DEFECTS IN NEGATIVES AND PRINTS 521 



defects simultaneously. For this reason it is suggested that the section following, i.e., 

 Incorrect Density, be read in conjunction with this one if any doubt exists as to the 

 proper interpretation of density and contrast. It is also suggested that reference be 

 made to the chapter on Photographic Sensitometry, where the matter of proper expo- 

 sure and rendition of tones in negatives is taken up in some detail. 



Incorrect contrast is usually caused by incorrect development if it may be assumed 

 that the original subject had satisfactory contrast and was correctly lighted. 



Contrasty Negatives. 



1.4. Distinguishing Characteristic. — Shadows lack detail and other tones are too 

 contrasty. 



2A. Cause. — Underexposure and overdevelopment. Overdevelopment may have 

 been caused by using too strong a developer, developing too long a time, or developing 

 at too high a temperature. 



3.4. Prevention. — Give longer exposure and less development. Use developer of 

 proper strength at proper temperature for proper time. 



AA. Remedy. — Excessive contrast can be corrected by printing on a soft-grade or 

 flat printing paper. No remedy for lack of detail in shadows. 



\B. Distinguishing Characteristic. — Detail in all tones, but all tones too contrasty. 



2B. Cause. — Proper exposure but overdevelopment. 



35. Prevention. — Develop for proper time and at proper temperature. 



4fi. Remedy. — Printing on soft grade of paper will correct contrast. Since the 

 negative is correctly exposed, full correction can be made in printing. 



\C. Distinguishing Characteristic. — High lights lack detail; other tones too con- 

 trasty. 



2C. Cause. — Overexposure and overdevelopment. 



3C Prevention. — Less exposure and less development. 



4C Remedy. — Printing on soft grade of paper will correct for excessive contrast. 

 No remedy for loss of detail in high lights. 



Drying Down. 



1. Distinguishing Characteristic. — Negative appears properly exposed and devel- 

 oped when wet, but contrasty and overexposed in the high lights after being dried, 



2. Cause. — Slow drying of negative at high temperature and high humidity. 



3. Prevention. — The temperature at which drying takes place should usually not 

 exceed 95°F. unless the negative is hardened. Best drying is obtained with the rela- 

 tive humidity between 40 and 70 per cent. 



4. Remedy. — Contrast may be lessened in printing by printing on a soft or flat 

 paper. No remedy if high-light detail is lacking because of overexposure. 



Flat Negatives. 



lA. Distinguishing Characteristic. — Shadows lack detail and the other tones are 

 too flat and lacking in contrast. 



2A. Cause. — Underexposure as indicated by lack of shadow detail; underdevelop- 

 ment as indicated by lack of contrast. 



3.4. Prevention. — Proper exposure and proper development. A good exposure 

 meter will assist in properly determining exposure. The recommendations of the film 

 manufacturer should be followed in developing, both as to time and to temperature. 



AiA. Remedy. — Density may be increased by intensifying, although lack of shadow- 

 detail cannot be corrected. The best corrective measure is to make a print on con- 

 trasty paper, although shadow detail will still be lacking. 



\B. Distinguishing Characteristic. — Detail in all tones, but all tones too flat. 



