when a grade 5 contrast filter is not enough, there is some rule or pattern for filter combinations? i suposse that putting 2 filters together at the enlarger will produce a more high contrast, but maybe this doesn't make any sense.

-- Celcio (non@non.non), May 08, 2001

Answers

VC paper has two emulsions. (In fact that's a simplification, but one that works well for explanation purposes.) With the G5 filter, it is mainly the hard emulsion that responds to the light whereas the soft one remains largely unexposed. Using two G5 filters may have a small effect (if any) by further limiting the unavoidable exposure of a little soft contribution that occurs as an undesired side effect. However, this will never make for another grade.

If you need the harder grade, develop the paper in a special developer, such as Tetenal Dokumol, or make an internegative on hard film.

Regards, Thomas Wollstein

-- Thomas Wollstein (thomas_wollstein@web.de), May 08, 2001.

Consider buying a packet of graded contrast 5 paper, or harder if available. Graded papers give a little more contrast than VC.

-- Keith Nichols (knichols@iopener.net), May 08, 2001.

It may be obvious to some, but keep in mind that a contrast 5 filter with a contrast 2 filter DOES NOT equal an 7 contrast.

-- (ricardo_spanks@yahoo.com), May 08, 2001.

Adding filters does not increase the filters effect. Learn to expose the negative properly and you won't have to go to a grade 5+ filter sceme. Or use a litho paper. James

-- james (james_mickelson@hotmail.com), May 08, 2001.

I've been able to get some increase in contrast by stacking the 4 1/2 and 5 filters. I've done it a few times to get max. contrast. Try it and see. Other wise, try some of the above.

-- Gene Crumpler (nikonguy@att.net), May 09, 2001.

Certain manufacturers recommend specific filters to obtain the highest contrast on their papers. For example for Oriental Seagull FB VC, they claim that a Wratten 47 B will give higher contrast. I have just gotten one, but haven't tested it yet to see if I get more contrast with it than with the 5+ setting on my VC head.

-- Raja A. Adal (d60w0635@ip.media.kyoto-u.ac.jp), May 10, 2001.

thanks to all

-- Celcio (non@non.non), May 22, 2001.