Help with standardizing negatives

[peter zakos]

What paper grade should I standardize my negative processing for printing with a condenser enlarger? Should I standardize for a different grade with negatives to be printed with a diffuser source?
Many thanks to all who help me out, Peter.

 

[dancqu]

In both instances Grade 2 is your best choice. I'm currently working
with Beers print developer which allows for contrast adjustment when
makeing the print. So far so good but do have more testing to do.
Contrast frame to frame with roll films can vary. Dan

 

[dancqu]

I was reminded that Grade 3 may also be a best choice.
IIRC the argument for grade 3 when using less than LF sizes
is shorter film developing times. There by finer grain and higher
resolution are the result. There is though a modest loss in film speed.

Also a condenser enlarger will yield the higher contrast print
for same development. So, for Grade 3 less, and again less for
condenser. All that at a little lower ISO. Dan

 

[rbarker]

Generally speaking, negs destined for a condenser enlarger should be developed to a slightly lower contrast index (CI) than those destined for a diffusion enlarger due to the difference in contrast afforded by the two enlarger types. That, however, assumes that one is using a densitometer to check the negs. Using the contrast grade of the paper to test the CI sort of side-steps and equalizes that consideration. A given neg might need a grade 2 paper in a condenser enlarger, but grade 3 paper on a diffusion enlarger.

You might be better off by deciding which enlarger gives you the look you want, and then standardizing processing for that printing environment.

 

[fhovie]

Tradition is grade 2 - on a condenser enlarger. If you use VC paper - you won't need a filter! - Thiner negs have finer grain - you also have more contrast ranges above as an option. I think 35mm shooters more often go for grade 3. smaller punchier prints I guess - I don't shoot much 35mm.