This procedure documents my process for making darkroom prints using variable contrast multigrade paper. It includes equipment setup, chemistry preparation, exposure calculations using zone system measurements, and processing steps. This procedure is primarily for my own use and will continue to evolve as I refine my workflow.

Setup

• Enlarger aligned
  • Check level with bubble level (base, head, lens carrier)
  • Using Vlad’s Test Target negative
    • height: 16.25 cm
    • Aperture: f/8 (sharpest in corners)
    • Adjust height and focus so negative width is about 23.5 cm (little less than 10 in); focus on piece of paper.
    • Measure to make sure width, height, and diagonals match within about 1 mm.
    • Focus on center resolution lines, pay attention to 0-6 set of lines. Should be starting to get soft but still distinct on center target. A little less distinct at corners.
    • Adjust alignment as necessary.
    • Put away test negative
• Remove film cascade washer.
• Chemicals
  • Start rinse bath
  • Mix 500 mL Adox Neutol ECO 1+4 with distilled water and pour into tray
  • Pour 500 mL of Photographers’ Formulary TF-5 1+3 print fixer into tray (normally pre-mixed)
  • Test fixer with potassium iodide
• Lay out tongs
• Phone color filter on
• Thermometer upside down (bright screen)
• Light off, curtain/door secure, check for light leaks (ok for GraLab timer to be uncovered, doesn’t make a difference)

Recording Session Details

Use the Print Log Template to record equipment, chemistry, and exposure details for each print.

Equipment Section

Fill out once per session:

• Enlarger: make, model, and head type (e.g., Omega C760 Dichroic head)
• Lens: make, model, focal length, and max aperture (e.g., Rodenstock Rogonar-S 50mm f/2.8)

Chemistry Section

Fill out once per session:

• Developer: brand, type, ratio, and time (e.g., Adox Neutol ECO 1+4 1m30s)
• Stop bath and Fixer: similar format

Print Details

Fill out for each individual print:

• #: Sequential reference number for the day, marked on back of paper for identification
• Shadow and Highlight: Measured illuminance values using LM-3000 iPhone app with diffuser over front camera
• Range: Computed from shadow and highlight measurements (as shown in template)
• Shadow and Highlight values: Target print values from zone system (zones I through X)
• Paper range: Selected ISO Paper range calculated from previous columns
• Filter: Color filter settings to achieve the paper range (see Ilford MGRC Chart)
• Highlight H_H: Target exposure for highlight (see Ilford MGRC Chart)
• Attenuator factor: Exposure factor for chosen attenuator used to adjust resulting time

The measurements and formulas on the template are normally good enough to make a working print that may only need ±1/3 stop adjustment and/or a 1/2 grade adjustment in contrast. After making a suitable working print, fine-tune adjustments and dodge/burn strategy can be determined and notes made for how to make a fine print.

Developing

• Developer: 1m30s@19°C (not too sensitive to temperature)
• Water stop bath: 30s
• Fix: 30s
• Wash: 5m

Notes

• This is a personal procedure, is subject to change, and may not be optimal for everyone.
• The zone system exposure method used here is based on measuring shadow and highlight illuminance values from the projected negative, then calculating appropriate paper grade and exposure to place these values in desired zones on the print.
• The Ilford MGRC Chart contains lookup tables for filter settings and highlight exposures based on ISO Paper range values for Ilford Multigrade RC Deluxe Pearl paper. This chart was created through a series of paper tests using a step wedge and a range of filter settings from 200M to 200Y. A future post may detail the paper testing procedure used to generate these values.