No Toning in NYC?

Shawn Rahman · Jun 15, 2006

I've been using Print Space in NYC while teaching myself printing for the past few months (arduous, and lots to learn, but incredibly satisying).

Where does one go to experiment with toning? Print Space will not allow it, saying that the NYC DEP forbids it. A home darkroom is not an option right now.

I've been thinking about registering at ICP for a class, and will check with them to see if they allow it in their darkroom rentals.

Any insight from other NYC APUGers? Thanks!!

reellis67 · Jun 15, 2006

Toning can be done outside the darkroom, and should be in many cases. Firstly, you need to be able to see the print change, and secondly, some toners emit powerful fumes that are either fogging or irritating/dangerous to breath in an enclosed space.

I do all of my toning outside on the porch. Just stay out of the direct sunlight (i.e. prevent beams of light from directly hitting the prints) and you will be fine.

- Randy

Shawn Rahman · Jun 15, 2006

Thanks, Randy - that sounds like a good option.

However, and so sorry to sound so naive - can toning still be done after I've brought my prints home? I imagine it would need to be done sometime soon after developing, before the final wash. No?

Saganich · Jun 15, 2006

Prints would have to be resoaked, toned, washed, and dried again. Something I do when I don't have time to complete a process in one day. I'll wash and dry prints as usuall and come back a few days later for a selenium tone. I suppose this would be OK with other tonning process. I would check out the Upper West Side JCC.

http://www.jccmanhattan.org

They have a full wet set-up and may not be so, well, all knowing about DEP regulations since their a community center rather then a commercial operation. I agree that toning should not be done in a group space, although I would make an exception for selenium toning.
Chris S
www.imagebrooklyn.com

ann · Jun 15, 2006

you can tone prints after washing. You do not have to tone in line, altho some people may do so.

We usually save a batch for toning and then do only toning.

Find Tim Rudman's book on toning for any and all and in fact perhaps more informaton that you thought you would ever need about toning.

You can also check on Ilford's website for specific information regarding toning. They have a nice pdf file with basic information.

psvensson · Jun 15, 2006

Print Space may be feeding you a line about toning because they don't want to deal with it. And even if selenium is nasty, there should be no environmental objection to variable sepia toning or sulfide toning (but they would need a fume hood). I believe the Camera Club of New York, www.cameraclubofnewyork.com, allows toning, but they require an expensive annual membership.

I agree with the other posters that toning is something you could do fairly easily at home with a few trays in the bathtub - it's how I do it in my NY apartment.

reellis67 · Jun 15, 2006

Count me in with the tone-later crowd. I typicaly work on getting a number of fine prints (rather than work prints) done and then setup for toning. I only tone in-line as it were when I am printing a new negative that I want to tone the prints of. Even then, I typicaly wait until I have a few prints done and then do some toning work to get what I want. Some toners require a bit different print exposure in order to retain details, while others don't, so keep good notes and you should be able to easily reproduce your print quality and make adjustments when toning.

Soak your dry prints for at least 5 minutes in plain water, and make sure that they are well washed before letting them dry at the rental darkroom. If you've done a good wash job and the prints soak for a bit before toning, you should be able to tone with just about any toner without any trouble.

- Randy

Bob F. · Jun 15, 2006

If you are sufficiently interested, get a copy of Tim Rudman's "The Master Photographer's Toning Book". It is packed with extensive details, and beautiful examples, of the various toning techniques.

Have fun, Bob.

rlingg · Jun 15, 2006

psvensson said:
I agree with the other posters that toning is something you could do fairly easily at home with a few trays in the bathtub - it's how I do it in my NY apartment.

Print Space has not permitted toning as long as I have been using them - the last five or six years. Not to worry, as everyone said, do it in your aparment. I did it in my tub for years, but you'll need print drying screens and a print washer, or you'll have to run back over to 19th street. I always felt a little weird using the "community" screens so I bought my own.

gr82bart · Jun 16, 2006

psvensson said:
I believe the Camera Club of New York, Dead Link Removed, allows toning, but they require an expensive annual membership.

That's not the correct link to the Camera Club of NYC - here's the correct one: http://www.cameraclubny.org/

It's not so expensive if you use their facilities (b&w and colour darkroom and also studios) on a regular basis. Otherwise you can join for $75 without using any of their facilities.

Regards, Art.

No Toning in NYC?

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