Ilford Classic FB vs Warmtone FB: curves and film matching?

[miha]

What are the differences between Ilford Classic FB and Warmtone FB besides tone, especially in terms of contrast curves, and how do they match films like Delta 400, TMYII, and HP5? I’m mostly a Foma guy when it comes to FB papers and have only used Warmtone from when the base was warmer (years ago) , with no experience with Classic. Thanks.

 

[GregY]

What are the differences between Ilford Classic FB and Warmtone FB besides tone, especially in terms of contrast curves, and how do they match films like Delta 400, TMYII, and HP5? I’m mostly a Foma guy when it comes to FB papers and have only used Warmtone from when the base was warmer (years ago) , with no experience with Classic. Thanks.

M, these days i use more Ilford since Foma paper has run out in Canada and their distributor will only bring it in if shops order it. They carry no stock. If you want warmtone, and like Foma papers... i'd buy Foma 131. I think it matches Ilford WT in terms of quality.
For exhibition or sale prints i use Ilford WT. I prefer it to Classic.

 

[miha]

For exhibition or sale prints i use Ilford WT. I prefer it to Classic.

Thanks. Is your preference for Ilford WT mainly due to image tone, or are there other factors?

 

[brian steinberger]

I find WT has just a bit more depth than Classic. That said, I still prefer Classic because I prefer cooler tones.

 

[GregY]

Thanks. Is your preference for Ilford WT mainly due to image tone, or are there other factors?

In general terms i find that WT has 'more of 'everything'...... i develop in Ansco 130 or Ethol LPD..... not for preference of warmtone...but for the overall character.

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

That said, I still prefer Classic because I prefer cooler tones.

Me too. To be perfectly honest, I was very satisfied with the old Multigrade III papers in RC and FB that I used all those years ago.

 

[miha]

I guess you’re all talking about the gloss surface when you discuss Ilford Warmtone paper?

 

[GregY]

I guess you’re all talking about the gloss surface when you discuss Ilford Warmtone paper?

Gloss surface has always been my choice

 

[DREW WILEY]

It has very little to do with matching specific types of film. You can print on either paper using any kind of b&w neg film. MGWT is the punchier of the two, with a higher DMax and superior toning properties. Classic is slightly tamer, and in my opinion, not quite as high a quality paper as MGWT.

Classic has a little less warmth, depending on what developer you use, and how you post-tone it. But don't expect anything resembling a true cold tone from it; it's not that malleable in a "neutral" sense.

Now I simply skip over Classic, and keep on hand just MGWT as well as Cooltone. Glossy in both cases, although I have used semi-matte WT for certain images where it was appropriate.