Kodak Polycontrast III RC (F)?

Hey guys,

I really love the look of Kodak Polycontrast III RC paper. But it fell victim to dis-continued status. Does Iford make a paper with the same sensitivity? I have a Ilford Paper swatch and it looks like Multigrade RC Portfolio is pretty close? Anyone?

Todd

Depends just what it is you like about the look.

FWIW, the current variable contrast RC paper that has a characteristic curve closest to what Polycontrast III used to deliver is Adox MCP. Or at least it did when I tested it, shortly after it was (re)introduced. I'm assuming it hasn't changed - I haven't bought a new pack in a while.

PC III had a short toe and produced relatively steep highlight contrast. PC IV was a very different beast, more like Polymax RC. Evidently Kodak was trying to unify the two product lines, but then got out of the paper business entirely shortly after they made the change.

At least so far as the curve is concerned, Ilford MG IV RC Deluxe is radically different from PC III.

I committed to MG RC Portfolio. I hope I made the right choice.

Try it and see. If the pictures work for you, then it will have been the right choice. If not, don't lose sleep over "commitment", just try something else. Good luck, and enjoy!