Pyrocat HD = low contrast?

[phritz phantom]

hm? i mostly print at higher grades (usually around grade 4). i use a diffusion enlarger and i also like the contrasty look and the improved local contrast. so, this means there's probably no point in using a pyro developer for me?
most likely i will keep using pyrocat hd, because it gave me the best image tone with some of my night photography pics... even if this was only by chance.

 

[c6h6o3]

Lets assume the OP has enough experience to judge whether a neg is of low contrast or not.

Ok. Then, to answer his original question: "It depends; on the process, paper, contrast grade and developer you use when you print them".

I've printed some unbelievably thin looking negatives which printed with startling contrast and density of tone. I just never know until I print them. I don't have the experience to judge the negative by inspection alone, as long as there is sufficient shadow detail and the highlights aren't opaque.
Especially with staining developers, I find contrast nearly impossible to judge by looking at the negative.

 

[tony lockerbie]

My experience with Pyrocat, is that the negs print more contrasty than they look, as the phantom has stated. I would put that as one paper grade more than you would anticipate...if that makes sense!