Here's a quick write up on my various Quality of Life improvement for working with the #intrepidcompactenlarger . I still need to add a couple of the images and fill in some details, but I think this covers all the major issues.
https://tcolgate.github.io/photography/living-with-the-intrepid-enlarger/
Have added some docs with "screenshots" to my #IntrepidCompactEnlarger firmware repo. Now also includes some install instructions. At some point I guess I'll have to do a video showing it working.
(edit: added an actual downloadable firmware to the releases page)
Finally got an f-stop test strip mode working on my #IntrepidCompactEnlarger . Not tried in anger yet, but the calculated exposures look right. I've been using the existing f-stop printing support without the test strips for a while with nice results so hopefully all is good. Still a few TODOs, but this now meets my original goals (with extras)
Had a couple of hours of #darkroom time this morning and thought I'd have a go at my first print from one of the 1971 Ilford glass plates. The base fog brought exposure time up, but I think I've over developed the plates. I think I could get a better print with a bit more time, though this view isn't really worth the effort
Spent the morning #Darkroom 'ing. I *massively* over exposed this negative, places my shadows on +2 instead of -2, but it's won't of my favourite versions of this scene, and unlikely to be repeated. F-stop printed, and my first serious split grade with dodge and burn. Not quite there, but close
A neat #Darkroom hack courtesy of DistPhoto (on YouTube). If you need to make "accurate" dodge/burn tools, put something on your easel , then rest your card on it and draw around your shapes. Very Handy!
You know the Universe approves of your crazy plans when you actually manage to use the Ilford multi grade filter tray! (Not quite as intended...)
Tristan Colgate-McFarlane
