Which Paper to use?

Jin · Apr 16, 2019

Hi, I recently got a 35mm camera and looking to wet print color negatives in the dark room. Which paper do you recommend? Also, is there a specific size I have to print on?

I would appreciate any advice or inputs.

Jin · Apr 16, 2019

Greg Davis said:
Fuji paper comes as sheets, I highly recommend you use that instead of getting a long Kodak roll you would have to deal with until you are very comfortable with the process. Both Fuji or Kodak RA4 chemistry are fine. 8x10 is a great size to start on, but don’t feel limited to any particular size.

Thanks for your reply. I am bit confused so I am hoping that you could clear me on this. I would develop the film in C-41 and develop the photo paper in RA-4. Is that right? Or can I also develop films in RA-4 as well?

Jin · Apr 16, 2019

Greg Davis said:
I absolutely do not recommend using RA4 for both. Use C41 for film and RA4 for prints

Thank you thank you. Another dumb question but I will shoot away. Can the chemicals be reused to some extent or is it best not to because of contamination

mshchem · Apr 16, 2019

You need to look at previous posts here. There are many different ways to print RA4. Buy 1 box of fresh Fuji paper in 8x10. Don't buy anything until you decide how to proceed.

1kgcoffee · Apr 16, 2019

Jin,
Buy a box of fuji first. Kodak endura is the best paper but as others have pointed out it comes in rolls and needs to be cut down by hand. Once you are comfortable, buy kodak endura.

The chemicals can be reused. Kodak chemicals keep very well. Over time they will become exhausted and need t be 'replenished' in the case of RA-4 or replaced. Make sure to use a stop bath. RA-4 does not require one officially but it is highly recommended to use a 1-2% acetic acid bath.

No you cannot use the chemicals interchangeably. Technically you can, but the results will not be good. The developers use CD-3 (RA-4) and CD-4 (C41) at different strengths which will not give you what you expect. The bleach is also a different strength.

Enjoy printing and don't be shy to ask more questions.

cmacd123 · Apr 16, 2019

the hard part about printing in colour is the colour correction at the printing stage. Not sure to recomend the old Kodak "printing color Negatives" books as some of teh technical details are out of date

Jin · Apr 17, 2019

1kgcoffee said:
Jin,
Buy a box of fuji first. Kodak endura is the best paper but as others have pointed out it comes in rolls and needs to be cut down by hand. Once you are comfortable, buy kodak endura.

The chemicals can be reused. Kodak chemicals keep very well. Over time they will become exhausted and need t be 'replenished' in the case of RA-4 or replaced. Make sure to use a stop bath. RA-4 does not require one officially but it is highly recommended to use a 1-2% acetic acid bath.

No you cannot use the chemicals interchangeably. Technically you can, but the results will not be good. The developers use CD-3 (RA-4) and CD-4 (C41) at different strengths which will not give you what you expect. The bleach is also a different strength.

Enjoy printing and don't be shy to ask more questions.

Thank you for your kind and informative reply.

RalphLambrecht · Apr 17, 2019

Jin said:
Hi, I recently got a 35mm camera and looking to wet print color negatives in the dark room. Which paper do you recommend? Also, is there a specific size I have to print on?

I would appreciate any advice or inputs.

I only know B&W papers.

AgX · Apr 18, 2019

Jin, you only just got yourself a (defective) developing tank. Before going into colour film processing and enlarging you should make some experience in b&w processing and enlarging.

(Though informing on colour work does not harm of course...)

mklw1954 · Apr 30, 2019

See the List of Color Chemicals and Where to Get Them, a Sticky Thread in this category. As for paper, beautiful prints can be made with Fuji Crystal Archive II color paper (8x10 and 11x14) and Kodak Ektacolor RA4 chemicals.

John51 · May 1, 2019

Best to start RA4 printing with lab processed negs imo. One less variable.

When you know that you can make good RA4 prints from lab negs, then try home processing

Which Paper to use?

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency