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

[seezee]

When I first started using x-ray film in 2007, I just did some basic tests like the ones described here:
http://www.viewcamera.com/pdf/2006/V...%20Started.pdf

I've read The Zone VI Workshop & I'm working my way thru 1 of the later editions of The Negative. I'll have a look at that & try it out; thanks.

Contact printing your negatives is the best (and cheapest) way to see what's actually in them. It will help you pin down the exposure/development scheme that best fits your needs. A used enlarger can be had for next to nothing. You just need a light source that provides controllable and repeatable exposures.

Any recommendations on an enlarger that I can fit in my bathroom? This looks tempting. I know nothing about printing apart from what I've read on the x-ray threads. The alternative is to take it to the photo lab here in town & get their advice/have them make test prints.

Also, the main thing is to find a way to control (as much as possible) all the parameters, from handling, to processing, to printing. Changing only one thing at a time, while keeping everything else constant, is the fastest way to learn what works and what doesn't.

That's what I've been trying to do. Had to change 2 variables in #1 only because it was so underexposed. If I'd pulled it at 15 minutes it would have been blank, and I would have learned nothing from the effort.

[seezee]

You could file notches in the film holder flap edge to positively identify what holder each film came from. I find it a big help in tracking films and finding problem holders. It only works if there is enough exposure in that part of the film to expose the edge under the flap, of course. And, you will need to clean the holder. I used needle files. And, I used a system where V notches are at one edge and are 1-4, a rectangular/flat notch adds, 5, and round/U notches add 10. I got the idea from JB Harlin's articles on his website: jbhphoto.com

Excellent idea. If there was a mixup, it occurred when I was taking the negs down from drying.

[SergeiR]

Sergei, those are gorgeous... but I'm very disappointed the X-ray film couldn't see through.

Now now different type of thread

[ImSoNegative]

Now now different type of thread

haha

[ImSoNegative]

one I shot tonight rittreck view w/whole plate back, 360mm fujinon 6.3@f32, 1 hour exposure, Kodak xray film

Blue Ridge Depot at night by john golden, on Flickr

[StoneNYC]

Finally got around to scanning these!

14x17 Ektascan | 450mm @ f/9 | Rodinal | Lightroom Vignette magic added to cover up major light leak.



14x17 Ektascan | 450mm @ f/22 | Rodinal | No Lightroom magic needed, fixed the leak, Few!



And the video on how the camera was built!

http://youtu.be/NW4dhOJVfzk

[StoneNYC]

Finally got around to scanning these!

14x17 Ektascan | 450mm @ f/9 | Rodinal | Lightroom Vignette magic added to cover up major light leak.



14x17 Ektascan | 450mm @ f/22 | Rodinal | No Lightroom magic needed, fixed the leak, Few!



And the video on how the camera was built!

http://youtu.be/NW4dhOJVfzk

[Old-N-Feeble]

one I shot tonight rittreck view w/whole plate back, 360mm fujinon 6.3@f32, 1 hour exposure, Kodak xray film

Night shots aren't my favorite type of image but this one is really nice!

[seezee]

Any recommendations on an enlarger that I can fit in my bathroom? This looks tempting. I know nothing about printing apart from what I've read on the x-ray threads. The alternative is to take it to the photo lab here in town & get their advice/have them make test prints.

It's come to my attention that the enlarger I linked to is for 6×7 cm, not inches (duh!). I should have known the price was too good to be true. My cursory research suggests I stick with Beseler or Omega. Don't think anything they make that has 4×5 capacity is going to be very compact, so it's going to be tight fitting it in the lavatory when using. Probably have to store it in the breezeway or garage when it's not in use.

Any thoughts on cold head vs. condenser, Fred Pickard not withstanding?

[RSalles]

one I shot tonight rittreck view w/whole plate back, 360mm fujinon 6.3@f32, 1 hour exposure, Kodak xray film

Hi, John! That's a supreme achievement on X-Ray in terms of everything technical one can imagine. Have you came across what's the exposure compensation needed for this film, or have used a exposure factor of another one?

Cheers,

Renato