Black and White Photography

Easels are available in many sizes, based on the largest size printing paper
they will accommodate. An 8" x 10" easel, for example, holds 8" x 10" or
smaller paper. Usually an 8" x 10" or 11" x 14" easel is adequate, but easels
also are made for larger paper sizes, such as 16" x 20" and 20" x 24". Most
easels can be adjusted for different-size papers, while some are made to hold
one or more fixed sizes. With most easels, you can use smaller paper than the
maximum allowed, such as making 8" x 10" prints with a 16" x 20" easel.
Easels usually produce a white border on prints, since the areas of the paper
under the top blades receive no exposure. Professional models have four adjustable
blades, which allow the widest variety of border and centering possibilities;
you can make small prints with a wide border, center the image on the
paper for an even border all around, or leave a wider border on the bottom of
the image than on the top.
Negative cleaner. Dust and other residue on the negative are among the most
frustrating problems when printing. If they are not removed they will show up,
usually as light areas on a print. There are several accessories available to keep
negatives clean, such as cans of compressed air, rubber squeeze blowers, and
soft, wide brushes. Especially dirty negatives may require a film-cleaning solution
and a soft wipe or cotton swab.
Print washer. For a simple washing setup, you can use a processing tray and
water, either running from a tray siphon made for this purpose or directly into
the tray from a faucet or hose. An even better solution is a proper print washer
with a place for running water to enter and a separate drain. There are many
washer models available. Some are round in shape and circulate prints to
provide agitation during the wash; other models, often called archival washers,
are vertical and hold prints in individual slots.
Print dryer. You can dry prints with heat or air dry them. Heated units are most
efficient, as they dry prints quickly. But good heated dryers are expensive and
can require a lot of maintenance. Air drying takes longer, but is simpler, less
expensive, and generally best for archival results (long-term print permanence).
You can place prints on plastic screens to air dry or you can just hang them
from a wire or string with a plastic spring-type clothespin.
Paper safe. A paper safe is a lighttight box that holds and allows easy access to
unexposed printing paper. While not a necessity, it makes paper handling more
convenient, since it is easier to open than the box that printing papers come in.

Paper trimmer. Sometimes you will need to cut printing paper to a smaller size.
A paper trimmer makes the job easy, but be sure it is in good condition or your
cuts may not be square or accurate. You also can cut paper with scissors or a
ruler and cutting tool, such as a utility knife or X-acto knife.
Print squeegee. A squeegee is a flat rubber blade or roller for squeezing excess
water from a washed print for faster drying. You also can use a soft sponge for
this purpose. Be sure that either the squeegee or sponge is clean, or you may
contaminate prints as you wipe them.
Glass. You will need at least two pieces of heavy glass—one for making contact
prints and one for supporting wet prints for squeegeeing to dry them. Each piece
must be larger than the largest-size printing paper you use. For example, use
11" x 14" glass for 8" x 10" contact prints and another at least that size for
squeegeeing. You can use Plexiglas, rather than glass, for squeegeeing, but not
for contact printing; it is not heavy enough to hold negatives flat against the
paper.
A commercially made contact-printing frame resembles a picture frame; you
place the paper and negatives in the frame, close it, and make your contact
print. Other contact printers consist of glass hinged to a base; you place the
paper and negatives on the base, and then press the glass on top of them to make
contact.
Graduates, funnels, beakers. As with film developing, you will need a variety of
glass or chemical-resistant plastic containers for measuring, holding, and storing
chemical solutions. Graduates and beakers should have a measuring scale
on the side, preferably one that gives you solution volumes in both ounces and
milliliters. You will need both large (32–64 ounce or 1000–2000 milliliter) and
small (about 4–8 ounce or 125–250 milliliter) models. Several of each will
make your job easier.
Storage containers. You will need several containers to accommodate all the
solutions—and to separate used and fresh solutions. Collapsible containers
keep excess air out, thus prolonging the freshness of stored solutions.