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Looks like this neg 'should' be capable of producing the blacks you want. Try the max black test and expose for the highlights to where that gets you.
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The straight neg scan looks alot better than the print you made, better shadow detail around the chrome bumper and better separated midtones.
I think some of the problem could be with the rusting paint on the car bodywork having colours which black and white film can't separate and maybe might have been improved by using a coloured filter, orange maybe.
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If my Dektol was old would that cause the problem you are seeing?
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 Originally Posted by stradibarrius  If my Dektol was old would that cause the problem you are seeing? Exhausted Dektol would show a loss of Dmax and contrast, yes.
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You didn't indicate the time/temp of the print developer but I assume that you allowed the print to develop to completion. I find it worthwhile to produce a "max-black" reference at the beginning of each printing session which is simply left in the water tray as a comparison during the session. Personally I don't use RC papers because of the "veiling" of image blacks but there are plenty of users who apparently have no such issues and there are certainly adequate numbers of beautiful prints made on RC papers to indicate that everyone doesn't have the problem!
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Rather than chasing my tail I am going to mix some fresh Dektol and make the MAX black test strip so I have a base to start from.
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Originally Posted by stradibarrius Rather than chasing my tail I am going to mix some fresh Dektol and make the MAX black test strip so I have a base to start from. Those are words of wisdom!
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Originally Posted by stradibarrius Rather than chasing my tail I am going to mix some fresh Dektol and make the MAX black test strip so I have a base to start from. I only just came in on this but you MUST establish your max black with fresh chemicals and developed to completion (no early snatching) first.
then follow the excellent advice given for establishing correct contrast - or use split grading which will do that for you but is another technique you would have to learn.
If you still are not satisfied with the depth of blacks with that paper you can only change paper or dev (not likely to help much as you are using a good combo) - or intensify the print - not yet mentioned. This will give blacks to die for, but may have other effects too.
Tim
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David's advice is excellent.
However, I'd also check that you aren't contaminating your developer, by using poor technique ; that your enlarger isn't spilling light into the darkroom, thus degrading the contrast ; and, lastly, that your enlarger isn't spilling light into your darkroom, again degrading contrast.
Regards
Jerry
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Ooops! Sorry, didn't reread before posting!
Thirdly, check that your lens is clean and not diffusing light, again degrading contrast.
Regards
Jerry
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