Ancient Polycontrast II RC paper

DannL · Mar 6, 2006

I have acquired some Kodak Polycontrast II RC paper, that appears to be circa 1982. What kind of results "should" I expect from paper this old? Or better put, what would happen if I used it normally?

And part 2 of same question: Can this paper (if found to be good) be developed in Ilford PQ Universal and have good results? or is Dektol the only way to go?

Thank you.

bohica · Mar 6, 2006

Years ago as the ship's photographer in the Navy, most of the polycontrast II RC paper they gave me was several years old and not temperature stored, I only had Dektol to use and never had any problems with it.

glbeas · Mar 6, 2006

Look in my gallery for prints done on even older Polycontrast, circa 1968!

DannL · Mar 7, 2006

Thank you for the replies. I will try it this evening. Mixed up a batch of Dektol last night, and letting it settle down and cool off. ;-)

I tried a few prints with Ilford PQ Universal Developer. "A total failure". The prints come out looking just like Tintypes. Hmmm . . . that's interesting.

Gerald Koch · Mar 7, 2006

The paper will probably require the use of some benzotriazole to control age fog. Start with 50 ml of a 0.2% solution per liter of developer. Add more in 20 ml amounts if needed.

pentaxuser · Mar 7, 2006

Gerald Koch said:
The paper will probably require the use of some benzotriazole to control age fog. Start with 50 ml of a 0.2% solution per liter of developer. Add more in 20 ml amounts if needed.

I had what I think were similar problems to the thread's originator. I don't know what a tintype looks like but my prints has a slightly veiled, warm look about them and altering contrast grades on the enlarge head made no difference. Each print looked the same.

Would the above solution in controlling age fog also have restored the paper's variable contrast?

Pentaxuser

Gerald Koch · Mar 7, 2006

I have no idea either what this tin type appearence may be. The two emulsions of VC papers may age at different rates. I would give the BTA a try anyway.

Jim Jones · Mar 7, 2006

I've salvaged images on both film and paper that were fogged due to age with a potassium ferricyanide bleach after fixing. It suffices for non-critical work.

Ancient Polycontrast II RC paper

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