Foma Papers

[vic vic]

hello,

i would like to ask members some information (mainly nuances) about the following Foma papers. giving some comparison with familiar papers will be very helpful too, i will write which are well known to me too...

FomaBrom Variant 112:
my main question about this paper is the surface. what is Matt for this paper ? is it like Ilford MG Matt, or more like Ilford MGW semi-matt and Fomatone 132 ? is the tonality in tune with Foma Variant 111 which i know well. over-all, how this compared to ilford MG and MGW matt/semi-matt papers, in other characteristics too.

FomaBrom Variant IV 123 ?!?! a New paper ?!
from foma website, sounds interesting, any experience ?

Foma Nature-II 532:
i already understand that it has similar emulsion as Fomatone MG papers (im well familiar with 132). i understand that it has whiter base - something like Ilford MGW tint ? and i also understand it has texture and some surface sheen? texture that is between old Kentmere Art Classic and normal smooth paper ? and hows the surface, again like Ilford MGW semi-matt but textured ?
i also conclude that it is a multi-grade paper as it has same emulsion as 132... does it reach the same tonality, mainly blacks, or does it stay a bit faded like Art-Classic ?
and most important about this paper - your experience with Lith.
for orientation... im very well familiar with Fotospeed Lith paper (and developer), also printed on ilford MGW, agfa mcc118 and Art classci.
does this paper has "all" the repertoire of Lith printing, like moody green cast in dark tones, gritty pattern... does it bleach and tones well ?
and also, i understand 542 Chamois is exact same only with base-tint that is similar to 132 ?

many thanks,
vic

 

[Angelo di Mango]

What I can say for sure is that Fomatone(131 ,532,542) papers do lith extremely well and they also tone beautifully. Just be cautious with the bleach ! I use it extremely diluted to control its effect (1+50)

 

[djkloss]

hello,

and also, i understand 542 Chamois is exact same only with base-tint that is similar to 132 ?

many thanks,
vic

542-II Chamois is the same as the original 542 but with a sheen, and the mid to low values display a very olive green cast. If you use this paper, I would recommend it for "high-key" images and it will be beautiful. If using it for 'normal' to 'low-key' I would definitely split tone it in sepia/selenium. I made up a bunch of samples using the stouffer step wedge (4x5) and then toned them to see what the possibilites were. The toned samples are beautiful. but I would not use this paper un-toned because the green is just too strong for my taste. The 532 is also green, so I would tone that as well. For developer, I use Ethol LPD 1:4.

good luck with your printing. I was ready to give up on the chamois, but I'm giving it another chance because I like the chamois color so well.