Adox Fine Print Vario Classic FB tests?

troutmask · Nov 16, 2006

Anybody using this paper? I have run a search here but couldn't find anything.
I have some and ran a couple of tests today.
In Ilford warmtone developer 1:9 at 24 dgrees (college darkroom, water is always this warm)
MDT above 3 below 4 mins, havn't broken it down any further.
Flash test (using RH designs paper flash 4 secs + 1/10 stop
Anybody else who has tested the paper i would be interested in haring as a poor studnt I have to save paper! Dry down % would be useful to know as I assume this is not affected by developer etc. but is a constant?
I am making assumtions here but am I right in thinking that both the MDT and the flash tim would be longer in Ilford Cooltone? Or would the devloper used only affect the MDT?

Ian Grant · Nov 16, 2006

Adox don't manufacture anything, it's rebadged paper from another company.

Fotoimpex in Germany and J&C in the US are selling various products under this brand name (which they now own) and sourcing from EFKE, Forte, Ilford and possibly others.

The paper you are asking about is almost certainly Forte Polygrade FB, and was formerly sold under the Classic Arts name by Fotoimpex.

Ian

troutmask · Nov 17, 2006

I understood that ADOX film was also called EFKE, now I am told the paper is "almost ceratinly" Forte polygrad FB. Anybody know for certain? Anybody have information on it. It is crtainly very nice paper for a good price from retrophotographic whatever it is called.

timeUnit · Nov 17, 2006

It's not Forte Polygrade, AFAIK.

Search for "Vario Classic" and get a whole lot of threads.

This one for example:
(there was a url link here which no longer exists)

I use it a lot and am pleased with the results. I develop in Dekol 1+2 or 1+1. It's cool/neutral in those dilutions. Goes slightly blue in 2+1. I tone in selenium with very little tonal shift or Agfa Viradon for a hint of warmth.

Ole · Nov 17, 2006

If it's made by the same factory that makes EFKE films and the "classic" ADOX films (Fotokemika Zagreb), it's Varycon.

timeUnit · Nov 17, 2006

No I don't think it's Varycon. Varycon is warmer, in my experience.

troutmask · Nov 17, 2006

thanks timeUnit, did as you said and loads of information.

Eric Rose · Nov 17, 2006

I have used both Forte Poly and Adox Poly each in FB. They are totally different.

jstraw · Nov 17, 2006

Eric Rose said:
I have used both Forte Poly and Adox Poly each in FB. They are totally different.

Would you say that the Adox was a slow paper? Are printing times managable, even with cold light sources?

troutmask · Nov 17, 2006

Not having used it to make a print yet I am not sure what you mean by slow?
The flash test showed fogging at 5 seconds which must mean it is very receptive to light and the MDT of over 3 mins is good news for me as it means I can take a bit longer to get my highlights before the paper is fully developed.

jstraw · Nov 17, 2006

troutmask said:
Not having used it to make a print yet I am not sure what you mean by slow?

I believe this paper has been compared to AZO. I could be mistaken.

Alex Hawley · Nov 17, 2006

jstraw said:
I believe this paper has been compared to AZO. I could be mistaken.

No way. I've gone through a hundred sheets of it. Speed-wise, its comparable to Ilford MG and other standard VC papers. Tone-wise, I find it similar to Kodak Polymax Fine-Art FB. Like anything else, it takes some getting use to, before starting to fully appreciate its capabilities.

Michael, I will bring a sample print made on Adox Vario with me Sunday.

jstraw · Nov 17, 2006

I'm confusing it with something else.

Alex Hawley · Nov 17, 2006

Will also bring some Azo prints.

mikebarger · Nov 17, 2006

If Alex is bringing some of his prints, you are in for a treat!

Mike

Adox Fine Print Vario Classic FB tests?

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