Hey, kid, the first one's free... (FB Paper)

[yeknom02]

...OK, no one's offering me a free sample of FB paper, but I figure the title is appropriate since fiber-based papers are supposed to blow my mind once I actually see a print in person, possibly leading to a crippling addiction.

A few people have suggested that my first fiber print paper be Ilford Multigrade, but I was wondering if there are any different opinions. I've tried Ilford and Adorama RC papers, for example, and I don't really see a difference. I didn't like Arista's paper though, so I know cheaper isn't necessarily better.

With silver prices and my wallet being what they are, I'm wondering if there's a paper that's less expensive than the Ilford Multigrade IV that will still be a great general purpose paper. I'm after something with neutral tones and a deep black, especially something where the fibrous nature is apparent.

 

[Stan160]

Kentmere Fineprint is just over half the price of Ilford MG from my usual supplier in the UK, I don't know if the price differential works out the same in the US, or how easily available the Kentmere paper is though. Fits your requirements of neutral tones and a deep black. It reacts differently to MG filters at the harder end of the scale, but once I got used to it have had no problems getting prints how I want them.

Ian

 

[thisismyname09]

When I made the switch from RC to fiber, I went with fotokemika's emaks paper, partly because I'd heard it was nice paper, and also because it is inexpensive. I'd read some issues with quality control and batches of paper being different from one another, but it is indeed nice paper when you get a good batch. I've yet to get a bad one.

 

[Rick A]

I like Fotokemika's Emaks and Varikon. Varikon is available in FB or RC. Lately I've been entrusting my portraits to Varikon RC Matte. The texture is somewhat silky in appearance. Either paper is crisp and nearly three dimensional. Two things to consider, the papers are harder graded than the numbers, No. 2 grade seems equivalent to Kodak No.3 (IMO). The other is you need a red safelight. Varikon will fog under an OC safelight, and Emaks is iffy, so stick to red. BTW, the price of these papers is very reasonable from Freestyle.

 

[dpurdy]

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/18884-Arista-EDU-Ultra-FB-VC-Glossy-8x10-100-Sheets?cat_id=503
This is good.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

http://www.freestylephoto.biz/18884-Arista-EDU-Ultra-FB-VC-Glossy-8x10-100-Sheets?cat_id=503
This is good.

I'll second that. I use it and love it. Deeeeep rich blacks, and a beautiful tonal rendition.

- Thomas

 

[RalphLambrecht]

I've tried a few papers in my life, some were very good, some were terrible and some were so-so, but I know of no current manufacturer who has paper quality under control as well as Ilford does. If you are serious about print quality, you need a paper you can rely on.

I would also be interested to hear from others about their experience with Ilford and other papers.

 

[semeuse]

I really like the ADOX MCC paper, but you won't save much over the Ilford MG price. I also use the Fotokemika papers (both Varycon and Emaks) to save money, but when it's a paid job the Adox and Ilford win.

 

[Jim Noel]

I only have 7 or 8 papers in my paper supply at the present time. By far the best as far as density range and particularly the ability to separate high values is Adox MCC. If you want really fine prints, don't scrimp on paper.

 

[ItsReallyDarren]

I like Oriental papers, when looking at the prices for 11x14 in 50 sheet boxes Oriental and Kentmere go for great prices.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Paper preferences often come with negative characteristics. Certain film/developer combinations work better with some papers than others. This is not a qualifying statement for any individual paper, but it explains the preferences of some users vs the preferences of others.

 

[yeknom02]

Ralph, I'm glad to see your input on this thread because I just purchased a copy of your book, Way Beyond Monochrome. I spent a mere half hour reading one of the earlier sections and already my print quality has improved because I know what I'm doing just a little bit more. Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to reading the other sections.

With that out of the way, I'm wondering if I should pick up one of the 5-sheet sample packs of Adox MCC 110 and a 25-sheet pack of Ilford MG IV to try comparing them. I would already have to get more supplies such as extra trays, HCA, and maybe some selenium toner.

That's an interesting note about the preferences of photographers being altered by the emulsion they use for their negatives. I may end up having to use something as general-purpose as Ilford's paper since I love shooting on a variety of films.

 

[brian steinberger]

When it comes to neutral tone papers MGIV is standard. Oriental VC however is so close to MGIV that most of the time I can't tell the difference. If Oriental is cheaper for you go for it. I use both papers but am finding myself moving back to MGIV. I agree with Michaels comments about toning of MGIV and Oriental to an extent. I believe Oriental paper tones slightly better than MGIV, but I see it in gold and sepia toners in particular. But in selenium I can get MGIV to go bluish black and slightly purple. You need to use a lower dilution selenium toner. I use 1:9. 5-7 minutes will give you this look (developer dependent of course).

 

[Tim Gray]

I haven't printed much FB - just some Ilford MGIV and Warmtone that I got for free. Both are very nice. I've been meaning to try the Adox MCC - I have a sample pack but haven't used it yet. Which is what I wanted to suggest. Freestyle sells MCC 5 sheet sample packs for pretty cheap, so you can at least see what it's about.