Today I finally got to get some paper wet after doing the calibrations mentioned in this post. I've only ran one so far, but it is very exciting to see a strait print holding full shadow detail, and highlights, without having to do endless dodging and burning. I feel so liberated having a completely usable print on a piece of paper where any dodging & burning that will ultimately will be done, will be because its is something I want to change, not just to reach this point.
What I'm wondering now, is how did I get through a whole series of college courses and never once have a professor offer a one week assignment where each student calibrated their materials? I had such a roadblock back then doing complex dodging & burning, just to get workable prints, that I had such little time remaining to "Express my emotions."
Oh well. The secret has been unveiled to me, time to go back into the darkroom.
How digital ruined the party
Future proof your photos
A Complete PRESS Camera Needs 3 Lenses
