[pure-silver] Re: Pre-Exposure of Negatives

I have a pre-exposure device made from two squares of white plastic. They are taped together, with spacers between the sheets, which leaves a slot inside for 4" neutral density filters. I use 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 neutral density filters with it. This is handy not just because I can meter through the device (with no filter installed) and quickly pre-expose the film anywhere from 1 to 7 stops below the reading by placing the correct filter or filters in the slot, but also because getting the correct low-value pre-exposure can be difficult in bright light without the ND filters. In practice I find that pre-exposure to a Zone II value is the most effective setting, but of course your scene, equipment, procedure, and personal taste will determine this for you.

If you plan to use this technique with a roll-film camera, you will need to choose a model with multiple-exposure capability.

I find the pre-exposure technique a quick, simple, and effective way to boost the shadows for an individual frame or sheet of film, and much more controllable and reliable than so-called "compensating" developers and development methods. I am always surprised that more black-and-white photographers do not take advantage of such a simple method.

Best regards,
Aaron


On Jul 17, 2006, at 8:31 PM, Jim Brick wrote:

I've been doing this for years. But I use a piece of white frosted acetate. I mounted it in a filter holder so it is easy to put on the lens.

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