Cheapest paper suppliers in UK?

[Leon]

Has anyone done the required trawling to find out who its the cheapest paper seller in the UK (and does mail order)? I started to, but it drove me mad so I have my fingers crossed that others have done the work for me (lazy git, I know).

Specifically, I am looking for ilford MGFB, MGFB WT, fotospeed legacy and Oriental Seagull VCFB and VCFB Warm Tone. Sizes 8x10 to 12x16.

where are you getting it from and for how much?

cheers!

 

[mikeg]

Hello,

The problem with many cheap places is that they don't stock everything, whereas a place like Silverprint will stock all those items but their prices aren't the best. Morco stock Fotospeed and Ilford, I've never used them but I was looking recently at prices and they seemed to be very cheap. e.g. MGFB 10x8 @ £37.60. They're at www.morco.uk.com. I use Firstcall at www.firstcall-photographic.co.uk a lot because they stock the full range of Kentmere at the cheapest prices I can find. But their MGFB 10x8 is £44.87.

A lot of the other cheap places, 7dayshop, Mailshots, Mathers, etc only seem to stock RC now. That's all I think of at the moment!

Cheers

Mike

 

[gareth harper]

I get my MGIV RC from 7dayshop.com
My fibre paper I get from silverprint http://www.silverprint.co.uk/
Also check out Dead Link Removed though I've never tried them.
Nova darkroom sometimes has good offers.
Morco is also worth a look.
You'll probably find you have to shop around for each paper for a good price.

 

[Peter Black]

Also worth checking the Mail Order section at

http://www.arempublishing.co.uk/

as they have a variety of offers as well as standard prices.

 

[Dave Miller]

Currently AREM are advertising Ilford RC 10x8 at £20/100 (same as NOVA) and 16x12 at £26/100.

FB 10x8 is £40/100 and 16x12 is £48/50. These prices are advertised in MONO and I'm not sure if they are reflected on their web site.

 

[Tom Stanworth]

So far I reckon for regular stuff: Nova. Remember to remove the Eric card discount (5% I think) for the real price. They are fast, efficient and have never let me down. unlike Silverprint they also mail 5 litre bottles of chemistry which is a boon if you have a mixed order.

For Oriental, Mr Cad, when he has one of his buy one get one free deals. He is cheaper than Silverprint anyway, but a steal when you get one free. I use Silverprint for Forte, as they have good stock, normally. I have heard Mr Cad sometimes stocks old, dated paper etc. I have no idea if this is true. However, I have never had any probs with paper from him. I buy loads when he has his specials and don't even consider paying the normal prices for 50 sheets 20x16 Oriental! Oriental Warmtone.....You'll be very lucky to get any in a special and it is £150 for a box of 20x16 from silverprint. Good job I have 90 sheets left.....
I only tried Legacy and think it is lovely stuff. Did not buy more as I had other warm and warmish papers in stock (Forte and Agfa MCC). I bought mine from Fotospeed direct as they are way cheaper than Silverprint, or at least were last time I looked. Theres no way in my mind to justify the Silverprint £130 for a box of fifty 20x16 Legacy regardless. Yes it is a lovely paper, but Agfa MCC is also great and £50 cheaper for the same box.

I whinced when I spent £80 on fifty 20x16 Agfa FB (2 years ago). This is the most I have ever spent on paper, yet I have LOTS of yummy stuff. I am just a meanie who looks out for the deals! Keep an eagle eye out every time you see an oriental deal from Mr Cad and you can stock up on the cold stuff for a while. I got 40 sheets of 20x24 Oriental grade 4 for under £100 whopper Lith prints from Mr Cad. Haven't used it yet, but that will be fun when I do.

Leon,

Have you used the Oriental Warmtone yet? If so, what do you think?

Tom

 

[Leon]

thanks everyone. I think it's a good idea for us to post here any bargains we might come across, so keep 'em peeled!

Tom, I havent tried the oriental warm yet, but have some on order from peter hogan's site to try out. Should get it next week. I am using Legacy quite a bit at the moment and really like that, but am wondering what all the oriental fuss is about!

 

[roy]

but am wondering what all the oriental fuss is about!

If the Oriental you buy now is similar to the paper made before the company had their financial problems and restricted their exports a few years ago, it is very responsive to toning.