.01 The DARKROOM
We intend to share our experiences with the wet darkroom from our perspective. We do not own a dedicated room for the exclusive use as a darkroom. So we improvised on whatever equipment and resources we have.
We have a spare guest room in our home which we set up a temporary darkroom. The only solitary window was covered with a piece of linoleum with Velcro fixed to the window and the linoleum. This can be removed as and when we are expecting a guest. There is no plumbing in the room. So the wet side has to be kept as dry as possible. Any washing of prints etc has to be done in the adjacent bathroom.
The only consolation is that the room is air-conditioned so working in it is very comfortable.
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:: Full View ::
The enlarger with the Nova Quad vertical print processor mounted on a mobile tray. |
:: Enlarger :: 
A view of the enlarger with a colorhead, easel, timer and voltage stabilizer. |
:: Print Processor ::
Close up view of the Nova Quad vertical print processor. This is mounted on a mobile tray that can be rolled out when in use and roll back to save space.
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- Equipment Required -
a. enlarger
b. enlarging lens
c. easels – the printing frame for holding the paper flat.
d.
grain focuser – for critical focusing
e.
12x16 Nova Quad vertical print processor
f. measuring jugs
g. test printer
h.
Nova multi-mask printing frame
i. contact printing frame
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- Materials Required -
a. Ilford Multigrade paper developer b. stop bath
c. Ilford Rapid fixer
d. RC or FB photo paper of various sizes
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.02 Test Print
A test print has to be done in order to decide on the amount of light exposure and also the contrast of the print.
There are 2 ways to do it:
Test Print Method A:
Fix the aperture of the enlarging lens and vary the exposure time. In order to get consistent results we use a step wedge test printer.
The result is illustrated below. The best image is that exposed between 10 to 15 secs.
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Test Print Method B:
Set a fixed exposure time and vary the aperture. For this purpose we are using the Nova multi-mask printing frame.
This printing frame can mask of certain squares on the paper and you can print the same image at different apertures for comparison.
From the results, the exposure at F8 ½ gives the best results.
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.03 Determine the Paper Grade
Next, we determine the best paper grade in which this photo is to be printed. Today's multigrade papers allow a flexibility to change the contrast of the print to suit the image. There are different paper grades you can use ranging from 0 to 5 (5 being the highest contrast)
Grade 2 is the best contrast for this image as it retains the details of the iris of the eyes without blocking the shadows. |
.04 Final Print
The final print is made using the above information. Generally this image is taken in even lighting conditions so there is no need to burn or dodge the image to bring out certain details.
Hope you enjoy the process of making a print as much as I do. It is a wonderful experience watching the print materialise in front of your eyes.
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