DIY Localized Test Strip Printer

[Todd Barlow]

I have posted a series of photos in a Flicker Album titled "DIY Darkroom Localized Test Strip Printer" showing my DIY project for a localized test strip printer giving different exposure times to the same area of the negative being printed.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/c330shadowcatcher/sets/

Not as nice looking as Chris Woodhouse's design as shown in Way Beyond Monochrome but it does the job.

Inexpensive
Useful
Easy to make

All the best

Todd

 

[paul_c5x4]

Also like your print washer

 

[Xuco Martin]

thank you very much, for showing the work

 

[mr rusty]

Great stuff! Well done!

 

[baachitraka]

Beautiful

 

[Todd Barlow]

Thanks for your positive comments and feedback.
Todd

 

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

Wonderful idea , very much clever and clean results.

 

[Obtong]

Elegant and simple! Thank you for sharing!

 

[splash_fr]

Exactly what I need, thanks for sharing!

 

[Ronald Moravec]

I just cut a 1" wide strip from and 8x10, lay it across the highlight and shadow areas and make one test. Eyes work well on a portrait. I see no reason why 8 or 10 tests need to be made wasting a whole piece of paper. If you know your materials, you should know an 8x print is 30" at F8. or whatever works for you.

Actually the contact sheet is the first test strip. Make it the same height as an 8X print and if that is good, the strip is a secondary test. Yes you will have to put in a fudge for the glass and something for contrast if you print with condensers, but that is a constant. Say 5% less if the glass is out and add one grade if you go from a soft contact to condenser. Or do the contact with #3 paper/filter and print with #2.

Learn materials and save hours in the dark.