16 Print processing (Printing the negative)
SNAPSHOT
Beginners guide to making a B&W RC print:
- The darkroom
- The enlarger
- The chemicals
- Setting the chemicals for proofing testing and printing
- Making a contact sheet or contact proof
- Making a test print
- Contrast control filters
- Making the final print
- What will you need
Darkroom – A room with a light-trapping door or equipped with a heavy curtain to trap light. It is also equipped with yellow or red safe lights which can be on during the printing session.
Enlarger – A machine which enables you to project the image onto a flat surface. It has a light source, two or more glass prisms, a bellows, a lens, a filter holder or drawer, and a negative carrier. The enlarger enlarges the image to the desired printing size and focuses it on the printing paper. The enlarger lens allows you to select the correct amount of light needed for proper printing exposure.
Timer – Will assist in setting the correct exposure time for the print
Easel – Will hold the printing paper in place and control the margins or the print
Safe light – Filtered light bulb to illuminate the darkroom without affecting the photo-sensitive paper
Grain focuser – A device assisting to ensure image sharpness (optional)
Contact proofer – A piece of glass or plexiglass to keep the negatives flat on the enlarger base and assist with making the contact proof or contact sheet
Sink and running water – The place to hold the trays
Trays – Filled with the chemistry needed to develop, fix and wash your prints
Print tong – Assist moving the prints from tray to tray
Chemicals – Developer, stop bath, fixer, running water, and optional perma-wash
Graduates – Funnels, and storage containers to measure and mix chemicals
Photographic Printing Paper – (we suggest for beginners use Resin coated glossy or pearl surface, size 8×10)
Film cleaner and antistatic cloth
Compressed air can or dust blower to clean the negative when needed
Towel and apron protect clothing and keep hands dry while handling paper
Photographic Printing Paper
There are two basic types of photo printing paper, RC or resin coated and FB or fiber base paper.
Both types come in different sizes a different surface finishes
The most popular sizes are 5×7, 8×10, 11×14 and 16×20 inches.
The most popular surface finishes are glossy, and pearl.
Both RC and FB papers come as Variable Contrast VC or different contrast grades 0-12 (more info https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_paper).
8X10 RC (resin- coated) variable contrast glossy paper is easier to process and recommended for beginners.
In a similar way to film, photographic paper is also sensitive to light. The light-sensitive layer applied on the paper is called emulsion and it creates a latent image when exposed to light. The image becomes visible when the paper is developed with chemistry. The process and the steps are very similar to film developing. A major difference is that film has to be developed in total darkness while