Originally Posted by
Chris Jones
Hello, the negative carriers on the 450 M-D Fujimoto enlarger I use have what look like registration pins with a 4mm diameter.
Working on some still lifes this has given me the idea that I may be able to use two or more negatives to montage onto a single silver gelatin print. First, finding a 4mm punch should be easy enough and I have worked in graphic arts and platemaking so know the basic techniques. The 4x5 negative size is also large enough to handle with ease and the negative carrier slots back into the enlarger in the same place allowing for fairly accurate registration, maybe not close enough for colour separations, though?
Having come this far, photograms may be an extra technique and even making negatives with Gimp or Photoshop. Gimp could also be used for sketching or trying out the montage as well as a guide for the position of extra negs? Printing computer based negs may be limited since I only have a laser printer. (Also, Linux is my only OS.)
I am working with silver gelatin selenium toned prints because I enjoy this and also have in the past enjoyed montage techniques so having fun is a part of the game plan. I am using a 4x5 monorail (Calumet 45N)
Can anyone comment, make suggestions or know of other recent artists working in this area? I know it has been done in advertising and commercial work, BTW, but am happy to hear stories.
Best wishes, Chris Jones.
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