1
\$\begingroup\$

I've accidentally exposed two 400 ASA B&W films at 200 ASA. One I developed like a 400 and the negative has come out very under exposed. Any advice on how I can salvage the other one?

Thanks

Improve this question
\$\endgroup\$
7
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ Are you sure about this? Exposing for sensitivity one stop lower should result in overexposure. \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Apr 19, 2016 at 11:57
  • \$\begingroup\$ @StephanieWestonSmith What film is it? Underexposing is not uncommon even for 400ISO B&W films... Depending on which film it is and what developer you are using, you can still get some very decent and usable images out of it. You might want to check www.filmdev.org for a specific recipe to develop your film. \$\endgroup\$
    – Meclassic
    Apr 19, 2016 at 14:25
  • \$\begingroup\$ If the negative is too dark that means it is overexposed. It's a negative, after all, not a positive. An underexposed negative will be too light. \$\endgroup\$
    – Michael C
    Apr 19, 2016 at 20:30
  • \$\begingroup\$ Ah, yes, maybe what Michael says. Stephanie, can you clarify? \$\endgroup\$
    – mattdm
    Apr 21, 2016 at 1:50
  • 1
    \$\begingroup\$ @mattdm The negative came out too light \$\endgroup\$
    – Stephanie Weston Smith
    Apr 21, 2016 at 10:59

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3
\$\begingroup\$

I've accidentally exposed two 400 ASA B&W films at 200 ASA

In other words, you've overexposed it by a stop. (See What is the relationship between ISO, aperture, and shutter speed? if you need a refresher on that.) The fix for this is called "pull processing" (the opposite of "push processing", which is used when you underexpose, treating the fill as one rated for a higher sensitivity.

In general, this isn't recommended, as it often reduces contrast and gives a "murky" overall look, but having done it, it's probably your best option. The information for your chemicals should give you recommended pull processing times.

The puzzlement, though, is that you say you developed the film as normal and it came out under exposed. This is surprising, because that's the reverse of what would be expected in this situation.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$
2
\$\begingroup\$

Kodak's rule of thumb for push processing, is to increase the development time by two minutes for each camera stop of underexposure. For pull processing, decrease the development time on minute for each stop of overexposure.

Improve this answer
\$\endgroup\$

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.