Questions about Litho Film

[Chuckles_5.0]

I'm trying to start a project using Litho film as the medium (printing on Litho film) which will be shot in multipule images and hung to create a single image with a background that will be interchangable. The idea is simple...but I have no idea how to do this.

I was just introduced to Litho film.

I plan on shooting 35mm film making digital negatives and then projecting onto the Litho film. What I need is the details for printing.

If any one can help me out I'd appreciate it very much.

[Marko]

If we are talking about the same thing, I have experience with this and it's my pleasure to help. But just to be sure...can you please post an image or a link to the EXACT film you will be using so i can be sure that we are on the same page.

Thanks and welcome to the forum!

Marko

[edbayani11]

i've had some experience with litho film also known as graphic art film, when i was still active in advertising photography. this was before computers. i used the kodak brand and used it for masking when doing multiple exposures on 8x10 ektachrome duplicating film when i did collages. i processed the lith film in A and B developers to produce high contrast mask, (no middle tones). solid blacks and clear film. i adjusted exposure time for the 2 minute developing time. when i wanted a continuous tone image, i developed it in dektol, dilution is 1:3. there are times i shorten the developing times to reduce the contrast when making continuous tone images since this film is really a high contrast film.
i hope this helps...

[Chuckles_5.0]

I don't know what film I will be using yet. As I said, i've only just found this medium. really my plan is to replace the print paper with litho film.

If you have any suggestions on what film would work best I'd love to hear them.

I'll try and atleast get a link so you can see exactly what I'm talking about doing though...

[epatsellis]

I can add some info here, if you haven't decided on a film yet, do so before you go much farther. I would suggest either Arista APHS from Freestyle or Ultrafine's lith film, both are available only up to 20x24, and Ultrafine (www.ultrafineonline.com) has a .007 thick film, instead of the typical .004, it hangs much better. Depending on budget, you can buy some 42" wide film, but it's godawful expensive (I have a roll that was given to me, the original owner bought it for $850, in the mid '90s, it's likely well upward of $1500 these days, if you can find it)

for continuous tone work, you need to do a few things with regard to exposure and development.


first, typical lith film is under exposed and developed with a very active developer, giving you the near vertical response (either clear or black and no gray). in order to get a continuous tone, you need to expose it a bit more than for offset negative use. As an example, I use APHS in camera (8x10) and the rated EI is around 50, by exposing it at and EI of 6, and developing appropriately, can give you a beautiful, long scale image.

Here's a couple of images shot with Ultrafine's lith film (both shot on 8x10):




The next step is development, traditional lith developer is very active, by using a high dilution developer (I use Dektol 1:9) for about 6 mins, you get a decent image, your methods may require some changes, but that should get you in the ball park.

Another option is Ultrafine's contone positive film, made to do exactly what you are doing.

If I can be of any more help, feel free to ask.

erie

[kurtdriver]

Wow, erie, this isn't the critique forum, but I have to say that those are really nice, especially the first. Really nice.