Launch of New Paper - MGRC Portfolio

ic-racer said:

I might try it for my big prints. Since I make the big prints for exhibition, archival is not as important. The ease of processing large prints with RC paper is a major motivating factor

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Many people use FB paper due to the archival quality but without following the proper printing process to achieve it. I know people that have their FB prints degrading after 15-20 years with little exhibition during that period. Modern RC paper like Ilford's perhaps is not strictly "archival" but it is long lasting without any special effort or care in the printing process.

Really excellent news!!
I am looking forward to use the new Ilford Portfolio paper. I am using Ilford's photo papers since my start in the darkroom as a young pupil. I have always been very satiesfied with the quality.

NortheastPhotographic said:

Does anyone know the current expectations for archival life of this generation of RC papers?

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At the Ilford factory visit we talked about that topic with the Ilford engineers. I remember especially the two following quotes:
" We expect at least 60-80 years of archival life if properly fixed and washed."
And
"We wouldn't be surprised to see in the long run similar stability to fibre based papers."

I am running a kind of long term test with Ilford RC papers: I have several Ilford Multigrade RC prints hanging on the walls. The oldest are meanwhile there for 34 years, and they look absolutely fine.
Honestly, I expect that the Ilford RC and Agfa/ADOX RC papers, which are all made with the extremely high quality base of the world leading photo paper base manufacturer, will outlive me.
But I don't expect at all the same long term stability for Foma RC papers, because they are made on a much cheaper, lower quality base (and I know photographers who have had problems with these papers). You get what you pay for.

Fujifilm had introduced their new ultra-high quality premium RA-4 colour paper "Maxima" (for gallery, exhibition, archival prints) in 2018. It is also an RC paper and Fujifilm said it has an archival life of more than 100 years.
Personally, I have no doubts in usage of high-quality RC papers for my best pictures. My long-term experiences with Ilford, Agfa / ADOX, Fujifilm, Kodak RC papers have all been excellent.

Best regards,
Henning

I have even older Ilfospeed paper on the wall since 1978 and the black are black !

Harman Tech Service said:

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Portfolio Paper using our 5th generation Multigrade Emulsion.

Please see:
https://www.ilfordphoto.com/new-product-announcement-multigrade-rc-portfolio/


Our product page is at:
https://www.ilfordphoto.com/multigrade-rc-portfolio-pearl-sheets


Regards,
David

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I don't see how an RC paper can ever be a portfolio paper.

Hello Ilford people,
I am waiting this paper so much ! But can't find it anywhere (retrocamera, fotoimpex, etc)
Do you know when this paper will be available ?
Thanks a lot.

RalphLambrecht said:

I don't see how an RC paper can ever be a portfolio paper.

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Good hand. Remains flat. Forever. No matter the hygrometry.

B LANTOINE said:

I am waiting this paper so much ! But can't find it anywhere (retrocamera, fotoimpex, etc)
.

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https://www.fotoimpex.de/shop/system/?func=listingmain&rub1=Fotopapier&rub2=Schwarzweiss PE Papier variable Gradation&cache=1614011361


https://www.retrocamera.be/en/326-p...black-and-white-ilford-multigrade-v-rc-deluxe

Harman Tech Service said:

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Portfolio Paper using our 5th generation Multigrade Emulsion.

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Two questions:

1. It seems that MG-V emulsions are only available on RC, are there plans for a fiber based MG-V paper?
2. How resistant is the new emulsion to bronzing? I no longer sell any RC prints because of the bronzing problem when they are mounted under glass. It would be nice to use the new emulsion for exhibition quality prints.

AgX said:

https://www.fotoimpex.de/shop/system/?func=listingmain&rub1=Fotopapier&rub2=Schwarzweiss PE Papier variable Gradation&cache=1614011361


https://www.retrocamera.be/en/326-p...black-and-white-ilford-multigrade-v-rc-deluxe

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Thank you, but no, these are the single weight versions.

Nicholas Lindan said:

Two questions:

1. It seems that MG-V emulsions are only available on RC, are there plans for a fiber based MG-V paper?
2. How resistant is the new emulsion to bronzing? I no longer sell any RC prints because of the bronzing problem when they are mounted under glass. It would be nice to use the new emulsion for exhibition quality prints.

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My understanding is that the MG-V emulsions are essentially a "port" of the new fibre based Multigrade Classic emulsions that preceded them.
With respect to bronzing, I am under the impression that can easily be dealt with with appropriate mounting and framing techniques. I have never had a problem, but all my prints that have been framed long term probably are able to "breath" because I don't seal the back.

I find it a bit annoying that this paper isn't still available anywhere.

I don't know why Ilford rushed to introduce it if they cannot ship it. They should follow Apple; product, price, available now. Take my money.

I really try to convince myself all the time that I should print on fiber papers but I still print on MG RC V paper..

B LANTOINE said:

Thank you, but no, these are the single weight versions.

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Sorry! You are right.

Welcome, by the way.

But those listings at the reatailers are misleading. They all show packages that got labels with a big "NEW", however those are of the 2019 "Deluxe" version, which one only can discern by loupe.
And then "Deluxe" does not even show up in the product descriptions.



The variant in question would be called "Portfolio", with a slightly different label colour, and would only be available in Pearl.
I guess I got it right now...


So far I always read "Portfolio" as range and not as name. At so far it made sense to me...

Freestyle has this paper listed and “image coming soon” as well as prices so I would assume it will be available soon.

Fotoimpex has the paper, for example: https://www.fotoimpex.de/shop/fotop...latt-gradation-variabel.html?cache=1615359219

5x7" 100pcs 79,9 euros.

In comparison "normal" RC MG V paper at same size & quantity is 37,95 euros.

So the price difference is double at that size.

Great to read that the product has been updated with the latest emulsion technology. Now, if only something could be done about the price!

As price doubles on just paper upgrade, makes me think how cheap is the emulsion?

I'd like to try the 5x7 just to see what it looks like (if they lowered the price, and not 100 pcs initially), but at double the cost of the MG V it's hard to justify. Having flat papers would be a pleasant change, but is it going to look as nice as the fiber? A little cautious about assuming that.

vedostuu said:

As price doubles on just paper upgrade, makes me think how cheap is the emulsion?

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Compared to many of the other components in a finished/ packaged photographic film or paper product, the emulsion is rarely the most expensive component. And don't forget, the heavyweight RC base for Portfolio is relatively unique - I can only think of a few of Fuji's premium RA4 papers that might share a similar base.

I would think that this is the same paper stock as the post card stock used for MGIV. This is a premium product, low volume, thus higher price. I will be buying some to make greeting cards.
Does anyone else offer a similar product?

mshchem said:

...Does anyone else offer a similar product?

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Not that I'm aware of.