[pure-silver] Re: Ilfochrome
- From: Mark Blackwell <mblackwell1958@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: pure-silver@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2009 10:43:54 -0800 (PST)
It is interesting to see how much people are enjoying color printing. I
learned a lot from doing a little bit of color work, but I wasn't one that
enjoyed it. I valued the education but it basically taught me a couple of
things. First is the importance of color balance and using the correct
filtration both at capture and exposure of the paper. It taught me what a good
lab could do for me. It taught me the importance of consistency in the
process. It also taught me that I wasn't going to save any money by doing it
myself. Either I invested in a color analyzer or I was going to usually need
to make several prints to get the one I wanted. By the time I did that, I had
spent enough to let the lab do it.
What's more is that if I did everything right, and the lab did everything
right, we both got the same print. With b&w the number of variables are such
that I could never get the same print as I can at home. The amount of exposure
would never be the same, the dodging and burning wouldn't be the same and
really not much of anything could be the same. There I saw the necessity of
doing it myself. Yet if color wasn't cheaper, and it wasn't any different if I
did it right, I came to the conclusion that why should I spend my time that way
when the pro lab did color balance all day long. In reality I was spending
time trying to get work as good as there's and paying the same amount or more
to do it. It wasn't something I enjoyed so I went back to leaving it to labs
and only print things I considered extremely special (such as a gift that I
wanted to tell someone I did it all myself) then it went to the lab.
Yes I can see why people would enjoy it an that's fair. I can see where people
could be in areas where processing might be difficult or impossible to get
otherwise. I can see doing it because you want to, but don't expect to save
that much.
Again just like the Ilfochrome, it will be the paper that is the link in the
chain. Right now RA 4 paper is easy to get. That may not be the case in years
to come. You can mix your own chemistry, but its a lot tougher to make your
own paper. Anyone know if you can even do it with color paper? Richard?? If
you can, and have, Id be interested to know the process, maybe even try it, and
then keep the data in a file in case it becomes unavailable later.
--- On Fri, 1/16/09, Ken Hart1 <kwhart1@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> From: Ken Hart1 <kwhart1@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [pure-silver] Re: Ilfochrome
> To: pure-silver@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Date: Friday, January 16, 2009, 12:11 PM
> RA-4 (color prints from negatives) is likely to be around
> for a while. There is a large established base of major
> users: WalMart and most drug store chains. The process is
> not difficult. In my opinion, the toughest part is the
> actual processing, and if you pick up a roller-transport
> machine, that makes it easy: insert the exposed paper, and
> in about 3-5minutes, out comes a dry finished print.
> I've never used tube type processing, but I understand
> that if you have multiple tubes/tanks, it's also pretty
> easy. I use Trebla brand chemicals- they are cheaper than
> Kodak, they keep longer, and are not hazmat. They are not
> available in small quantities; minimum is concentrate to
> make 25 gallons, but you can mix partial quantities.
>
> Printing isn't difficult either, if you have a set of
> viewing filters. Make a test print just like in B&W
> printing and determine the exposure time. Once you have the
> correct density, then (and only then!) you adjust the color.
> Usually, my second test print gives me the correct exposure
> and color balance.
>
> BTW, I'm looking to replace my processor. If anyone
> knows of an available 30" wide (minimum) roller
> transport processor, preferably close to SW Indiana, please
> let me know!
>
> Also, if anyone wants to discuss/ask questions about RA4,
> I'd be glad to respond.
>
> Ken Hart
> kwhart1@xxxxxxxxxxx
>
>
> > Hi Snoopy,
> >
> > After many years of B&W only printing, I made my
> first color prints this year. Very satisfying and easier
> than expected. I found much good advice on the APUG Color
> forum.
> >
> > I think there used to be a companion list (called
> Chroma?) to pure-silver for color work, but I never
> subscribed and think it may be defunct.
> >
> > --Ben
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Snoopy"
> <snoopy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> > To: pure-silver@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> > Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 10:53:50 AM GMT -05:00
> US/Canada Eastern
> > Subject: [pure-silver] Re: Ilfochrome
> >
> > Dear Elias,
> >
> > Elias Roustom wrote:
> >
> >>
> >> I'll have no trouble getting RA4 process
> materials - maybe we can start
> >> a new thread on reversal printing with negative
> paper.
> >>
> >
> > Life is full of coincidences: I just today picked up a
> used colour
> > processing machine becuase I have decided to do my own
> colour prints
> > this year. I had a few "digitally optimised photo
> lab desasters" last
> > year, including one where they cut the film wrongly
> and gave me nine
> > strips of 4 negs, where the front and end negative
> were cut in the MIDDLE!!
> >
> > Enough is enough, quoth the BEagle plus the colours
> etc. came out crap.
> >
> > So I am now going to try this myself. At least then I
> know whose butt to
> > kick, when things go wrong.
> >
> > I do not know if any others on the list are interested
> in the subject
> > and if we should keep this on pure-silver or set up a
> new list or just
> > mail off list.
> >
> > Any others on puer-silver who do prints from colour
> negatives and can
> > give some advice ? Anyone interested ?
> >
> > Love,
> > Snoopy
> >
> > -- "Ceterum censeo, digitalem esse delendam"
>
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