Agfa paper?

[RoyK]

Hi

Someone told me some time back that some company had taken up the production of Agfa's papers. Does anyone know if it's possible to get the old 111 fibre paper from somewhere? Both sheets and large rolls would be interesting.

roy

 

[Simon R Galley]

Dear Roy,

Nobody has ( or will ) be taking over the production of AGFA Photo's film or paper, but some quantities of paper and film remain in stockists around the World.

Regards

Simon ILFORD photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

 

[Rolleiflexible]

Simon, I corresponded with Agfa late last year, and received the same information you provide. Agfa explained that the factory that produced the paper, and the land on which it sat, was too expensive for another company to buy and run profitably. Alas.

Two questions for you:

(1) Like the OP, I am a big fan of Agfa's old MCC 111 fiber paper. I liked it because it offered good strong blacks on a bright white base, yet had subtle warmth in the midtones -- a beautiful combination that is particularly well-suited to my photography. I know, judging from the run on MCC 111 following Agfa's demise last October, that many others must share my sentiments. Is there any chance that Ilford might be persuaded to offer a paper with similar characteristics?

(2) In looking about for a replacement paper, I've given Ilfobrom a try. It's not MCC 111 but it has a look that appeals to me. I have read Ilford materials that say Ilfobrom glossy is available in a Grade 4 version. Yet the darkroom manager at B+H (Milton the Omniscient) swears that a Grade 4 Ilfobrom does not exist.

I consistently print at Grade 3 to Grade 4. Is Ilfobrom available in the higher grade? And if so, is there a retailer in the States who stocks it?

Best,

Sanders McNew

 

[Sal Santamaura]

I consistently print at Grade 3 to Grade 4. Is Ilfobrom available in the higher grade? And if so, is there a retailer in the States who stocks it?

I'm sure Simon will chime in when it's a more decent hour in Britain, but until then...

You probably looked at this outdated product information, still on-line:

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/productlist.asp?n=20&t=Graded+Photographic+Papers

which mislead you to believe that Ilfobrom Galerie is currently being manufactured in Grade 4. Unfortunately, getting the latest scoop requires consulting page 11 of this more current file:

http://www.ilfordphoto.com/Webfiles/2006522154759456.pdf

which indicates that what you're after falls into the same category as 111, namely "while supplies last." Apparently B&H's supply has already sold out.

 

[Rolleiflexible]

Well, Sal, that's a bummer.

Simon: Given the shrinking number of grades in which it is offered, can you say if Ilford intends to continue the Ilfobrom line? Or is it, too, on the endangered species lit?

Sanders.

 

[Sal Santamaura]

...if Ilford intends to continue the Ilfobrom line? Or is it, too, on the endangered species list?

I certainly hope not. It has become my favorite graded paper, and I'll be satisfied if Ilford continues producing it in 2 and 3.

 

[Simon R Galley]

Dear All,

As to the AGFA product, it was very nice no doubt about it, and did have a following
but a couple of points, it is incredibly difficult ( almost impossible ) to replicate any product on a different coating machine using different raw materials, you would also need a specific manufactured base, the order quantities for base are huge and this would mean the cost would increase to a level people would not be prepared to pay
( in my opinion ).

As to ILFOBROM Galerie, grade 4 is gone, why ?, the volume had dropped to an uneconomical level, we have a minimum coating requirement based on the emulsion make, we were coating the smallest volume we could and we were part finishing mill reels, we were having to store the mill reels and they were getting to near 'out of date' it was just getting too expensive: BUT we have every intention of carrying on with Grade 2 and Grade 3 where volumes are acceptable, and have shown some growth since the demise of AGFA and KODAK ceasing mono paper manufacture.

Hope this answers your questions

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Liumited