Negs for platinum and Palladium Printing

Alrighty then. I just ordered Platinum and Palladium Printing by Dick Arentz.

While I wait for it's arrival I'd like to make some Negs (8x10) specifically for the process. While I've read that a staining developer is what is needed, is it required? Is it what everybody uses?

Feel free to say shut up and wait for the book, but that would really hurt my feelings!

-Bob

Shut up and wait for the book.

You don't HAVE to use pyro and it's not what EVERYONE uses. Yes, it works very well (I've used Pyro for 15 years), but so do many other developers. What you're after is a negative with nice full shadow detail and is somewhat contrasty (does not need to be bulletproof!). Depending on what your negs look like now, you probably want a little more exposure and a little more development than what you're used to for silver printing.

Bob,

I have been printing P/P for over 25 years, yes 25. My first negs printed in silver and I still used them. Some of the others are from Polaroid and some are more tailored to the P/P process. Pyro no, (too old, not enough time) to start that. Work with what you know. Dick Arentz, (and old friend) uses/used Tmax, so no pyro there. Mark Nelson and Dan Burkholder use ink/dye.

Sooo start with some good negs with a good long scale about 6 to 8 stops and work it out. DR of 1.5 to 1.7 maybe 1.8 will do just fine. Remember, is to have fun with the process, don't fight it.

Looking forward to seeing some of your prints.
Jan Pietrzak

laz said:

Alrighty then. I just ordered Platinum and Palladium Printing by Dick Arentz.

While I wait for it's arrival I'd like to make some Negs (8x10) specifically for the process. While I've read that a staining developer is what is needed, is it required? Is it what everybody uses?

Feel free to say shut up and wait for the book, but that would really hurt my feelings!

-Bob

Click to expand...

laz said:

Alrighty then. I just ordered Platinum and Palladium Printing by Dick Arentz.

While I wait for it's arrival I'd like to make some Negs (8x10) specifically for the process. While I've read that a staining developer is what is needed, is it required? Is it what everybody uses?

Feel free to say shut up and wait for the book, but that would really hurt my feelings!

-Bob

Click to expand...

One does not have to use pyro staining developers to make excellent negatives for Pt./Pd. printing. In fact, Dick Arentz himself does not use pyro developers and he certainly makes nice prints. However, I would note that there is an interesting section in the second edition of his book by Bob Herbst on this class of developers.

However, there is one important thing to know about the difference, and that is the fact that due to the UV printing density of stained negatives it is possible to get more expansion development from some films than if you use regular developers. So, if you use low contrast films and make negatives in low contrast lighting situations there is this clear advantage to staining developers.

Sandy

Thank you Jan for that reasoned reply. Your advice clicked in with similar advice I received when I took up LF and peppered the LF forum with questions. One of the things that I fight in myself is over-thinking things; getting lost in details; losing the big picture. The other thing that's easy to do here at APUG or anyplace where bunches of highly creative people congregate, is to question ones own creative vision, doubt your own ability to decide what's important or not; to find your own way.

I have learned a great deal here and I know I'll continue to ask questions and learn, but as I find my own path in LF and Alt processes I'm gaining more self-knowledge. I'm worrying less about whether I'm missing something by not joining the church of Rodinal or if the Pyro I've been doing is something I should devote more time to. The bottom line is to go out take pics, develop, print have fun, learn.

Well, I went rambling off didn't I? And stuff more suitable to the Philosophy forum.

Jan Pietrzak said:

Bob,

I have been printing P/P for over 25 years, yes 25. My first negs printed in silver and I still used them. Some of the others are from Polaroid and some are more tailored to the P/P process. Pyro no, (too old, not enough time) to start that. Work with what you know. Dick Arentz, (and old friend) uses/used Tmax, so no pyro there. Mark Nelson and Dan Burkholder use ink/dye.

Sooo start with some good negs with a good long scale about 6 to 8 stops and work it out. DR of 1.5 to 1.7 maybe 1.8 will do just fine. Remember, is to have fun with the process, don't fight it.

Looking forward to seeing some of your prints.
Jan Pietrzak

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Hi there,

laz, I just posted this to another thread, an article on P/P prints with pyro:

http://www.bostick-sullivan.com/Technical_papers/Kravit%20on%20enl%20neg/Enlarged%20Negatives%20for%20Platinum%20Printing.htm

It may be of help with your question.

Good luck with it.

sanking said:

One does not have to use pyro staining developers to make excellent negatives for Pt./Pd. printing. In fact, Dick Arentz himself does not use pyro developers and he certainly makes nice prints. However, I would note that there is an interesting section in the second edition of his book by Bob Herbst on this class of developers.Sandy

Click to expand...

Thanks Sandy, I'm looking forward to the book and more importantly my first crack at some Pt./Pd. prints. I'm guessing I should also start looking for a scanner and get over my shyness at showing my work.
-Bob