Proofing 35 mm TMax

[richard_trochlil]

For 40+ years I have been using a couple of sheets of plate glass hinged by

elec tape to proof my negs.

 

Well, that don't work so well with TMax. Handling the stuff is like handling

a basket of snakes.

 

Any good ideas out there other than tracking down a genuine 35 mm proofer?

[frank.schifano]

Really?! I'm genuinely surprised to hear that. I've always found that the stuff dries pretty flat.

[franklin_h1]

I've read some people use those plastic negative storage sheets for making proofs as well as storing the negs. Have not tried it myself, but even if there were marks on the plastic its just for proofs anyway.

Just a thought

[randall ellis]

As stated above, I insert all my films into sheets and put that in the proofer for printing. It holds multiple negative stips in place and makes proofing multiple rolls quick and easy. No need for a special proofer, but if you want one, they show up on ebay regularly. I found that most of the time you get a new one without any scratches in the glass for the same as what you can get on ebay, which may or may not have scratches.

 

- Randy

[robert himmelright]

i had that problem with agfa pan... then it stopped

[richard_trochlil]

Thanks for the info. I never thought of the plastic sheet idea. Sounds good.

 

I rarely use TMax, but happened onto a bunch of the stuff. And it does not dry flat, at least this batch doesn't.

[robert_mccann]

Have you tried adding a bit less hardener to your fixer? Hardener seems to make my film

curl.

-Robert

[pablito_pistola]

Proofing through the plastic negative holder sheets gives you muddy proofs. It's

impossible to judge focus or see fine details through a loupe on contact sheets made this

way.

[d_purdy]

Odd. TMAX lies flat as a pancake for me. I used to proof 35mm in pages but

the pages changed and the strips of film are farther apart than they used to be

so that they won't fit even on 8.5X11. Now I proof 35 mm on 8x10. 6 strips of

6 frames butted right up to each other.

[richard_trochlil]

Well, I use the std. KODAK Fixer which I have used since the Dark Ages (before TV). You folks that have TMax lay flat, perchance you are using a non-hardening fixer?

 

Odd though, given the film base composition, I shouldn't think the fixer would have any effect.

[profhlynnjones]

Richard, put the film in 8.5x11 transarent negative preservers and proof through them. I've been doing it this way during my 60 year career and all of we 28 photo professors and our predecessors have taught this for the 38 years of our program.

 

Lynn