Ilford MGIV vs MGRC (gen 5)

[nickandre]

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]

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]

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]

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

pentaxuser

 

[Maris]

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]

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?

Worth paying extra for the new gen?

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

 

[nickandre]

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

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]

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]

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]

Latest version is much better.