My $2 darkroom paper flasher

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I an occasional need a darkroom paper flasher. This time, I needed one to bring more highlight detail to waves of some beach photos. I used a $2 clip on book light. I flashed my paper for 5 seconds at 2'. Here's the item on ebay.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=360849822088

Here's my test.

 

[cliveh]

I an occasional need a darkroom paper flasher. This time, I needed one to bring more highlight detail to waves of some beach photos. I used a $2 clip on book light. I flashed my paper for 5 seconds at 2'. Here's the item on ebay.
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=360849822088

Here's my test. View attachment 98840

But if you haven't recorded that highlight detail in the original negative, how will increasing the inertia for the print exposure give you more highlight detail? Or are you introducing a fog value?

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Sorry for the lack if clarification. I made a small print, the one with the torn edges that was not flashed. It's sitting on top of the flashed print for comparison. My first time flashing paper. If done properly, do I gain density in textured shadows like zone III? That's what I'm experiencing.

 

[NedL]

The clip booklight is a good idea. Mine was "free" cobbled together from a bean can, an old broken flashlight, a pushbutton contact switch that I already had lying around, and some cardboard to make a "filter holder" underneath. I've only used it for pre-flashing paper negatives though, not in printing.

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

I think that's great! There are always pre-made solutions that are one trick ponies. But repurposing is also a creative process like photography. I'm cheap and a tinkerer.

 

[Neal]

Dear Mainecoonmanicac,

"If done properly, do I gain density in textured shadows like zone III? That's what I'm experiencing. "

You should have little effect on the darker tones. http://www.ilfordphoto.com/aboutus/page.asp?n=125

For those who question the validity of flashing, of course the detail must be in the negative. You just have to remember that you're working at the other end of the curve when you move from negative to print.

Neal Wydra

 

[Mainecoonmaniac]

Hey Neal,

Thanks for the link. It's very useful.

Best,
Don