An Argument for RC Paper...

Paul Verizzo said:

I presume by "raw base" you are referring to the actual paper inbetween the RC layers? Paper can be bleached pretty darned white all by itself, and/or fluorescents can be added. Just look at inkjet papers, they can make papers that appear whiter than white!

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That's correct, raw base refers to the fiber (paper) between the two RC layers.

jfish said:

"...and there is a lot of evidence that they are not too different archivally than FB, despite their bad press when they originated."

Actually this isn't correct, at least if you plan on framing or storing it in and type of enclosed situation. I don't have the article, month or even year of the article, but Ctein has tested and researched extensively on the subject and his article on the subject was in View Camera back in the mid to late 80's...and RC paper hasn't changed that much since then. The paper degraded quite a bit when framed and behind either glass or plexi, although I think one slightly less than the other. Granted as one poster said, most prints will end up in the round file, if you ae serious about the longevity of your images on paper, FB is your best choice.

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There was a suite of two articles by Ctein in Photo Techniques, in 1998. An important part of these articles was Ctein's experimental results showing that treatment with either selenium toner, Sistan or both prevented the deterioration of his framed test print. I saw Ctein's test setup in person, and the results were quite striking.

I don't think anybody knows how long the protective effect of these post-treatments will last, but his test provided convincing evidence that there is indeed a protective effect.

My primary criterion for selecting a paper is to get the best curve match between paper and negative - that is, to get the tonal scale that looks best to me for the picture. Sometimes that means RC, sometimes FB. Occasionally I'll print on RC simply because I don't have the time or energy for FB. Regardless, when I print on RC for keeps I always treat with selenium toner and Sistan.

Yes, the Ilford pearl finish is quite nice. But I do still prefer fiber.