really dumb step wedge question

[Max Wendt]

Thanks Tim - so tape is the magic answer after all.

(BTW, I understand the basics of testing - I just wanted to try the step wedge in order to save some film...)

[Jeff Corbett]

I assume you are trying to determine film speed and development time. You will need a densitometer to interpret the results. Just tape the step wedge (I have a 4x5 Stouffer wegde) onto the centre of the 8x10 film. I expose on my guestimated zone VI in the camera, aimed at a uniformly lit surface, focussed at infinity, etc. That will put zone I or III (whichever you use for determining film speed) somewhere in the middle of the wedge. See The Ansel Adams Guide - Basic Techniques of Photography, Book 2 (by John P. Schaefer, copyright 1998). Chapter 3 is on film testing. Chapter 4 addresses determining film speed and development time. I'd actually recommend getting both books 1 and 2.

[Bob Chambers]

The John Schaffer book "Basic Techniques of Photography" vol. 2 describes the use of a step wedge for zone system testing. It is very quick and eliminates making multiple exposures. Scotch tape is used to attach the wedge to the film in the holder.