Ilfochrome paper is by nature higher in contrast than other normal color papers. Images printed directly from slides will often result in high contrast prints with little to no detail in shadows or burnt out highlights ( figure 1).
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figure-1 (unmasked) |
figure-5 (masked) |
To correct this problem I make what is called a contrast reduction mask (CRM). This is nothing more than a black and white negative made by exposing it under the enlarger light source while in direct contact with the color slide ( figure 2). Light areas on the slide will be dark on the b&w negative and dark areas on the slide will be light on the b&w negative (figure 3). The color slide and b&w negative are then sandwiched together to make the print on Ilfochrome paper (figure 4). The net effect is to reduce the amount of contrast projected on to the paper resulting in colors with more pleasant tonal ranges (figure 5). This is a simplified explanation of what I do.
figure 2 |
figure 3 |
figure 4 |
There are other factors to consider. The higher the contrast of the CRM the lower the contrast of the final print and vise versa. So making a CRM with the correct contrast and density to reflect the original scene often takes a few tries. I control the density of the negative with the amount of exposure and the contrast with the length of time the b&w film is in the developer (figure 6).
figure 6
Often when images contain water such as rivers or waterfalls I protect the highlights of the rushing water from unwanted density on the CRM. Unwanted density would cause the water highlights to be dull and unremarkable. To protect the highlights in the final print I have to decrease the density of these highlights on the CRM. By using a very high contrast b&w film such as Kodalith and exposing it as I would normal b&w film I can capture just the highlights of the slide film. Once it is developed I place it on top of the slide which is placed on top of the normal b&w film for exposure. The density from the Kodalith film effectively blocks too much light passing through the highlights of the slide thereby preventing it from becoming too dense on the CRM. The net result is a final print with a correct contrast range, clean and crisp highlights, and good tonal values in the shadows.
For making normal contrast reduction masks I use Ilford’s fp4 one size larger than the format of the slide. To make highlight masks I use Kodak’s Kodalith film, however, any high contrast orthochromatic film should work. Ilford also has a pamphlet describing contrast reduction techniques (I think it is free if you call). The pin registration pictured above in figure 2 is available from a photographer named Lynn Radeka on line. It's an invaluable tool needed for Ilfochrome printing. He also sells a masking kit (www.maskingkits.com) which really goes into detail for b&w printing. Hope this helps
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