Holy cow I learned split filtering!

Posted: Wed Dec 06, 2006 10:03 am

First thing i have to say is if you're hand printing B&W learn to do split filtering. i learned last night and it probably cut abouot 30% off on my time for print making (overall time). My tones are much nicer too.

Here's how I learned:
1. Make a test strip using a 0 or 00 filter. It's gonna look ugly but it seves a purpose.
2. When the test strip is done, find the grey tones you want - for this examply we'll say it's 17 seconds at 0 for your greys.
3. Make another test strip. This time, start with your 0 filter for 17 seconds. Then, remove the 0 and put a 5 filter in. Now do your test strip.
4. When done, look at the image and decide how much time to burn witht eh 5 filter for - we'll say 10 seconds.
5. Now make the print. First use a 0 filter for 17 seconds then remove and use the 5 filter for 10 seconds.
6. Done!

Right now i'm still learning to get it perfect but it has really helped me...
I likely didn't explain it very well so if someone can explain better please feel free.

Take it easy
Rob

Joined: 14 Feb 2006 Posts: 214 Location: Corona, CA

I have to remember to try this when I go back to the darkroom. My next day in there is on April 19th. Let's hope I can remember this till then.