Doing a B+W test strip using Ilford filters and Ilford multigrade paper

[morrisphotos123]

Hi i was wondering if anyone can help me as i am having problems doing a test strip. as I am having problems doing a good test strip i have tries 2 seconds, all the way until you reach 10 seconds on the sheet i have also tries 10 seconds up till Twenty But all I get is ever a really light or nothing or just a few little spots when put in the developer I have tried grade 1-2 and 3 and it makes no difference where am I going wrong??

[morrisphotos123]

Hi i was wondering if anyone can help me as i am having problems doing a test strip. as I am having problems doing a good test strip i have tries 2 seconds, all the way until you reach 10 seconds on the sheet i have also tries 10 seconds up till Twenty But all I get is ever a really light or nothing or just a few little spots when put in the developer I have tried grade 1-2 and 3 and it makes no difference where am I going wrong??

[Craig Swensson]

What do your negatives look like? are they quite dark?
What aperture is the lens set at?
Are you using f11-f16?
I would forget grade 1 and 2 for now.I usually do test strips in 5-7 second stages depending on the negative and format.Sometimes up to 35 seconds in total.

[morrisphotos123]

how do you mean What aperture is the lens set at are you meaning the enlarger lens i dont quite get what yo mean 5-7 second stages depending on the negative and format.Sometimes up to 35 seconds in total. also the negs seem quite pail

[andrew.roos]

If the paper is coming out white or too light, then you are under-exposing and you need to expose for longer.
If it's coming out too dark then you need to expose for less time.

If you are exposing with an enlarger then the lens should have an aperture setting ring with numbers like 5.6, 8, 11, 22 etc on it. Setting it to f/11 would be a good starting point.

Also perhaps you could describe what paper you are using and how you are developing it (what chemicals, in what order, for how long) in case there is a problem there.

[Craig Swensson]

Yes the enlarger lens, what aperture are you using for your test strip?
For 35mm i usually test strip print at 5 second stages using f8. 7 seconds if the print a little dark
( overexposed) 7 seconds x 5 = 35 seconds.
Have a look at the links below

http://www.ephotozine.com/article/as...negatives-4682

[morrisphotos123]

The lens i have is a Meopta Belar 4,5/75 the f setting i have are 4,5 5,6 8 11 16 22 I have it on 4,5 witch is wide open

[Craig Swensson]

what paper are you using?
Are you exposing the emulsion side of the paper?

[morrisphotos123]

well i think i am esposing the emulsion side is the side that feels smooth

[paul_c5x4]

By the sounds of it, you could do with spending an hour or so with somebody who can demonstrate the basics of darkroom work - If we knew where you were, someone may offer to show you the ropes.