selenium toning negatives

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recently i underdeveloped some negs with developer that was off. thus the negs turned out very light, but with all the details, both highlight and shadows. .. i tried to print them but they were too dark. i then bleached them in some chromium intensifier, and re developed them with good developer. ie microphen. they are marginally better.. i wonder whether toning them with selenium would darken the grain to make them printable .. the film is HP5.. i am a bit desperate for some advice please thanks robyn smith

-- robyn smith (henna@netcon.net.au), October 03, 1999

Answers

Robyn,

Selenium toner will have a slight intensification effect on black & white negs. However, I wouldn't expect a dramatic change. Try a 1:3 dilution of Rapid Selenium Toner. I would recommend a 2-3 minute presoak, Selenium bath for 5-10 minutes and a wash. Good luck!

Michael D. D'Avignon

-- Michael D. D'Avignon (LoungeAxe@aol.com), October 04, 1999.


Selenium intensification (which usually tones to completion) will give you an approximate plus 1 Zone increase in the higher densities and just about nothing in the lower. Therefore, it is not an especially good way to intensify shadow values. Assuming, however, that your shadow values are OK (since you underdeveloped, but did not underexpose) you could give it a try. Afterwards, it will probably print on contrasty paper unless it is extrememly underdeveloped. Another option, if the neg is worth it, are: making a copy negative and increasing the contrast/exposure that way. Hope this helps, ;^D)

-- Doremus Scudder (ScudderLandreth@compuserve.com), October 08, 1999.

Oh yes, Selenium Toner 1:2 for about 5 minutes should do the trick. Longer usually doesn't have any additional effect.

-- Doremus Scudder (ScudderLandreth@compuserve.com), October 08, 1999.

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