Enlarging ---
1. Adjust enlarging size
2. Focusing
3. Adjust f-number of lens
4. Select and perform test method
5. Find the best exposure time

1. Adjust enlarging size -- Size depends on the distance between the enlarger and the easel. Adjusting must be steadily and not with excess force to keep the enlarger in good form.

2. Focusing -- Turn to the highest aperture, focusing will be the same as for taking picture, from blur to sharp and to blur, then turn back to the sharpest image in memory.

3. Adjust f-number -- A normal guide is two stops down. In fact, any aperture can be used if one does not know how. Our guide is to meet the best performing aperture judging by the appearance of gray tones on board. Do not look at the brightest and darkest part. Keep on eye on the middle gray tones. Adjust the aperture until the gray tones get the right balance.

4. Select the test method -- We can use fixed multiple time or progressing multiple time for test print. The best test print for beginners is by five sections. Fixed multiple time is to use a fixed time, e.g. 5 sec. With a card board as shield, first cover up 4/5 of the paper and expose. Then cover 3/5 for next. Follow by 2/5, 1/5 and no shield. Then the test print represents 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25. Progressing multiple time will use a basic and increasing length of time. First, expose without shield for 3 sec. Cover 1/5 and expose for 2 sec. Follow by 2/5 and 4 sec., 3/5 and 6 sec., 4/5 and 8 sec. The test print represents 3, 5, 9, 15 and 23 sec.

5. Judging the exposure time -- The best way to judge a test print is using the exact light that photo will be seen or simular lighting. This is based on personal choice or with hand made guides.

The hand made guides are used to judge the black and white. Take two pieces of the same photo paper. One is developed with light on, giving the maximum black of that paper. Another one is directly put into fixer with safelight or total darkness, giving the maximum white of that paper. Make them wet so that they are in the same state as the test print. With this black and white samples ready, follow our B/W print guide:
a. Find the minimum time to have the same blackness as the black sample.
b. Find the maximum time to have the same whiteness as the white sample.
c. Choose between the minimum and maximum time for the best gradation of your preference.

Paper Processing

Time

Agitation

1. Developer

1 to 2 minutes, refer Paper Instruction

After inserting into the developer, use print tong to press gently on the middle and four corners quickly to make sure the complete paper is covered with developer. With a constant interval of about 10 sec., repeat the same action. Do not follow some guides which suggesting a lifting of the tray, as this is a bad practice which will affect beginners to work for color enlarging in the future.

10 sec., refer Paper Instruction

Apply the same kind of work as for developer.

3. Fixer

2 to 10 minutes, refer Paper Instruction

Apply the same kind of work as for developer.

4. Washing

About 4 to 30 minutes, refer Paper Instruction

At least pour out all water two to three times. With a number of prints, it is best to sort them one by one to avoid blocking.