16x20 paper/developer suggestions please

andrewfrith · Jun 26, 2004

I just got my devere 8x10 vertical enlarger up and running...i've always contact printed my 8x10 negs in various alternative processes. Now, i am about to try enlarging onto silver based paper, starting out at 16x20. I dont have much experience with silver based stuff..any good suggestions for fiber based papers to start with. i like both warm and cold tones but im interested in glossy fiber as all my alternative stuff isnt glossy so im keen to see some of my stuff in that kind of finish. The two I was thinking of were Oriental VC seagull (?) and Ilford MG IV. I guess i'm looking for developer/paper combinations suggestions too really. Thanks in advance.

-andrew

ken s · Jun 26, 2004

Both Ilford Multigrade IV and Multigrade Warm are great papers to start with. Develop in Dektol 1:2 for two minutes. Ken

Alex Hawley · Jun 26, 2004

My two cents:

Kodak Polymax Fine Art paper for neutral tone. There's a couple recent threads in this forum category on it.

For warm tone, J&C Classic polywarmtone. Very rich and bit less expensive than Ilford. See www.jandcphotography.com.

Developer; Try Agfa Neutol WA. Its a warm tone developer nearly as good as Amidol. Much better seperation in the highlights than Dektol in my opinion.

All things aside though, Ilford and Dektol are still a great way to start. Adorama brand paper is a good deal both pricewise and quality-wise and is reported to be re-branded Ilford.

PJC · Jun 26, 2004

Greetings,

There are many fine B&W parers available and I suggest you try different ones to find the surfaces and types that suit you. Oriental, Ilford & Kodak all make great papers, but my favorite is Forte Poly Warm Tone Plus FB developed in LPD diluted 1:4 and toned in dilute selenium. The Forte warm tone paper is very responsive to selenium, so tone carefully or you'll end up with copper very quickly.

Regards, Pete

L Gebhardt · Jun 26, 2004

Ilford Warmtone, Forte Polygrade V and Kodak Fine Art are the papers I stock currently. I use Photograper's Formulary Developer 130 with the Forte and Kodak and really like the look. I haven't tried it yet with the Ilford Warmtone. I also like LPD, and it was my developer of choice for years - until I discovered the glycin based 130.

Tom Stanworth · Jun 27, 2004

Oriental Seagull and Forte polywarmtone (not sure of name used in US). I also like Agfa MCC. All brilliant. I'll second Neutol WA as a great dev, but also use Tetenal Eukobrom for cold tones with seagul. I have never really gotten on with MGIV, dont know why. Kodak Polygrade fine art glossy is a very good alternative to seagull. Warmer base but neutral to cold tones depending on dev. All the above blow MGIV away (for my eyes).
In terms of graded, Forte Fortezo ot Seagul G. Fortezo is the most beatiful paper I have ever used.

roy · Jun 27, 2004

PJC said:
The Forte warm tone paper is very responsive to selenium, so tone carefully or you'll end up with copper very quickly.

I have used the fibre multicontrast paper and you can get interesting colours from that if you use lith developer, even without toning.

Bob Carnie · Jun 27, 2004

Hi Andrew
I agree with the first reply, Ilford paper, warm and neutral, I use dectol 1-1.5,
Over the years I have found their emulsions to be reliable, consistant , and with both papers you can produce a variety of different looks with toners.
Change to different papers after you have nailed down your settings with a cold and warm paper.
have fun
Bob

16x20 paper/developer suggestions please

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