Fiber similar to Ilford Multigrade.

[Stock Dektol]

Hey all,

I'm in the market for some 16x20 fiber. I would love Ilford Multigrade yet it is so expensive. Anyone have suggestions of comparable paper for less cash? Just for reference, i'm developing in Dektol. Happy Thanksgiving.

 

[Ian Grant]

All papers are expensive now, you could try the Kentmere Fineprint.

Ian

 

[Doc W]

Sadly, Ian is quite right. Rather than finding cheaper paper, I have been concentrating on improving my methods so that I waste much less paper in getting to a final print. The expense has also made me even more aware of getting the negatives right so that I have to do less fancy footwork and experimentation in the darkroom.

 

[pentaxuser]

Foma and Slavich are cheaper in the U.K. at least but they may not be available in the U.S. or comparatively not as cheap compared to Ilford. As Ian has said, FB paper has shot through the roof in price and as yet Ilford has given us no crumb of comfort by saying that the price gradient is about to ease off and in the future prices will track inflation.

Have you considered the U.S. e-bay? There's usually a few U.K. e-bayers deserting analogue to release some "secondhand" FB paper. Maybe things are similar in the U.S.

pentaxuser

 

[Anon Ymous]

Fomabrom Variant is somewhat warmer than Ilford's MG IV FB, but it's nothing that can't be "corrected" with some selenium toning. Regarding price, it's a lot cheaper...

 

[Stock Dektol]

Thanks! The Ilford is really expensive but I guess all fiber is now. (un)fortunately I love fiber.

 

[msage]

Thanks! The Ilford is really expensive but I guess all fiber is now. (un)fortunately I love fiber.

I checked B&H and Ilford 11x14 50 sheet box FB was cheaper than Ilford 11x14 50 sheet box RC.

 

[pentaxuser]

I checked B&H and Ilford 11x14 50 sheet box FB was cheaper than Ilford 11x14 50 sheet box RC.

Well, well. Either the RC is extortionate or B&H have made a mistake with its pricing as FB is much more expensive, well in the U.K. it is. If neither of these either/ or explains it then it suggests that the Ilford price to the wholesaler is about the same and the profit on FB in the U.K. is extortionate but even I, who has cast jaundiced looks at the price hikes in the U.K. find this third option hard to believe.

pentaxuser

 

[brian steinberger]

Oriental and Kentmere are certainly great options. I haven't used Kentmere since Ilford took it over. I would assume it's still a great emulsion. It tones easier than Ilford MGIV. The Kentmere is also significantly cheaper than the Ilford (here in the US anyway). Oriental is also supposedly a great paper. I have not too much experience with it though.

 

[msage]

Well, well. Either the RC is extortionate or B&H have made a mistake with its pricing as FB is much more expensive, well in the U.K. it is. If neither of these either/ or explains it then it suggests that the Ilford price to the wholesaler is about the same and the profit on FB in the U.K. is extortionate but even I, who has cast jaundiced looks at the price hikes in the U.K. find this third option hard to believe.

pentaxuser

I took the prices from B&H web site. It may be a mistake, I have not bought RC paper for may moons. I gave most of the RC away because of problems with the longevity and the "feel". If you like FB bite the bullet.
Michael

 

[boilerdoc]

Check out Freestyle Photo in the US. They have a ton of different choices and prices in a dizzying array of papers. Russian, Czech, French, etc.
Steve

 

[Ian Grant]

No-one makes a paper in France Steve, the last company ceased trading years ago.

Ian