Ready for Step 2: contact sheet

[Pfreddee]

OK, I've pretty much gotten film processing figured out. I can develop my own B/W film, and I'm now ready for the next step (for me): contact sheets. What is the bare minimum equipment needed for making contact sheets? And how long would I need to expose them (ballpark figure)? I'm looking for some tips, please.

Thanks to all who reply.

With best regards.

Pfreddee(Stephen)

 

[marcr1230]

bare minimum
trays, chemicals, tongs for processing
paper, a piece of glass 9x11 or so (use optical glass from a framing store, tape the edges with - you know it - duct tape)
light source - most everyone used enlargers without a negative in the tray.
lay the paper on a flat surface, emulsion side up, lay negatives on the paper ( shiny side up) lay the glass on the negs on the paper. turn on light for approx 10 secs - you can adjust the brightness with the aperture of the enlarger lens - 10-20 secs is ideal IMO. then process - if your light is too bright, the sheet will develop too fast and be too dark. adjust as needed and repeat...

if you intend to wet print - get an enlarger and make your life easier.
also - pre-made contact printing easels we available to keep the glass off the negs - I never had a bad experience with just a plain piece of glass to flatten the negs on the paper.