Film & darkroom
Choose a useful negative for your first print test
Start with a frame you can evaluate clearly.
A demanding favourite is not always the simplest frame for learning a new printing setup.
Pick a legible subject
Choose a negative with an identifiable important area and a useful range of tones. Inspect it safely before placing it in the carrier. Avoid beginning with a badly damaged frame if your aim is to test exposure and equipment. Keep its roll and frame identifier in the printing notes.
Use a consistent reference
Follow the paper and enlarger workflow, then keep an approved print as a comparison. Record settings and processing rather than declaring a single exposure time universal. Later negatives can need different decisions; the reference helps you understand the setup, not bypass testing each new image.
Evidence: Manufacturer guidance
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- ILFORD PHOTO — exposure testingManufacturer guidance