The DARKROOM COOKBOOK, Third Edition

98 THE DARKROOM COOKBOOK
every other exposure. Develop all the fi lms together. Wash, dry, and examine for errors.
You should have a nice sequence of ND fi lms with increasing density. Number them 1
to 9 on the edge of the fi lm so as to have a reference standard to which you can refer.
File each fi lm individually in a protective page and keep them next to your enlarger.
TO USE:
Given a negative thin in the shadows place a ND fi lm on top of the negative in the
carrier. The fi lm should be emulsion side down as base-to-base would increase the likelihood
of Newton Rings. Increase the original print exposure slightly to compensate for
the increased density.
The lighter fi lms are most appropriate for minor compensations or adjustments,
and the heavier densities useful for moving the weak densities progressively further off
the toe and up onto the straight-line section of the curve. Until you become used to
this technique I recommend starting with a fi lm about three-quarters of the way up the
scale.