Re: [Leica] Re: Print Development Time

["Dan Post" <dwpost@email.msn.com>]

With all due respect to Malcolm, I tend to agree with you, Jim.
I settled on the 2 minutes since I had used 'densitometer' to read the
density of pieces of paper exposed to light and developed for varying times.
His contention that the shadows are better I would have to see. I expose, in
mose cases, for a certain shadow detail at two minutes- I worry more about
blocked highlights! That is why I adjust the contrast filters carefully!
Anyway- it seems that different strokes for different folks applies to all
human endeavors. The question is, does one get the results one is looking
for?
Dan
- ----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Brick <jim@brick.org>
To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us>
Sent: Monday, August 09, 1999 2:05 PM
Subject: [Leica] Re: Print Development Time


> When developing a print, all of the exposed silver should be developed,
> that is, developed to completion. To do this, you should always develop
> prints for the same amount of time. It takes about two minutes for all of
> the exposed silver to react with the developer. If you overexpose the
print
> and have to "pull" it from the developer in order to keep it from going
too
> dark, the print will look muddy. Over the past 50 years, I have settled on
> a development time (Dektol) of three minutes. By always developing for the
> same time (three minutes for me) and adjusting the exposure to obtain the
> correct print density, your prints will always be consistent.
>
> The key is to be consistent on the development time, and to make sure it
is
> long enough to develop the print to completion. That means, if you leave
it
> in longer, it won't change.
>
> I forget what Kodak says. I think they say that complete development is
> achieved at 1-1/2 minutes. Anyway, find a time you are happy with (at
least
> 1-1/2 minutes) and religiously stick with it. I like three minutes.
>
> Also, make sure your safelight is safe for this time period. If you are
> worried about your safelight, put the print face down after the first 30
> seconds.
>
> Jim