Selenium Toning Prints

Okay I've figured out how to print outdated paper without fog. I now have a whole new issue to deal with. I was print on some AZO from 1969 using M. Smith Amidol formula, as an aside this AZO is not fogged, anyway I finished print and went tone the prints and they turn a reddish brown. Not a color that was very pleasing for the subject. I've have seen this on other old paper but thought is was the Chlorohydroquinone developer that I was using.

So my question is "Do the older emulsions need a weaker toning bath?" I mixed the Kodak Selenium toner according to their directions 1 part toner 20 parts water. Should I try 1:40 or would this be to weak for archival purposes. I am not looking to change the tone only increase D-max.

Randy

Azo in general needs a weaker toning bath, and needs to be watched very carefully, if you don't want it to flip from black to purple-brown. Also, if you use an alkaline fixer, toning times are greatly reduced, compared to acid fixer.

If it's flipping too quickly, yes, go to a weaker dilution like 1:30 or 1:40, and tone a test print, timing it to see when it goes from Dmax to purple, and if you don't want purple, then pull the real print at the time you determine to be just short of purple.

I usually fix in TF-4 and tone at 1:30, and my toning times are around 1 min. for enhanced Dmax with Azo. With acid fixer and 1:20 it used to be around 3 min.

Randy, sounds like it split-toned on you. I had this happen the first time I used Azo too, and that was on 21st century vintage paper.

Split-toning happens when you tone for too long or with a strong dilution. Most Azo printers see little need to increase the Dmax and use selnium for its archival property. I tone it with 1:100 for only 3 minutes. I have also used 1:50 for 2 minutes. If I remember correctly, MAS uses 1:120 for 3 minutes.

I also sometimes use AZO from the late 60's and it tones very quickly. You just need to watch it and time it pretty closely when you get the tones/color you want. I usually will selenium tone to get a warm tone and take out the green color.

Jon

Thanks it is nice to know I'm not crazy.