How To

How to Make a Black-and-White Contact Print

By eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor
How to Make a Black-and-White Contact Print
Rate: (16 Ratings)

Making a contact print is the first step in developing and printing a black-and-white photograph.

Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Enlarger Timers
  • Photographic Print Papers
  • Enlargers
  • Photo Negatives
  1. Step 1

    Secure the lens in the enlarger head, which sits directly above the baseboard. Rotate the aperture ring on the lens to f-8 and switch on the enlarger light.

  2. Step 2

    Raise or lower the enlarger head using a knob typically located on the right side of the enlarger support column.

  3. Step 3

    Focus the light using the knob usually found just to the right of the lens until a rectangle of even light covers the baseboard.

  4. Step 4

    Switch off the enlarger light.

  5. Step 5

    Place a sheet of print paper on the baseboard, emulsion - or shiny - side up.

  6. Step 6

    Place negatives emulsion-side-up on top of the print paper.

  7. Step 7

    Lay a piece of glass over the negatives to hold them in place.

  8. Step 8

    Set the enlarger timer for 10 seconds. The time will vary depending on the density of the negative.

  9. Step 9

    Switch on the timer.

  10. Step 10

    Expose the print paper.

  11. Step 11

    Remove it and place it in a developer tray.

Tips & Warnings
  • Make sure the negative carrier holder in the enlarger head is closed before switching on the enlarger light.

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