Review of Ilford MGRC V

[Oren Grad]

Didn't that happen quite a while ago when Multigrade IV fibre paper became Multigrade FB classic, or did they change the name only?

Yes, it did, and it wasn't just a labeling change - the emulsion was substantially changed.

MGIVRC was the oldest variable contrast paper in the line. I'd be surprised to see a change in MGFB Classic any time soon, unless some external factor such as availability of an emulsion component forces their hand.

 

[RalphLambrecht]

Review of Ilford MGRC V

definitely worth trying.

 

[markbau]

Didn't that happen quite a while ago when Multigrade IV fibre paper became Multigrade FB classic, or did they change the name only?

MGFB classic is a very different paper to MGFB IV and in my opinion, it is a far superior paper. Before the new classic my main paper was Agfa FB. I really didn't like the old Ilford FB. I certainly hope Ilford do not change the FB classic.

 

[lantau]

MGFB classic is a very different paper to MGFB IV and in my opinion, it is a far superior paper. Before the new classic my main paper was Agfa FB. I really didn't like the old Ilford FB. I certainly hope Ilford do not change it!

So are they hopefully the same, now, like Adox MCC and MCP. I can use the latter and then the final print on fibre.

 

[markbau]

Just checked B&H and notice that the new RC is quite a bit cheaper than MGFB classic ($86 versus $115) for 100 8x10 sheets. If it's as good as we are being led to believe it might mean changing from fibre to RC!

 

[CMoore]

MGFB classic is a very different paper to MGFB IV and in my opinion, it is a far superior paper. Before the new classic my main paper was Agfa FB. I really didn't like the old Ilford FB. I certainly hope Ilford do not change the FB classic.

Huh..... i was not aware they sold two different types.
Interesting.
I was going to ask, but this might be a big enough topis for its own thread.
Thanks for the tip.

 

[mshchem]

Yes - but the labels on the current and earlier versions of the paper put all the interesting stuff on the parts of the label that wrap over the end on to the back.
Things like "MG4RC44M"

No numbers or letters

 

[MattKing]

Much appreciated.

 

[CMoore]

What was the purpose of (i think) 8 1/2 x 11 inches.?
Was that a better fit for metric users for some reason.?
I have bought Ilford RC Gloss in that size because it was real cheap. It works great as a contact sheet, so i have been using it for that.
Thank You

 

[MattKing]

8.5" x 11" is great for contact proof sheets that fit perfectly in standard binders.
It also fits well in document frames (think graduation certificates or similar) rather than photo frames.

 

[Sal Santamaura]

What was the purpose of (i think) 8 1/2 x 11 inches.?...It works great as a contact sheet, so i have been using it for that...

• Contact sheets as you've described
  
• Standard U.S. letter size (fits in envelopes and binders with documents)
• Easy to make contacts on from 8x10 negatives without requiring care to exactly align the negative and same-size, i.e. 8x10, paper. The latter can be a fiddly procedure, since things tend to shift slightly when closing spring-back printing frames.

 

[Oren Grad]

Easy to make contacts on from 8x10 negatives without requiring care to exactly align the negative and same-size, i.e. 8x10, paper. The latter can be a fiddly procedure, since things tend to shift slightly when closing spring-back printing frames.

...and it leaves a margin for safe handling, and for corner mounting without cutting into the picture area.

 

[adelorenzo]

8.5" x 11" is great for contact proof sheets that fit perfectly in standard binders.

This is what I use 8.5x11 RC paper for. If you write on the Printfile sheet in red sharpie then you can print that information right onto the contact sheet along with all the negatives.

 

[CMoore]

This is what I use 8.5x11 RC paper for. If you write on the Printfile sheet in red sharpie then you can print that information right onto the contact sheet along with all the negatives.

Right.....
OK, well then you guys answered my question perfectly.
Thanks for the team effort.!

 

[NedL]

This is what I use 8.5x11 RC paper for. If you write on the Printfile sheet in red sharpie then you can print that information right onto the contact sheet along with all the negatives.

Time to get some 8-1/2 x 11. Worth it just for that. I always squeeze the whole contact sheet onto 8x10 and it's a tight fit.

 

[Mick Fagan]

What was the purpose of (i think) 8 1/2 x 11 inches.?
Was that a better fit for metric users for some reason.?
I have bought Ilford RC Gloss in that size because it was real cheap. It works great as a contact sheet, so i have been using it for that.
Thank You

I think you may be referring to Ilford's A4 RC paper, which is 210mm x 297mm which, when divided by 25.4mm one gets, 8.27" x 11.69". This is indeed a wonderful size if you use 35mm film, as it it far closer in proportion to the 35mm film size.

210mm divided by 24mm = 8.75", 297 divided by 36mm = 8.25". I've been using this size paper for decades, but never for contact sheets, too expensive.

Mick.

Ps: I don't wish to mention that I purchased 2 x 100 sheet boxes of Ilford MGIV 8x10" RC paper last month; grrrrrr.

 

[Oren Grad]

It's apparent that a lot of people don't realize just how many different sizes of cut sheets Ilford offers. Here is the current list of sizes available for MGRC Deluxe, taken directly from Ilford's product page:

Available sizes:
8.9 x 12.7cm (3.5 x 5"), 8.9 x 14cm (3.5 x 5.5"), 9.96 x 12.5cm (4 x 5"), 10.5 x 14.8cm (4 x 6"), 10 x 15cm (4 x 6"), 12.7 x 17.8cm (5 x 7"), 16.5 x 21.6cm (6.5 x 8.5"), 17.8 x 24 cm (7 x 9.5"), 20.3 x 25.4cm (8 x 10"), 21 x 29.7cm (8.25 x 11.75"), 21.6 x 27.9cm (8.5 x 11"), 24 x 30.5cm (9.5 x 12"), 25.4 x 25.4cm (10 x 10"), 27.9 x 35.6cm (11 x 14"), 30.5 x 40.6cm (12 x 16"), 40.6 x 50.8cm (16 x 20"), 50.8 x 61cm (20 x 24")

https://www.ilfordphoto.com/multigrade-rc-deluxe-glossy-sheets

Not all of these sizes are offered in all markets, and in any given market, only the largest retailers list anywhere near all of the sizes available in that market. But they're out there, and in most cases less common sizes should be available by special order even if your usual dealer doesn't normally stock them.

 

[Sal Santamaura]

I think you may be referring to Ilford's A4 RC paper, which is 210mm x 297mm which, when divided by 25.4mm one gets, 8.27" x 11.69"...

Nope. It's 21.6cm x 27.9cm, or 8-1/2 x 11 inches:

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/79206-REG/Ilford_1770496_Multigrade_IV_RC_DLX.html/specs​

Probably not sold much outside North America.

 

[markbau]

8 1/2 x 11 was great for contacting a whole roll of 67 negs!

 

[CMoore]

I think you may be referring to Ilford's A4 RC paper, which is 210mm x 297mm which, when divided by 25.4mm one gets, 8.27" x 11.69". This is indeed a wonderful size if you use 35mm film, as it it far closer in proportion to the 35mm film size.

210mm divided by 24mm = 8.75", 297 divided by 36mm = 8.25". I've been using this size paper for decades, but never for contact sheets, too expensive.

Mick.

Ps: I don't wish to mention that I purchased 2 x 100 sheet boxes of Ilford MGIV 8x10" RC paper last month; grrrrrr.

Ilford sells A LOT of different sizes. Way more than i have ever used, but he box i have is 50 sheets and it says.........
21.6 x 27.9cm
8-1/2 x 11 in

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

I'll have to get a box for my students...I wonder if it will come in other finishes, such as satin...

 

[Kilgallb]

I'll have to get a box for my students...I wonder if it will come in other finishes, such as satin...

Satin, glossy and pearl.

 

[Slixtiesix]

Many thanks for this thorough and systematic review! I have not used RC for many years, but MG V could probably make me reconsidering this.
Btw, your other tutorials are great as well, especially the one about rinsing paper. No imponderabilities, no superflous persuasions, but irrefutable scientific information. Darkroom work at its best. I hope there will be many more videos of this kind!

 

[Andrew O'Neill]

Satin, glossy and pearl.

Thank you. For my students, I prefer to use satin or pearl. The glossy shows all their pesky little finger prints! I'll get a box of the glossy RC and fibre for myself...

 

[Nodda Duma]

Just made a couple prints on some 8x10 Pearl and it looks real nice. They weren’t challenging negatives to print from, however. Tomorrow I plan to make a print from a negative that was challenging (low contrast) to print onto MG IV.