Old Paper Again

jmxphoto · Dec 7, 2008

I just got some old paper, some expired in the 1960-80's, and this discussion has been a great resource. You can find some Benzotriazole in reasonable quantities from this guy on ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=7616116436

I just ordered some today. I guess I'll see when it gets here. 100grams, $23 shipped. Ansel Adams in "The Print" reccommends a 1% solution (1g/999ml of water) and adding 25-100cc per liter of *stock* Dektol to clear fogging. He also mentions Amidol, but for me and my skill level that developer seems like an unneccessary hurdle at this moment.

Colin Corneau · Dec 7, 2008

I have paper similar to Mark Antony's...as well as some graded Kodak. Bromide, IIRC.

Any developer formulas that would work well with these would be great -- they have great sentimental value to a dear friend of mine, as they were her father's before he passed away.

jmxphoto · Dec 7, 2008

I recently obtained in 8x10 some Agfa Brovia #2 exp 1982, Kodak Panalure exp 1977, Kodabromide #2 exp 1977, Luminos Bromide J exp 1968; and in 11x14 some Spiratone tapestry and Oxford Black exp unknown. I also have some Ilford MGF 1k Multigrade IV that has a little bit of fogging that I'm eager to try this on.

Anyone ever use Spiratone papers or know anything about them? I can't find much online. Not trying to hijack so feel free to pm me.

jgjbowen · Dec 12, 2009

In case anyone is interested, I was able to acquire some Chlorohydroquinone from Acros just 2 weeks ago.

mike c · Dec 12, 2009

Jim Fitzgerald said:
That is the chemical. I remember checking the website for info on it and it was out of stock. This is something I want to experiment with. The shot of the woman with the guitar is excellent. I know it is a scan and all of that, but the look is fantastic.

I recently printed some negs on some old Azo. Maybe from the 60's in ansco 130 that I didn't modify and got some suitable ( to me) prints. I'll have to post a couple. The tones were very warm for Azo. Nice to know old paper can be used.
On another note if anyone wants to donate any old paper to me for my experiments with carbon transfer I will be willing to take it off of your hands for you.

Jim

Jim,I have some paper I can give you at the carbine and platinum class,what size do you like.

Jim Fitzgerald · Dec 12, 2009

mike c said:
Jim,I have some paper I can give you at the carbine and platinum class,what size do you like.

Mike, 11x14 and larger will do! Fiber, RC, glossy, matte, luster, it does not matter. I can fix some of it out and make a print for you. Plus I hope to have you take home a keeper for yourself.

Jim

mike c · Dec 13, 2009

Jim, is there a special way of fixing out,was going to fix some for the class.

Jim Fitzgerald · Dec 13, 2009

mike c said:
Jim, is there a special way of fixing out,was going to fix some for the class.

Mike, standard fix is just fine. I will have some nice paper for us to print on also. Thanks for the help.

Jim

jgjbowen · Jan 30, 2012

Bump for a friend

ctsundevil · Jan 31, 2012

Interesting thread about using old paper. I have a package of Kodak Vitava paper that expired in 1930. I've used most of it now and it prints beautifully. No fog at all. The finish is "Rough Old Ivory". That's exactly what it looks like. It came with formulas for developer, fixer and toner in the package. I tried them, they work well.

holmburgers · Jan 31, 2012

I'm blown away by that... no fog after nearly 80 years? How is that possible? Slow speed I guess helps, but it's amazing to me...

ctsundevil · Jan 31, 2012

I was very impressed with it. I bought it along with a package of Defender Velour Black that was about the same age. I was more interested in the Defender paper, but it turned out to be a bust - there was only one sheet in the package. The Vitava was a sealed pack of 12 sheets. That gave me enough to work with. I was expecting long printing times, but it is as fast as a modern paper. Untoned, it has a nice look, deep warm blacks. With sepia toner, it is very warm medium brown. I used it to print a wedding photo that looks like it could be from the 1920's.

holmburgers · Feb 1, 2012

Hmm, if you got that stuff recently on eBay, I might have picked up something from the same seller.

Anyways, it's great that you're actually able to put it to good use; for a wedding album no less. Guess I shouldn't have underestimated that box of Kodabromide I found at Goodwill... but I've fogged it all by now.

jgjbowen · Nov 12, 2013

Bump for a friend

NedL · Nov 12, 2013

Thanks for the bump because this was a fascinating thread to read!

jgjbowen · Dec 16, 2014

bump for a LF forum member

RalphLambrecht · Dec 18, 2014

big thanks for sharing that;makes one want to buy old paper

Old Paper Again

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