A method for contrast levelling in printing X-ray film which is simple, rapid and cheap compared with previously described methods. A very thin photographic paper of document type is used for the contrast levelling work. A wet print of the radiograph on this paper is used as a filter for illumination control during the printing which is made on ordinary paper. A certain variable distance between the filter print and the film produces sufficient diffusion for the elimination of disturbing contour phenomena, and also produces adequate detail contrast.