Freestyle Private Reserve?

[Nick Zentena]

Sounds like Agfa paper.

"Exclusively manufactured for Freestyle Photgraphic Supplies, this quality black and white photographic paper is supplied to us by a well known German manufacturer and represents an extreme value for the photographer looking for quality at an affordable price. We have specifically chosen this brand as our "private reserve line" because of its excellent imaging characteristic, batch to batch consistency and extended contrast range (grade 00-5).

Freestyle Private Reserve VC FB paper yields a neutral-tone image on a pure white, double-weight, fiber base. Compatible with Ilford Multigrade or Kodak Polymax filters. Available in Glossy and Semi-matte suface.

Also available in a resin-coated, medium-weight version in glossy or semi-matte surface. "

 

[Jim Chinn]

How many well known German manufacturers of photo paper are there? If it is AGFA, it seems they are just repeating the same mistake that Ilford and Forte made with undercutting there own pricing in an effort to increase market share. Maybe Freestyle sells enough volume for it to make sense to AGFA.

 

[Nick Zentena]

I don't know how much they're cutting the price. The 11x14 fibre looks to be more expensive then what I'd pay here in Canada for the Agfa labeled stuff. The 8x10 is a little cheaper then what I'd pay here but not much. It's cheaper then what Freestyle is selling the Agfa labelled stuff.

I'm assuming Freestyle is taking all the risks. They can't return something labelled Freestyle. They will have to buy the whole production run.

 

[Paul Sorensen]

Freestyle Private Reserve VC FB paper yields a neutral-tone image on a pure white, double-weight, fiber base.

I agree that it sounds like Agfa until you read the above sentence. Pure white compared to what? You hold a print on Agfa fiber up next to a print on Ilford or Kentmere and it looks like it was printed on yellow paper. I am guessing this is just marketing speak that doesn't mean anything but it does make me wonder a little if it was something actually made to their specs on a different base. Anyone else?

 

[Nick Zentena]

Okay I'm looking at the PDFs for Agfa and the Freestyle product:

Freestyle weight: 283 grams square meter
Agfa: same

Freestyle Silver content: 1.5grams per square meter
Agfa : same

Contrast settings with a colour head. Almost exact. The grade #3 shows a slight difference. Might be a typo.

 

[Paul Sorensen]

Sure sounds like the same thing. And it costs more for their product than B&H's price for Agfa in 11X14. Didn't bother to check other sizes.