Getting ready to try my first print in over 12 years

[Vick Ko]

I'm getting ready to try my first print in over 12 years.

I got my chemicals today, and a box of Ilford 8x10 MGIV RC paper.

Can someone help me estimate what my exposure time will be around for this combination:

- Durst L1200 with CLS501 head, dialed up for grade 2.5 (just to start in the middle)
- 100mm f5.6 Focotar-II lens, probably set to f11 for best performance
- exposing a 6x6cm negative, to fill the 8x10 paper (say 4.5x enlargement)?

e.g should I be facing 10 sec, 30 sec or 60 sec exposure?

I figure I'll be doing test strips, but just curious what range I'll be in.

....Vick

[Bill Burk]

Hi Vick Ko,

I don't know but I'm guessing you'll be in the 5 to 20 second range.

[Ari]

Vick, I have no idea; but, if you have a shorter lens for 6x6, like a 75mm or 80mm, you might want to use it instead of the 100mm.
Your lens will be closer to your paper, reducing your exposure time.
Generally I like the basic exposure to run between 10-15 seconds, so over the years, I develop my film with that in mind.

Off the top of my head, though, it sounds as if you'll be closer to 30s than to 10s with what you've described.
Good luck, and have fun!