Why do my black-and-white enlarger prints go very dark with no contrast filter, and why are my exposure times so short?
Asked 1/18/2020
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I’m printing 35mm black-and-white negatives on variable-contrast paper. If I print with no contrast filter, the paper goes nearly black even with exposures under 1 second. I only get usable results with a grade 0 or 1 filter, and even then my exposure times are very short—around 2–3 seconds at f/16 for a 4x6 print.
I’ve tried several VC paper brands with similar results. What could cause this? Is it likely an enlarger setup issue, exposure workflow issue, or something else?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
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Assuming you are using a variable contrast paper and a paper developer properly diluted (usually 2:1), likely the bulb in the enlarger is wrong, too high wattage. 1. Install a lower wattage bulb. 2. Install a dimer switch. 3. Procure a ND filter and place over the enlarger lens. 4. Procure a large ND filter or make one using gray glass and install in the filter drawer of the enlarger or piggyback under the diffuser/condenser lens. 5. Dilute the developer with water, your objective is a 90 second developing time.
Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user44949
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
The most likely problem is that your enlarger light source is too bright, often from using the wrong or overly powerful bulb. That would explain both symptoms: very short exposure times and prints going very dark with no filter.
With variable-contrast paper, printing without a filter can also give a higher contrast response than you want, so needing a low-grade filter is not automatically abnormal. But exposures under a few seconds at f/16 are inconvenient and make dodging difficult.
What to check:
- Verify the enlarger bulb is the correct type and wattage.
- If it’s too bright, use a lower-wattage bulb.
- Alternatively add neutral-density filtration, either over/under the lens or in the enlarger’s filter drawer.
- A dimmer can also help if appropriate for the enlarger.
- Make sure your paper developer is properly diluted and aim for about a 90-second development time.
Workflow tip: focus with the lens wide open, then stop down and make a test strip to find a workable exposure. Ideally, adjust the light level so your print times are long enough for comfortable dodging and burning.
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