Is it possible to make a full scale negative (or nearly) on ortho film? I
understand that it renders fewer shades of gray, but so many people seem
to suggest this method. I've never had good results and have given up in
favor or large format original negatives. However, I teach courses in
alternative processes and wish to provide the students more low tech
options. Vandyke brown printing and gum printing both allow for a much
longer tonal range than the negatives we're using can produce.
I'm anxiously awaiting the next issue of Post Factory which promises the
whole how-to. Any clues while I'm flailing about trying to
prepare for the Fall semester? Judy??
This is what I've tried thus far: the flat "bad positive" developed in
Dektol 1:6 - 1:12, D-76 1:1, Selectol in many dilutions. Our chosen film
is usually the Freestyle house brand, but I've tried Kodalith and DuPont.
Should the contact print to get the negative be developed differently?
Has anyone used fine-grained positive for this purpose? Or the new
"continuous tone ortho" film listed the the Photo Warehouse catolog? How
about pinhole negatives straight to ortho film (I tried this also).
Thanks!
Gwen Walstrand
Drury College
Springfield, MO