The DARKROOM COOKBOOK, Third Edition

Proofi ng for Maximum Black
The camera never lies, but it is possible to be selective amongst the many statements
it makes.
—Michael Gilbert
One of the most important habits to develop in the darkroom is consistency. Having
achieved satisfactory results you should be able to repeat them, alter them, and then
return to the fi rst result should it become necessary. In addition to being consistent in
your work habits it is important to set and practice standard procedures whenever possible.
This will further facilitate the ultimate goal: to produce a perfect print.
One area of darkroom procedure that is conducive to standardization is making
proof sheets. While it is not necessary to standardize on making a proof sheet doing so
will streamline your workfl ow, help determine if your system is working properly, camera,
meter, fi lm and developer, and enable you to accurately read step wedges when making
interpositives. The method is known as proofi ng for maximum black.
Proofi ng for maximum black takes into consideration the base � fog density of the
fi lm and the maximum black that a given paper is capable of reaching. The base � fog
density is affected by the combination of fi lm and developer. In theory this means that
a test needs to be made for every fi lm/developer combination you use. In practice you
really only need to test one combination of fi lm and developer for any given fi lm as long
as the paper remains the same. You will fi nd that most fi lm/developer combinations will
proof for maximum black within a second of each other and as the sole purpose is to
achieve consistent results that can be compared this is acceptable.
Before you can run your test you need a strip of unexposed but developed and fi xed fi lm.
Four blank frames of 6 � 6, or 3 blank frames of 6 � 7, or 5 to 6 blank frames of 35 mm, etc.
So that you don’t forget do it at the beginning of the roll. Hold the lens against your chest, set
the f/stop to 16 and the shutter speed at its fastest setting, and release and cock the shutter
the appropriate number of times. The remaining fi lm is yours to do as you like.
PROCEDURE FOR PROOFING FOR MAXIMUM BLACK
Appendix 4
● With consistency in mind, choose a lens and negative carrier to use for all future proof sheets.
It does not matter which you choose—just be consistent.
● With consistency in mind, raise the enlarger head to a comfortable working height. This should
be about the height to make an 11 � 14 inch print. If the enlarger column has a scale on it make
a note of this height and use it for all future proof sheets. If it does not have a scale, then mark
the column with a Sharpie® or tape.