Ilford & Kentmere papers. Why such a large price difference?

[Keith Tapscott.]

Considering that all of these papers are manufactured by Harman Technology, why is there such a large price difference between the fibre-based Ilford VC papers and the Kentmere Fineprint VC paper?

http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/ilfobrom-galerie-fb-43-c.asp

http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/mgiv-warmtone-fibre-gloss-51-c.asp

http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/mgiv-fb-gloss-47-c.asp

http://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/fineprint-vc-fb-fibre-135-c.asp

 

[johnnywalker]

Looks like there is a 40 % difference there (50 to 70 pounds) compared to 21 % at Freestyle in the U.S. ($82 to $99). So at an exchange rate of $1.62, the Kentmere is the same price in the U.S. as it is in England, and the Ilford is more expensive in England, by about $14 (all prices for a 100 sheet box of FB glossy).

 

[jp80874]

What ever the difference in price, try the Kentmere VC Fineprint. I have been using it since before Ilford bought it and love it.

John Powers

 

[Mustafa Umut Sarac]

Ansel Adams used Kentmere frequently and results are excellent. I did not see any Ilford print out from him.

Umut

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

Yes, the price differences in the UK are huge between the Ilford and Kentmere papers. I have ordered a box of the Kentmere Fineprint VC and at those prices, I will likely make it my regular paper.
Kentmere Bromide is also on my shopping list.
I am still curious why there is such a big cost difference between them in the UK?

 

[Adrian Twiss]

I found a box of 16x12 Kentmere VC select in my paper store a couple of weeks ago and was very impressed by its performance. I even liked the semi matte finish. I am converted and will use the Fineprint VC as my standard neutral tone paper from now on. I cannot explain the price difference either.

 

[sandermarijn]

Kentmere FPVC (both matte and glossy) are the only thing I've used since Agfa's demise. The price is excellent indeed. Mostly a matter of marketing, no? Why should there be more to it?

OTOH: I have a pack of the 'new' Adox MCC coming. While Kentmere is very nice, it still doesn't get to old Agfa levels (muddiers shadows, not as nice tonality). Kentmere is excellent for playing around without getting the shakes every time you grab a sheet; Agfa (and I suppose Ilford, but I never tried that) is for those negatives/prints you want to get the last single drop out of.

I'm very curious after the new Adox. I fully expect it to 'blow away' Kentmere. Not that Kentmere is bad, just that Agfa was such a great product.

This is excellent vs excellent-plus, or something like that. Prices reflect that, with some marketing tactics thrown in on top.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

sandermarijn,

MCC is an excellent paper that has now become my standard paper in as much as that is possible. However, the Adox boxes could do with some serious improvement as they tend to disintegrate rather too easily.

Tom

 

[dpurdy]

I used Kentmere FB VC for years as Arista until Freestyle stopped offering it and then I switched to Ilford. Right away I noticed the Ilford gave better Dmax and better shadow contrast. However the Ilford highlights were mushy until I started adding a lot more Potassium Bromide to the developer. I think Ilford is a little better paper in that ultimately I like the look of the prints a bit better as they are a little bit warmer and have better Dmax. If however Freestyle re introduced Arista II and it was Kentmere, I would switch back.

 

[Colin Corneau]

Not to play devil's advocate, but I've never liked the prints I've gotten from Kentmere (I can only find their VC fibre base, here). I respect that others get great results, and hooray for choice...but for me personally this paper's always been muddy, no zing, etc.

A huge difference when I switch to Ilford paper...but as I said, that's just me.

 

[brian steinberger]

Not to play devil's advocate, but I've never liked the prints I've gotten from Kentmere (I can only find their VC fibre base, here). I respect that others get great results, and hooray for choice...but for me personally this paper's always been muddy, no zing, etc.

A huge difference when I switch to Ilford paper...but as I said, that's just me.

Yea I have to agree with Colin. The things I do like about this paper are it's very cold tone, it dries rather flat, and it has a very nice surface (the glossy). But what I don't like, which is more important is its overall tonality. Blacks seem good, til you compare them to Ilford. And the paper doesn't have much more contrast than grade 3 1/2 or so. Not flexible enough for me, regardless of the price.

 

[pentaxuser]

.
I am still curious why there is such a big cost difference between them in the UK?

Keith I suspect that nobody here may have access to the knowledge that is required to answer yout inquiry and you may need to ask Ilford or Simon Galley may respond here. Let's hope he does. His U.K. customers deserve answers.

pentaxuser

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

Keith I suspect that nobody here may have access to the knowledge that is required to answer your inquiry and you may need to ask Ilford or Simon Galley may respond here. Let's hope he does. His U.K. customers deserve answers.

pentaxuser

If Simon has read this thread, then I hope he will reply Mike.
Thanks to everyone who has replied so far.

 

[sandholm]

Ansel Adams used Kentmere frequently and results are excellent. I did not see any Ilford print out from him.

Umut

I have never heard that Ansel Adams used Kentmere. I have heard that he used Oriental Seagull ( http://www.orientalphotousa.com/press_adams.htm ) and later on in his carrier Ilford Galerie, but this I am not sure of. Does anyone know?

cheers