For you BTZS Folks

[Jim Cole]

I posted this same question over on the AZO forum, but I figured I might get more exposure here. I apologize for the double post.

I have just entered the world of BTZS and ExpoDev. I have a full film test for TMY-2 and have the file loaded into the ExpoDev software. Until my Lodima paper arrives in late December or January and I can begin learning how to contact print, I want to start exposing/developing my TMY-2 for printing on Lodima Grade 2 (I also have some Grade 3 coming).

In the ExpoDev software, it requires the ES for the paper to be used. Until I receive the paper and do the proper testing, I am spinning my wheels trying to use the ExpoDev software without this important data point.

Now the question:

Does anyone have a good starting value I can plug in until I can get my own testing done?

Thanks,

[chris_4622]

Jim,

Try 1.6, that should get you close with the grade 2.

[phil sweeney]

here are 2 paper files from ABC and pyrocat negs read in blue mode

[Jim Cole]

Thanks guys!

[sanking]

Jim,

Try 1.6, that should get you close with the grade 2.

Interesting. That is about the same ES of the Canadian AZO 2.

Sandy King

[Jim Cole]

Jim,

Try 1.6, that should get you close with the grade 2.

Chris,

The ExpoDev software will not allow anything over 1.05. Is there a way to skirt this?

Jim

[jeroldharter]

I think you might have to adjust that in the Plotter software and then sync up.

Wouldn't an ES of 1.6 make for a very contrasty negative, one suited for paper grade 0? Maybe I misunderstand.

[chris_4622]

Interesting. That is about the same ES of the Canadian AZO 2.

Sandy King

That is what I was referring to since I don't have the new paper yet. I figured with the water bath method he could control the little extra contrast. Not very scientific, I know.

[Jim Cole]

I think you might have to adjust that in the Plotter software and then sync up.

Thanks Jerold,

Fred at the View Camera Store adjusted my ExpoDev film file to a 1.4 curve to use temporarily which would barely allow for a sufficient SBR with the film/developer combo I use.

I'm going to re-do my TMY-2 film test using a less diluted DD-X which should allow for a full 1.5 or 1.6 ES for the Lodima paper.

[jeroldharter]

Thanks Jerold,

Fred at the View Camera Store adjusted my ExpoDev film file to a 1.4 curve to use temporarily which would barely allow for a sufficient SBR with the film/developer combo I use.

I'm going to re-do my TMY-2 film test using a less diluted DD-X which should allow for a full 1.5 or 1.6 ES for the Lodima paper.

If you do not have the Plotter software, it is well worth having. If you get into testing, you can pick up an X-Rite densitometer easily for <$100 and do as many film and paper tests as you want. Especially if you are using relatively expensive materials such as TMAX, Lodima, and Amidol you will probably save money in the end.

[Jim Cole]

If you do not have the Plotter software, it is well worth having. If you get into testing, you can pick up an X-Rite densitometer easily for <$100 and do as many film and paper tests as you want. Especially if you are using relatively expensive materials such as TMAX, Lodima, and Amidol you will probably save money in the end.

Thanks Jerold. The Plotter Software may be a requirement sooner rather than later.