preflashing Direct Positive paper without an enlarger?

[Atracksler]

I don't have an enlarger.

Id like to try out some DP paper.

I do have flashed, and strobes... Anyone prefacing with a strobe/speedlight set to 1/32 or 1/64? or any other solutions without an enlarger?

Thanks...

[Jim Noel]

Get a very small incandescent bulb, 5W or 7 1/2W. Mount it in a receptacle about 18-24 inches from the paper. Use either a switch to turn it on and off, or something opaque to block the light path. This was the method used by press photographers 70-80 years ago, and it still works.

[Atracksler]

how long should I pre flash?

[SMBooth]

Depends on the bulb , distance etc. Test, your looking for the first sign of change.

[Michael E]

Point your camera a white wall. Make sure it's out of focus, preferably with the camera set at infinity. Set the exposure according to previous test results (meter the white wall wall and subtract x stops). Expose the DPP in the camera.

[Gary Beasley]

I made a preflash for printing from a small desk lamp that I wired a dimmer to then hung on the wall over the work table. Hooked to a timer it made for some very easy to control preflashing.

[Atracksler]

So there isn't a hard and fast formula, probably a box to test and then I can get rolling.....??

[Peter De Smidt]

Out-of-focus white wall, a piece of white acrylic in front of the lens...all of those should work. As a starting place, try placing the exposure on Zone 0, i.e. meter it and close down 5 stops.

[Jim Noel]

how long should I pre flash?

Make test strips. Pick the time which just shows density above paper white.

[Peter De Smidt]

Jim gives good advice. You might also try pre-flashing for the amount just before the time that shows density above paper white.