Flat Negatives?

[Kieranharkin]

Please help, for over three months now I seem to be developing flat negatives. I have used two different types of developer and have followed the guidelines very strictly...

Compared to professional negatives, my always lack density...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated....

K

 

[jerl]

Out of curiosity, what type of film and developer are you using?

First of all, I'm assuming that you are talking about low-contrast negatives, and not keeping negatives flat in your negative holders.

In general, if you find you are getting low contrast negatives, you can always increase the development time (try 20% first and then increase if you need to). You can also try underexposing the negatives too.

In general, though, I should mention that low contrast negatives are not really a problem- you just end up printing on a higher contrast grade. Although, I suppose if you are printing on contrast 5 and still not getting enough contrast, it could be problematic.

 

[markbarendt]

Welcome,

For more density you can add more time, agitate more, or increase temperature.

It is best if you only change one of these at a time.

 

[Kieranharkin]

I use Ilford HP5 B&W, Paterson ACU and R09 One Shot Developer.

When I say flat I mean no density in the negative and they are very grainy with lack of detail....

Thanks for the input

 

[markbarendt]

Oops, I forgot one, remembered when I saw R09. Use a higher concentration.

Sharing your process and the tools your using (every detail) may help too.