This month’s PoP tip deals with how to exactly key in on areas of a Silver Gelatin print that needs to be flashed. For those unfamiliar with the Flashing Technique, a short explanation here: Flashing is allowing a controlled and tested amount of “Non-Image Forming Light” to fall on specific areas of an undeveloped but completely printed sheet of Silver Gelatin enlarging paper. Naturally, there is no image visible and that is why being able to identify exactly where that Flashing Light is directed is very valuable. See below Video
Good tip Steve! I have started testing to determine a pre-threshold flash time using a medium density negative (Z6) to sensitize the paper but not make a tone. Did you use a similar negative in your flashing enlarger? Do you always flash with low contrast light (grade 0)? I thought about flashing with grade 2 since it is more neutral and might help the overall tone of the flashed area.
Hi Stephen, Thanks very much for your comments.
I do not use a pre exposed negative in the flashing enlarger. I merely stop the lens down to f 32 at the exact same height each and every time so that all remains consistent from one time to the next, that is the luxury of having a second enlarger for nothing but Flashing. I make incremental test strips to determine just a hint of grey tone on a specific piece of Silver MC paper. Make sure if the head is a Cold Light that the heater has been turned on and warmed up before making any tests as intensity changes significantly as the head warms up.
Cheers !!
A great darkroom tip.
Thanks Steve.
Thank you John for taking the time to offer a comment.
Cheers, SS
What a superb video! The part filmed with safelight only is incredibly helpful. Targeted flashing is NEW to me; thanks a million, Steve.
The difference between those two prints is simply staggering!
Some years ago, I studied with Steve and Tim Jones in Bob Carney’s Toronto darkroom [I’m unbelievably lucky to have done this.]. Steve and Tim showed us the efficacy of full-sheet flashing and how to do it. Having a second [el cheapo] enlarger [or “calibrated” bare bulb] is ideal for this. It’s amazing how the flashing technique will bring out a little more tone in an area where it’s on the threshold of appearing.
As an aside, once I have determined the correct exposure to flash my paper, it’s then time to test the safelight. A flashed paper with typical safelight “open time” will continue to show no tone when developed. When testing the safelight with flashed paper, I put a few coins on the test strip to shade some areas from the safelight.
I’m in Kingston, Ontario.
Thank you Larry for your kind words, both Tim and I enjoyed your company and now count you as a good friend !!