My inkjet contrast reduction masks work well but I am very limited with the maximum print size. I can't do anything bigger than 5x7" from 6x7 negatives without starting to see the inkjet dots pattern. It adds a gritty look to the print that gets worse as magnification increase. Find bellow the thread where I described this method.
https://www.photrio.com/forum/threa...lour-printing-yeah.161560/page-2#post-2110152
So I am willing to do proper masking by pure photographic means. I have consulted two sources: Ctein's Post Exposure, Advances Techiches for the Photographic Printer, and Lynn Radeka's Contrast Masking book. I use color negative film in 6x7 format and the idea is to do contrast reduction masks by contact print with 4x5" B/W sheet film.
What I have so far is as follow...
MASKING FILM
In the absence of any specific film for masking, both sources recommend Kodak TMax 100 but with a cost in Europe of 5€ per sheet it is completely discarded for me. From cost perspective and with a steady supply (special order films are ignored like Bergger Print Film), a possible alternative is Rollei Ortho 25 Plus (2.5€ per sheet). It has a clear PET base, I can use it with a safety light, not very sensitive to negative orange mask, and should be fine grain enough for my purpose.
MASKING SETUP
Lynn Radeka includes a diffuser sheet to blur the negative image on the mask, while Ctein advice to use a separation glass between both films to create the blur. According to the latter the diffuser can add some "texture" to the mask that could be observable in prints done from roll film (no problem with large format). I will start with the diffuser anyway, Ctein gives no indication about the glass separation thickness and just ask to test by yourself.
DEVELOPER
Lynn Radeka uses normal developers like Dektol or HC-110, Ctein recommends a special phenidone-ascorbic acid developer called SoftShot. I have an unopened bottle of old HC-110 syrup and SoftShot seems easy to mix (phenidone, ascorbic acid, potassium hidroxide, sodium sulfite and benzotriazol). I haven't decided yet what to do here.
What do you think dear Photrio member? Any opinion or suggestion is very welcome.
https://www.photrio.com/forum/threa...lour-printing-yeah.161560/page-2#post-2110152
So I am willing to do proper masking by pure photographic means. I have consulted two sources: Ctein's Post Exposure, Advances Techiches for the Photographic Printer, and Lynn Radeka's Contrast Masking book. I use color negative film in 6x7 format and the idea is to do contrast reduction masks by contact print with 4x5" B/W sheet film.
What I have so far is as follow...
MASKING FILM
In the absence of any specific film for masking, both sources recommend Kodak TMax 100 but with a cost in Europe of 5€ per sheet it is completely discarded for me. From cost perspective and with a steady supply (special order films are ignored like Bergger Print Film), a possible alternative is Rollei Ortho 25 Plus (2.5€ per sheet). It has a clear PET base, I can use it with a safety light, not very sensitive to negative orange mask, and should be fine grain enough for my purpose.
MASKING SETUP
Lynn Radeka includes a diffuser sheet to blur the negative image on the mask, while Ctein advice to use a separation glass between both films to create the blur. According to the latter the diffuser can add some "texture" to the mask that could be observable in prints done from roll film (no problem with large format). I will start with the diffuser anyway, Ctein gives no indication about the glass separation thickness and just ask to test by yourself.
DEVELOPER
Lynn Radeka uses normal developers like Dektol or HC-110, Ctein recommends a special phenidone-ascorbic acid developer called SoftShot. I have an unopened bottle of old HC-110 syrup and SoftShot seems easy to mix (phenidone, ascorbic acid, potassium hidroxide, sodium sulfite and benzotriazol). I haven't decided yet what to do here.
What do you think dear Photrio member? Any opinion or suggestion is very welcome.
