Ilford MGRC Cooltone paper

[gma]

Does anyone have experience using this relatively new paper? I understand that it has an extra white base, but I really don't know how it differs from MG IV RC material. Is the image a cooler blue-black or is it only the base that makes it "cool"? Any recommendations for developing to a more blue-black image without resorting to selenium toning?

 

[Konical]

I've used some of the Cool Tone paper from time to time. I like it, but I do not find it dramatically different in most respects, including the purity of the whites, from the standard MG IV. Is there any paper out there with a brighter white than MG IV? I've made comparison prints with several papers and have checked the paper samples at the photo store; so far I've found nothing whiter.

In my experience neither standard nor Cool Tone MG IV responds much at all to selenium toning (fine for me, since I'm more interested in print permanence than in visible change).

In a related matter, one slight disappointment for me is that the MG FB, while generally a great paper, is not quite as white as the RC version. Then again, I normally go with air-dried glossy. Maybe ferrotyping the FB stuff would result in a brighter white.

Does anybody ferrotype anymore? I've never done it, but I understand that keeping the plates in pristine condition is critical--and a real pain.

Konical

 

[ann]

I had a student who used it and for some images it is nice. Be sure you develop for 2 minutes not 90 secs.

It also did some strange, but interesting things when used with Super Platnium developer at a ratio of 1:15. Warm and tan.

Basically IMHO, it is good for brittle , bright subject matter.

I believe in Bruce Barlow article on comparing papers he had good results.

CHeck Camera VIew, (I think that is the mag.)

 

[noseoil]

The RC cool tone is very nice to work with in general. It does tone well in Selenium at 1:9 if you go for about 3 minutes. I started using it last year when I began doing B&W because of the fast dry down, variable contrast and ease of use. I use it for motorcycle prints in 35mm on the postcard stock with selenium and it is a wonderful combination for chrome and paint.

One caution, I tried using it for portraits and had the devil's own time with skin tones (yuck, yuck on me, tried a warm tone and they do look a bit better). It does very well with landscapes, machinery and general work. If you need a warm image, get a warm paper.

 

[gma]

The current issue of View Camera has an article about papers. The Ilford MGRC Cooltone paper was surprisingly favorably reviewed. Next issue will have an article about developing the same papers. I thought maybe someone has experience and can recommend a developer.

 

[ann]

That student who was using it ; tested it in my paper class. Used 15 different developers and/or ratios.

It seens to me that he was most fond of Ansco 130 and LPD 1:1

 

[noseoil]

Dektol 2:1 for 2 minutes

 

[Konical]

I agree; Dektol for two minutes or LPD similarly.

Konical

 

[Jim Chinn]

I don't think the whites are any brighter then any other RC paper, but the blacks seem to produce much "colder". The lighter grays also seem different, but that may be a case of the paper having a different contrast range then other VC resin papers.

 

[gma]

Thanks, Jim. I was hoping to hear that the image is cooler than regular MG IV RC and not just the white base. I think it will be good for machinery and chrome.