Test strips

I usually make one test strip for b&w for exposure, and have had decent success in getting what I want out of the full print by using the contact sheet to determine if something needs a little dodge/burn.

Color, on the other hand, is a whole other animal. I usually go through at least 6 or 7 test strips per print to get the color balance correct. Which sucks, since I have to use half-sheet test strips - our processor at school is really old and crappy, and anything smaller than 4x5 has a tendency to get stuck.
 
i hate using them! once you know your enlarger, timer, and what each filter will do, you're fine without them
 

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