From: C Downs (fardog@mindspring.com)
Date: 09/24/01-05:04:08 PM Z
Just a personal note on unsharp masking. I'm new to this list so my
apologies if this has been discussed previously.
Over the years I've tried all sorts of diffusion sheets and ways of
making the masks slightly out of focus. For the last 15 years I have used NO
diffuser. No problems so far and great dust free benefits. I use a sheet of
white acrylic over the neg and masking film with the film emulsions in
opposite directions. This white acrylic being in contact with the original
neg's emulsion will prevent N. Rings and in my experience gives all the
diffusion necessary. Wess plastics makes a masking frame for 4x5 or smaller
negs that uses the same thing and I find it great for the smaller formats.
This will prevent all manner of dust problems and if you keep your pin reg
precise it will not be necessary to use the softer edges you get with
diffusion sheets with their inherent problems. I still get the visually
sharper edges and ability to lower contrast { or raise it....what ever you
need ....also this is better for intermediate contrast masks to compress the
midtones or expand them as is sometimes done in color tranny printing on
Ciba since two generations need to be made } .
The acrylic can be easily drilled for whatever type of pin system you
prefer. I like very large prints and this method will easily allow 40 inch
prints from 4x5 and as large of prints as the roll paper will allow with
8x10.
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