New Multigrade RC combined datasheet loses the curves for Deluxe and Cooltone papers

[Oren Grad]

I was just browsing the Ilford Photo website, as I do occasionally to make sure I have the latest versions of all product documentation.

I see that the data sheets for the different Multigrade RC papers have been merged into one. That in itself is not necessarily a problem. What is a problem, though, is that the new combined data sheet includes only a single "generic" set of curves which replicates the RC Warmtone curves. The curves for RC IV Deluxe and RC Cooltone have been lost, and the fact that the remaining curves represent RC Warmtone is not specified.

This is a very bad idea. Contrary to the wording in the datasheet ("Whilst there are some subtle differences in the curves of the different MG papers the characteristic curves are broadly similar."), the curves for those three papers in fact differ substantially, in ways that are obvious if one prints the same negative on all three, with appropriate matching of overall contrast. The difference in the curve shapes is, from my perspective, the most important criterion for choosing among them.

I certainly have my library of older data sheets, and I know all three papers well from years of experience with them. But this is a disservice to those customers who are looking at any of these papers for the first time, or who are digging deeper to learn more about them.

I urge you to re-think this, and to consider issuing a new version of the combined data sheet that includes the curves for all three products.

Post has been edited from initial wording to correct an error and for greater clarity - Oren.

 

[MattKing]

Recent experience indicates that Harman are not monitoring this sub-forum regularly.
It would be best to draw their attention to your concerns by either contacting them directly using the contact utility on their website or, if you want to make sure Photrio members get a chance to see the results, "Starting a Conversation" with Harman Tech Service here on Photrio, with a request that they participate on this thread.

 

[Oren Grad]

Yes, I have already sent the same message to them through the contact form on the Ilford Photo website. I will share any response I receive that is not posted here.

 

[Oren Grad]

For those who want to grab a set of the older datasheets, you can find them in the Internet Archive as follows:

Multigrade IV RC Deluxe/Portfolio

Multigrade RC Warmtone

Multigrade RC Cooltone

Note that these are the December 2001 versions, not the 2013 versions that were most recently posted on the Ilford Photo website. However, the curve charts in the 2001 versions are actually a bit clearer than the 2013 ones, as the latter suffered a bit in the conversion from pdf to MS Word format.

 

[Oren Grad]

Neil from Harman Technical Service sent a prompt response - first thing in the morning UK time - to my website query, saying he appreciates the feedback and will look into this.

 

[Oren Grad]

I'm very happy to report that Neil was in touch again today to let me know that the document will be further revised to restore the missing curves, and that he will keep this in mind in future document consolidations to make sure key product-specific information is not lost.

Much appreciated!