Which Paper

Hi, I've been using Ilford RC paper for a while now and have found it very easy and quick to use, but have noticed that alot of printers use fibre based paper for there best work. Is it worth the extra effort envolved when using this type of paper? and what would be a good choice of paper to start with?Any suggestion or advice will be gratfully received. Many thanks Chris.

The pros and cons of RC vs Fiber has been discussed here and other forums with regularity. A search will find all the info you need (and don't need).

The longevity of RC prints was a matter of concern. Recent improvements in material has made this less of an issue. In the end it is up to you to determine the look, feel, and presentation of your work.

You will find that there is a wider selection of print color and surfaces with fiber papers, and I would suggest experimenting with several papers just to see what the possibilities are. Making your best print from a single negative on several papers is a good way to explore this. Until one developes an eye for the sometimes subtle differences between various papers, it can be difficult to determine one's "favorite" paper.

I would suggest starting with Ilford papers since they have good availability and consistantcy -- perhaps a pack of their fiber VC and a pack of their warm-tone fiber VC...just to get a feel for the differences...and have fun!

Vaughn

Thanks Vaughn, I think I will take your advice and buy some ilford papers to try, it is probably best to just dive in and have a go. Regards Chris.

Having a go at it ultimately is the best way. Warm toned papers are very nice -- but some subjects work better with it than others. For example, I used Agfa's warm tone paper (Portriga Rapid) for many years and loved it for my work of the Redwoods (and occasional portrait). But I found it dull and unable to express the light of the desert as I saw it...so for images of rocks, sea and sky, I tended to use Ilford Gallerie for it's more neutral black.

Good luck!

Vaughn

Trying to avoid repeating what has been said before in other threads... Vaughn's suggestion makes sense. In addition, use a warmtone developer such as Afga Neutol WA and the difference between the two papers will be more pronounced. The warmtone developer will have little if any effect on the normal paper's colour but its effect on the warmtone paper will be clear. Printing the same neg on each could be instructive.

I have been printing with Ilford's RC and fiber papers for almost 10 years and have yet to find an alternative that would please me as much as they do, although last year, when my supplier was out of the RC, I tried Kentmere's RC paper and disliked it because it produced a cold tone rather than the neutral tone that the Ilford papers do.

Most of this has been said before but if you are thinking of migrating to FB bear in mind that the downside is extra washing, although not as much as some would say, based on the Ilford 5-10-5 process with wash-aid. Greater difficulties in flattening unless you invest in a flatbed dryer or a fully fledged drum machine.

The upside, according to those who have experience of both papers is a "look and feel " which cannot be matched in RC and possibly greater archival properties. The jury, per force, is still out on RC as it hasn't been around long enough to be sure of its longevity.

If feel and weight is the real clincher for the migration to FB then I wonder whether heavyweight Ilford RC Portfolio might not fill the bill. I'd try processing and flattening FB. Then comparing it to RC Portfolio and RC Multigrade and I am sure you'll find out whether the extra effort for FB is worth the effort FOR YOU.

Oh - you might like to try Fotospeed RC. It's almost the weight of Ilford Portfolio but cheaper.

In all these matters we can only suggest courses of action to help you discover where you might stand on the RC v FB.

Opinions of others are helpful but I am always reminded of the late Freddie Trueman's advert for a pipe tobacco in which he says "They wanted me to say" and he quotes several examples from the AD men's script but then says: "But I use this because it suits me!"

Only you can decide on the pros and cons of FB v RC

pentaxuser

Hi there, I'm new here so please bear with me. I noticed a lot of folks mention the Ilford stock as a start point, which is great, but I would also recommend another less known brand called Foma. I have been using this paper range for a few years now and have not looked back. It has great tonal range, comes in warmtone and neutral and the best bit, it's great value for money. Freestyle Photo supplies in the states have a great range. Personally FB is the only reason to wet one's hands, the extra silver and heavier base, makes up for the extra processing time. Remember also, FB can be developed longer for better highlight detail and tones real good too. Have fun! CR

Hey, welcome blanconegro. Is it Chris? We've heard a lot about you here, so I'm sure your recommendations on papers will be followed.

Yep, Foma warmtone FB is the best paper I have tried. I do like Ilford, but the Foma has a little extra something. I'll be playing with some Kentmere this weekend. We'll see how it looks.

clwyd said:

Hi, I've been using Ilford RC paper for a while now and have found it very easy and quick to use, but have noticed that alot of printers use fibre based paper for there best work. Is it worth the extra effort envolved when using this type of paper? and what would be a good choice of paper to start with?Any suggestion or advice will be gratfully received. Many thanks Chris.

Click to expand...

Since Agfa rolled up, I've tested many, and settled on Varycon Fotokemika Fiber from Freestyle for my fiber prints, and Fomatone 333 (a warm-tone satin surface RC paper that looks like fiber when dried) for RC.

Also switched from EK's T-Max paper developer to LPD, and not looking back. Am currently waiting for a package of Fomatone's famous 542 to arrive, and will try it out with certain images. Check out Flickr's Foma group, and Where Fine Art Thrives, and you'll see a fine selection of Foma papers represented there.

Of course, photoimpex has examples of various images made with the Foma papers. I dropped Ilford years ago after some quality problems with the MG IV RC papers.

Check out Freestyle and the Fomatone papers, & LPD print developer. You won't be disappointed, and most likely will become a convert as well.

Rolleijoe