Selenium/pyro negatives?

[Colin Graham]

Do they repond to selenium intensification? Or any intensification process for that matter due to the staining and hardening of the emulsion? I ran a quarter-assed test with a weakish 1:10 KSRT solution yesterday and saw no difference. (I used 2 identical negatives) I know it's supposed to be along the lines of 1:3 or stronger, but thought I'd sneak up on it in case it did something unexpected to the stain. Thanks for any thoughts on the subject.

 

[David A. Goldfarb]

Try it at 1:3, 8 min or so, and then judge by the print contrast, not the neg. Pyro negs can be hard to read.

 

[Eric Rose]

Try it at 1:3, 8 min or so, and then judge by the print contrast, not the neg. Pyro negs can be hard to read.

Have you actually done this David? Some before and after prints would be appreicated.

 

[Scott Peters]

Yes, David, what were your findings? I am curious as to the results? Thanks. Scott

 

[Robert Hall]

While I have no prints on hand at the moment, I have done this. I get a little boost in the selenium, about a half grade. Nothing to write home about.

I have, however bleached and redeveloped in sulphides (Kodak sepia toner) and gotten a substantial boost in contrast. (about a grade and a half)

 

[sanking]

While I have no prints on hand at the moment, I have done this. I get a little boost in the selenium, about a half grade. Nothing to write home about.

I have, however bleached and redeveloped in sulphides (Kodak sepia toner) and gotten a substantial boost in contrast. (about a grade and a half)

This is also my experience. You should not expect to much oif a boost in contrast with selenium because it affects only silver density, not stain density.

A much more effective way of increasing is the use of a bleach/redevelop solution. You can also decrease contrast with the method as well as increase it. This method was used back in the 30s and 40s with color carbro separations to exactly balance the three records in terms of density and contrast.

Sandy

 

[Jim Noel]

An increase in HL density of just less than one stop is all I expect from selenium 1:3.
If you need more, check out Tim Rudman's book on Toning. He has done a lot of research to go along with his practical experience. He has a chapter on toning negatives and recommends several ways to get more contrast buildup than is possible with selenium. Without going over and looking it up, I believe he recommends one of the sepia toners for the greatest increase.

 

[patrickjames]

By the way, a bleach and redev. in pyro is a good way to intensify a normal neg.

 

[Colin Graham]

A wealth of info as always. Thanks everyone