Has anyone else out there gotten these results either be actual testing or just work-a-day printing? I have tested forte polygrade V, Adox Vario G and Ilford MGIV. All testing was done with a Stouffer 21 step wedge: exposed paper developed in formulary 130 at 2:1 for 3min, with and without safelight, polymax filters,tungsten and coldlight sources.
The results: without going into exact numbers both polygrade V and Adox were heavily weighted toward the soft end with a #3 filter producing an RN of around 125(grade 1 1/2) then a huge leap to an RN of 80 with the #4 filter and no change with a #5+. The Ilford paper claimed to be exyended range seems to meet the claims! Very smooth and distinct transistions with all filters a #3 filter prints about the same as I recall the old Forte Bromofort #3 printed...a wee on the hard side of 3.
This is all well and good and I realize all papers have their place but I find that the reduced range of polygrade and adox makes them less appealing from an ease of printing standpoint. I am able to get the contrast I want with the adox and polygrade but I need to use a #4 filter which substantially increases my exposure times. Any thoughs?
The results: without going into exact numbers both polygrade V and Adox were heavily weighted toward the soft end with a #3 filter producing an RN of around 125(grade 1 1/2) then a huge leap to an RN of 80 with the #4 filter and no change with a #5+. The Ilford paper claimed to be exyended range seems to meet the claims! Very smooth and distinct transistions with all filters a #3 filter prints about the same as I recall the old Forte Bromofort #3 printed...a wee on the hard side of 3.
This is all well and good and I realize all papers have their place but I find that the reduced range of polygrade and adox makes them less appealing from an ease of printing standpoint. I am able to get the contrast I want with the adox and polygrade but I need to use a #4 filter which substantially increases my exposure times. Any thoughs?