Platinum/palladium printing is capable of a very wide range of tones, as a
result of self- masking,andf of subtle gradation across that range. Of course
one does not to have the full range in every image anymore than a piece of music
has to contain every note of the scale or a painting every colour in the
spectrum. The point arose in the context of avoiding graininess in palladium
prints..
The experience of myself and colleagues is that the best results can be obtained
without unintended contrast and grain if one forgets potassium chlorate in the
sensitiser and sodium dichromate in the developer. What one has to do is adjust
the negtive to an appropriate density scale by contacting and redeveloping
through inter-positive and imter-negative stages, which should give ample
apportunity to adjust the contrast range of the negative. The fact remains that
the best gradation and tonal range can be obtained from in camera negatives
taken and developed for the purpose.
Viva Steichen and down with the contrasty and grainy platinum prints, prepared
from inappropriate silver gelatine ngatives, that are giving 'platinum'
printing a bad name.
Terry King