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Paper from the 70’s maybe still good!

sruddy

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I have been stockpiling old paper and need to get rid of all that’s too far gone. I started testing last night and just developed non exposed sheets. I have lots more to test but wanted to show these results as I’m guessing some of this can be saved. I have no experience in this so tell me what you think of my samples.

From left to right.

  1. Kodak Polycontrast IV RC glossy
  2. Kodak Kodabromide F3
  3. Kodak Kodabromide F4
  4. Kodak Kodabromide F5
  5. Brovia



I was surprised to see the Kodak polycontrast from the 90’s so fogged compared to the fiber papers from the 70’s
 
RC papers generally don't fare very well. By contrast, Agfa Brovira for some reason is nearly always excellent. Can't vouch for the Kodabromide as I've never come across it; most of what I get here in Europe is Agfa, and somehow it sure makes me appreciate the comments of 'old-timers' (no disrespect btw) being lyrical about their Brovira and Portriga. These papers really did have something that is lacking in today's papers. Surface finish, tonal scale, weight/base, response to developers - I wouldn't say today's papers aren't as good; in many ways, they are often even better. But today's papers are not necessarily always as 'nice' - which is very subjective, and arguably irrelevant in some respects. There's a smell to a package of Brovira paper when you open it that probably isn't necessarily healthy or good, and even if it is, it has nothing to do with the image quality of the prints, but it's just so...nice.
 
Very nice photography, Im sure you could judge for yourself.
My experience is that all my old Kodak RC paper is badly fogged, agfa the same, Ilford is surprisingly good I have been using a lot of III ilfordspeed, that is still very good, some not so, but not fogged.
I also have a box of 1947 du point, that while slightly fogged, has terrific tonality. Man wish they still made paper that good.
I have been bleaching back the grey fog and toning with sepia and selenium, which is nice. Even unbleached with selenium has a nice blue tone.

 
Khm.... I use fb paper from seventies if not sixties all the time. The only paper which is affordable. And good.
 
The regular PolyContrast stays better than PolyContrast Rapids. I still print with PolyContrast expired in 1983.
 
The Polycontrast Rapid probably had developer incorporated in at least small (but not trace) amounts., in order to make it, well, Rapid.
Developer incorporates papers don't last for a long time.
 

That’s great news, as I have several hundred sheets. Thanks for all the info.


I have no prior experience but sans a densitometer, it looks like I have 5 boxes with a 10% fog and several at 20%. I’m assuming the 10% will be fine and maybe I can bring back the 20% with some anti fog additive. The rest I’m fairly certain are toast.

That contact sheet was in a paper box with some 16 x 20 fashion prints. I wish I could find out something about the photographer. I can post some if your interested, just let me know which forum to use.

Ko.Fe. said:
Khm.... I use fb paper from seventies if not sixties all the time. The only paper which is affordable. And good.
Click to expand...

Cool!

Samuel Dilworth said:
You said it. Those are some interesting pictures even if I can’t fully see them.
Click to expand...

Maybe I’ll post some.
 
I've had some good experience with anti-fog but recently I've just been using fogged papers as they are! If you're throwing any out send them to me instead! I'll pay the shipping
 
In December I had the chance to test some 70s Kodak bromide paper that a friend gave me, and apart from needing quite a long exposure under the enlarger it's working really well. Lovely deep blacks and crisp whites...the whole range of tones. I've also used ancient Agfa Brovira in the past and it seems not to age at all.
 
Good news for me. I have Brovira that I bought and marked "1971 Olden" that has traveled with me from domicile to domicile. I really should use it .
 
Forgot to add. If results are kind of dull, use lith developer. But most of the time old single grade fb is good.
 
horacekenneth said:
I've had some good experience with anti-fog but recently I've just been using fogged papers as they are! If you're throwing any out send them to me instead! I'll pay the shipping
Click to expand...

ok I’ll let you know.
 
horacekenneth said:
I've had some good experience with anti-fog but recently I've just been using fogged papers as they are! If you're throwing any out send them to me instead! I'll pay the shipping
Click to expand...
Me Too! Particularly the Kodabromide any grade.

Oh, and is any of your Brovira the old #6? Been grabbing that as I find it.
 
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