>
> >
> > Please provide me more info on albumen.
> do you have a preferred density range for
> >negs? It seems to me that albumen should support a contrastier neg than
> >platinum.
>
> > Also, my sensitizing procedure was to float the albumenized
> >paper on 12% AgNO3 for three minutes after the time that the paper
> >stopped curling. Is this not the correct approach? Any thoughts would
> >be welcomed! TIA Jim
>
> Jim, although you asked for John's opinion, I feel it's appropriate to add
> my two cents.
>
> The density range required for albumen is at least that of platinum and
> more. The density range I strive for is about 2.25. This depends on your
> coating formula. Double coated albumen will yield a longer scale with
> darker shadows than single coated albumen. I have been using 3% ammonium
> chloride mixed in the albumen and 15% silver nitrate sensitizing bath.
> This is a little more than Mr. Reilly suggests but I find It gives better
> prints than an 4:1 excess nitrate ratio.
>
> I use strathmore artist drawing, single ply plate finish paper. The paper
> is cut to 9 X 12 for 8 X 10 negatives. The trick I use for floating is to
> fold up a 1/4 inch 90 degree bend along the entire width on both ends of
> the paper. Not only do these bends provide "handles" but they prevent the
> paper from curling in that direction. I keep light pressure on the handles
> with my fingertips to keep the paper from curling in the other direction.
>
> The key to even sensitiztion is to make sure the albumenized paper is
> fairly supple. I try to sensitize it as soon as the albumen coating is
> dry. If you wait the paper becomes quite stiff and hard to manage.
> Sometimes it helps to draw the back surface of the paper back and forth
> over a rounded edge to make it more flexible.
>
> The floating method that works best for me is to let the paper bow in the
> middle and lower the far edge of the centre down to the solution and as it
> touches, in one smooth motion, lower the near center down and then each
> side. This method seems to drive out the bubbles quite well. The paper is
> removed from floating by picking it up in a steady continuous motion from
> one corner. Jerkiness in either step may show lines of excess density on
> the print.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> Mike Robinson
> robkiss@io.org
>
>
Thanks Mike.....Diane>
>