Re: Van Dyke- Increasing contrast

Carson Graves x1507 3NE (carson@zama.HQ.ileaf.com)
Wed, 19 Jun 96 11:43:34 EDT

> To my knowledge, Mercuric Chloride is potentially VERY dangerous, and,
> like other bothersome chemicals (formaldehyde) probably shouldn't be used
> by most of us unless properly protected to the 'nth degree.
> There was an intensifier in the late 60's or early 70's called Victor's
> Intensifier which used Mercuric Chloride and it was taken from the market
> due it's toxic properties.

Are you sure about the mercury? I remember Victor's Chromium
Intensifer, which was sold by Kodak and available at least until the
late 70's. It too was withdrawn from the market. I don't recall a
prepackaged mercury intensifier, though. The Chromium intensifier
worked as you describe.

Carson
Carson@ileaf.com

> It really did a swell job of intensifying a thin neg. Turned it a sort of
> yellowish. I used it for toning prints and when placed in direct sunlight
> turned them from the yellow to a chocolate (luscious) brown.
> I suppose I would still use it now with gloves, aerator mask, oil cloth
> apron, ventilation, etc.
> Jack
> ***The eye is the Pencil of Nurture***
>
>
>