reducing density on a section of negative

[David]

I have an 11x14 neg (Efke PL100) that has a very dense bit (reflection on water) that I would like to thin out a bit. Extra burning on the spot doesn't reduce the print highlight sufficiently and it takes forever to burn it in anyway. I really like the image but fnd the print highlight ruins the photograph. Would an abrasive work? I fear trying to scrape the emulsion if I were to take a blade to it but perhaps there is a technique that might work. Thanks for your experienced ideas.

 

[mikewhi]

I have an 11x14 neg (Efke PL100) that has a very dense bit (reflection on water) that I would like to thin out a bit. Extra burning on the spot doesn't reduce the print highlight sufficiently and it takes forever to burn it in anyway. I really like the image but fnd the print highlight ruins the photograph. Would an abrasive work? I fear trying to scrape the emulsion if I were to take a blade to it but perhaps there is a technique that might work. Thanks for your experienced ideas.

Sorry, but I feel that I must act quickly here. PUT DOWN THE ABRASIVE, STEP AWAY FROM THE NEGATIVE AND PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR!

There are chemicals for this, like Farmer's Reducer which will remove density from negatives. Some reducers will reduce very dense areas faster than mid-tone and low density areas.

Since I use the Zone System, I rarely run into things like this so I haven't had the opportunity to need intensifiers\reducers. I'm sure there are others here that can talk you thru it. I just know they exist and what they're good for.

Good luck.

-Mike

BTW, for small clear areas in negatives, you can fill them in with a soft pencil or with spottone. This will add density and make them appear as white specks on the prints which can then be spotted out. That has been done for many years.