Efke positive paper -- umm, huh?

[Colin Corneau]

I've ordered 4 boxes of 4x5 paper from Freestyle (a great experience, as per an earlier thread).

Having shot and processed 2 dozen sheets, allow me to ask for a bit of help and advice.

I've loaded this paper into Fidelity-type 4x5 holders, and exposed them in my Shen Hao. I used an EI of 6 to start with, then when those were really dark I tried approximately EI 2 which lightened them up.

I've souped them in Dektol mixed 1:6 (1:3 turned them black almost instantly) for 2 minutes.

Some shots were OK - most were so high-key and high-contrast they weren't much good. Most were too light to be useful.

I expected this paper to be contrasty, and it didn't disappoint. Is there any way around this? I've heard changing the mix ratio of Dektol helps, but I'm not so sure.

Also, is this EI appropriate? From what I've done so far, it seems about 3 or 4 is right as EI-2 makes the whites blow out and EI-6 is a bit dark.

Shooters with previous experience will be gratefully listened to!

many thanks

 

[Travis Nunn]

Hi Colin, you may want to browse this thread, particularly nearer to the end...
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

 

[walter23]

I expected this paper to be contrasty, and it didn't disappoint.

You're not kidding! My brief attempts with paper negatives resulted in around 1 stop of contrast looking like 6 stops on the negative People do manage to tame it. I just haven't bothered yet (mainly because 4x5 film is relatively cheap, and my 8x10 camera still needs to have its bellows built).

 

[Colin Corneau]

Thanks Travis, that was the thread I was looking for. (shame on me)

Interestingly, I ended up mixing Dektol 1:6 and metering at about ISO-1. Only Daniel Buck's shots looked, well, great and mine stunk out the joint.

 

[dr5chrome]

The easiest way to tame this paper is to pre flash it. you can either flash it before or after exposure. the degree of flash will determine the final contrast with the developer you are using.

dw

 

[Colin Corneau]

dr5, I've seen an array of advice on pre-flashing...any simple advice for me in this case?

I think if I can work my exposure and fine-tune the Dektol mix, I can do as much as possible but anything else to help is appreciated.