Curious how everyone repairs small "pinholes" and scratches on negatives.
Curious how everyone repairs small "pinholes" and scratches on negatives.
Spot them to the point of being darker than their surrounding area, then there will be a white spot in the print which can be spotted to correct tone.
What do you spot them with? Base side or emulsion side?
I have found some "Multi Sepia Opaquer Retouching Pens" (0.05mm) in red with which I have had some success in retouching pinholes and small detail in negatives. Got them (they have the same in black) at FLS Discount Supplies (www.PCBsupplies.com). Not easy to use w/o magnifier, but patience pays... Have been spotting on base side so as to provide an opportunity to remove, though this is tougher to use w/o emulsion tooth.
As far as scratches are concerned, not much luck w/ pens, but I seem to remember reading something long time back about using a "vaseline type" material (or was it mineral oil?) to fill in minor scratches, but someone else will be better able to answer as I never tried it myself. As a condenser enlarger guy, I'm paranoid about using procedures to avoid them the best I can. Only thing which has seemed to work reliably for me.
Best, Jim
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