Test strips act as a contact sheet (as a preview) but can be used for one expanded image. It allows you to control the results more as you gain extra knowledge into the ideal amount of time of exposure, contrast quality and other aesthetical elements needing to be taken into consideration when wanting a final print. It may take abit longer but you'll save money and gain extra quality to your images in the long run.
To create a contact sheet is on my blog already. However, specifically, I used Fstop 8 and exposed the negatives on light sensitive paper for 2 second intervals (to a total of 10 seconds). Though I wanted to see what exposure time was ideal so I exposed the whole sheet for 2 seconds. Then i covered 4/5 of the sheet - exposed for another 2 seconds and continued to expose an extra 1/5 each time until it all amounted to 10seconds. I then developed it (this is also explained on my blog). I found this difficult at first but only due to the unfamiliarity of the equipment and technique. Once you 'get a feel' for it all you very quickly become familiar. Your understanding of of light exposure and the whole development process rapidly strengthens as its a very hands on approach. I quickly found that i was able to set up the apparatus and arrange it accordingly due the the specifications of my work.
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