DBI help!

[Mike A]

I'm having a little trouble identifying when my neg is done processing. I understand that according to the procedures I should be looking at the base side for the highlights, when they just start to appear.
Should I also be looking at my shadow areas for some detail? I find myself doing this at times even though I see the highlights already there.

 

[matt miller]

It depends. I inspect by reflected light, some inspect by transmission. I know when my negs are done when the highlights are coming through pretty strongly. If I pulled them "when they just start to appear" they would be too thin for my uses. With TMY and a red safelight, I can see shadow detail as well. With Efke and a red safelight, I can't see shadow detail. This is all with pyrocat hd. Regardless, I always judge the neg's progress by the highlights.

 

[avandesande]

Mortensen's 'the negative' has one of the best descriptions of DBI i have read.

 

[jim appleyard]

Try: http://unblinkingeye.com/Articles/Inspection/inspection.html

 

[Mike A]

Thanks guys,
It appear I'm heading in the right direction.
Mike A