super high resolution paper for microfilm type prints

[rbrigham]

Hi All

i am looking to make tiny prints approx 10x8mm ...

i’m planning to reduce some 10x8” negatives using an enlarger

the prints will be used in fine art jewellery made by a friend which will be scrutinised with a high power loupe so need to be amazing

what is the highest resolving paper ?
what’s the finest print developer to use

RC. glossy is the obvious answer as it’s on clean white plastic with no grain etc
but maybe there is something better

there used to be microfilm type paper cards which maybe what I need but I’ve yet to find out what paper they used and if it was photographic or pictorial in anyway

I know it’s going to be difficult -that’s the reason for doing it ...

best

robin

 

[DREW WILEY]

It wouldn't be paper at all. You'd want to look for a printing emulsion on mylar base, like Fuji Supergloss or formerly Cibachrome did for color images. I don't know if a black and white equivalent exists, but at one time Ilford made an experimental batch of MG IV on mylar. There was a thread on this very question a few months ago.

 

[Prof_Pixel]

Here's a Eastman Museum class that might be of interest: https://www.eastman.org/event/workshops/collodion-micro-photographs

 

[Rudeofus]

Photographic paper is much slower than photographic film, and therefore should be much finer grained. Unless you have a very precise optical system to downscale large format negatives, your negative resolution will likely be the limiting factor.