Fomabrom Variant IV 123 - returned from the grave?

M Carter · Feb 18, 2017

So I noticed Freestyle shows 123 "in stock April 7" in all sizes, with this added to the description:

"Fomabrom Variant IV 123 is now a new emulsion designed for Bromoil, lith and other alternatives processes and is not recommend for straight black and white printing. "

123 was discontinued after the gelatine change that killed lith-abiliy for many Foma papers (and it made a great bromoil paper - 123 - into a so-so version). According to Tim Rudman, they reworked some papers for lith, but discontinued 123, and as I understand it the remaining stock was purcchased by a Euro mail order house.

So wondering if this is remaining old stock, or truly a new emulsion? The data sheet on Foma's site is dated 11/2016, but they may have updated it with the "not recommended" language while moving their old stock. I've asked both Freestyle and Foma for clarification, no response.

123 was a fantastic lith a bromoil paper, loved the finish, the look, the works - and to have a truly infectious-development style paper brand new and in plenty of sizes was wonderful. The gelatine change ruined it for lith and pretty much for bromoil. Man, I'm curious - do we get a nice new alt-process paper?? Anyone have any scoop?

Trond · Feb 20, 2017

I loved Fomabrom IV 123 just for normal printing, and it was sad to see it go. I noticed this a while ago:

http://foma-cz.cs4.cstech.cz/en/catalogue-fomabrom-variant-iv-123-bo-detail-506

The datasheet is almost the same as before. And I asked fomafoto.com about it, and it will be available there at the end of the month.

Trond

M Carter · Feb 21, 2017

Freestyle confirmed directly to me today - this is a NEW emulsion run, not old stock. Trying to see if they have any testing samples, but I did pre-order a pack of 16x20. Fingers crossed - about $70 crossed in fact!!!

TheToadMen · Apr 8, 2017

Still not available, but expected in July 2017? I've sent an inquiry to Macodirect.de today.
http://www.freestylephoto.biz/430161-Fomabrom-Variant-IV-123-VC-FB-Velvet-16x20-10-Sheets

TheToadMen · Apr 8, 2017

Technical data sheet: http://www.foma.cz/ew/06a327b5-6f8b-4c55-94bd-6c74273874cc-en

locutus · Apr 8, 2017

Are the prices listed there correct? Or am i missing something?

50 18x24cm sheets for 17.6 euros is really cheap!

aleckurgan · Apr 8, 2017

locutus said:
Are the prices listed there correct? Or am i missing something?
50 18x24cm sheets for 17.6 euros is really cheap!

It's a bit cheaper than the regular Fomabrom Variant 111 or 112 https://fomaobchod.cz/blackwhitepho...ariant111/fomabromvariant111178x2450ks[36026]
Which seems to be logical for a specialized paper product.

John Wiegerink · Apr 8, 2017

aleckurgan said:
It's a bit cheaper than the regular Fomabrom Variant 111 or 112 https://fomaobchod.cz/blackwhitepho...ariant111/fomabromvariant111178x2450ks[36026]
Which seems to be logical for a specialized paper product.

Logical? It seems the opposite to me. Specialty items always seem to go for more. Since this paper can be used for general purpose printing also, the price seems like a real bargain.

TheToadMen · Apr 8, 2017

John Wiegerink said:
Since this paper can be used for general purpose printing also, ...

It's my understanding it is not suitable for "normal" printing?

John Wiegerink · Apr 8, 2017

Hmmm! I don't know about that? It might not be the same as other Fomabrom papers or say Ilford Multigrade Classic, but I don't see why it can't be used to print "normal". The results might not be to your liking, but I believe it can work for some things/subjects.

TheToadMen · Apr 9, 2017

John Wiegerink said:
Hmmm! I don't know about that? It might not be the same as other Fomabrom papers or say Ilford Multigrade Classic, but I don't see why it can't be used to print "normal". The results might not be to your liking, but I believe it can work for some things/subjects.

You're probably right. But I was thinking of/wondering about the "warning" from Freestyle:

Fomabrom Variant IV 123 is now a new emulsion designed for Bromoil, lith and other alternatives processes and is not recommend for straight black and white printing. Fomabrom Variant IV 123 is a black-and-white, variable-contrast paper on a baryta double-weight paper base. This paper features a shining white paper base. The paper is manufactured using silver chlorobromide emulsion that gives neutral-to-medium warm tone to the silver image. The surface is finished in fine-grain, semi-gloss.

Features

Black and white paper recommended for Bromoil, Lith and other alternative processes, not recommended for classic black and white printing
Medium weight
Develop in standard black and white chemicals
This paper has been tested to work well for the Mordancage and Bromoil processes
Excellent paper for lith printing and handcoloring

Source: http://www.freestylephoto.biz/430161-Fomabrom-Variant-IV-123-VC-FB-Velvet-16x20-10-Sheets

Guillaume Zuili · Jun 16, 2017

Anyone had a chance to try this paper in Lith ?
I am near the end of my old stash of 131. If the color is on a par that would be great.
Here a pic of 131 selenium toned to try to mute the colors.
Thanks,
G.

Mike Crawford · Jun 16, 2017

Guillaume Zuili said:
Anyone had a chance to try this paper in Lith ?
I am near the end of my old stash of 131. If the color is on a par that would be great.
Here a pic of 131 selenium toned to try to mute the colors.
Thanks,
G.

Hi Guillaume

I really like Variant 123 for lith. Have heard a little bit about it's 'resurgence' as a lith paper through it's UK supplier so really hope it continues to be produced. Think you may like it. Have made some comments in this thread. (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
E mail me if you want any more info. It's not as pliable as say old Kodabrom but can get some good results.

M Carter · Jun 16, 2017

Mike Crawford said:
Hi Guillaume

I really like Variant 123 for lith. Have heard a little bit about it's 'resurgence' as a lith paper through it's UK supplier so really hope it continues to be produced. Think you may like it. Have made some comments in this thread. (there was a url link here which no longer exists)
E mail me if you want any more info. It's not as pliable as say old Kodabrom but can get some good results.

Keep in mind we're talking the current batch, which comes after 123 was dead for a couple years. Nobody knows if it's the same as the old stuff, which was a really damn nice wonderful lith paper, though the colors were more muted (I say that considering that PWT and Ektalure were long gone when 123 was still in production - it's no PWT but hell, it liths with nice tones!). I've been waiting for 11x14 or 16x20 to order, but I'm so dang curious I may grab some 8x10. Freestyle carries it in the US, full money back if you don't like it.

Bob Carnie · Jun 16, 2017

I am so pissed with Lith Printing.. I have four days booked, was next to impossible to get paper, LD20 left on Mon from Brooklyn to me, just found out its still in Brooklyn... not printing now till mid next week , really
hard to keep up with all this.

I am going to start doing stone carvings Hammer Chisel thats all I need.

Bob Carnie · Jun 16, 2017

OK I lie ... duo tone gum prints is where its at.

Guillaume Zuili · Jun 18, 2017

Thank you. I'm going to try this one asap !

noeru · Oct 9, 2018

Resurrecting this thread to ask if anyone has used this paper for normal printing? I'm not that crazy for the way it liths and I have lots of its previous version, but it's so cheap I was thinking of getting some for normal printing.
Any feedback would be much appreciated!

Fomabrom Variant IV 123 - returned from the grave?

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