In a message dated 7/3/04 5:37:40 PM, power_windows4789@yahoo.com writes:
Hi Kent and thanks..
Black and white for now.....I have the colour filters,
but I dont think i can handle that yet.
Rapid fix? Never used it.
Can I also use the powder fix?
Regular dilution, or should I mix stronger?
I have lots of fixer in bags here I need to use up.
I read a bit about Dektol and found a few other
developers.
I guess i really have to experiment with paper and
diferant developers to find out what I prefer.
What is a good combination for tech pan astro images?
Is there a standard for that?
Brian
Brian:
If you already have powdered fixer, no problem. Concentrated liquid chemicals are just a little easier to use. Regular dilution.
The choice of developer and paper will determine the 'visual feel' of the final print.
For astrophotography, I prefer the final print to be neutral toned, but that is just a personal preference. Paper manufacturers like Ilford and Kodak, etc. have sample booklets that show what their different papers will look like. You will also discover there are 'graded' papers and variable contrast papers. One usually matches your negative contrast to a print contrast. To do this graded papers carry contrast ratings like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. "1" is low contrast for contrasty negatives and "5" is high contrast for low contrast negatives. Variable contrast papers use similiarly graded filters to achieve the contrast change. If an astro negative is very weak or 'flat' a higher contrast like 4 or 5 will help it. A well exposed and processed astro negative should print well on a 2 or 3. Just remember that a good print will have a clean white tone and black tone somewhere in the image.
There is no real standard.
Kent Kirkley
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