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Old 6th September 2022, 08:39 PM
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Reginald S Reginald S is offline
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Talking Contact Printing larger negatives

My 30x40cm (12x16") german "Reisekamera" needs a wake-up call, so I want to talk about which should give me a little push - and hopefully others, too.

Contact printing by itself is a very nice darkroom tool which offers lot of possibilities and which also gives superb results:

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This print is made from a 12x16" Xray film, but I love to make paper negatives, too.

Such a wooden 12x16" camera is not necessary for contact prints, but somehow helpful

Here is a look behind the scene, and some simple maths and physics:

Since for a magnification of 1:1 you have to double the focal length, with a 500mm lens the bellows needs an extension of 100cm - 2:1 needs extension of an extra focal length, and so on.

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12x16" is my normal print size either contacted or enlarged; compared with the huge instrument the print looks tiny even framed:

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Last edited by Reginald S; 6th September 2022 at 08:42 PM.
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Old 6th September 2022, 10:00 PM
alexmuir alexmuir is online now
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I like the camera stand, Reginald. Your own creation, I presume?
I had hoped to be out and about with my 4x5 camera in August, but unfortunately I was unwell at the time. The plan was to make contact prints as I don’t have a 4x5 enlarger at the moment. I have organised the camera and lenses, however, and will get out soon. I had previously thought 4x5 was too small to make a decent print, but on a 7x5 sheet of paper they looks quite nice. I’m glad you made this post as it has reminded me of my plan. I’m on holiday this week, so hope to get to work with some contacts next week.
Alex


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Old 6th September 2022, 10:35 PM
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Reginald S Reginald S is offline
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Yesyes, Alex, the camera stand is selfmade.
And I can tell to every tripod user:
It is so easy to drive your camera through the apartement while looking for the best position!

Do you consider shooting film or paper negatives?
Good luck with your 4x5" !
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Old 6th September 2022, 10:54 PM
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Thanks, Reginald. I have quite a lot of film, but I will also try paper negatives. I can’t print anything with an enlarger just now, but have lots of paper. I’ve been meaning to try paper negatives for a while.
Alex


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Old 6th September 2022, 11:20 PM
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Paper negatives are fine.
By nature the contrast is hard a bit, but you can use "masking thechniques" like painting or penciling, while copying and recopying.

Twobath development (smooth/hard) or a warmwaterbath after the development prior to stopping can inhance your negative, too.

A yellow filter helps increasing the contrast problems for vario contrast paper but will rob expoure time.
That's why I prefer fix grade papers, smooth - no filter necessary..

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