Re: Density Range

Judy Seigel (jseigel@panix.com)
Thu, 27 Jun 1996 02:27:01 -0400 (EDT)

It seems to me that much of this talk of "density range" is putting the
cart before the horse, not to mention dauntingly & unnecessarily abstract.

Let me make a suggestion: Print a 21-step in the process you're making
the negative for. When you have a paper-emulsion combination that pleases
you, count the visible steps from just past D-Max to lightest definite
"step."

That's the density range of your process. Now, either by densitometer or
by examining negative thru a small hole in an opaque card on a light
table, and comparing to steps on the 21 step film strip similarly seen
through hole in opaque card, match the negative to the print. That is,
make a negative with shadow density to match the bottom step, highlight
density to match the top step.

(This is explained further in the a------.)

Judy