Ilford MGIV vs MGRC (gen 5)

nickandre · Jun 9, 2022

I recently burned through a box of 10 sheets of Ilford 16x20 RC paper (side note what kind of maniac thinks a 10 sheet box is a reasonable size…).

Anyways I see Ilford MGIV (fourth gen) 16x20 on clearance at Freestyle for $150 or the new fifth gen for about 50% more. Worth paying extra for the new gen?

MattKing · Jun 9, 2022

Ilford’s website did have a comparison chart or description on it when the 5th generation was introduced.
Ah, I now see this on the product description there:

Compared to ILFORD MULTIGRADE IV RC DELUXE - what you need to know

Since the launch of the world's first variable contrast MULTIGRADE paper back in 1940, ILFORD has maintained a long and proud tradition of quality. Launched 25 years after generation 4, this 5th generation paper continues to build on the defining features of its predecessors.

Key differences: Generation 5 has a slightly warmer base tint, better blacks for greater depth, improved mid-grade spacing and a smoother sensometric curve providing more uniform contrast throughout thetonal range.

gone · Jun 9, 2022

This is why I print w/ 35mm using 11x14 paper. Much less money w/ nearly the same size. 10 sheets, no that isn't enough, I have had to make 3 or 4 prints sometimes to get what I want. So w/ test strips and that, figure on 1-2 keepers for what, $150? That's crazy.

pentaxuser · Jun 9, 2022

Lina Bessonova did a video on it. Here it is:
pentaxuser

Maris · Jun 9, 2022

momus said:
This is why I print w/ 35mm using 11x14 paper. Much less money w/ nearly the same size. 10 sheets, no that isn't enough, I have had to make 3 or 4 prints sometimes to get what I want. So w/ test strips and that, figure on 1-2 keepers for what, $150? That's crazy.

Absolutely right and I agree. All those people who complain about the cost of film should read your post. It's big pieces of high quality photographic paper where the real expense lies.

Lachlan Young · Jun 9, 2022

nickandre said:
side note what kind of maniac thinks a 10 sheet box is a reasonable size

Those who can land a print fairly competently? And/or someone who has one or two specific prints at that size to make? Or someone who has enough other sizes in stock for their tests?

nickandre said:
Worth paying extra for the new gen?

Yes. Much less of a fight with some negs than MGIV could be.

nickandre · Jun 10, 2022

Lachlan Young said:
Those who can land a print fairly competently? And/or someone who has one or two specific prints at that size to make? Or someone who has enough other sizes in stock for their tests?

Yes. Much less of a fight with some negs than MGIV could be.

Yeah that makes sense. But once I get printing one Hasselblad negative on 16x20 I seem to want to do 4-5 or 6 and then the box is gone

Maris said:
Absolutely right and I agree. All those people who complain about the cost of film should read your post. It's big pieces of high quality photographic paper where the real expense lies.

MGIV is $3/sheet for 16x20 on clearance; MGRC (gen 5) is closer to $5/sheet. I think it's mostly the silver content that gets you.

Lachlan Young · Jun 10, 2022

nickandre said:
I think it's mostly the silver content that gets you.

No - it's the manufacturing cost - silver is a part of that, but do not make assumptions about silver content from the price.

MattKing · Jun 10, 2022

The packaging and shipping expenses associated with 16x20 are also not insignificant.
If MGIV RC hadn't been replaced, new manufacture would also be $5/sheet.

Juan Valdenebro · Jun 16, 2022

Latest version is much better.

Ilford MGIV vs MGRC (gen 5)

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Ilford MGIV vs MGRC (gen 5)

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