kentmere fineprint VC warmtone

Has anyone used this paper specifically? If so, does it tone well?

I have only really used Ilford MGFB warmtone paper before ... so how does it compare to that? It is so much cheaper, but there must be a catch???

Is it available in the US?
I've heard wonders about Kentmere papers.

Kentmere papers usually tone very well and as this is Warmtone I think you'll not be dissapointed when toning. To be brutal re the price when compared to Ilford Warmtone it is just not as good. I would say it's likely that the paper base is lighter which could cause curling problems when drying here I'm assuming that you are thinking of fibre. IMO when I've tested Kentmere papers for magazines I've always said that they offer good value for money but if you want the very best then you have to go to Agfa, Ilford, Oriental or Forte although I would not have Forte in my darkroom because of it's inconsistency. When it is good it's quite beautiful but often in my experience a box of the same grade from a different batch looks like a totally different paper.

Luminos paper in the US is Kentmere.

thanks Les - definitely FB.

I think I'll give it a go and see - I still have some ilford MGFB WT so I'll do a comparison.

The RC glossy seems like a good option for contact sheets though, unless anyone knows of another VERY cheap glossy RC VC paper suitable for index contacts

I'm using Paterson Acugrade and Econozone VC paper paper for that purpose.

Les I'm sure is right about forte papers, but although speeds and contrast may vary between batches, they have all been beautiful (I have not used the quantities Les may have and so have not had any real gremlins...yet...fingers crossed). For a warmish paper, Agfa MCC in agfa neutol WA is superb. The blacks are tremendous, just like the ilford warmtone, but I prefer the less warm base (more neutral all round) and the surface is smoother than the ilford which has almost an ultra subtle fine lustre in the glossy (I have found this a problem with prints with large ares of black in that any dust or fluff can cling on for dear life and is not as easilty removed (Silly minor point). I have some rare Oriental VC warmtone which I have yet to use yet, yummy.

I agree with Tom about the Agfa MCC 111 in Neutol. Gives wonderfully rich tones, and although 'glossy' it is not ultra glossy (if you understand me).

The Kentmere seems to have a brighter white base which gives the highlights a bit of a lift when compared with the MCC 111, IMO.
Have fun.

Leon said:

thanks Les - definitely FB.

I think I'll give it a go and see - I still have some ilford MGFB WT so I'll do a comparison.

The RC glossy seems like a good option for contact sheets though, unless anyone knows of another VERY cheap glossy RC VC paper suitable for index contacts

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Remember to report back Leon. Have you tried Jessops brand as a cheap source?