Multigrade paper: FOMA Fomaspeed vs. ILFORD Multigrade

[bonk]

Does anyone know or has any experience how these two variable grade PE papers compare in terms of image quality and aging resistance?

FOMA Fomaspeed Variant 311 - High Gloss (RC)

ILFORD Multigrade IV 1M - High Gloss (RC)

As you can see, FOMA is more than 30% cheaper. But is it worth it?

 

[removedacct1]

It is my opinion that if print stability/longevity and "gallery-worthiness" is an issue for you, then you shouldn't be thinking about using RC papers anyway - you should be working on a quality fiber base paper.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

ILFORD paper may be more economic to order from the UK: https://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/mgivrc-12x16-gloss-50-117-p.asp

 

[pentaxuser]

The problem as far as my searches go, is that in the U.K. Foma paper appears to lack the competitive edge that its film has in comparison with Ilford. It has never been clear why this should be the case.

If anyone in the U.K. knows of sources disproving this then let us know.

pentaxuser

 

[Tom Kershaw]

I always wonder about Foma prices. The sheet film seems to be a particular "bargain" assuming quality control is acceptable. As you say UK prices on Foma paper can be oddly high. UK sourced '120' roll film from ILFORD is about the same price as Foma, whereas on the continent the Foma product is priced as a budget option - see fotoimpex.com.

Tom

 

[bonk]

ILFORD paper may be more economic to order from the UK: https://www.ag-photographic.co.uk/mgivrc-12x16-gloss-50-117-p.asp

Wow, that is much cheaper, how is that possible? Can that shop (ag-photographic.co.uk) be trusted?

 

[iakustov]

I use Fomaspeed MG 313 Velvet RC for contact sheets and I like it. I find it similar to Ilford MG Pearl RC.
I dont think that there is significant difference in the end, I would buy Foma paper, but I use RC only for contact proofs.

 

[Tom Kershaw]

Wow, that is much cheaper, how is that possible? Can that shop (ag-photographic.co.uk) be trusted?

Yes. Ag-Photographic are fine.

 

[Rudeofus]

Foma has its own web shop for their photographic products, and for whatever reason they undercut regular retailers by a wide margin. It appears, that both Foma and Ilford provide their products to some outlets without middle men, thereby omitting hefty markups.

 

[pentaxuser]

Yes. Ag-Photographic are fine.

Bonk, I'd like to endorse this sentiment. If you are in the U.K. or even mainland Europe then Ag-Photographic is well worth a look as a source of all sorts of analogue materials. Not the cheapest on everything but then again no one retailer ever is

pentaxuser