RE: fomatone 542 and 532

[Jersey Vic]

I'm broken hearted to hear that the new 542 (when available) is quite different than the old 542. I've tried the non chamois equivalents (131/132) and found the paperbase was very white in comparison. Has anyone found a paper with an equally warm base? And what's the story with 532 ? Is this headed for the gallows as well?

Thanks in advance
Victor

 

[Andrew Moxom]

Vic, '131' is a cream base....Maybe not as warm as the old 542 but warm nonetheless...That's only if they have not changed it recently? That said I have a new box just opened, and it is warm base to me anyway.

 

[Jersey Vic]

Hi Andrew; If the 132 (matt "warmtone") and 131 are the same, I must have a 'white base' batch because it's as white as any paper I've used.
I was really surprised because I've read that the 131(and 132 I imagine) are very similar to the 542 but for the texture. The batch I have is not even close.

 

[Gary Holliday]

In the UK, 532 sold out before 542 as it was more popular. 532 was replaced by 532 II which has a unique finish so I would give that a go. You'll be pleased that 532 II is lithable. See the Silverprint website and the pictures posted on this forum for further information.

Fomatone MG and the resin coated 331/332/333 all have a nice cream base, but the 542 was the warmest of them all.

 

[Philippe-Georges]

Vic,

White base fiber paper can be 'coloured' with a good cup of tea...

Philippe

 

[jmal]

Vic, I don't know about the 131/132, but I think Freestyle may still have some 542 in 25 sheet packs. They did a week or so ago. I ordered one pack. I have yet to lith it as I don't have any negs that I want to print. I really need to shoot about ten rolls before the weather gets bad so I have some fresh material to play around with.

 

[Jersey Vic]

Thanks jmal;

Enjoy that 542-it's gold. I want to buy the dwindling supply of old 542 but if it's a paper that's no longer produced, it seems as futile as hoarding Agfa 118 (I did) and Forte Poly WT (I did). I feel I really should focus on papers that are still in production, support the manufacturer and learn to print on those.
Do others agree? Disagree?
Thanks Again

Victor

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

I agree with you Victor, that's why I ditched my entire stash of Portriga. As wonderful as it was, I wanted to support a supplier that exists and a paper that's in production. So I'm doing the Ilford / Fotokemika thing for regular printing, and Fotokemika / Foma for lith printing.

As far as I understand, 542 is discontinued. The boxes of 132 and 542 that I have at the house are very similar in their color, although the 542 is warmer. Things are changing at Foma, and I believe the emulsion for the Fomatone series has been changed. Martin Reed at Silverprint brought this up a while back, and I think he addressed base color too. Can't find the thread. That could well include the color too. I will find out once I order some more Fomatone, this time 132 and 532 II.

- Thomas

 

[Andrew Moxom]

Emulsions were supposed to be the same according Martin. Especially their lith capablities.

 

[Thomas Bertilsson]

That's good news. There was fear it would not be the same.
- Thomas

 

[jmal]

I agree Vic. I was about to buy all I could of the 542, but I came to my senses and decided to stick with something that's available. No sense in falling in love with a dream.

 

[Gary Holliday]

Never mind buying what the manufacturers want you to buy, write to them an complain!

If you love the paper, buy what you can, usually the large rolls will be available for a while and it will keep you going until you find a new paper.

 

[Jersey Vic]

I agree that the emulsions are similar or even the same - it's the paper base that's so very different.
My 132 is white white and the 542 is almost yellow, every bit as 'cream' at the Kentmere Fineprint WT.