Jon,
I’ve
been using a plain old contact frame.
I
don’t think the inconsistency comes from the UVBL.
It seems, in my extremely limited experience, that the mottling, etc.
has been
a result of the contact frame(s) I’ve been using. By the time I
blasted through the first 5 km73s a month or so ago, I started to
notice (as I
was walking the frame over to the UVBL box) that the Pictorico was
generated
some massive newton rings on the glass. In light of the recent
discussions re: newton rings, I suspect that this has been the problem
all
along.
Camden
Hardy
camden[at]hardyphotography[dot]net
http://www.hardyphotography.net
Camden Hardy wrote:
a better workflow that changes things for the better somehow, I will
maintain that UVBL is definitely a problem when using Solarplates larger
than 8x10, however.
My very first Solarplate was a 9x12 under UVBL, and aside from a poor
curve/exposure it printed quite well - no mottling or other imperfections in
the plate. The plate was powdered for both the aquatint screen and the
positive (don't remember the exposure times though). Alas, I have yet to
reproduce such a "flawless" plate... :)
Thanks Camden...that's interesting! It's the
inconsistency that was so maddening to me. I'd get a good plate and
print....get encouraged...do something more ambitious, and whammo:
crap
results.
Were you/are you using a vacuum frame for contact under UVBL or a
contact frame
of some sort?
Does anyone use, or recall anyone else using, different curves for roll
vs. sheet standard Pictorico OHP?
I often go between sheet and roll, and as far as I can tell there's no
difference.
Stellar news. I was hoping someone would say
that. :-)
BTW, I haven't forgotten I promised to send you a print as a thank you
for your
help in testing and evaluating the 4800. I assume you don't want the
wedding picture of my parents and great grandma, so I'll make sure to
surprise
you.
Thanks,
Jon