contactdruk

Contactdruk, or contact print, is a photographic print produced by placing a film negative directly in contact with light-sensitive printing paper and exposing the assembly to light. The resulting image is typically the same size as the negative, so no enlargement is involved. The method has been used for proofing, archival reproductions, and artistic practice, and it remains a foundational technique in historical photography.

History and context

Contact printing emerged in the early days of photography as a straightforward way to evaluate negatives and to produce small-scale reproductions. It is closely associated with classic silver-gelatin processes, as well as earlier or alternative printing methods such as albumen or salt prints. In many photographic workflows, contact sheets—collections of small prints representing a roll of negatives—are produced using this technique for quick review and selection.

Technique and materials

The process requires a light-sensitive printing paper and a negative (glass plate or film). The negative is placed directly on the paper, usually within a light-safe holder or contact frame, and exposed to light (sunlight or artificial illumination). After exposure, the paper is developered, stopped, fixed, and washed. The precise exposure depends on the paper type and the lighting, yielding a positive image on the paper. Variants exist, including different paper emulsions and alternative printing methods that can produce varied tonal ranges.

Uses and contemporary relevance

Historically, contactdruk served as proofing and reproduction, as well as a deliberate artistic choice for direct, un-enlarged prints. Today, many photographers use contact printing for archival checks, small-format presentations, or as an artistic medium in its own right. The concept remains fundamental for understanding photographic reproduction and the relationship between negative and print.