| Hi Mark,
Yes, using the humidifier in the room definitely helped quite a bit. I've been using Pictorico for a long while and have really never had this sort of problem, so initially I didn't think this was a humidity issue. Same computer, same scanner, same printer--all in the same room--for years now--and we really don't use much heat here. I'm still getting two or three pinholes, but not nearly as bad. (Oh, I am painfully aware that the pinholes will print black-- that's the issue, really, isn't it?) So I'll try the extra fine red sharpie pen on the negative and then just spot the print. That makes sense to me and definitely cheaper than going through that Pictorico package, although I also suspect that there might have been a problem with the package I have, or at least a problem with having it sit around for so long, even though sealed and unopened. That's my best guess, anyway. Thanks, Mark.
Diana
Diana,
Low humidity will definitely cause more dust marks on the negative and perhaps more pinholes. I use a humidifier in the winter when making negatives. If you still get some pinholes or dust marks, these are a pain because they will print black with most processes and thus are hard to spot on the print.
If I get pinholes or dust marks on the negative, I put the negative on a light table emulsion side down and look for them. Then I spot them with an extra fine Red Sharpie pen. This will block the UV light and give you a white spot on the print that is much easier to touch up.
The R1800 seems the worst of the lot when it comes to pinholes and dust spots.... I think this is because the inks are slower drying.
Best Wishes,
Mark Nelson
Precision Digital Negatives - The System
PDNPrint Forum at Yahoo Groups
www.MarkINelsonPhoto.com
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