Originally Posted by
Chris Chow
Hi all,
Today was the first time I printed on 16x20 paper using a Nikkor 135 f/5.6 lens, and dektol solution was 1:1.
Enlarger used was a Saunders LPL 4550XLG.
Problem was, it took me a long time to make an exposure on the enlarger at the widest open aperture (f/5.6) and my goal was to at least close up a stop or 2 from wide open for sharpness (unfortunately that didn't happen). 180 sec base exposure in the sky and 1 min base exposure for the structure via split grade printing at wide open with additional dodging/burning.
Wanted to get some feedback on if I should use a 2:1 dektol solution in hopes to close down on enlarger lens aperture with tolerable enlarger exposure times?
Just to give you an idea, in the negative process, I expose TMax 100 @ ISO 50, and develop at D-76 1:1 (68 deg F) for 9 mins. My personal preference is to veer on the side of overexposure with slight underdevelopment.
Definitely a learning experience today. Graciously appreciate your feedback.
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