[pure-silver] Increasing contrast of a print

Hi,

I goofed on processing a 35mm rol of PanF. (I used a Pyro developer called 
Hypercat, the "B" solution (sodium carbonate) was precipitated, which I noticed 
after processing). The negatives were extremly thin, just baearly visible 
stained negative image. These were mainly test shots, so I took this as an 
oppertunity to test negative intensification.

First I did a bleach/re-develop with PyrocatHD, than a bleach/re-develop with 
just some Hydroquinone (2 tsp.) and sodium carbonate (4 tsp. in 300ml) (this 
mixture is also said to be a staining developer indeed it is, although also the 
negative carrier was stained light bown now), finishing it off with a silver 
intensification with Kodak's IN-5 formula (se the Darkroom Cookbook).

Indeed every step did intensify the present image (these treatment cannot 
ofcourse make up for shadows which were never recorded). Even upto that I could 
start printing: I tried some fixed grade 5 (old with a slight fog) Ilford RC 
(pyro stain is said to print as extra density on fixed grade paper) as well as 
VC grade 5 (again Ilford MG IV RC). 

I could obtain an mediocre print, suprisingly with decent shadow information, 
but the prints are verry flat, almost if they were printed on grade 1, and it 
is almost if there is  aslight grey viel over the image.

Ofcourse when a roll is supposed to contain not so important images, there is 
actually quite a nice portrait of my son.

So how could I boost the contrast of this grade 5 print?

I can think of printing is it darker/duller and try to bleach it back with 
Farmers?
Or tone it with FSA (thiourea) toner, the only toner I know of that increases 
contrast?
Or a contrastier developer, perhaps Kodak D19?

Other suggestions most welcome!

Thanks & best,

Cor

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