Very Short Exposure Times (Enlarging)

Joenail

Joenail

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Joe
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I've been doing a lot (a LOT!) of printing recently, just about every day from 9-5 for a good 4 weeks now. I'm getting a bit sick of the red light :cuckoo:

My exposure times all seem to be shorter than normal (I usually use an LPL enlarger but have switched to an Ilford Multigrade 500 thingmy for this). 35mm stuff is reasonable, an average of about 20s split grade, but anything above that (6x7/6x7) is very short - some as low as 1.3 seconds. I'm printing 12x16 so the head obviously has to be quite close to the easel, thus making the light brighter, but I didn't think it'd affect it that much. I normally print on f8/11, but even on f22 I'm going as short as 4 seconds (again, split grade). I'm using the same 90mm lens for everything.

My question is, is there anything else I can do to increase my exposure times? It's making dodging very difficult & burning isn't too easy since I don't have a foot switch.

If it makes a difference, I'm using a variety of papers - Ilford Warmtone, ADOX something, Foma Chamois (lovely stuff, by the way) & Foma Warmtone, all FB 12x16

Cheers,

-J
 
Assuming that the lens has a filter ring, pick up some screw in ND filters? a 2 or 3 stopper will give you enough time to work with?
 
I should have thought of that! I think I did but dismissed it because I wasn't sure if it'd work :bonk: I'll check next time I'm in if the lens has a filter ring, I'm not sure. If it doesn't am I right to assume I can just get one of the big square ND filters & use it as you would a contrast filter?

Thanks Rob
 
I can't imagine why it wouldn't work, I imagine you will need to focus and compose with it off ad screw in for each print, which could get annoying. I suppose Cokin A or P filters would be easier :) seeing as paper behaves the same as film, a 2 stopper should give you 4x the time but I would want to test it :)
 
In my multigrade 500 head/De Vere I put some Lee ND filter on the bottom of the mixing box. just make sure it is heat resistant, the type you use on lighting.

Don't really like anything below the lens, something else to reduce quality.
 
Yeah, it seems a better to put it somewhere above the negative & lens. How easy is it for you to move it for focusing, Ed?

Thanks again.
 
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