In "Darkroom & Creative Cameral Techniques" (SEP/OCT 1992), there is an article by Ralph Steiner (edited by David Vestal) on B&W light tone contrast enhancement through bleaching. Put simply, Steiner describes a way of increasing light tone contrast by using an extra strong solution of ferricyanide, sodium thiosulfate, and sodium hydroxide. According to Steiner, this strong solution operates chiefly on the light tones, leaving the dark tones unchanged. Prints subjected to this technique "can be both soft and brilliant." (Two additional points -- (1) the prints that this technique is applied to must be made dark and soft, (2) Steiner suggests adding table sugar to the hypo to retard and make manageable the bleaching action.) I'm interested in learning whether anyone has tried such a technique and what results they have had. As a side note, considering that there are so many uses for bleaching I'm suprised no one has written a book (albeit a short one) devoted to techniques of bleaching -- or has someone?

-- Christopher Hargens (ldmr@cruzio.com), October 17, 2000

Answers

This technique has been around a very long time. More in-depth writings are in "The Print" by Ansel Adams. I prefer using a diluted bleach so that the results are more controllable. Cheers, Scott

-- Scott Walton (scotlynn@shore.net), October 18, 2000.

The problem with a diluted solution is that it works on both light and dark tones. Steiner claims that prints subjected to a strong solution have little or no change in dark tones. Further, he claims that if the print is removed from the solution before the dark tones do begin to lighten (which, of course, eventually will happen) then the dark tones become even darker -- and, he adds, this is not merely a subjective conclusion but a measureable change.

-- Christopher Hargens (ldmr@cruzio.com), October 18, 2000.

I don't know of a book on bleaching, but Tim Rudman's book The Photographer's Master Printing Course has a whole chapter of about ten or so pages just on bleaching and includes a Steiner bleach + suger formula. There is also a lot about bleaching with redevelopment in his Lith Printing book. I confirm his views too that strong Farmers acts differently to weak solutions and acts more on light tones sparing dark ones. The reverse is also true with very weak solutions which spare highlights. Harry

-- Harry Sullivan (harry.sullivan@virgin.net), October 18, 2000.