Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 11 to 15 of 15

Thread: Max Black with NO color

  1. #11

    Join Date
    Nov 1998
    Posts
    339

    Max Black with NO color

    We need to clarify; I assume what Keith wants is a neutral-colored print as in n ot warmtone or cooltone, just as neutral as possible, rather than looking for th e highest D-Max possible.

    Correct?

  2. #12

    Max Black with NO color

    Hi, It Keith again... Thanks for the input so far - I have considered all of it. John asked for clarification: I do want a deep DMax, but I don't want the blue-black or green-black or brown-blacks etc. I want only black - no hint/tint/color/hue and so on. I don't know if that is 'neutral' or 'cold'. I will try the different dilutions of ethol. I presently use 'neutral', I will conpare to both a more dilute (warm) and a more concentrated developer (cold). I saw a print when I was out in Calif by an old guy named 'Adams' - The thing had jet black shadows and they were CLEAN - not a hint of any color. As alway, thanks for your thoughful input. Keith

  3. #13

    Join Date
    Nov 1998
    Posts
    339

    Max Black with NO color

    OK, I assumed right. Ilford MGIV fiber in LPD 1:3, toned in Kodak selenium toner 1:4 two to three minutes.

    You're working with a two-part problem; you need a paper and developer that gi ve you neutral color plus doesn't take on a color when selenium-toned. MGIV fibe r is that paper. Lots of people grouse that MGIV fiber _doesn't_ change color in selenium.

    Now...you've noted that LPD will vary color according to dilution; it does a b it but not tremendously. Also, if the paper color is a little warm (brownish) yo u can cool it with the addition of a little benzotriazone or Edwal Liquid Orthaz ite to the developer.

    Display illumination is also a factor; tungsten lights make a print look warm while fluorescents make it look cool. RC really goofs up color; the titanium dio xide brightener fluoresces.

  4. #14

    Join Date
    Jul 1999
    Posts
    84

    Max Black with NO color

    I bet Mr. Adams never printed on RC paper. If you want to imitate his "Look" you need fiber paper. My all time favourite is Ilford Gallery. It's very neutral right after fixation and I normally give it just a touch of selenium toning (diluted 1:20 or so) - this will intensify the blacks, but not shift the color.

  5. #15

    Max Black with NO color

    I hate to say it, but black is a color to the human eye. Most people find a reddish/bluish black more aesthetically pleasing than a green black, and thus the popularity of selenium.

    My advice is to find a chip or sample of a black you find acceptable under your final print evaluation light and compare various paper D- Maxes to it. That's similar to the process I used as a textile colorist...

Similar Threads

  1. Converting color scans to black and white
    By Stew in forum Digital Hardware
    Replies: 25
    Last Post: 17-Mar-2010, 10:28
  2. Black and White - BW film or Color??
    By Hugh Sakols in forum Style & Technique
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 21-Jun-2005, 20:44
  3. Black and White guy wants to shoot Color
    By paulr in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 26-Aug-2004, 09:06
  4. Can Color Densitometers Also Do Black and White?
    By octagon in forum Style & Technique
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 12-May-2002, 14:16
  5. Black and white photographer...need advice on color films
    By David Richhart in forum Darkroom: Film, Processing & Printing
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 7-Aug-2000, 11:41

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •