Method of producing color separation negatives using contrast reducing

Abstract

An initial step of inspecting a positive color transparency is performed to determine the darkest detail area thereof to be reproduced and is subsequently followed by the superposing of the positive color transparency on a panel of photochromic (light sensitive) glass to form a laminate-type assembly. Thereafter, the assembly has a beam of light directed therethrough from the transparency side thereof. The beam intensity and the duration of illumination is sufficient to cause the more heavily illuminated portions of the glass panel to darken. Thereafter, trial enlarger exposing of a trial color separation negative film sheet through the assembly and a half-tone screen with sufficient light determined to properly expose the area of the trial negative film sheet corresponding to the prior mentioned darkest detail area of the transparency is accomplished. Then, the trial negative film sheet is developed with sufficient developing time and developer strength to achieve the desired 'dot size' in the aforementioned corresponding area of the negative as well as in the lighter detail areas thereof. If sufficient detail of the aforementioned corresponding area is not brought out, a greater exposure time is allowed during exposure of a subsequent trial color separation negative film sheet, or a higher intensity light or greater time of illumination is used when initially illuminating the laminate-type assembly. Thereafter, the actual color separation negatives to be utilized are produced using the same exposure time and developing steps.