Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2008/09/06
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Either a condensor or diffusion enlarger will work fine.? There is rigorous study by Ctein published in the first and second 1999 issues of Photo Techniques (you can buy them here http://www.phototechmag.com/back_issues2.htm).? The main measurable difference is that a condensor enlarger will print the middle and shadow values slightly lower (darker) than a diffusion enlarger.? It's important to remember, however, that there is a huge range of light sources between a true point source condensor and a completely diffused cold light.? These individual differences will influence the outcomes of your own printing. You can always tailor your negatives to your own enlarger. I like enlargers that have a large frosted bulb and a condensor, which lies in about the middle of the spectrum, but that reflects how I work. Many people will recommend Ansel Adams' "The Print" as a definitive text on darkroom work, but I found that he rarely wrote in a way that I found absolutely clear.? Kodak offers a decent basic set of instruction for free here: http://www.kodak.com/global/en/consumer/education/lessonPlans/darkroom/fullCourse.shtml I'd recommend David Vestal's 'Advanced B&W Printing' (you can get it here : http://www.phototechmag.com/shop/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=10 for $5) ,'The Craft of Photography' or 'The Art of Black and White Enlarging' - I found these excellent and clear. One recommendation - learn one film, with one developer, on one paper, with one print developer. Learn how and why certain changes change the results and then change if you want to. If you switch around trying to find the material that will make your work special, you won't learn the craft as well as you should. In the US, Freestyle is your friend. Mail me offline if you'd like. Marty Gallery: http://gallery.leica-users.org/v/freakscene -- Be Yourself @ mail.com! Choose From 200+ Email Addresses Get a Free Account at www.mail.com