Arista Edu Ultra paper

[chiller]

I recently received 2 boxes of Arista Edu Ultra paper from a friend in America and ran paper tests last night to determine the contrast range of the paper.

After my September '05 trip to Yosemite I began using the full BTZS system and the figures I have here are derived from projected step wedge paper tests through the light source of my De Vere 504 using the dial in filtration provided by the head. The tests allow me to tailor the negs I produce accurately to the characteristics of the paper. So far Efke is a nice match.

All tests were read into the Win Plotter software and approximate contrast grades provided. Thanks to Phil Davis for an amazing system.

I didn't bother with finding half grades as such but set out to locate a useful range.

I had read reports from people that the paper was not able to achieve much above grade 3.5.

I use Ilford Bromophen developer 1:3 @ 20c
Stop bath and Fixer.

The tone of the paper is neutral to very slightly warm [not very much] I have used Agfa for many years and to my eye this paper is not as warm as the Agfa classic paper.

I would say the paper has inbuilt developers as the image jumps into view very quickly for FB and then basically sits in the developer for the remainder of the time improving in very subtle ways.

I used a development time of 90 seconds. Longer didn't seem to offer any real advantage that I could see in a real print.

100y = Grade 0
40m = Grade 1
80m = Grade 2
120m = Grade 3
160m = Grade 4
200m [max on the head] = Grade 5
No filter is grade 1

The base tone of the paper is quite white and I would imagine with the new Ilford cooltone developer it would be a very inky paper.

I hope some of this information is useful if anyone is considering this paper. Some have suggested it is Foma but i cannot comment on that.

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Steve,

Thanks for useful information. What ISO(R) values were you using for the various grades?

Cheers,

Roger (www.rogerandfrances.com)

 

[dancqu]

[QUOTES=chiller]
"I recently received 2 boxes of Arista Edu Ultra paper ..."

That is from Freestyle. USA

"I would say the paper has inbuilt developers as the
image jumps into view very quickly for FB and then
basically sits in the developer for the remainder of
the time improving in very subtle ways."

That is a DI emulsion and Freestyle's PDF on the
paper does say as much. It is the one paper I've
found which admits to having a DI EMULSION.
That paper is intended for instructional use.

I wonder just how far it might go on it's own?
Try a small print in a 1 % solution of sodium
carbonate.

You've one paper for that list of papers with
DI emulsions. Now where are those ISO(R)
values Mr. Hicks requested? I also am
interested. Dan

 

[chiller]

,<snip> Now where are those ISO(R)
values Mr. Hicks requested? I also am
interested. Dan

Do you always demand when you ask a question?

As far as I'm concerned do the tests yourself and post your own results.

With VC paper paper grades are subjective at best -- these work for me.

 

[Claire Senft]

Well said Chiller.

 

[dancqu]

As far as I'm concerned do the tests
yourself and post your own results.

That won't happen. I'm not interested in a paper with
DI EMULSION. I've been testing Kentmere Fineprint which
has a DI SUPERCOAT. Also Forte Polywarmtone which
Freestyle is peddling under their own label. Neither
produce a trace of image by the carbonate test.

If DI emulsions are your thing I SUGGEST you give Larry's
two-bath print developer some thought. A bath the developer,
B bath the activator. Then you've a choice of developer. Dan