I have an upcoming project that will require glossy, fiber based paper with a very bright white base and good cold tone black. I don't have enough of any one paper to print this job so it is time to go shopping. What are your best sugggestions for a current paper with a bright white base? Where would you buy it? And what is your favorite developer for it?
I'd go with the Ilford just because
1) It's easy(easier) to find
2) It will be there when you need to order/buy more
3) It's not going to disappear overnight
having said that, I love Forte paper. I have 8 boxes of 8x10 fb elegance paper.
It's great in selenium. It kind of looks a little greenish unless I tone it. It tones so well.. I also liked Oriental but have read that the company keeps reformulating it due to changes in the paper base? Also it's difficult to locate and i'm really trying to stick to one reliable paper that will be there long enough for me to really get to know it's characteristics..
Kentmere, Ilford and Forte are all great papers. Try Ethol LPD 1:2 for dev. It lasts nearly forever, and gives a very good black. If you look around on the internet, you'll find out that Brett Weston used it. Dean
For the neurality of the paper, I've found is that Oriental VC FB in Dektol 1:3 is about the same as Ilford MG FB in Ilford MG developer (1:9 or 1:14). Basically the Oriental is slightly colder than the Ilford but can be compensated with the choice of developer and/or dilution.
And the base colors between these two papers are indistinguishable.
Thanks for the help. I have not bought paper in about three years and the freezer is running low so I need to stock up on a current paper for this job. I think I will stick to Ilford in LDP but I am interested in trying Kentmere also.