underexpose with pmk?

[George Kara]

Hi All

Im a newbie with Pyro and yes I have purchased and read Gordons' book. There is a statement by Gordon alluding to a slight underexposure when shooting and using pyro.

Do all of you do this and if so approx how much underexposure is optimal for you?

George

 

[edtbjon]

Well, underexposed... compared to what? Boxspeed?
I recon most users of PMK overexposes the film. E.g. HP5 at 200-320 etc. But when using PMK as a developer for negatives primarily intended for alternative processes, like platinum et al. I guess the real film speed comes closer to the boxspeed. But then the developer often is used somewhat more concentrated and with more part B to make the soup more active.

George, if you give us more details on what film you use, what your intended printing target is etc. I'm sure we can give you good advice on how to get the most out of PMK.

//Björn

 

[JBrunner]

Hi George. I generally rate at much less than box speed with PMK. But my negs would stop a bullet. But then again, that's my bag, baby.

 

[Rich Ullsmith]

Yes, generally less than box by a stop.

As an aside, I tried stand developing HP5+ EI 200 in PMK, 1+2+400. The tank was a couple degrees cool, so I put it in a warm bath. And forgot about it. An hour later I checked and it was 93f! So I cooled it down and let it go another half hour, and the negs were dense but still very printable. Who'da thunk it?

 

[George Kara]

So suggestions for maco ortho 25 and tmax 100 (older emulsion)?

 

[highpeak]

When I use PMK, I normally give it a little bit more exposure in order to get shadow details, the highlight will be handled by PMK nicely if the highlight is not too "high". A thin negative is very hard to print.

Alex W.