Favourite paper for contact sheet?

sterioma · Dec 11, 2020

I am currently using some semi-gloss / pearl variable contrast resin paper for my contact sheets, which I have started producing since about a year. I have noticed though that the pearl surface does not seem to be ideal for this, as close observation with a loupe shows the paper "imperfections" that make the paper attractive when seen from normal viewing distance, but there are very distracting from up close.

Do you guys have any preference for your contact sheet paper? Do you care whether it's the same paper, or at least similar, to your "default" paper if you have one?

I am considering switching to glossy VC resin, but I wonder if this could be a case where a graded paper would be a better choice (after all, I always print withtout any filtration for my contact sheets).

MattKing · Dec 11, 2020

I mostly use glossy VC RC, with a #2 filter.
However I have been known to use up other paper that I have been given or purchased cheaply as "used".
I'm much more particular with paper for prints.

bdial · Dec 11, 2020

For Ilford RC papers, the satin surface might work better for you. I don't use a particular paper for contact sheets other than it's always Ilford Multigrade. I switch between pearl, satin or glossy depending on what's easily available when I buy it, though satin is my preference.
For things like checking critical focus I use a loupe and look at the negatives. Part of the reason is that I do contacts with the negatives in their sleeves, so looking at the contact sheet for critical focus doesn't work. For me, the contact sheet is just to evaluate exposure, general composition and tonality.

Mark_S · Dec 12, 2020

I use Ilford MG RC Glossy, but I don't remember why I use that. I print mostly on Ilford MG WT FB paper. Habits......

brian steinberger · Dec 13, 2020

I also use glossy RC. I used to use pearl because I prefer it for prints. But like you noticed it’s not ideal for contact sheets.

bernard_L · Dec 13, 2020

Glossy RC also. Fomaspeed variant 311 (cheaper here than Ilford).

Konical · Dec 13, 2020

Good Morning,
Decades ago, I used Kodabrome II RC, Grade 2 for all contact sheets. When that became unavailable, I changed to Ilford MGIV RC (no filter) in 8½ × 11 size. I chose the larger size because arranging negatives on the paper is a bit less fussy and because it gives a little more leeway with 6 × 7 negatives.
I've always been careful to aim for consistency on contact sheets: same enlarger height; same paper; same lens; same f-stop; same exposure time, etc. Consistency makes it easier to diagnose potential problems, such as a shutter or diaphragm which is misbehaving, a possible development anomaly, or a new film/developer combination..
Since I also record printing data on the back of contact sheets, little printing exposure guess-work is required with new negatives of similar size. Contact sheets are easily filed, and the boring time spent on them is well worthwhile.
Konical

blockend · Dec 13, 2020

Whatever's available. Contact sheets are a rough guide to composition and to confirm focus. High quality papers won't reveal big enough differences to choose one image over another.

nadav · Dec 13, 2020

I use Ilford RC glossy. 8.5 x 11 size which gives enough room for sleeves with strips of 6 35mm frames.
Haven’t tried satin though!

Vaughn · Dec 13, 2020

I found that most students made their contact sheets with too much contrast. One way to print them is with low contrast so that one can see via the contact sheet if the negative has detail in the shadows and highlights.

otto.f · Dec 14, 2020

I use glossy RC Fomapan, cheap and simple.

Pat Erson · Dec 14, 2020

I have tried Foma Ilford and Kentmere (all glossy) and Ilford remains my absolute fav.
Kentmere is quite "strong" = contrasty (a bit like the discontinuted Kodak RC paper) but Ilford wins in terms of gray scale which is beautiful with this one.
And with Kentmere the paper itself feels kinda cheap. Foma to me is very decent but certainly not as good as Ilford. And alas it's not available in A4 format.

I print on Grade 2 with Tetenal Eukobrom and I get very satisfying results with a "modern" look to my contact-sheets. With Dektol I don't get a result as pleasing.

(NOTE : I haven't tried Ilford MG V yet so my comment only applies to MG IV).

jp498 · Dec 14, 2020

Glossy RC variable contrast.. Because it's cheap and I shoot quite a few rolls needing contact sheets.
I have boxes of 100 sheet 8x10 oriental. No longer available, but it's just good cheap stuff. When that's gone, probably foma.. They are terrible for film but great for paper.

I stick to Ilford and Oriental for final prints.

Sirius Glass · Dec 14, 2020

I use whatever I have. Both Ilford MG RC Glossy and Ilford MG WT FB papers work well.

Favourite paper for contact sheet?

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