Paper and developer recommendation for first timer?

[TheTrailTog]

Thank you very much everyone for your input. It's truly appreciated. You have given me plenty think about. I still have a couple weeks before I start buying everything for my darkroom. I'll let you know what I end up deciding on when it comes time to order. I can't wait to JUMP right in

 

[Loren Sattler]

Start simple

XIA, if you are new to printing, I would start simple. Try Dektol powder and any glossy RC variable contrast 8 x 10 paper. Ilford MGIV would be a great choice, or FOMA is a littler less money but requires red safelights, not OC as most papers use.

Fiber paper is great for work that will be mounted and kept permanent. It has a very pleasing surface finish. For learning purpose, it is not worth the extra time processing the prints. Development in Dektol requires about 2 minutes vs 1 minute with RC. Then there is more time needed with fixing, although this is not a time consuming step. Washing fiber requires more time and attention as does drying and flattenning after drying.

RC yields equivalent tones, processes very quickly and is flexible when using filters to control contrast. Many people, including myself, simply prefer the surface finish of fiber over RC, but not for work prints or just messing around to find a shot that deserves more attention in the darkroom.

My method is to use RC for most printing. When I have a few prints worth spending more time on, I spend a night printing with fiber. These prints then are usually mounted. I use my RC prints as guides while printing the fiber prints. It helps decide contrast, dodging and burning, and overall density to apply to the fiber print.

If you get 1 worthwhile print in a week or two of work that is worth the extra effort, you are extremely successful with your b&w photography. I relate it to my golf game. If I hit one or two really good shots in a round, I am back for more. If it were easier than this, anyone could do it.

Ilford sells a kit including filters and 50shts of RC paper that is worthwhile, $58.95 at BH Photo. Here is a cut and paste from their website.

Multigrade IV MGD.1M Black & White Variable Contrast RC (Resin Coated) Glossy Paper 8x10" - 50 Sheets Value Pack with Pack of 6" Ilford Printing Filters

*
* Ilford MG4 8x10" Value Pack with Filters

* Mfr # 1143597
* •
* B&H # ILMG4VP6G

Availability :
In Stock

Or shop on ebay.

The filters are 6 x 6 inch acetate and can be cut to fit in many enlarger filter drawers.

Most printers would recommend starting with variable contrast paper. I took a workshop from a master printer with 60 years experience, a few years ago. He uses exclusively variable contrast paper.

Good luck getting started. I hope this helps.

 

[haris]

Try to start with paper and developer which is easiest for you to get. Different paper/developer combinations will give different "tone colours) of prints (neutral, warmer or cooler), but you will find that during learning process. It is easiest to start with same manufacturer combination, because in that case you buy from only one source. For example Ilford RC multigarde paper and Iford multigrade developer. IT is standard combination, nothing wrong with it especially for learning. Of course there is nothing wrong iwith for example Kentmere or Foma papers and Dektol or Moerch other developers, but that can be complicated for begginer for buying, you maybe will need to buy from several sources.

So, even if there are "better" paper/developer combinations, I would try with material which is easiest to get at beginning.

After that, come hare, read, ask, and try other material

Good luck.

 

[TheTrailTog]

Thanks Loren I by no means think I will be cranking lots of good prints/shots. I am happy with one good shot a month right now, and even those I can see improvements that can be made. Right now though I do have 7 or 8 negatives that I'm dying to work with. Still haven't decided exactly which paper but, from the urging of everyone looks like I'm going to go the VC RC route to start. Maybe pick up a big ol' 250 sheet box as hywel suggested and maybe pick up a 25 pack of some FB paper to play with should I come up with something I like.

Thanks Haris Unfortunately I do not have any good local places to buy supplies. Closest is about 1.25 hour drive so I get everything mailorder. Between B&H, Adorama, and Freestyle I can pretty much get anything so best supply isn't really some I have to worry about.

 

[TheTrailTog]

Well, I ended up scoring some paper on Ebay for cheap. Got 3 boxes of 8x10 Ilfospeed Glossy. 1 box of Grade 2 with ~75 sheets, 1 box of Grade 3 with only maybe 15 sheets, and 1 box Grade 4 with ~85-90 sheets. The seller said he purchased the paper 5 years ago but, was "stored in a dark climate controlled closet". I know you guys said to get VC but, I got this lot for only about $12 shipped...LOL Assuming it was properly stored, should I have any problems printing with 5 year old paper? I figured for that price might as well give it a shot.