Basic grade of MG papers

[haris]

Hello,

Can you tell me where to find information what is basic grade of MG papers, that is when paper is exposed with unfiltered light what is its grade in that case. I am in particular interested in Ilfords RC and FB papers, but would like to know for other papers too, just in case

I didin't find that information on Ilford technical information pdf's on Ilford's web site or in booklets which came with papers. Maybe that is written there, but I didn't see it...

Thanks

 

[Roger Hicks]

Two-ish, but a certain amount depends on the light: use my (very blue) Linhof cold cathode head and it's very different.

 

[haris]

Thanks Roger.

If light is issue, I use standard 150W bulb (former Philips ) for b/w and 100w halogen bulb for colour head.

I think I remember that in British Practical photogaphy magazine few years ago I read it is grade 2, and for Ilford RC is grade 3, but as I am not sure I remember correctly I asked here...

Regards

 

[Roger Hicks]

Dear Haris,

Two-ish, then. Grades aren't all that fixed: ISO(R) numbers are much more reliable, and refer to the log brightness range required to give a full range on the paper. Really hard papers (grade 5 graded) are maybe ISO(R) 40-45 (log range 0.40-0.45), while really soft ones (grade 00 Multigrade) might be ISO(R) 160 or more (log range 1.6 or more). 'Grade 2' is typically anything from 90 to 110. Some papers have become harder over the years, i.e. a grade 3 that was 100 might now be 90.

Cheers,

Roger

 

[haris]

Thanks Roger,

All the best.

 

[George Papantoniou]

Ilford claims that their MG papers when exposed without a filter (and a tungsten lamp in the enlarger, I suppose) are going to give a Grade 2 result... it seems to work that way, more or less...

 

[haris]

Thank you George.