How to Make a Black-and-White Contact Print

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Make a Black-and-White Contact Print Make a Black-and-White Contact Print

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

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

  • Enlarger Timers
  • Photographic Print Papers
  • Enlargers
  • Photo Negatives

Step1
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.
Step2
Raise or lower the enlarger head using a knob typically located on the right side of the enlarger support column.
Step3
Focus the light using the knob usually found just to the right of the lens until a rectangle of even light covers the baseboard.
Step4
Switch off the enlarger light.
Step5
Place a sheet of print paper on the baseboard, emulsion - or shiny - side up.
Step6
Place negatives emulsion-side-up on top of the print paper.
Step7
Lay a piece of glass over the negatives to hold them in place.
Step8
Set the enlarger timer for 10 seconds. The time will vary depending on the density of the negative.
Step9
Switch on the timer.
Step10
Expose the print paper.
Step11
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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eHow Article:  How to Make a Black-and-White Contact Print

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