Back to my Roots, 2nd darkroom print in 25 years

[@neilpiper9889]

I still have my bathroom darkroom kit. A 1950s Gnome Alpha rangefinder 6x9 condenser enlarger with a Schneider Componon S 100mm f4. 5 lens a glass carrier. and a Schneider Componon s 50mm f2. 8 lens with a glassless negative carrier. I am in the process of preparing to enlarge some 6x6 Tri x negatives from my Yashica Mat camera from 1957. I have no window in my bathroom so it's ideal. I print 8x8 inch prints on 10x8 inch paper using the waste area for test strips. I started as a printer in a professional photographers darkroom when I was 16 in 1961. I am 77 now and still loving it. Its great that you are making these helpful videos to encourage a new generation of people to get into darkroom work. 👍

[@martinhensonphotography]

Great to hear you still in the darkroom , inspiring, thanks

[@SteveAtkinsonFineArt]

Good to see you back Martin! You're in our prayers that you feel better very soon. We miss having new videos, but I go back and rewatch all the great content you've uploaded over the years, especially the Holga videos. I don't have a darkroom myself, but am enjoying watching videos from people like yourself who do, and know what they're doing, grin....Cheers!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@robertyoung1777]

I like the idea of putting the prints in books. I learn a lot from you videos and appreciate the pacing, images and well chosen dialogue.

[@GAROBERBERIAN]

Lovely print Martin, like you just started printing again and its really satisfying, you should try the Ilford warm tone fibre based papers they really are nice.

[@leeo.alexander2324]

This brings back memories. I built my darkroom in 1980 when returned from Germany. After my wife became concerned about the chemicals I decided to change it and just go digital. I believe my last darkroom print was around 1998 or so. Today I am still digital, but I have a lot of darkroom items and film cameras. I still will develop my own negatives and slides, 35mm up to 4x5. I have been trying to get members of the photo club interested in doing alternate photography. Shooting film is more intentional and you can't "chimp" when you are behind the camera. I donated my complete two enlarger systems, a Durst (35-120) and an Omega 4x5 to a local school that needed the equipment. Now I have collected items over the years and I could put a darkroom back, but I value my life more. I enjoyed seeing you print and seeing the results, keep it up.

[@martinhensonphotography]

It also brought memories from my previous years in the darkroom, wonderful

[@romgostomski1677]

The expression, quality not quantity, springs to mind with two prints in 25 years! Great to see you back. Great video as always. I look forward to seeing more darkroom videos. I have just restarted darkroom printing, so this is very timely.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks ❤

[@bluzizalright]

Darkroom work has a magical element that I have never tired of. Nice work - welcome back to the dark side of photography :)

[@jllanesphoto]

It is so good to see you back in the saddle. You have no idea how many people you inspire. I have watched all your videos numerous times. Every time I watch them I pick up something else. Many blessing !!!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks for the kind words

[@roeckleb]

Hi Martin, I Think we will very happy in the future when we have pictures Like this. I Like your Channel!

[@mickcookson8009]

This is exactly why I like my dark room printing, it takes you're mind off all other things. I watched the video when you took the shot Martin and I thought then, that would not be an easy darkroom print to make, but it turned out great.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Probably do a better job as I continue, but I was pleased with it, the end image is a copy of the print I scanned untouched on the flatbed, thank you

[@jdebultra]

Beautiful work Martin. You really are a fine art photographer and the darkroom is deserving of your skill.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks, appreciate your comment

[@johnbowyer6902]

Martin, I remembered that the most important part of a brand-new enlarger never came with it: the lens. Great work.

[@MichaelCortese1]

The print looks fantastic Martin! Glad to see you back at it, and hope you're back to full health! This community really appreciates you and these videos!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks, I was very pleased with the print

[@andrewfindlayphoto]

I could almost smell the fixer. Your video brought me back to the hours I spent printing in my grandmothers wash-house. 😁

[@martinhensonphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@franciscovarela7127]

“Like riding a bike.” Indeed, nice work. My favourite paper was Brovira, if memory serves #119, grade 3 (for most negatives), subdued pearl texture. Don’t remember the developer I used, but the combo gave beautiful tonal range and surface texture. These days scan and print on a decent ink jet. Not the same as wet work but I can get prints that are “good enough”.

[@martinhensonphotography]

I do a lot of scanning and printing on matt paper and the results are excellent and will continue to mix new and old ways to the end print, thanks

[@petervanorsouw2858]

Hi Martin, Yes darkroom printing is like riding a bike. Since Covid I've been able to catch up with both bike riding and printing. My darkroom isn't as light tight as it should be, but if I work quickly its not a problem, the paper is flashed just a little, ha ha.📸

[@martinhensonphotography]

Cant beat a little flashing, of paper 😂

[@petervanorsouw2858]

@@martinhensonphotography Benny Hill would have made great comments about what would develop in a darkroom and about flashing, paper of course. 📸

[@jaroslawstepien6411]

Great lesson in the Martin Darkroom... Many thank's Martin!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Your welcome

Dear Martin, many thanks for sharing. You condensed in a few minutes a lot of knowledge and practice that takes time to master. Please go on with more videos. Greetings from Spain!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Glad it was helpful!

@@martinhensonphotography Very helpful

[@lensman5762]

Good to see you again, Martin. There is nothing like making a good B&W print of your own negative. I really do miss my darkroom, even though I still have most of the stuff, including an old Cold Cathode 4X5 Enlarger. Last time I was printing I was using the magnificent Kodak Elite FB paper exclusively. It shows how long ago that was. Take care.

[@matthiassommer9317]

Hallo Martin, Schön, dass Du ein Dunkelkammervideo gemacht hast. Ich fühle mich da mittlerweile ganz zu Hause. Auch Experimente machen viel Spaß. Die Zeit vergeht im Fluge... Mach weiter so! Viele Grüße aus Berlin Matthias

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@williamfalls5681]

Great to have you back Martin. I haven’t made a print in the darkroom either for about 25 years but am determined to get at again and this is just the push I needed. Hope your health continues to improve as you have greatly missed. God bless.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks 😊

[@Keith195573]

Good to see you back. Thank you for creating these great videos, I have watched for several years and enjoy them all.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Your welcome

[@billbarraclough9653]

Wonderful to have you back in action, Martin. This video took me back 40 years!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@derbyshirewalker]

Good to see you back Martin…hope you continue to improve. How interesting and thank you…I did some printing more than 35 years ago with some simple Patterson equipment. You’ve just re-educated me.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Glad you found it helpful, we all help one another sharing our knowledge

[@martin-f5482]

Hi Martin, great to see you back in the wet darkroom. There's so much fun doing it.

[@martinhensonphotography]

There is I totally aggree

[@captaindebug]

A Really enjoyable video Martin - looking forward to more of them.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Hopefully, I can get more like this out with tips and darkroom tricks, thank you

[@liveinaweorg]

Sorry you remain unwell Martin but pleased to see you've found a way to keep your creativity working. Enjoyed your return to the darkroom. 👍

[@martinhensonphotography]

Im getting there, thanks

[@JasonRenoux]

Beautiful print Martin, glad you're back at it.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Many thanks

[@AB-nv5tp]

Congratulations Martin for the photo and for getting back to positivizing in the darkroom, it's a very motivating video, thanks for sharing your experience. I hope your health problems are behind you and don't stop posting videos. Best regards from Spain.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@harrywlodawski2120]

Thanks so much for making this video. Took me back many, many years.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Your welcome, thanks for watching and commenting

[@achimboers]

Thanks for sharing. I try the grade splitting. You made it look easy. Ah.. greetings from Sydney !

[@martinhensonphotography]

You're welcome!

[@petealcantara3111]

Absolutely enjoyed your video. I have a small darkroom setup in my bathroom. Still learning and really learned a lot from your video. Keep it up and thank you.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Enjoy it and dont give up, thanks

[@RomulSpiel]

Мартин, здоровья тебе!

[@sebkanters]

I enjoyed watching this video, thanks for taking us along while making your second print in a long time! If you like your prints on matte papers from your inkjet, you should definitely give a true matte fiber paper a try in the darkroom, like Fomabrom Variant 112 or Ilford MGFB Classic Matte which is probably more easily available in the UK. Ilford ART300 is even more beautiful IMO, although it's a bit pricey. You won't be disappointed!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@alanhuntley55]

Welcome back to the dark side, Martin! 😀 You might want to try a "glossy" FB paper as some of these have a nice soft gloss, IMO. Ilford Warmtone Pearl RC is very nice, too. Hope you're fully on the mend now...nice to see you back.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks Alan

[@tgchism]

Nice work Martin! I was thinking it was just like riding a bike the whole time watching the video! It's been about the same amount of time since I've made a print in a darkroom myself or developed film for that matter. Illford Pearl was a favorite of mine as well! Over the last few years of shooting on Sony digital cameras, I collected classic lenses to adapt to the cameras. During that time, through auctions, I also acquired a few older 35mm cameras. I've just finished up replacing the seals on the ones that needed it and I now have 4 cameras to try out with the original lenses that came with them. My favorite is the Zeiss ikon icarex 35s tm with the Ultron 50mm 1.8 lens. When I try out the cameras I've invited my youngest son who also likes photography but has only shot digital to join me. His favorite classic lens is the Auto Fujinon 50mm 1.4. I have re-sealed the Fujica ST701 camera it came with for him to try out the lens with. It should be a lot of fun. We also will try a Sears TTL camera with the Auto Sears 55mm 1.4 and the even older Sears Tower 32A Camera with the Mamiya Sekor F.C. 58mm 1.7. Once a gain great video and nice printing! Best wishes to you in the new year! look forward to your videos!

[@martinhensonphotography]

To now have the choice of Inkjet or darkroom print makes me happy

[@stereojam77]

This is a great video Martin. Thank you for sharing your work. I just started a Darkroom Photography course here in Cork, Ireland. Seeing you in action makes me appreciate the skill and knowledge that only comes after many years at the process. I have a ways to go!

[@stereojam77]

Also, best of health to you.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Glad it was helpful!, thanks

[@martinhensonphotography]

Stick at it and you will get there😊

[@jhenline7813]

That was a good deal on the darkroom equipment Martin!! Not so easy to get an enlarger that goes up to 6x7 and the Kaiser ones are good quality. I like the sliding red filter, not seen that before. Funny how things turn out, must have been meant to be, and the print you made is lovely. Glad you’re enjoying the darkroom. Ashamed to say I’ve not tried split grade printing, but will definitely give it a go.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Yes it a good enlarger, different to the durst enlargers I used to work on

[@hanschristian4350]

I myself am looking forward to building my own darkroom so this video comes in good as motivation

[@martinhensonphotography]

Great timing, do it and enjoy

[@DEG-3]

You’ve made me want to dig out my darkroom gear. I just don’t have a good space right now.

[@martinhensonphotography]

Glad to hear that , thanks

[@dvoraklovelace2801]

Que proceso tan interesante, espero juntar el suficiente dinero y conocimiento para hacer este proceso. Me ha parecido tan satisfactorio, casi como hacer magia. Gran video!

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thank you

[@allinsiteUK]

Thanks Martin. Not sure how the two exposures at 0 & 5 produces a result different to using a grade between the two but, obviously if you dodge it can be of value. An observation I would make is that I wouldn't have a white wall immediately behind the enlarger. Your enlarger is quite light tight, but not all are so well controlled, and if you are doing large prints the amount of light reflection from the paper may become detrimental. Having a foot switch for the timer would help a lot with dodging. I used to like the swing in red filters too when dodging as you would push it out of the way with the hand so the in mage was projecting onto the back of the hand from which you could judge where to reveal the image projection. I guess more hand shading than dodging. Very rarely would I use dodging tools / flags if you like. Good idea to use the coin method to check your safelight suitability and distance for the paper you intend to use... Now, where is my 5x4 multigrade enlarger.. oh yes, in the loft! 😉

[@martinhensonphotography]

It’s the dynamic range of paper v film that split grading helps in that respect, thanks

[@allinsiteUK]

@@martinhensonphotography I used Ilford Multigrade for years as a commercial photographer. Just wondered how the science of the technique worked. Unless dodging I just couldn't see how it made a difference compared to choosing a grade setting between the two extrems. Enjoy your videos! Thanks again. 🤓

[@martinhensonphotography]

My understanding is, I do stand corrected though 😊, the 3 sensitive layers built into multigrade papers reacts differently to the enlarger light when filters are placed in the lights path, a low filtration will effect the highlight values and a hard filtration of say grade 5 affects the contrast of blacks and whites, so a mixture or split grade in theory increases the dynamic range by allowing more detail in the highlights and also achieving a decent overall print contrast, that’s of course if its look your after.

[@russellsprout2223]

There is an argument that says that when split grade printing, all you're doing is recreating your ready-made 'out of the box' filters (or in your case, dial in filtration). T'would be interesting to see the same neg printed at G3 or G3½ perhaps. 🤔

[@martinhensonphotography]

Or maybe papers contrast is not as good as a negatives and needs a little help , no doubt it would print in the grades you mention but without either a little dodge or burn would the results be better or worse, I think I know but I’m not a master printer

[@totenvt]

sadly i lost my darkroom (35mm to 5x4 enlargers ) when the ex wife became pregnant, a nursery was more important in her eyes. In my eyes the real skill in photography came in the darkroom

[@dvoraklovelace2801]

Que diosito me lo cuide su contenido vale oro 👏

[@martinhensonphotography]

Thanks