Kodak DYE Transfer Process
Kodak DYE Transfer Process
Kodak DYE Transfer Process
DYE
TRANSFER
PROCESS
CONTENTS
3 Masking
4 Registering the Mask
6 Exposing the Separation Negatives
7 Interpretation of Gray Scales
17 Determining Exposures
20 Processing
20 MAKING PRINTS
20 Preparation
22 Dyeing and Transferring
25 Subsequent Procedure
26 Automatic Troy Rocker
28 SPECIAL PROCEDURES
NEW! As this booklet goes to press, a special KODAK Dye Transfer Film is becoming
available under the designation SO.351. The new film makes possible "day-night" prints, suitable
for viewing either by transmitted or reflected light. As of the time of writing, the technique of using
the film is the some in all respects as described in this booklet for paper prints, including the use of
KODAK Dye Transfer Paper Conditioner.
The KODAK Dye Transfer Process is a method of making full color
photographic prints on paper from dyed relief images, known as
matrices. The matrices can be made from color separation negatives,
a color negative, or an internegative
Although more direct methods of making color prints have become
available, the Dye Transfer Process continues to have important
advantages in many professional applications. It offers unique
possibilities for the control of color balance and contrast, together
with unexcelled photographic quality.
If the starting point is a positive color transparency, color separation
negatives are made on a suitable panchromatic film, such as KODAK
SUPER-XX Panchromatic Sheet Film, by exposures from the
transparency through red, green, and blue filters. Then three matrices
on KODAK Matrix Film ( ESTAR Thick Base) are made from the
separation negatives by white-light exposures.
An original color negative or a color internegative is, in effect, a set of
color separation negatives on one sheet of film. The three matrices,
therefore, can be exposed directly from the negative through tri-color
filters. Here, KODAK Pan Matrix Film (ESTAR Thick Base) is used.
Regardless of the starting point, the actual Dye Transfer printing
procedure is substantially the same. After exposure through the base
side, the matrix films are developed, fixed, washed in hot water to
remove the gelatin in the unexposed areas, and dried. The images that
remain are gelatin reliefs in which the thickness varies with the
degree of exposure. The matrices - which are, in effect, red, green,
and blue color- separation positives - are soaked in solutions of cyan,
magenta, and yellow dye, respectively. Each matrix takes up dye in
proportion to the thickness of the gelatin. When the three dye images
are transferred in register to a sheet of KODAK Dye Transfer Paper, a
color print is produced.
Masking
Figure 3 8
Figure 4
If the density ranges in the separation negatives are not
essentially equal, all three negatives should be remade. The exposure
correction can be found from Figure 4. If the density range of the
transparency is satisfactorily recorded on the straight-line portion of
one of the negatives, its exposure need not be changed. The exposure
for each of the other negatives can be corrected by measuring the
distance, in terms of the units on the "Density of Original" scale, that
each of the curves needs to be moved either to the right or left. For
example, if two curves are superimposed and the third is displaced to
the right by a density difference of 0. 3, the exposing time for this
negative should be multiplied by 2. The distance that the curves need
to be shifted in order to bring the reproductions of a fairly neutral
shadow density of the transparency to the recommended minimum
density of 0.4 in the negatives is measured along the "Density of
Original" scale.
Measuring the Gamma. The slope or angle that the line of plotting
points makes with the horizontal axis is the gamma to which the
negatives have been developed. Gamma can be determined by
selecting any convenient point on the curve that is representative of
the slope of the whole curve and counting at least 20 divisions to the
right. From this point, count the number of divisions vertically until
the curve is again reached. Divide the number of vertical steps by the
number of horizontal steps taken. Figure 3 illustrates this procedure.
For a properly exposed and processed separation negative, this value
should be about 0. 70 if the original transparency was unmasked, or if
both the original step tablet and the transparency were masked. If the
color transparency was masked but the step tablet was not, the gamma
should be about 0.90.
The set of negatives should be remade if there are sizable
differences in the slopes of the three curves, because corrections for
these differences cannot be made when the matrices are exposed and
processed. If the slopes of the lines depart markedly from the
recommended gamma, or if the three curves are not closely parallel,
9
the development time should be increased for a negative having a lower
value than the recommended gamma, and decreased for a negative
having a higher value
.Determining the Density Range. Once a set of well-balanced color-
separation negatives has been obtained, determine the density range of
the negatives. From the two points on the "Density of Original" scale
corresponding to the highlight and shadow densities in the original
transparency, draw lines vertically until they intersect the curves of the
color-separation negatives. At these points, extend the lines horizontally
to the left to the vertical "Density" scale. The difference between these
values, which is the density range of the negatives, should be about 1.4. In
the KODAK Dye Transfer Process, however, compensation for
separation negative density ranges as low as 0. 9 or as high as 1. 8 can be
introduced by altering the composition of the matrix film developer.
MAKING DIRECT SEPARATION NEGATIVES
A panchromatic film, such as KODAK SUPER-XX Panchromatic Sheet
Film, can be used in a conventional camera to make separation negatives
directly from still subjects. The camera must be firmly braced so that no
movement takes place during the course of the three exposures. Since
film does not always lie in the same plane in different film holders, it is
best to use the same holder for all three exposures. The holder should be
loaded and unloaded in total darkness.
The lighting requirements for direct separation negatives are much
the same as those for other types of color photography. Normally, the
lighting ratio should be between 2:1 and 3: 1. Higher ratios can be
tolerated when the subject has a limited range of reflectance or for special
effects.
The color quality of the light source affects the filter ratios for the three
color filters. Once satisfactory exposure times have been determined for
a particular light source, they can be used when other negatives are
exposed by the same lighting.
If possible, place a paper reflection scale of neutral-gray steps in the
scene. Either the KODAK Gray Scale included in KODAK Color
Separation Guides or a KODAK Paper Gray Scale is suitable. The
lighting of the gray scale should correspond as closely as possible to the
lighting on the main part of the subject itself. From density readings of the
gray scale in the processed negatives, you can determine variations in
density and contrast. The gray scale should be located in such a position
that it can be trimmed from the final print.
10
EXPOSING KODAK MATRIX FILM
Matrix exposures are made through the base of the KODAK Matrix
Film (ESTAR Thick Base), with the color- separation negatives
oriented in such a way that each matrix image will appear in its
correct left-to-right position when seen through the base of the film.
The dye images will then be oriented correctly when they are
transferred to paper.
Matrices by Enlargement. To prevent misregister or color wedging
and to ensure the maximum useful picture area in the finished prints,
place each color- separation negative in the same position in the
enlarger negative holder. The simplest procedure is to tape an
oversize sheet of thin white paper on the enlarger easel. Trace on the
paper a few key lines and points of the projected image of one of the
negatives. The next negative can then be positioned by moving it in
the negative carrier until the image falls approximately on the marks;
do not move the easel.
When placing a matrix film in position for exposure, cover the white
paper with half of a fold of the black interleaving paper which is
packaged with the matrix film. Mask the film so that there will be an
unexposed border about 3/8-inch wide to facilitate handling the
matrices without damage to the relief images. Use a clean piece of
plate glass to hold the film flat during the exposure.
The necessity for using a sheet of glass can be avoided by exposing
the film on a KODAK Vacuum Register Board. However, the
KODAK Matrix Film cannot be punched and placed over the register
pins unless the enlarger head has provision for pin or edge register of
the separation negatives. In this case, punch the unexposed sheets of
matrix film, one at a time, and expose them in register.
To expose unpunched film on a register board, place a sheet of white
paper of the same size as the matrix film in position over the vacuum
channels, with one edge butted against the register pins. Mark the
position of an adjacent edge with a piece of masking tape. After
composing the picture on the white paper, position the films in the
same way for exposure, using a black paper mask to keep the borders
clear.
Place the separation negatives in the enlarger, emulsion side toward
the light source; see Figure 1. The enlarged images will then be in
their correct left-to- right positions as seen on the enlarger easel.
Since the matrices are exposed through the base of the matrix film,
11
the matrix-dye images will also be correctly oriented when they are
transferred to the paper in the final printing operation.
Matrices by Contact. For contact printing, an enlarger or a modified
safelight lamp can be used as the light source. An enlarger is more
convenient, because it allows easy control of exposure. Whatever the
light source, the matrix film should be masked to provide an
unexposed border or "safe edge" about 3/8 inch wide.
For matrices by contact, orient the separation negative and
matrix film as shown in Figure 2. Maximum sharpness in the matrices
is obtained by using a small light source at considerable distance from
the printing frame.
12
through the wash-off step (see instructions packaged with KODAK
Matrix Film). With your fingernail, scratch the white highlight area in
the test strip. View the test strip against a dark background by oblique
transmitted light. The unscratched area should be just perceptibly
darker than the scratched area.
If you lack the experience to make this judgment, dye the test
strip cyan and transfer the image onto KODAK Dye Transfer Paper as
described in the section, "Making Prints," page 20. View the print
through a red filter, such as the KODAK WRATTEN Filter No. 25 or
No. 29. The cyan image from a correctly exposed matrix will look
like a properly exposed black-and-white print.
With the proper matrix exposure known for the red-filter
separation negative, the exposures for the green- and blue filter
negatives can be determined by using a visual or electronic
densitometer and the Color-Printing Computer in the KODAK Color
Dataguide, sold by photo dealers. The KODAK Graphic Arts
Computer, sold by graphic arts dealers, can be substituted for the
Color-Printing Computer.
On a visual or electronic densitometer without any filters in the
beam, read the density of the diffuse white highlight area in the red-
separation negative. Turn the computer density scale until this
density is opposite the time used to make the good test-strip exposure.
The exposure time for each matrix now appears opposite the
highlight density value of the corresponding negative.
If there is no diffuse highlight in the transparency that is a good
neutral white, locate the step on the accompanying gray scale that is
nearest in density to the highlights of the picture. Identify this step in
all three color separation negatives; then use its densities on the
computer in the same manner as specified for a diffuse white
highlight.
If the magnification or the lens aperture is changed from that
used in exposing the test matrix, proceed as follows: Set the density
scale as described above and hold it in position. Turn the lens-
aperture dial until the lens aperture used for the test exposure appears
opposite the magnification used for the test exposure. For any set of
negatives, move the density and lens-aperture dials together until the
lens aperture and magnification to be used -appear opposite each
other. The exposure time for each matrix now appears opposite the
highlight density value of the corresponding negative.
13
NOTE: If you decide to use a matrix-developer dilution
different from that used for the test strip, adjust the
calculated exposure times as suggested in the contrast
control table in the matrix film instructions.
Processing
Process the matrices as outlined in the instructions packaged with
KODAK Matrix Film
.
Registering Matrix Films
Unless matrices on KODAK Matrix Film have been exposed in
register, they will have to be registered visually after they have been
processed, dyed, and dried. To save time, the matrices can be dyed
directly after processing, without drying. If this drying step is
omitted, however, it is very important to use freshly filtered dyes;
otherwise, foreign particles may become permanently embedded in
the soft gelatin relief images. When they have been dried once, the
relief images are somewhat more resistant to physical damage.In
either case, the procedure for dyeing the matrices is the same. Carry
out Steps 1, 2, 3, and 4 as given on page 22. Then hang the matrices up
to dry, taking care to orient all three images in the same direction.
Mount the KODAK Register Punch in a fixed position relative to an
illuminator surface which will support each matrix at the level of the
slot in the punch. The slot is 5/16 inch above the bottom of the punch.
Care should be taken to keep the glass on which the films are
registered from becoming too warm. Excessive heat from the
illuminator may lead to size changes and subsequent misregister of
the dye images. The use of fluorescent illumination and air-spaced
sheets of glass over the light source is recommended.
First superimpose the three dye images approximately in register and
make sure that the matrices coincide to about 1/8 inch along the edge
that is to be punched. If they do not, trim one or two of the matrices as
required.
Then tape the cyan matrix in position for punching, emulsion
side down, and punch it. Carefully superimpose the magenta matrix
over the cyan matrix. With the aid of a magnifying glass, such as the
KODAK Achromatic Magnifier, 5X, check the register at three
widely spaced points. Use as guides any small, specular highlights,
such as the catch lights
14
in eyes, or cross marks scratched with a sharp knife along two edges
of the transparency before the color-separation negatives were made.
Secure the matrix with tape which does not overlap the tape used on
the cyan matrix. Punch the magenta matrix and remove it without
disturbing the cyan matrix. Finally, register the yellow matrix over
the cyan matrix and punch it.
Matrices are exposed with the emulsion side of the color negative or
color internegative facing the base side of the KODAK Pan Matrix
Film (ESTAR Thick Base). The matrix images then appear in their
correct left-to-right positions when seen through the base of the
matrix film, and the dye images are correctly oriented when
transferred to paper.
The matrices of a set include one made through each of the following
filters: KODAK WRATTEN No. 29 (red), No. 99 (green), and No.
47B (blue). Since the film is fast and panchromatic, it must be
handled in total darkness.
KODAK Pan Matrix Film is supplied perforated for use with the
Vacuum Register Board, so matrix register is automatic.
An enlarger is normally used as the light source for either enlarging or
contact printing. In either case, the enlarger head should be equipped
with baffles to prevent any stray light from reaching the matrix film.
Matrices by Enlargement. Check the enlarger head and its support
thoroughly for rigidity. Any movement of the enlarger head during or
between exposures will cause misregister. Avoid jarring the enlarger
head while changing the filters.
An opaque mask must be used around the negative to prevent white
light from getting past the negative plane. This mask must be in the
negative carrier; it can be made from black interleaving paper.
A practical method for composing the picture on the KODAK
Vacuum Register Board is to place on the board a sheet of paper (Dye
Transfer or other kind) that is larger than the widest vacuum channel.
Locate the paper in such a way that one end extends under the raised
clamps and over the register pins. When the clamps are lowered, the
pins will perforate the paper. Draw a line lightly with pencil along the
location of each of the vacuum channels; then compose the picture
within the proper channel. The paper can be kept and reused by
replacing it over the pins.
15
Keep the picture margin ½ inch or more away from the register pins;
otherwise, difficulty may arise during transfer of the dye images. On
the other three sides, provide for a narrow, unexposed border to
facilitate handling the matrices
without damage.
When the register board has been positioned properly for the negative
to be printed, clamp or tape it securely to the enlarger baseboard to
prevent any movement between exposures.
Matrices by Contact. If matrices are to be made by contact printing,
attach a strip of film containing register perforations to the negative
so that it can be positioned identically with respect to three separate
sheets of KODAK Pan Matrix Film. The strip of film can be obtained
from a discarded matrix; if a KODAK Register Punch is available, it
can be used to punch a discarded sheet of some other type of film. In
either case, the perforated strip of film should be wide enough to
bring the edge of the negative at least ½ inch away from the pins on
the register board.
Having attached the strip of film to the negative, fasten an opaque
mask on the base side of the negative to prevent the edges of the
matrix film from being exposed. If the Register Punch is used to
perforate the register strip, it is convenient to mask the image area
first, and then to punch both the register strip and the opaque mask
simultaneously.
Since the vacuum channels of the Vacuum Register Board are not
used to maintain contact between the negative and the matrix film,
the KODAK Transfer Register Board is equally suitable for use in
exposing matrices by contact. Use an enlarger as the light source and
place the register board on the easel. With the red separation filter
over the enlarger lens, place a sheet of Pan Matrix Film, emulsion side
down, over the register pins. Place the color negative on top over the
pins, emulsion side down. Lay a clean sheet of plate glass over the
negative to hold it in contact with the matrix film and then make the
exposure. Repeat the same procedure with the green and blue
separation filters.
For matrix sizes up to 11 x 14 inches, the KODAK Register Printing
Frame can also be used.
Identification of Matrices. After each matrix is exposed, it should be
identified to prevent mistakes in the later operations; see the
instructions packaged with Pan Matrix Film.
16
Determining Exposures
17
1. Using interleaving paper from the Pan Matrix Film box, make a
mask that adequately covers the projected negative image on the
vacuum register board. For large prints, two or more sheets of
interleaving paper can be taped together. Mark the area of a diffuse
highlight and the area of the gray card on the mask. Cutout these areas
from the mask and reposition the mask on the easel. Tape one edge of
the mask to the easel so that it can be folded back.
2. With the mask folded back, position a piece of tape on the vacuum
register board alongside the projected diffuse highlight area so that
the tape can be used as a guide to positioning a matrix test strip. If the
diffuse -highlight and graycard areas are in widely separated portions
of the projected image, place another piece of tape alongside the gray-
card area.
3. Clip one end of the matrix test strip so that the first exposure area
can be identified later and place the clipped end under the mask in the
area of the diffuse white highlight. The base side of the film should
face the lens. If the gray-card area is close to the highlight area,
position the film so that both areas will be exposed. If the gray-card
area is not close to the diffuse highlight area, cover the gray-card
opening in the mask by taping a small piece of black paper over it.
With the red filter over the lens, the trial exposure might be 30
seconds at f8 for a 2X enlargement. If the gray-card area was not
exposed, move the test strip so that the image of the gray card will fall
adjacent to the already exposed highlight image. Remove the black
paper covering the gray-card area and place it over the highlight
aperture, if this area is likely to cause an exposure on the test strip.
Make another 30-second exposure.
4. With the test strip in a light tight drawer, replace the red filter with
the green filter. Now position the test strip under the gray-card mask
aperture so that the green exposure will fall adjacent to the red
exposure on the strip. Make a 30second exposure. Repeat, using the
blue filter, and give a 50-second exposure.
5. Process the test strip. It should show four exposed areas, readily
identifiable by their positions in relation to the clipped end. If the
green- or blue-filter areas are lighter or darker than the red-filter area,
the time of exposure for these two must be lengthened or shortened
until all three areas have the same density. Then the overall exposure
level should be determined as follows. With your fingernail, scratch
the diffuse-highlight area; place the test strip on the bottom of a white
tray; the unscratched area should be noticeably darker than the
scratched area.
18
On-Easel Exposure Determination with a Photometer. Once matrix
exposure times from the master negative have been established by the
test procedure just described, times for exposing other negatives on
Pan Matrix Film of the same emulsion number can be determined
with an easel photometer having suitable response to red, green, and
blue light.
Processing
Process the matrices as outlined in the instructions packaged with
KODAK Pan Matrix Film.
MAKING PRINTS
Most of the instructions in this section are the same for both KODAK
Matrix and Pan Matrix Films. The instructions for the actual transfer
operation are based on the use of the KODAK Transfer Register
Board or the Vacuum Register Board.
Preparation
2. Dye matrices. Remove the matrices from the hot water, drain
them briefly , and place them in the working dye solutions. Dye the
red-filter positive cyan, the green-filter positive magenta, and the
blue-filter positive yellow. The time of treatment is at least 5 minutes
at room temperature; longer dyeing does no harm. Agitate the trays
frequently until dyeing is completed; an automatic tray rocker will be
found convenient; see Figure 5.
The magenta and yellow matrices can be left in their respective
dye baths while the cyan matrix is being transferred.
3. First acid rinse. Remove the cyan matrix from the dye bath and
drain it until the dye solution begins to form droplets. Place the matrix
in a 1 percent solution of acetic acid at room temperature and agitate it
for 1 minute before draining and placing the matrix in the second acid
rinse. Discard this first acid rinse solution after use.
4. Second acid rinse. Place the matrix in a larger tray filled to about
three-quarters of its depth with 1 percent acetic acid solution. Lift and
reimmerse the matrix at least twice to wash off first acid rinse solution
adhering to the surface of the matrix. This bath can be reused until it
discolors.
The second acid rinse is often known as the "holding bath,"
because matrices are left in it for a time ranging from 30
22
seconds up to 2 or 3 minutes. During this period, the paper is
positioned on the transfer surface or, in the case of the magenta and
yellow transfers, the preceding matrix is removed from the paper.
5. Position paper. Raise the clamps on the register board. Position
the paper on the board, emulsion side up, in such a way that the image
will fall on the paper when the matrix is registered over the pins.
Squeegee the paper lightly several times to flatten it and remove
excess paper conditioner.
To prevent bleeding of the dyes, sponge off the transfer surface
around the paper with a sponge dampened with 1 percent acetic acid.
Also rinse any paper conditioner off your hands with 1 percent acetic
acid before handling matrices, but do not use the second acid rinse
bath for this purpose.
6. Position matrix. Remove the matrix from the second acid rinse
and drain it. With the matrix emulsion down, first locate the smaller
punch hole over the pin on the register board and press the film down
over the pin. Holding the matrix by the end away from the punch
holes, locate the elongated hole over the other pin. Run your hand
across the film between the holes to smooth the punched edge of the
matrix into position and lower the two clamps.
During these operations, be sure to keep the matrix raised
sufficiently to prevent the image from touching the paper. At the same
time, it is important that a bead of second rinse solution is formed
between the punched edge of the matrix and the paper. During the
next step, this liquid will help expel air bubbles and ensure good
contact between matrix and paper.
7. Roll matrix into contact. Use a KODAK Master Print Roller of a
size larger than the width of the matrix. Lay the roller on the matrix
near the pins of the register board and roll it firmly over the matrix
once toward the hand that is still keeping the matrix from contact with
the paper ahead of the roller. Do not pull hard on the matrix with your
hand; use only enough tension to keep the matrix from the paper until
the roller makes the contact. The weight of the roller plus a slight
manual pressure gives adequate contact between the wet matrix and
the paper. The proper pressure is just enough to allow the resilience of
the soft rubber roller to be felt. Excessive pressure may cause register
difficulties due to creeping of the paper. Also, if the KODAK Vacuum
Register Board is used for the transfer operation, excessive pressure
23
may cause markings to appear in the picture directly over the
vacuum channels. The cyan image transfers in about 4 minutes,
depending on the amount of dye carried by the matrix. While it is
transferring, prepare the magenta matrix for transfer. Remove the
magenta matrix from the dye bath, drain it, and rinse it in a fresh bath
of I percent acetic acid (Step 3). Agitate it in the same second acid
rinse bath used for the cyan matrix (Step 4), and leave it there while
proceeding to Step 8.
8. Remove matrix. Lay the roller on the matrix at the edge farthest
from the pins and roll it back far enough so that you can grasp the edge
of the matrix. Then pull the matrix back slowly, allowing it to push the
roller back as far as the pins. Raise the clamps and carefully
disengage the matrix from the pins. Start Step 10 and proceed
immediately with Step 9.
9. Transfer magenta. As soon as cleaning of the cyan matrix has
been started (Step 10), transfer the magenta matrix, repeating Steps 6
and 7. The image transfers in 4 to 5 minutes, depending on the amount
of dye carried by the matrix. While the magenta dye is transferring,
prepare the yellow matrix for transfer, repeating Steps 3 and 4.
10. Clean matrix. After each transfer, wash the matrix for 3
minutes in running water at 100 F before draining it and returning it to
the dye bath. After every six transfers, treat each matrix in KODAK
Matrix Clearing Bath CB-5. (To prepare stock solution of Matrix
Clearing Bath, add 4 oz. E120 grams]
of KODAK Anti-Calcium and 1 t~2fl. oz. E48 cc] of ammonium
hydroxide to 32 fl. oz. [1 liter] of water at 90 F. To prepare working
solution, dilute I part stock solution in 11 parts water.) Agitate the
matrix in the clearing bath for 30 seconds and wash it for 3 minutes in
running water at 68 to 72 F. After a
clearing-bath treatment, rinse the matrix briefly in the holding
bath before returning it to the dye bath. The clearing bath should be
replaced at the end of each day, or more often if it becomes strongly
discolored in use. With either treatment, drain each matrix
thoroughly before returning it to its dye bath The purpose of this
precaution is to minimize dilution of the dye baths. To avoid register
difficulties, treat all three matrices of a set identically.
11. Transfer yellow. Remove the magenta matrix (Step 8), and put
it in the warm water (Step 10). Then transfer the yellow
24
Matrix, repeating Steps 6 and 7. The image transfers i ' n 2 or 3
minutes. When transfer is complete, remove the yellow matrix (Step
8) and clean it (Step 10).
12. Dry print. Remove excess moisture from the surface of the
print with a squeegee or windshield wiper blade. Squeegee both sides
of the print with firm strokes and immediately hang the print up or lay
it on a Frame covered with plastic screening or cheesecloth. Rapid
drying gives maximum sharpness. Shrinkage of the print during
drying can be minimized by removing excess moisture, then
fastening all four edges of the print to a shellacked board with
decorator's tape.
Subsequent Procedure
Figure 5
26
CONTROLLING COLOR BALANCE
One of the most useful controls in the dye transfer process is the
addition of sodium acetate to the first rinse of one, two, or all three
matrices. Equal treatment of all three matrices in the modified rinsing
bath results in a lighter print.
However, suppose that a print shows an overall magenta cast. The
density of the magenta dye image can be reduced by adding 5 percent
solution of sodium acetate only to the first acid rinse bath used with
the magenta matrix. Add 1 to 5 cc of the 5 percent sodium acetate
solution per 150 cc of the standard rinse solution. Dye the magenta
matrix in the usual manner, When lifting the matrix from the dye bath,
drain it until the dye solution begins to run off in droplets before
putting it in the acid rinse containing the sodium acetate. Agitate the
dyed matrix for I minute in the rinse; then put it in the second acid
rinse. More sodium acetate or a longer time can be used to reduce the
density further.
In this example, only the rinse for the magenta matrix should
contain sodium acetate. Depending on the direction in which the print
is off balance, it may be necessary to add sodium acetate to the first
acid rinse bath used with two of the matrices, perhaps with a
difference in the sodium acetate concentration or in the time of
treatment.
Rather large amounts of dye can be removed from matrices by the
use of sodium acetate. However, there is a serious decline in
photographic quality if you attempt to salvage a definitely
overexposed or unbalanced set of matrices by this means.
To ensure consistent results, the sodium acetate solution should be
mixed fresh daily. 27
Reducing Density in Highlights
When the test print is in good balance but the highlights are tinted,
add 5 to 10 cc of a solution of KODAK Matrix Highlight Reducer R-
18 per 150 cc of the first acid rinse used with the matrix carrying the
color that tints the highlights. Agitate the matrix for 1 minute in the
first acid rinse before placing it in the second rinse. If the use of
sodium acetate is also necessary, the Matrix Highlight Reducer can
be used in the same first rinse bath, and either the time of rinsing or the
highlight reducer concentration can be varied as required to produce
the desired contrast.
Changing Contrast
SPECIAL PROCEDURES
When a print shows good color balance but has an excess of one color
in a localized area, the chances are that one of the negatives or
matrices did not receive full development in that area. Again, the
correction is to rinse out some of the dye held by the corresponding
matrix. The rinse solution can be applied locally with a camel's-hair
brush. Alternatively, it can be applied with a washing bottle of the
type sold by scientific supply houses for use in chemical laboratories.
Extra Transfers
Matrix Reduction
Retouching
Small light spots can be filled in with diluted transfer dyes, mixed,
if necessary, to provide the proper color. Spotting work can be done
on either a wet or dry print. Best results are obtained by applying the
dye with a small brush, allowing it to remain for a second or two, then
blotting it. Spots in dark areas may require several applications, or
undiluted transfer dyes can be used.
Dark spots can be removed without damage to the surface of the
print by careful use of a permanganate bleach (KODAK Reducer R-
2), followed by 1 percent sodium bisulfite solution and rinsing. Then
add color to match the surrounding area.
An etching knife can be used on prints. After extensive etching, it
may be necessary to spray the print with clear lacquer to hide the
difference in surf ace seen by specular light.