I recently started doing split filter printing and love the results, but making the test strips for correct exposures using each of the filters takes a lot of time. I have been told about an item, similar to Kodak's Projection Print Guide, through which your image is exposed twice (once using a #0 filter and once using a #5). The result is a grid of varying exposure times for each filter. This seems to be a great asset in giving you an idea as to where to begin. Does anyone know what this item is called, who manufactures it and where it may be purchased? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

-- Phyllis Kaplan (bpkaplan@aol.com), February 27, 2001

Answers

You may want to consider acquiring an exposure meter that can be calibrated for various vc filters or combinations of filters. When the contrast range of a negative is measured with the meter, it will then indicate what filtration is called for. I'm sorry I don't know of the gadget you mentioned.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols@iopener.net), February 28, 2001.

The scale you mentioned is called Kodak Print Projection Scale. All this is, is a graduated step wedge that you put down on a sheet of paper and expose for (typically) 60 seconds and develop. I do agree with Keith... a simple device from Ilford, their print analyzer, is a better bet. It is a little, battery operated device that you put in the light path and take readings with. It is not as "visual" as the Kodak version but...

-- Scott Walton (f64sw@hotmail.com), February 28, 2001.

I recall seeing this printing aid some where. It may be made by Ilford for their VC papers and filters.

-- Gene Crumpler (nikonguy@att.net), February 28, 2001.

The projection print scale is pretty much what Scott has described. You can probably get this at any camera store with a darkroom section. But I, too, think the Ilford meter is a good way to go. It's called an Ilford EM10 exposure meter, and you can usually get these for $25-30. It's great for regular printing too.

-- DK Thompson (kthompson@moh.dcr.state.nc.us), February 28, 2001.

The Heiland Splitgrade does this entirely automatically giving correct density filtration and exposure.

-- Anthony Brookes (gdz00@btinternet.com), March 11, 2001.