Foma's Triple-Weight Base: Is it REALLY triple weight?

[Removed Account]

I am interested in trying some Foma paper (specifically 532) for the textured surface, and white base with a warm-toned emulsion. The most intriguing aspect is the claim that the paper has a triple-weight base. One thing I love about FB paper is the "papery" feel. It actually feels like art paper, similar to a heavy watercolour paper. I would be interested in trying something with an even heavier base than the standard double-weight. In the experience of those who have tried this or similar papers is there a noticeable difference in the paper weight between these "triple-weight" papers and Ilford Multigrade Warmtone, for example? I'd also appreciate general experience with this paper such as how it responds to toning or hand-colouring, grade filters etc...

My thanks, as always, for your help!

- Justin

 

[Gary Holliday]

The majority of my work is printed onto textured papers and I have more or less tried all of them. At the moment I am using the Foma 532 paper as it's the only one with variable contrast. The paper is quite heavy, although Foma describe it as a double weight paper, it isn't as heavy as Kentmere's Art Classic which was 240gsm.

The Foma 532 paper is very slow as it is aimed at contact workers, but I can live with that, makes burning/ dodging all that easier. The data sheet recommends contrast grades of 0,00 to 4

If you are looking for something triple weight and textured, pick up a pack of Bergger Prestige Fine Art Portrait Silver Supreme (too long a name!), it's a very impressive paper. Grade 2 or 2.5 roughly. When I show examples of both the Foma and Bergger papers, clients can't believe that it's actually a photograph..not that they know anything to start with!

The Bergger paper is a luxury item with a price tag to match... I'm very happy with the Foma. You may experience a dip in availablity with the foma paper as some suppliers are reporting the paper as discontinued, but I have been informed it will return very shortly.

The Foma paper is very creamy, whilst Bergger's paper is pure white or slighly warm as they describe it.

 

[Vaughn]

Kodak Elite was a "triple weight" paper, or close to it. It was nice to work with -- but it was a traditional glossy paper, not a textured art paper. Once matted and behind glass, the thickness of the paper doesn't carry much weight, though. (Bad pun alert!)

Vaughn

 

[TheFlyingCamera]

I used the Foma and aside from the fact that it really wasn't any heavier than the Bergger VCCB paper (around 240-260 GSM, which they sell as a double-weight paper), it is a very nice paper to work with. You do have to like the creamy base though, so it isn't for every subject.

 

[Erik Hartmann]

If you want some heavy paper, try graphics printing paper (eventually warm pressed on one side) and coat your own emulsion on it.... The Foma emulsion is one of the best..... se http://www.emilschildt.com/TEKNIKSIDEflydende emulsion.htm (it is Gandolfi's Web)

niels-erik