Darkroom printing workflow questions

[sweat100]

I would like to ask for people who do darkroom printing, would you be able to share your workflow to maximise time? Currently I faced multiple problems, I spend like a few hours just to get a mediocre 8x10 print.

I realised alot of things to consider to getting the correct tone.
1. Changing of filter grades on multigrade paper
2. Changing the size of the image by pulling the enlarger head
3. Timing between test strips (sometime too much sometimes too little)
4. The base starting time for a test strip
5. The need to redo all the above 4 steps for a different picture!

What is a good order for the above steps? Sometimes if the steps is not in order (eg changing filter grade during the test strip process, I need to rechange all the base timing and interval timing).

[Rangefinder_fan]

Hmmm, this should be an interesting thread.
I've not gotten round to messing around with filters yet, so my workflow would be missing that step. But, the order for me is:
1) adjust size of print - my easel has been marked with the sizes of the paper that i print on, so I've avoided uneven borders
2) fine focus
3) determining test strip exposure duration - 2 secs per steps is my default, if those mess up, I adjust accordingly
4) print

I'd imagine that if I did use filters, it would be before step 3 above.
I dont make any adjustments to the enlarger when I switch negs, aside from fine focus or if I am changing paper size.
There is this other process called f-stop printing that I've heard briefly about, but have not explored it. Some tips here: http://www.photovisionmagazine.com/a...pprinting.html

cheers

rf

Originally Posted by sweat100 I would like to ask for people who do darkroom printing, would you be able to share your workflow to maximise time? Currently I faced multiple problems, I spend like a few hours just to get a mediocre 8x10 print. I realised alot of things to consider to getting the correct tone. 1. Changing of filter grades on multigrade paper 2. Changing the size of the image by pulling the enlarger head 3. Timing between test strips (sometime too much sometimes too little) 4. The base starting time for a test strip 5. The need to redo all the above 4 steps for a different picture! What is a good order for the above steps? Sometimes if the steps is not in order (eg changing filter grade during the test strip process, I need to rechange all the base timing and interval timing).

[yamcake]

starting out is like that one..
spend alot of time printing 1 print..
as experience goes, you will know immediately what u are looking for...

1) adjust head
2) focus
3) test strip (3 sec int), repeat until its okay, usually 2 tries for me.
4) decide from the test strip if u need to use filters
5) test strip for filters (usually double the timing)
6) print 1st draft
7) see if u want to do burn and dodge

i think its fairly easy and quick process. about 30min per print i will need now.. (if doing fast fast la)

[plsoong]

Originally Posted by sweat100 I would like to ask for people who do darkroom printing, would you be able to share your workflow to maximise time? Currently I faced multiple problems, I spend like a few hours just to get a mediocre 8x10 print. I realised alot of things to consider to getting the correct tone. 1. Changing of filter grades on multigrade paper 2. Changing the size of the image by pulling the enlarger head 3. Timing between test strips (sometime too much sometimes too little) 4. The base starting time for a test strip 5. The need to redo all the above 4 steps for a different picture! What is a good order for the above steps? Sometimes if the steps is not in order (eg changing filter grade during the test strip process, I need to rechange all the base timing and interval timing).

Hey,
don't sweat that is part and parcel of learning. And in fact, you should try to experiment with various parameters! all these will take even longer than what u're experiencing now, but that is the fun part of Dark room printing. the more you practise, the more you'll get a hang of it...

Well, take it that you're lucky and have your enlarger all that with you. right now, i have quite a few MF negs already, but i can't find a Durst here in Germany! I'm still looking for a used one with a colour head if possible....

if anybody has any idea/hint as to where i can secure one so that i can have it back in Singapore, please do let me know too!

[Xtol19]

Workflow can be as follows:

1. Do a test strip using #2 filter.
2. Print at the suggested exposure on #2.
3. Get the exposure correct on #2.
4. Then change the filter grade to get the contrast right. Adjust the timing as necessary.
5. Dodge and burn as necessary.

[sweat100]

Thank everyone for the generous inputs. It certainly aid me in my steps in making a print.

I seen from a website that that there is a certain about of exposure factor to compensate for the timing when you want to change the contrast.
http://www.ephotozine.com/article/Pr...le-grade-paper