8.5 x 11 Darkroom Prints and Paper

[AZD]

How many out there are using 8.5” x 11” paper to make darkroom prints? If so, why?

I had never used this size until about a month ago after picking up an old box of Polycontrast III RC paper. While it has some fog and loss of contrast to deal with, I find that I like the size better than 8 x 10. It’s hardly much larger, but it’s noticeable. Admittedly, I printed them on a borderless easel, while my 8 x 10s have standard easel borders. I need to make some without borders for closer comparison.

It looks like Ilford is the last supplier of 8.5 x 11, with MGRC Deluxe and Multigrade Warmtone RC being the only offerings. Presumably it’s an antiquated size, formerly used for proof sheets or photographs needing to match up with standard US office paper. People are still buying Ilford’s paper, so what’s it being used for?

Ilford’s prices are roughly comparable per sheet between 8 x 10 and 8.5 x 11, and if you have a paper cutter you can have an 8 x 10 plus test strips if you want a “standard” print. Seems like a win-win, but unfortunately one I discovered long after the selection of papers diminished. That seems to be a recurring theme in this hobby…

 

[MattKing]

That size is ideal for contact proof sheets of negatives stored in the size of Printfile negative holder sheets designed to fit in standard - not oversized - three ring binders.
It also gives you prints that fit exactly into binders of that size, if you should wish to use them for illustrating reports or anything similar.
I expect that latter use was the main purpose for the size. It is also, of course, a North American application, as page sizes in the UK are often different.

 

[AnselMortensen]

I am using it for contact sheets, as described above.

 

[GregY]

Yes... U.K./EU size availability is different. Ilford produces 9.5"x12" (24cmx30.5) and 12"x16" (30cm x40cm)

 

[ags2mikon]

Contact sheets when using 6x7 negatives.

 

[AZD]

Yes... U.K./EU size availability is different. Ilford produces 9.5"x12" (24cmx30.5) and 12"x16" (30cm x40cm)

I’m hoping to never come across either, as I may find I like 9.5 x 12 even better… although it looks like paper selection is better, too. Ok, changing my mind on this, as a 10 sheet package of 9.5 x 12 is around $15. I’ll add one to my next order.

I am using it for contact sheets, as described above.

Contact sheets when using 6x7 negatives.

Yep, perfect fit. Better than 8 x 10.

 

[GregY]

I’m hoping to never come across either, as I may find I like 9.5 x 12 even better… although it looks like paper selection is better, too. Ok, changing my mind on this, as a 10 sheet package of 9.5 x 12 is around $15. I’ll add one to my next order.





Yep, perfect fit. Better than 8 x 10.

Also a nice fit for full frame prints from 35mm negatives

 

[Mick Fagan]

I've always thought their A4 sized paper 210mm x 297mm is perfect for 35mm film as 210mm divided by 24mm = 8.75 times enlargement, and the 297mm long side divided by 36mm = 8.25 times enlargement.

As a bonus, the majority of the world uses A4 as their standard letter size, so an almost unbelievably diverse range of folders is available for storage or carrying options.