Old paper

WA_bits_n_bobs · Feb 26, 2023

I have a number of reasonably old sealed boxes of Ilford black and white paper and I am not sure if they will process as i no longer have the chemicals or enlarger to print to them.

I have advertised one on ebay to gauge interest. Can anyone tell me if there is a market for them ?

Don_ih · Feb 26, 2023

Because it's contact paper, it might still be usable for something. But it won't be "good". Someone may buy some as a curiosity. The size is small, so that will limit who is willing to buy it.

Mike Lopez · Feb 27, 2023

I'm with Don. If it were Azo contact printing paper, I wouldn't hesitate to give it a spin. In fact, just yesterday I printed on Azo that "expired" 17 years ago. But without knowing anything about the history of those boxes and how they've been stored over the decades, it's very hard to say whether they're worth anything or not. (The boxes look as though they might have encountered water at some point).

I make contact prints exclusively--I don't enlarge anything. If you would like me to try a few sheets of your paper during an upcoming darkroom session, feel free to send me a PM. I could try exposing and developing a bit of it and I'd let you know how it turns out.

Edit: I see now that this is the first post you've made. I don't think the site will allow you to send private messages yet. I'll send you one to initiate contact.

Harman Tech Service · Mar 1, 2023

Hi "Bits",
We think this paper is early 70's. I think the box may have more value than the paper!
Good luck,
David

Molli · Mar 1, 2023

If you have a hunt around Photrio (welcome, by the way! ) you'll see a lot about old papers - I'm particularly mouthy on the topic because I've had good luck with them, especially with the vintage you have there. Storage conditions are a key factor and, as you know, in Australia that can range from Tassie highlands snow, to 100% humidity 45°c Broome. That your paper is not of the early multigrade variety and before the cadmium was stopped bodes well for its viability.... Unless it's been living in a tin shed out the back of Four Mile.

I buy these local to me (Victoria, Australia) and pay $2 or $3 a box. I use them in pinhole cameras and for doing paper negative reversals. I'm guessing the W.A. in your username alludes to Western Australia? I'll be at the Perth airport for about forty whole minutes in a few months if you wanted to save the hassle of posting!
In seriousness, I am interested, but I suspect the postage cost would outweigh the paper's worth.

WA_bits_n_bobs · Mar 9, 2023

Molli said:
If you have a hunt around Photrio (welcome, by the way! ) you'll see a lot about old papers - I'm particularly mouthy on the topic because I've had good luck with them, especially with the vintage you have there. Storage conditions are a key factor and, as you know, in Australia that can range from Tassie highlands snow, to 100% humidity 45°c Broome. That your paper is not of the early multigrade variety and before the cadmium was stopped bodes well for its viability.... Unless it's been living in a tin shed out the back of Four Mile.

I buy these local to me (Victoria, Australia) and pay $2 or $3 a box. I use them in pinhole cameras and for doing paper negative reversals. I'm guessing the W.A. in your username alludes to Western Australia? I'll be at the Perth airport for about forty whole minutes in a few months if you wanted to save the hassle of posting!
In seriousness, I am interested, but I suspect the postage cost would outweigh the paper's worth.

sadly driving to the Perth Airport is not viable, I am several hours from there. My local museum is interested in a few boxes. Will keep some for myself as memento.

Ian Grant · Mar 9, 2023

Harman Tech Service said:
Hi "Bits",
We think this paper is early 70's. I think the box may have more value than the paper!
Good luck,
David

It's older than that Ilford changed their packaging to include their sunburst Logo in 1965, and the paper was in white topped boxes with blue printed labels, & black print..

It's possible that packaging goes back to the early 1950s, I recevied some Ilford Multigrade paper with the 3 filter set, that's the third generation introduced in 1953 if they are the right filters, or 1959 if the fourth generation.

I had some similaged Kodak Bromide and Bromesko paper, I tested it and while slow and about a grade less in contrast it was useable, no fogging and a good dMax. I gave it to a workshop to use to make photograms with kids.

Ian

Nitroplait · Mar 9, 2023

Ian Grant said:
Ilford changed their packaging to include their sunburst Logo in 1965

Like this:

WA_bits_n_bobs · Mar 10, 2023

As I have some of the photos printed on this paper that were of my older brother as a baby, and is now 60, it is likely older than 1960.
Have found a photographic club in my state that are interested in trying it, so will offload some to them.
cheers

pentaxuser · Mar 10, 2023

WA_bits_n_bobs, stating the obvious here but if you have advertised on e-bay I'd make it clear now if you haven't already how old the paper is and include a reference to it being untested and sold as seen

pentaxuser

WA_bits_n_bobs · Mar 10, 2023

my actual text in ebay :
This paper is likely 40-ish years old + so I cannot guarantee it will print. Tested a single sheet of an opened box and it reacts to light.
Original tape sealed. Original box.

pentaxuser · Mar 10, 2023

WA_bits_n_bobs said:
my actual text in ebay :
This paper is likely 40-ish years old + so I cannot guarantee it will print. Tested a single sheet of an opened box and it reacts to light.
Original tape sealed. Original box.

Sounds OK to me but others who may know more about e-bay rules may wish to respond

pentaxuser

awty · Mar 11, 2023

WA_bits_n_bobs said:
my actual text in ebay :
This paper is likely 40-ish years old + so I cannot guarantee it will print. Tested a single sheet of an opened box and it reacts to light.
Original tape sealed. Original box.

Do you have a link to the listing.

Old paper

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