I have just recommenced working with the Vandyke process and contact printing either 8x10 or 8x20. I have scoured the forum for information and have used what I have been able to glean. While I have been reasonably happy with the results to date I have a couple of questions that hopefully someone can answer.
The first relates to negative contrast and the need for a more contrasty negative to be produced. What confuses me is why you need a more contrasty negative than normal silver processing. If I use a Stouffer 21 step wedge I can get about 8-9 clearly distinguishable steps when a print is made on Ilford Multigrade filtered for grade 2. The same step wedge will show 20 steps when printing with Vandyke (although this varies from 18 to 21 depending on paper). My understanding would be that the Ilford paper has a higher contrast than the Vandyke. If this is the case, wouldn’t the Ilford paper need the higher negative contrast?
The second relates to whether single or double coating with the solution is best (if there is such a thing), or whether that is something best determined for myself by trial and error.
The final question relates to the height of light source above the paper. Currently this is approximately 15 cms, but I have read where others have a substantially lower distance between light source and paper (8cm is not uncommon). Is this dependant on the light source (fluorescent tubes in my case) or is it just a matter of a closer light source meaning a faster printing time.
Long term I hope to move to some of the other alternative processes, but I am happy with Vandyke and Cyanotype at the moment, and want to get a better understanding and consistent output with both before trying something new.
Thanks
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