How to print an enlargement

1. Cut one sheet of enlarging paper into two 5 x 7s

2. Cut one (or both) of the 5 x 7s into seven 5" x 1" test strips.

3. Put all but one strip of paper back into the black bag, as paper may be ruined when left out.

4. Place one strip of negatives with the film emulsion side (dull side of film) in contact with the paper emulsion side (shiny side of paper). The negatives and paper should now have emulsion-to-emulsion contact.

5. Place one strip of negatives and paper onto the easel.

6. Set the timer to 25 seconds.

7. Use the cardboard to cover all but the first frame on the test strip. When the timer reaches 20 seconds. Move card to expose about additional ONE INCH. Repeat as time reaches 15, 10 and 5 seconds. Remove test strip and process.

8. After completely processing the Test Strip, you will need to view the test strip in normal room light. Evaluate the progressive tones of the entire test strip, including the highlights, midtones and shadows.

9. After determining which area of the test strip represents the least/most exposure, choose the section of the test strip, which represents the sufficient exposure and density in the highlights, midtones and shadows.

10. Set timer to the number of seconds determined from the test strip.

11. If the exposure times become too short, approximately 10 – 15 seconds, it may be necessary to stop down the aperture further. If the exposure times become too long, over 60 seconds, it may be necessary to open the aperture an additional stop(s).

12. It may be necessary to add a filter to either lower or raise the contrast in the highlights, midtones and shadows.

13. Once the exposure time and aperture combination as well as the proper filter have been determined AND SET, place a full 8” x 10” (or a 5'x7') sheet of paper with the emulsion (shiny) side up in the correct sizing slot of the easel and close the easel and press timer button for exposure.

14. Place the photograph face down in the developer tray. Agitate the photograph in the chemicals, by using the tongs to move your print every 15 seconds, will give you the best development.

15. The print needs a full 4 minutes to mature. Although the image may appear within seconds, don‘t be tempted to remove it too soon!

16. After 4 minutes in the developer, use the tongs to lift the print.

17. After 1 minute in the stop bath, use the tongs to lift the print and the chemical drip off before you move it over to the fixer.

18. Slide the print into the fixer tray, and use the tongs to move the print to get fresh fixer to the surface of the print. Fixing takes a full 5 minutes.

19. Then move the print to the water. Wash must the print for 5 minutes in the large circular cold water bath.

20. After the wash, drain the print and move the "WET AREA' counter to use a squeegee to remove any excess water.

21. Take the print out to the drying rack. The picture should contain a full range of tones from small areas of pure white (as white as the paper edges) to small areas of intense black, with all the greys in between. If it does not, check that you followed the instructions accurately.