Contrast Grades and Filters

Different grade filters can be used in the enlarger to produce a different effect. Grades range from 0 – 5 where Grade 0 will result in a soft image and Grade 5 will produce an image with harder and greater contrast. The higher contrast is a result of the filter omitting some of the mid-tones in the negative. Paper itself can be multigrade and therefore can be used with all filters or specific grades where a filter is not necessary.   

A contrast test can be completed for the same negative image to illustrate the difference in results. This is simply done by producing images at different grades by first completing a test strip for each grade and then a final print. A split grade print can be produced where all the paper is exposed to light at grade 5 and then the lighter area of the image is exposed to light at Grade 0. The benefit of this print is the enhanced detail in both the darker and lighter areas which is a result of the application of the filters.