Suggestions for 4x5 Contact Prints?

[nocrop]

I want to do 8x10 eventually, but I'm borrowing a friend's 4x5 in a few days. Suggestions on paper + developer? Any slow, readily available enlarging papers that will do in a pinch? PF 130 paper developer looks good, but is dektol suitable?

 

[Jerevan]

When I started out, I used Kentmere and Ilford fibre papers for making 4x5" contacts, but I've been doing contacts on both RC and FB papers. My suggestion is to buy some RC multigrade paper and a paper developer, any brand will do well. It will make it easy and quick to see the results.

 

[nocrop]

Thanks. I think the plethora of choices is what was overwhelming me. I was wasn't sure if any of those choices would be good ones. It looks like experimenting is part of the fun.

 

[JBrunner]

If you have an enlarger you can use it as the light source. That will allow easy use of filters and let you dial in the exposure to a time that you prefer. Set it out of focus to even out the light, and control the exposure time with the lens aperture.

 

[eclarke]

I'm an extreme 130 advocate but right after that comes Dektol. Howard Bond, for instance, uses Dektol and nobody can dispute his prints...Evan Clarke

 

[removed account4]

as evan said

ansco 130 ... it will make any paper look good
and if in stock solution it will last a long long time ..

have fun
john