Print process vs developing process

[silvan schnelli]

What is the difference in the outcome of, for example:

Pull processing the negative in the developer vs printing down the film. Or it’s counterpart, push processing vs printing up.

Seeing as the latent image has already been created, no more additional detail can be recorded on the negative. So wouldn’t both the processes just in end effect change the amount of density (exposure) of the final film.

The one thing I could think of, is that perhaps grain pattern or intensity would differ, as im pretty sure print film has very very fine grain, to prevent any additional grain from being added onto the final image.

However, I’m sure there must be other ways in which these processes differ or perhaps my current understanding of the processes, isn’t quite correct.

[Gautam Valluri]

Do you mean Pull-process the negative + print normal vs Normally processed negative + printing down etc ?

You didn't mention if the pull-processed negative was exposed normally or over by a few stops.

If it were exposed normally, in theory it should give you a low-contrast image which I reckon would look quite similar to the normally processed negative printed down.

I would highly recommend doing test rolls if possible in a lab and seeing the results yourself. Perhaps through your university's help or through an artist-run collective film lab?

There's zebralab in Geneva for example: http://zebralab.info/

[silvan schnelli]

@Gautam Valluri

6 hours ago, Gautam Valluri said:

 

Do you mean Pull-process the negative + print normal vs Normally processed negative + printing down etc ?

 

Yes basically that, like for example if I purposely overexposed to obtain more shadow detail and now want to regain correct exposure, what is the difference between pull process in the developer bath or printing down?  
 

I also hope to be able to visually test these things and see them myself, but I am not sure when I’ll be able to do that and was curious about the experience and knowledge of the people on this forum.

I also greatly appreciate that you went on my profile to cater the response to help me, thank you. 

[Dirk DeJonghe]

Pull process will mostly bring down the contrast, making it easier to fit highlights and shadows in the same range.

Normal process will retain the original contrast as intended by the manufacturer and in photochemical printing, you will have to choose between highlights or shadows, not both.