Use of X-ray film: technical discussion with example images

I still have the file somewhere, I think. Maybe I'll take another stab at it.

Very Nice!! The contrast of x-ray really suits this shot

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Originally Posted by Thodoris Tzalavras

Attachment 142241

Late afternoon light at Latchi, Cyprus.
October 2015.

Speed Graphic 4x5, with Optar 135mm, at f/8.
Agfa x-ray film (CP G+).
Developed in Ilford MG 1+80 at 22C for 8min on Jobo.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by Wayne

Very Nice!! The contrast of x-ray really suits this shot

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Thanks Wayne.
I should note though that this is a scan which was post processed in PS, in order to resemble what a split-grade print on VC paper would look like. There is dodging/burning and local contrast manipulation in play.
I haven't made a grade 2 straight print from this negative yet to post for comparison. I thought of posting the unedited scan, but that wouldn't be representative of the negative's true tonality either, since I prefer to get dull scans out of the scanner instead of "true" scans. I find them easier to work with.

Thanks for the honesty. I doubt a wet FB print will compare unless done by a Master.

I do like your image and maybe I need to follow your good example.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Thodoris Tzalavras

Thanks Wayne.
I should note though that this is a scan which was post processed in PS, in order to resemble what a split-grade print on VC paper would look like. There is dodging/burning and local contrast manipulation in play.
I haven't made a grade 2 straight print from this negative yet to post for comparison. I thought of posting the unedited scan, but that wouldn't be representative of the negative's true tonality either, since I prefer to get dull scans out of the scanner instead of "true" scans. I find them easier to work with.

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Originally Posted by Randy Moe

I think the time is right for this.

Lately we have had many requests from newbies about X-Ray and the traditional response here has been. "Go read the 2 X-Ray threads in their entirety". Those threads are huge.
I have done that, but it did not make me an expert. The threads are daunting in length and contradiction.

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i've waded thru this thread over the last week & it's full of great information & is very inspiring.. but yes, it's hard to find all the relevant info.

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Originally Posted by Randy Moe

Maybe address types and which actual films people use by continent as labeling is customized for marketing confusion.

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this would be great, In Australia it's much harder to source x-ray film, but i do believe i've found a supplier. If it happens i'll happily add their details to a list. Also found a few generic brands of x-ray film which i think should work because the developer chemicals sound very familiar, but i'd ideally want confirmation before purchasing.

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Originally Posted by Randy Moe

I
Keep the chemistry and processing simple and cheap for beginners. Rodinol in trays, under red LED?

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exactly what i'm thinking.. i'm already well versed in rodinal; being my developer of choice so i reckon a bit of trial and error could produce good results. I figure i'd use trays, anyone tried 'taco method' or is this unsuitable for xray?

Ohhh, & i plan to shoot in 3.25x4.25" as this is the size of a small speedgraphic I recently picked up. Figure if i'm going to have to trim my film to fit, i may as well use x-ray.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Thodoris Tzalavras

Attachment 142241

Late afternoon light at Latchi, Cyprus.
October 2015.

Speed Graphic 4x5, with Optar 135mm, at f/8.
Agfa x-ray film (CP G+).
Developed in Ilford MG 1+80 at 22C for 8min on Jobo.

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Great job, the clouds look awesome

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Originally Posted by Pixelwhip

i've waded thru this thread over the last week & it's full of great information & is very inspiring.. but yes, it's hard to find all the relevant info.



this would be great, In Australia it's much harder to source x-ray film, but i do believe i've found a supplier. If it happens i'll happily add their details to a list. Also found a few generic brands of x-ray film which i think should work because the developer chemicals sound very familiar, but i'd ideally want confirmation before purchasing.



exactly what i'm thinking.. i'm already well versed in rodinal; being my developer of choice so i reckon a bit of trial and error could produce good results. I figure i'd use trays, anyone tried 'taco method' or is this unsuitable for xray?

Ohhh, & i plan to shoot in 3.25x4.25" as this is the size of a small speedgraphic I recently picked up. Figure if i'm going to have to trim my film to fit, i may as well use x-ray.

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I pm'D you with details of a supplier, but received nil response, have contacts for you if needed

sorry, yep, i got it thanks. just PM'd you back with a potential aussie supplier i've found.

Oh...in that case...I'm less impressed. No offense. Its still a nice composition.

But this does create an opportunity to bring up something I've wanted to bring up for a while. Could people say whether they are posting PSed scans or prints or whatever? I know the results I have gotten printing x-ray film are pathetic compared to most that are posted, and it occurred to me I may be comparing apples and oranges. I would think many people getting into x-ray and printing it would want to know this info too so they aren't trying to duplicate qualities that they can't.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Thodoris Tzalavras

Thanks Wayne.
I should note though that this is a scan which was post processed in PS, in order to resemble what a split-grade print on VC paper would look like. There is dodging/burning and local contrast manipulation in play.
I haven't made a grade 2 straight print from this negative yet to post for comparison. I thought of posting the unedited scan, but that wouldn't be representative of the negative's true tonality either, since I prefer to get dull scans out of the scanner instead of "true" scans. I find them easier to work with.

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That's a good point, Wayne. Perhaps people should get into the habit of providing info on how they manipulated the image, if any manipulation took place... but over on the other x-ray thread. As I said before, there really should only be one x-ray thread.