D-max

Definition: Maximum density: (1) Measure of greatest or maximum density of silver or dye image attained by film or print in given sample. (2) Point at top of characteristic curve of negative film or bottom of curve for positive -- i.e. region of high exposure -- at which density reaches maximum for given film, development time and developer: just before curve levels off or begins to turn.
High, max!
High d-max, synonymous with the accolade 'good blacks', is regarded as Good Thing as it contributes to subjective assessment of high quality image; also objectively important, especially in projection of transparencies. Applies in equal measure to prints, whether made by ink-jet or off-set lithography: but beware paper is not soaked- saturated by ink, which is to use more ink than needed.

Previous Term: DLP  Next Term: D-min