Need help selecting a step wedge. (For cyanotype and van dyke)

[Candlejack]

Its becoming painful obvious Ill need to purchase or make a step wedge. (Most posts seem to address why you need a step wedge, but not which one to get) im also hesitant about making one due to printer availability and density of the printers ink.

What step wedge would you recommend? Ive read about the stouffer 21, but I see there are other ones are the market. Im not looking to sell my first born to afford one though.

 

[removed account4]

I look forward to reading the answers to your post!
I’m always amazed at how complicated people make simple processes .
It’s like the guy on the IG who says it takes 9hours to make a simple print…
To each their own

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

The Stouffer unit should do fine. Reasonably priced ~$8. There is no need to waste money on the calibrated one if you are using it for cyanotypes & VDB.

 

[Candlejack]

The Stouffer unit should do fine. Reasonably priced ~$8. There is no need to waste money on the calibrated one if you are using it for cyanotypes & VDB.

Dang, where are you finding one for $8??

 

[Candlejack]

I look forward to reading the answers to your post!
I’m always amazed at how complicated people make simple processes .
It’s like the guy on the IG who says it takes 9hours to make a simple print…
To each their own

Yup, Im just having issues with over exposure/under exposure etc. The issue lies in my negatives, but im hope this will help. Also thinking about building a light box using blacklight tubes

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

Dang, where are you finding one for $8??

Er, the Stouffer web site ... I know, what an obscure place to look. https://www.stouffer.net/Productlist.htm

 

[Candlejack]

Er, the Stouffer web site ... I know, what an obscure place to look. https://www.stouffer.net/Productlist.htm

I looked at there website earlier. They had so many different products I wasnt sure which one to go with.

 

[removed account4]

Yup, Im just having issues with over exposure/under exposure etc. The issue lies in my negatives, but im hope this will help. Also thinking about building a light box using blacklight tubes

i” ve just done test prints, the chemistry costs very little and takes very little time.. where are you located ? Light box is a simple and great investment.
good luck !
John

 

[Candlejack]

i” ve just done test prints, the chemistry costs very little and takes very little time.. where are you located ? Light box is a simple and great investment.
good luck !
John

Im down in southern Louisiana. Ive been using sunlight to expose, but our weather fluxates so much!

 

[removed account4]

Im down in southern Louisiana. Ive been using sunlight to expose, but our weather fluxates so much!

People have good luck with these ( on Amazon )
Barrina T5 UV LED Blacklight Bar 2ft 9W Black Light Fixture for Blacklight , Poster and Party Fun Atmosphere with Built-in ON/Off Switch(4-Pack)
. I’m in the northeast and the sun is useful but not too consistent….have fun!
John

 

[Nicholas Lindan]

I'm down in southern Louisiana ... our weather fluxates(sic *) so much! ... I looked at their website earlier. They had so many different products

The Stouffer T2115, about 1/3 down the list, seems the best bet.

--
* (Urban Dictionary) "Fluxate: To vent one's emotional baggage..." Well, Ida certainly did that.

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I've used a Stouffer 21 for roll film and the 31 for sheet film for many years. Step wedges will give you a lot of info about your film of choice, developer used. by contact printing one onto a piece of film that you use, you can then print it on your paper to see what density range is. It doesn't have to be complicated, in fact densitometre not required.

 

[removed account4]

It doesn't have to be complicated, in fact densitometre not required.

Whew!!
Ive only read about peeps using a wedge and then well… it seemed like an MIT. Dissertation was needed afterwards to make a 22second exposure..

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Whew!!
Ive only read about peeps using a wedge and then well… it seemed like an MIT. Dissertation was needed afterwards to make a 22second exposure..

HAHA nope! I'm not the sharpest knife in the drawer, and I can work with one