sure it wasn't my imagination. It may depend on the type of paper.

I use f4 only because it makes the exposure a convenient length with my lamp and the filters I use at the height I put the enlarger.

RalphLambrecht · Dec 24, 2014

bergytone said:
The reason I like to close it down is to get a reasonable exposure time... I'm looking for some guidance... is there a contrast benefit to exposing it with a brighter light? I'm kind of new to this paper negative thing, and since I just got back into the darkroom after many years, I'm wondering what everyone's technique is.

stopping down a little also helps with a more even light distribution on the print but has no effect on contrast or sharpness.You get top sharpness from having emulsion against emulsion and kept in place by a heavier piece of glass. Avoid glass imperfections as they will show in the final print.

contrast filter for printing paper negatives

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