Celebrating the magic of film.

[digiconvert]

I have experimented with a different paper and developer for the first time. Due to the heat b**g£@ring up my usual MG developer I had to order some more and tried cooltone, I ordered pearl cooltone paper while I was at it !

I eventually got a print, not a brilliant one agreed but it was a print that was presentable. Cooltone seems really 'slow' paper compared to my standard grade stuff so test prints were numerous. I am very pleased with the result, I like the look, but my real point is this - what part of digital photography can come close to this kind of experimentation ? "I'll try a different CF card today" or maybe "Shall I use a new filter in pshop". I think not, I am not looking to start a 'Film is dying/not dying/turning into an alternative process" discussion (and hope moderators kill the thread if that starts), but celebrating the magic of analogue.

Cheers CJB (BTW I have included the print as an attachment - I've got a new toy and I want others to see it )

 

[ann]

check the spec sheet on the cool tone paper, it seems that the suggested development time was different than the regular rc papers.

it has been awhile since we have used any, so i am a bit fuzzy about the details, but ilford recommended 2 minutes for development time not 90 secs.

 

[Dave Miller]

The main thing is that you seem to be enjoying the experience Chris. The Cooltone dev is very slow compared with others so it's worth expermenting with extended development times, although more especially with fibre papers.

 

[digiconvert]

check the spec sheet on the cool tone paper, it seems that the suggested development time was different than the regular rc papers.

it has been awhile since we have used any, so i am a bit fuzzy about the details, but ilford recommended 2 minutes for development time not 90 secs.

Thanks, it in fact gives 4 minutes with cooltone paper AND dev combination.
I'd love to know how it works

 

[reellis67]

As I understand it, for a cool image tone, you need to allow for complete development of as much exposed silver as possible while warmer tones are achieved by cutting development times somewhat. I've used that paper, and I like it, but you have to be patient and let it fully develop to get the cooler tones. For cooler tones you might also try using a cooltone developer or adding a small amount (%1-2 of volume) of Benzotriazole to your current developer.

I can't comment on your digital question because I never really got into it other than for snapshots...

- Randy

 

[m_liddell]

I am very pleased with the result, I like the look,

Good to hear!

I recently got my first print done my Robin Bell in London and there is no way digital can hold a candle to his print.