Split-grade printing
On variable-contrast paper you can build a print from two exposures: a soft filter for highlights and a hard filter for shadows. Enter a base time to get a starting split you then refine on the easel.
A starting point, not a formula — expose the soft (grade 00) pass first for highlight density, then the hard (grade 5) pass for black, and fine-tune each with test strips.
About this tool
Split-grade printing builds a black-and-white print from two exposures on variable-contrast paper: a soft grade 00 pass for the highlights and a hard grade 5 pass for the shadows. Enter a base time and target contrast to get starting soft and hard times you refine on the easel.
How to use it
- Enter your base exposure time per filter in seconds.
- Pick the target contrast for the scene and negative.
- Read the suggested soft (grade 00) and hard (grade 5) times.
- Expose the soft pass first, then the hard pass, and fine-tune each with test strips.
FAQ
Is this an exact formula?
No. It is a sensible starting split; split-grade is always dialled in on the easel with test strips for the highlights and shadows separately.
Which pass do I expose first?
Usually the soft grade 00 pass for highlight density, then the hard grade 5 pass to set the blacks.