I'm seeking some advice as to how I can better control the contrast of this great paper.
When I'm able to get a nice print using this paper--it's unbeatable compared to other papers I've used. However, it's so contrasty that sometimes I'm unable to get a decent print.
My current workflow: I've been sticking to films that are lower in contrast--HP5 being the main film I use. I try and control the contrast of the negative--often pulling the film 1-2 stops when necessary and always developing in a highly diluted developer.
The three print developers I've been using are, a highly diluted Ansco 130, Ansco 120 and Bromophen. Surprisingly, Bromophen has been my favorite, as I get the deep blacks that I love and also get a really nice subtle blue tone in the shadows when leaving the print in the developer for 3min. The contrast between the dilute 130 and bromophen is basically identical to me and the 120 barely brings the contrast down--though it does a little.
I've heard that pre exposing the paper will help control contrast, but I haven't been able to find any specifics on doing this and testing on my own hasn't given me any workable results. I'm using a 75w light bulb and it's closer to the printing frame than what is normally recommended--but I don't have any option to get the bulb higher than ~3' away. A properly exposed/dense negative usually prints around 20 seconds of exposure give or take.
With all of that said, being that this paper is pretty expensive, I'm hoping someone can give me a tip on pre exposing, to guide me when I experiment on my own again. The last time I tried this, I didn't even get any image to develop, just solid black. And that was after about 1 second of pre exposure with 5 sec tests under the negative after the pre exposure. Should I try an even weaker light bulb? Maybe use a weak light bulb for the pre exposure and then use my regularly used 75w to exposure under the negative?
Any and all advice is welcome and appreciated! Thanks!
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