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How does Technical Pan handle underexposure?


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I was unexpectedly out last night with two of my regular models, and all I on me had was 6 rolls of Tech Pan; all they had was one, 60Watt tungsten bulb stuffed into little desk lamp. We decided to have some fun, and I ended up shooting them with that setup. The best I could do was f1.4 @ 1/15 second, and even then, I was spotmetering at 1 to 3 stops under my normal method, i.e., I was underexposing in the worst cases by 3 stops. I am sure I'm S.O.L., but does anyone have any advice for development? I am most interested in skin Zones (V-is VIII-ish lows to highs). I use Technidol for now at about 8 minutes. Thanks all. Shawn
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Tech pan doesn't take well to underexposure(as does any slow film).

I've never tried to push process it. A couple of clip development

tests might yield some useful information with technidol, starting at

10 minutes and going up to say 20 minutes.

 

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If you can get hold of some Ethol TEC, it yields an E.I. of 100 and

might be able to save them. Also a couple of Photographers Formulary

developers might work as they also claim to get an E. I. of 100( I've

not tried them).

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I think Gene's got the right idea, if you need these shots to come

out. If you want to extend your bag of tricks...

 

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I shot some sheet TP this weekend and accidentally metered at 320

rather than 25. Thought the speeds were funny but didn't stop myself.

So, for kicks, I used Dektol 3'30", 68F: two-tone negs with some

greyscale detail that was nearly unprintable. On the proper subject

it could work, however. Was your model cross-lit? Did the shadows

define the texture and shapes or was the light flat?

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As for the lighting, it was direct tungsten bulb lighting with a very small 180 degree oval reflector and no diffusion (it was really a desk lamp). It was

very close to the models, approximately 1 to 1 1/2 feet away from their faces, on which I was concentrating. I think the light is going to be fairly flat

on their faces, but where there are shadows, I expect they will be very strong and defined.

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Flat lighting on subject area: forget high contrast development of TP.

 

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Grain increase with PMK? It's another low-speed compensating

developer, like Technidol. Before Technidol, Kodak recommended the

POTA compensating developer for fine grain with TP. You shouldn't see

much on an increase in grain. Additionally, the stain PMK imparts

lessens the appearance of grain, from what I understand.

 

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What size prints are you making from TP that grain is a real concern?

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I'm usually doing 11x14 on fibre, but I have been hoping to do a few 16x20's sometime soon. I'm glad I can use PMK...cheaper, and I I keep

hearing wonderful things with it. I'm looking forward to trying this on Friday. Do you have any recommended times for Tech Pan with PMK?

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Photographer's Formulary has a developer called TD-3. Supposedly this

gives TP an extra stop of speed. The recommended development times

are long though. 20-23 minutes @ 68F. This might help. They say it

doesn't affect grain size at all.

Good Luck,

Liz

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