Lack of Contrast from Omega View 4x5?

ToddB · May 22, 2014

Hey guys,

I own a Omega View 4x5 view camera. That last time I shot with it, the negs lacked contrast. Does anyone else have an issue with this brand of view camera? Is there something I could check? I develop as per Ilford devloping time instructions. I was thinking of taking it with me on big trip next month.

Todd

Jeff Searust · May 22, 2014

it's not the camera... the camera is just a dark box.-- it is most probably the subject or your developing.

bdial · May 22, 2014

You should check the lens and make sure it's clear. But, other than that any contrast problem with your negatives will be a factor of exposure and development time, especially development time.
Ilford's or any other manufacturer's times are really starting points, and you can and should adjust depending on your requirements and testing. So if your negs lack contrast, but have sufficient shadow detail, then increasing the development time or agitation, or both should take care of things.

ic-racer · May 22, 2014

Lots of things to check. In the camera check for light leaks. If the lens is not new, then it may suffer from fogged surfaces. If those things are correct then look at processing related issues like errors in temp measurement, over-dilute developer, wrong time, old chemistry. The list is quite extensive. If all checks out ok, then increase development by 25% for you next two sheets.

Simon Howers · May 22, 2014

Most likely some problem with film and/or processing. The only equipment based problem you may encounter is lens flare, solved by shading the lens (use the withdrawn darkslide) or a hood.

It's always worth checking your camera for light leaks.

I generally develop Ilford film with s stand development process using an Extol/RO9 mixture for an hour. This produces lots of contrast.

ToddB · May 22, 2014

Light leaks.. Maybe Bellows has pin holes. I'll check with a flash light. I should get a pin sharp images with this camera.

Todd

Axle · May 22, 2014

A couple more questions.

- What lens are you using? What is your exposure?
- What film and developer?

ToddB · May 22, 2014

What film and developer?

This I can answer right away.. Ilford Delta 100 and D-76 dev 68 12 min. Lens details I'll get tonight. Exposure is determind on subject matter with light meter.

cliveh · May 22, 2014

ToddB said:
What film and developer?

This I can answer right away.. Ilford Delta 100 and D-76 dev 68 12 min. Lens details I'll get tonight. Exposure is determind on subject matter with light meter.

Are you using D76 at any dilution ratio?

ToddB · May 22, 2014

no.. I use the same 1+1 ratio for all my Ilford. This is only camera I have issues with sharpness and contrast. Yes.. I forgot to mention sharpness.

Todd

cliveh · May 22, 2014

ToddB said:
no.. I use the same 1+1 ratio for all my Ilford. This is only camera I have issues with sharpness and contrast. Yes.. I forgot to mention sharpness.

Todd

D76 is made by Kodak, not Ilford. The sharpness is a camera/lens issue, but try 14 minutes development.

Kawaiithulhu · May 23, 2014

Everything being fuzzy could be make it hard to determine contrast, maybe. It seems like a focus issue is a far bigger problem.

Have you done a focus test to see how far off it is? It could be something simple like a fresnel+GG put in backwards.

Lack of Contrast from Omega View 4x5?

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