Re: [APML] Adding contrast to prints

[georgea@cam.org]

Hi Brian

Polymax is a variable contrast B&W paper and if you are exposing it without any 
filtration dialed in then I believe you end up with a 1.5 or 2 contrast paper 
at best. B&W Polycontrast papers are sensitive to different wavelengths of 
light. Going from memory a sttraw coloured filter gives you about a #1 contrast 
paper and a dark magenta (Have a look at 
http://www.ilford.com/html/us_english/pdf/MltiRCwm.pdf or 
http://www.kodak.com/global/en/professional/support/techPubs/g21/g21.pdf ) 
gives you the highest of 5.
A colour head on an elarger will allow you to just dial in the contrast that 
you want. Otherwise you will need a set of polycontrast filter to put in the 
filter drawer above the enlarging lens.

George

Clear skies and good health

Quoting Brian larmay <power_windows4789@yahoo.com>:

> 
> George,
> No need for apologies..
> Are you refering to colour prints?
> 
> I use BW stuff only.
> 
> The paper i have been using is Kodak professional
> Polymax II RC
> The images look too dull for me and the only way to
> get detailed noticable nebula is if I expose the print
> one or 2 secs sooner under the reccomended time, but
> then the image is too bright.
> Ack..ill look for your responses in the morning.
> Thanks for your feedback as always,
> Brian
> 
> > Hi Brian
> > 
> > What paper are you using? Is it a fixed contrast
> > paper or a
> > polycontrast? If so what are you using for a filters
> > when printing?
> > Polycontrast paper responds differently to different
> > wavelengths of
> > light, if your enlarger has a colour head then you
> > will be able to dial
> > in the contrast that is available with polycontrast
> > papers. Otherwise
> > you will need a polycontrast filter set (usually
> > available in 1/2 step
> > increments) when printing. If you are using a fixed
> > contrast paper (norm
> > is about 2 or 2.5 IIRC) then try printing on a 3.5
> > or 4 paper. Buy small
> > packets of 4 by 5 to find out what contrast you want
> > for printing larger
> > shots. Or slice and dice 8 by 10 to smaller sizes
> > rather than waste full
> > sheets for tests.
> > If you have already tried all of this I apologize.
> > 
> > George
> > 
> > Clear skies and good health 
> > 
> > Brian larmay wrote:
> > > 
> > > Im searching on the web for info on how to add
> > more
> > > contrast to my BW astrophotos on a print and cant
> > find
> > > anything except digi darkroom
> > crap..frustrating....any
> > > tips?
> > > 
> > > Thanks Brian
> > > 
> > > =====
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> 
> =====
> Homepage: www.astrobri.com
> 
> Location: 
> Niagara Falls USA
> geographic Longitude = 79W
> Geographic Latitude = 43N
> Corrected Magnetic Latitude = 53N
> 
> Cat: I'm so handsome, there's a six-month waiting list for birds to suddenly
> appear whenever I am near!
> 
> 
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