I had not
envisaged writing a second post on this subject so soon, but I thought I should have included
some more examples with the first post.
Examples:
All the
pictures that appear here have been printed on Kentmere VC RC at grade 0,
developed in Ilford Multigrade and pre-flashed at one second increments with
the enlarger light box at nearly full height and the lens shut down to F16.
Straight Grade Zero print |
This
picture is a straight grade zero print. When I took this picture I knew it
would be a difficult scene to print.
This
picture has had a one second pre-flash the difference is quite subtle but you
can just make out an increase in tone.
This
picture has had a two second pre-flash and looks a bit washed out. The tonal
range has increased in comparison to the last picture now making it necessary
to add the grade five exposure to bring out the contrast and blacks.
Pre-flash
test strip:
I have
combined the pre-flash test strip for the Kentmere paper with the exposure
curve to show how the test relates to the curve. Intervals 1 to 4 relate to the numbers on the curve.
Example
two:
This is
also a grade zero print, when I took these shots I did not think the negatives
would require pre-flashing.
This
picture has had a one second pre-flash. If you compare the two carefully you
can make out the subtle change in the sky which appears darker and the additional tonal range in the details in the
shadows.