A method is described which provides a means for producing complete and faithful prints from negatives having a wide range of density variations. It relies on the use of an appropriate mask during a first printing stage, allowing to compress the density range of the negative without tone reversal. High-contrast detail can so be enhanced and a maximum information from the negative is transferred to the print. Five different applications in the printing of infrared documents, radiographs and old negatives, are discussed. The quality obtained has not been equalled yet by automatic dodging devices.