How do you measure optical density?

I’m trying to measure the optical density of a negative but I can’t seem to find any thing that is directly answering this question on google.

I’m trying to evaluate the quality of negatives produced by different means.

Appreciate any advice :)

Thanks!

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A transmission densitometer is the device used for evaluation of negative densities. If you’d like, I could provide measurements of various types of negatives for you. Just drop me a note via email through this site, and we can work it out. I’d be happy to do it for you without charge.

One way to evaluate comparative negative density is to hold the negative up to a light source and pass your hand behind the negative. The relative movement you can see will provide some measure of the optical density, but would be quite subjective.

John Henry

Or, if you can see fluorescent tubes though the negative, it is way too thin.