Fomatone MG Classic

[AnselMortensen]

I printed on some of this paper today and noticed some edge frilling... loss of emulsion along the edges.

Anybody have a recommendation on how to avoid this?
Thanks!

 

[mshchem]

No one will want to hear this. Hardener in the fixer. Same for other Foma fiber base paper. No big deal just use hypo clear. Followed by washing in 20 C water for 20 minutes (minimum)

I use Kodak rapid fix film strength with Hardener for a couple minutes. If you want to check for adequate fixing check with selenium toner.

No hard science to back this up, but Foma paper seems to have softer gelatin, which is (possibly) damaged slightly when the paper is finished at the factory.

MHOFWIW YMMV

 

[Paul Howell]

I use Kodak or clone regular fixer with a hardener for all my papers, rc and fb.

 

[DREW WILEY]

I didn't get frilling, but fine indentations (not exactly scratches) in the emulsion from ordinary handling. Seems more fragile than other papers.

 

[mshchem]

I use Kodak or clone regular fixer with a hardener for all my papers, rc and fb.

Works great!

 

[Milpool]

Could this be due to poor storage/distribution conditions before it makes its way to the customer?

With respect to processing Foma doesn’t indicate anything special for this paper. If there was no user error this isn’t acceptable.

I’m hoping to be able to switch from Ilford papers to Foma but this sort of problem or other defects are a no go.

 

[mshchem]

Could this be due to poor storage/distribution conditions before it makes its way to the customer?

With respect to processing Foma doesn’t indicate anything special for this paper. If there was no user error this isn’t acceptable.

I’m hoping to be able to switch from Ilford papers to Foma but this sort of problem or other defects are a no go.

It's not a big problem at all. No reason to switch from Ilford to Foma or vice-versa. Use both.

 

[mshchem]

People are missing tremendous products by avoiding Foma. Just sayin'

 

[koraks]

@AnselMortensen you're not the first (and probably not the last) to run into flaking problems along the edges of Foma papers. I've personally never seen it happen. However, this recent thread on Fomabrom (a different paper of course, but same mfgr) at least shows you're not alone: https://www.photrio.com/forum/threads/fomabrom-variant-iii-emulsion-flaking.213430/ Sadly, I don't think it ever resulted in clear causes or solutions of the problem.

The problem has been discussed several times over the years IIRC. It's very rare for people to post examples, sadly. Perhaps you could be the change....the linked thread has one illustration which I think is the only one I ever saw. It would be useful to be able to see what it looks like on your end so that we at least can determine whether it's the same problem.