Giving B&W Paper as a Christmas Gift

[3 Olives]

My 16 year old son is a photography major at his school. We usually use the least expensive paper at Freestyle. He wants to enter a juried show this spring. I'd like to give him some really good B&W 8x10 and 11x14 paper for Christmas to use for his prints. Also, I like to challenge him. It can be discontinued. All recommendations are welcome. Thanks!

 

[3 Olives]

Sorry about the double post - tried to edit and double posted. If a Mod would remove 1 post I'd appreciate it.

 

[Jerry Thirsty]

What type of paper is he using now? Graded or variable contrast? Resin coated or fiber?

Personally, I like Ilford Multigrade Warmtone for a glossy fiber variable contrast paper, and Fotokemika Emaks for a glossy fiber graded. Not really up to date on the resin coated papers.

FWIW.

 

[2F/2F]

If you want to splurge, I'd say to go for Ilford Warmtone. It comes as fiber or RC.

Best paper for the buck IMO is the Adox MCC 110. It is cheaper than regular Ilford, and I like the way it looks quite a lot better.

 

[hpulley]

Another vote for Ilford Warmtone for MultiGrade. Or Ilfobrom Galerie for graded.

 

[jmcd]

I have a good variety of paper in my darkroom, and right at the top of my personal favorites, money aside, is Arista Edu Ultra FB, which is about the least expensive out there. It does not stand up well to extensive soaking, which is the only downside I see with it.

A close second for me is Varycon FB, and it is very durable to withstand long printing sessions.

But it is always fun to try a new paper.

 

[winger]

I can't say I've tried a lot of different papers, but I really like Ilford Warmtone Fiber, too.

 

[Simon R Galley]

Dear 3 Olives,

If you pm me your address I will send him the Multigrade Paper Manual, no matter what paper you buy him he will at least get the most out of it...do not not think it will arrive by Christmas though...


Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN tcehnology Limited :

 

[heespharm]

If you want to splurge, I'd say to go for Ilford Warmtone. It comes as fiber or RC.

Best paper for the buck IMO is the Adox MCC 110. It is cheaper than regular Ilford, and I like the way it looks quite a lot better.

+1

you really can't go wrong with either of these... I love ilford but have been using adox because of the cost...

But that all changed when I bought 600 sheets of ilford 8x10 for 100 bucks from fleabay.... gotta love the internet

 

[photoncatcher]

One more vote for Ilford VCRC paper. The warm tone is a great paper, and I love the "Pearl" finish. I've used Ilford for years, and never been dissapointed, except when the price goes up.

 

[mjs]

I'm not a big fan of RC paper but can add an enthusiastic "me too!" when it comes to recommendations on Ilford MG FB warmtone paper. Good stuff!

Mike

 

[Mike Wilde]

For a bit of a different treat, if you do bite on getting a warm tone paper, look into getting a small supply (say 100g to start) of pottasium bromide.

When small amount (1.5-4g/l) are added to almost any generic working strength paper developer the image will be warmer and browner in tone when developing a warm tone paper and you want a definite warm tone image.

Then cruise the laundry detergent aisle and pick up some arm and hammer washing soda. Used at a 10% solution to add to a paper developer, it can counteract when you have gone too heavy on the bromide.

 

[dehk]

Agfa Brovia. Fast and Brown. At least my 30 year old box is.